SFCC’s technology plan has been approved by student government for 2013-2014, and is awaiting approval by the Board of Trustees.
Each year, SFCC creates a technology plan which starts with input from students and various department faculty in order to determine their technology needs for the year. These needs are then prioritized by student government and administration officials, and voted on.
The technology fee that each student pays quarterly with tuition accounts for about 25 percent of funds going into the technology plan budget, according to the SFCC website.
“We’ve been able to purchase some really helpful equipment for our students enrolled in Physical Therapy programs,” Marie Cole, Physical Therapy Program Director, said. “The equipment we purchase helps prepare students for careers in physical therapy.”
The tech fee has provided SFCC with part of the resources needed to improve technology in classrooms for student use. The cost per student is determined by how any credits a student is taking and is $4 per credit for the first 10 credits for a maximum of $40 per quarter, per student.
“I don’t mind paying a tech fee,” Paige Eckhaus, first year SFCC student, said. “As long as I’m getting my money’s worth in classroom equipment that I might be using, I don’t mind paying extra.”
A committee of student government and staff members meet annually to determine where the money will be spent. The money is only spent on student needs. Faculty technology needs are addressed separately.
“The idea is that students pay into something that will benefit them,” Laura Lee, Vice President of Student Services, said. “The students are represented by student government and their approved tech plan is then sent to the Board of Trustees for final approval.
The technology fee covers all technological equipment that may be needed for classroom activities. The requests vary based on student needs and classes offered. Computers, wiring, monitors, and software programs are among the majority of items approved by student government in the 2013-2014 plan. 2013-2014 plan.
“Last year we were able to upgrade our Vectra Genisys machine, which does ultrasound and electrical stimulus of muscles,” Cole said. “A new machine is about $4000, so we are very grateful to have the funds to upgrade this equipment.”
All departments receive technology funding, however the funding is distributed based on need and not department alone. Students can be proactive in deciding which departments receive the most funding by participating in annual surveys.
“We have tech surveys every year in the Fall, and we email out the link to students all over campus,” Lee said. “We want to hear their voices on what we can improve on campus when it comes to the technology they are using in the classroom.”
The Board of Trustees will be vot- ing on the pre-approved 2013-2014 technology plan on June 18.