Adelphi Connects with E-Campus

by Joyce Kauf, Web Content Editor

eCampus, the Adelphi portal launched on February 2, 2005 to resounding success. Surrounded by balloons and banners, OITR staff and student workers set up tables in the U.C. to promote this exciting new service. By the end of the afternoon, more than 300 people had signed on to eCampus.

"eCampus is the technology platform that will bridge the gaps among faculty, student, administration and alumni; it enables the campus community to communicate and collaborate with each other in a very positive way," explained Jack Chen, CIO. Elaborating on the advantages of eCampus, he emphasized that it "will enable the campus community to share relevant information, access campus data through a single sign-on and build a knowledge-base digital community.

This first phase integrates services and applications in one secure site. eCampus is personalized for each user, allowing access to specific functions that relate to the person's role. While the entire campus can access their Adelphi email, message boards and campus announcements, the faculty and students also have access to C.L.A.S.S. and Blackboard. Still another advantage for the faculty is the ability to download and upload files stored on their H and I drives at a remote location to any computer.

Funding for the portal was provided by a CampusEAI Oracle Portal Grant, distributed by the CampusEAI Consortium, a non-profit organization that promotes software development and digital content distribution in educational institutions. The grant covers the costs of hardware, software and services associated with the implementation of a portal system.

Looking ahead, OITR plans to incorporate enhancements for the faculty in the next phase. Features under consideration include the integration of Degree Works, a degree audit system, and an online early warning system that will allow faculty to identify those students who need assistance in meeting the academic demands of college.

eCampus was made possible by the upgrades to the network systems and infrastructures as part of OITR's strategic plan to create a secure, high performance computer network. This ambitious project is the culmination of the combined efforts of faculty, students and staff. Citing the work of the SCAIT Committee, Web Policy Committee (WPC) and the Administrative Computing Committee (ACC), plus the student focus group, Jack Chen expressed his appreciation to all, adding that eCampus represents a significant step that "brings us to the next stage of the digital frontier."
Get connected now! Go to ecampus.adelphi.edu.