Last week’s server connectivity issues affecting iPhones and iPads received a temporary fix from ITS, but Fred Estrella, chief information technology officer said a permanent fix will come from Apple. The company is expected to release an updated version of iOS 6.1 this week. Look for iOS 6.1.2, not the iOS 6.1.1 that already is appearing on Apple hand-held devices. In the meantime, avoid using the calendar on the devices, but desktop computers should not be impacted.
The Arizona Board of Regents has a new president, Eileen Klein, former chief of staff for Gov. Jan Brewer, who began her term with the regents on Feb. 4. Klein and the regents have organized daylong workshop on the “Future of Higher Education” on March 4 at ASU. NAU President John Haeger and Fred Hurst, senior vice president for Extended Campuses, will be among the participants.
Haeger also announced that the state universities’ tuition recommendations are due to the regents in early March. The recommendations will be announced publicly at about the same time.
Karen Pugliesi, vice provost for Academic Affairs, gave presentations on freshman DFW rates in large classes and student progress in the Lumberjack Mathematics Center. Efforts to demonstrate success in both areas are advancing, though Pugliesi presented a number of areas for improvement. One area of improvement is through proactive intervention with students who are demonstrating a slow pace of work.
The Athletics Department is working with an outside firm to develop a master plan. Lisa Campos, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, said the company has interviewed 65 individuals on and off campus to develop recommendations for short- and long-term needs, consistent branding and potential partnerships. The plan, which should be available in May, also will discuss the use of facilities and potential new facilities.
The area known as “Dodge City” on the second floor of the University Union likely will undergo renovation beginning in the summer, according to Jennus Burton, vice president for Finance and Administration. Employees currently working in the area will be relocated temporarily until the $4.9 million project is complete.
A last-minute flurry of proposed legislation has been introduced in the Legislature as the timeframe for introducing bills and assigning them to committee draws to a close. Christy Farley, vice president for Government Affairs and Business Partnerships, is sorting through the bills that may impact the university system.