Microsoft Grants Software
Dave Hobbs Signal Staff The richest man in America decided to spread
some of his wealth CSU Stanislaus way. Microsoft has awarded the CSUS computer
labs $116,750 worth of software usage licenses. Having this software available
to us is extremely valuable to our curriculum, Dr. Ron Lodewyck, professor
and the Microsoft project leader, said. The grant was based on a three-tiered
merit system. Universities that were wishing to receive the highest grant,
which our campus did, must have shown that their computer and technology-based
programs (majors) were cutting-edge, according to Lodewyck. The programs
had to show that they were of a professionally high level, Lodewyck said.
An interesting aspect of the process of receiving the grant, which began
in May and ended in August, was that it was done almost entirely electronically.
The announcement offering the grant was on the web. Our application was
done via e-mail. Our notification of the award was posted in the web and
with e-mail, too, Lodewyck said. Lodewyck says that one advantage of having
this new software is that it will give students access to the type of technological
training that employers are looking for, linkage to web site data bases,
object-oriented computer languages, and updated Office 97 programs. This
is an exemplary program that fosters partnerships between business and
higher education and boosts our efforts at strengthening technology curriculum
quality, CSUS President Marvalene Hughes said.