The Excellence in Technology project will provide funds to help meet those needs.
Objectives of the project will be to:

1. Enhance the learning experience of students by providing state-of-the-art computing, networking and telecommunication technology
2. Provide faculty with technology to support quality teaching and advanced research
3. Provide administrators with technological tools to assist in making decisions and analyzing information
4. Strengthen the support functions of the university by providing support staff with hardware and software to serve as tools in providing excellent service and support.

Information Technology at Jacksonville State University has changed dramatically during recent years. Computer systems have grown from a single mainframe computer a few years ago to a complex network today that includes a mainframe system, midrange computers, 2000 desktop and notebook computers and a myriad of peripheral devices that provide students, faculty and staff with access to the latest technology in desktop and network computing. Software products have been installed to support the use of information technology in teaching, research, and public service. High speed internet and telephone services are provided to students living in residence halls as well as to academic and administrative buildings. The voice and data networks have been expanded to include the McClellan Child Development Center and extended to campus centers in Gadsden and Anniston. Distance Learning technologies have been implemented to allow students to study course material at their own convenience, determine the time and place to study, and alter the requirements to travel to campus or meet at a scheduled time and place. Internet and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technologies have been implemented to provide the capability for students to register for classes, drop and add classes, conduct financial transactions, make credit card payments and perform other self-service functions using the Internet or a touch-tone telephone from any location around the globe.

The proliferation of technology and its influence on teaching, learning and research have made it imperative that our students and faculty have access to leading-edge technology. Our students must have access to technology that gives them a competitive edge in their educational endeavors. Faculty must be provided with technological tools to support quality teaching. Administrators and staff need technological tools that assist in decision-making processes and support the mission of the university. Although the university has placed a high priority on investing in technology, it is a significant challenge to fund technology at a level that provides our students, faculty and staff with computers and the underlying infrastructure to meet their needs.