Noon, Faculty House


Attending: Doug Caulkins, Ralph Savarese, John Stone, David Harrison, Martha Voyles, Mark 
Montgomery, Bill Francis, Helen Scott


Minutes of 11/27/02 approved.


Discussion of German curricular development proposal:  
Helen and Bill discussed this project with the CTS involved.  The CTS is using a software 
program that allows for interactive language work (multiple choice questions, 
grammar/vocabulary lessons).  Since the CTS is providing a large amount of support, and since 
the faculty member is in a term appointment and the course will not be repeated, the ISC felt that 
a faculty stipend was not warranted in this case. 


Bill will email report concerning support of faculty instruction and research to the ISC once it is 
complete.


End-user license agreements:
Some of the license agreements covering software currently in use at the College contain either 
clauses restricting its use or interfering with the normal use of the computer that runs the 
software.  Specifically, the license for FrontPage prohibits the development of Web pages that 
criticize Microsoft, MSNBC, etc., and the licenses for Windows XP and Windows 2000 Service 
Pack 3 permit Microsoft to download software onto the licensed machine, even if it damages or 
disables the operation of other software on that machine.  (So far, this has not happened at 
Grinnell, so far as we know.) This development work is principally in the area of software that is 
capable of playing copyrighted audio and video media.  


Some faculty are disturbed by this and want to explore other options, such as moving away from 
Windows OS.  Faculty can request a LINUX system, but ITS does not feel this is practical.  
Support for this system is very slim, and would take resources away from areas where it may be 
more necessary.  There is also the issue of home computers.  Most faculty would be hesitant to 
change their home operating system to one for which they will not have support.


Discussion of security of webmail, etc., over IMAP connections: 
ITS is experimenting with a secure server in Admission (Pioneer web), and hopes to have a 
secure webserver by fall 2003.


Course packet/E-Reserves:
There is a 20% markup at the Bookstore, on top of the fees charged by XanEdu.  
What is the cost per copy from XanEdu?
Faculty request documentation on how charges are done, how to delete expensive items, and 
about the timeline required for submission of course packet materials.  Suggested that XanEdu 
do an on-campus presentation to faculty and academic staff to answer questions.  Helen offered 
to gather information about pricing and the process for submitting materials for further discussion 
when the committee takes this up in the spring.


J-STOR resources are increasing tremendously which could impact the necessity of packets in 
some disciplines.  Departments such as Computer Science need current materials available.