IT Upgrades at Thomas Makes it Easier
for Students to Check Grades, Bills
Instant messaging enhanced, program updates more available

         Thomas has upgraded its information technology services. Students can now access their grades and bills over their cell phones.
         Students who have Windows-based cell phones can now get access to their e-mail, grades and bills. These advanced cell phones come equipped with Internet Explorer that allow for Web browsing or the checking of e-mail. Students can also log onto Thomas Web pages to access their information when they are off campus.
         Another recent upgrade at the College is the introduction of a new product called Office Communicator that is part of the new Microsoft Office 2007 suite. The program allows for on-campus and off-campus instant messaging from Windows-based cell phones or computers using such messaging systems as AOL, MSN and Yahoo. Students also have the ability to place and receive phone calls directly from the Internet.
         “Thomas is one of a few organizations in the United States that has Office Communicator integrated with the phone system for making and receiving calls,” said Christopher Rhoda, vice president for information services at Thomas. Students, staff and faulty members are able to access this service with the purchase of a license.
         According to Rhoda, this service is beneficial in terms of mobility: “People increasingly need to be able to do their jobs wherever they are. The big equalizer is the Internet. If you can get on the Internet you can access your phone and communicate with people, and communications is a key component to higher education.”
         Thomas has also launched a new software update service that allows for more program changes to be loaded onto Windows-based computers, easier and faster. The System Management Server Advertisements is available on campus computers as well as to Thomas students who have registered their personal computers on campus.
         Once a new or updated program becomes available, students receive an automatic advertisement update on their computers. “We have automated the Microsoft updates in the past, but this package actually enhances that and expands upon that to include really any program from any vendor,” said Rhoda.

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