Student Technology Fee – AY 2020Tech Initiatives Proposal Form

DUE April 1, 2020 (Students)DUE April 2, 2020 (Employees)

Project Title: New Technology for B-Gallery

Explain what you are requesting (3 lines max): The B Gallery features works by artists from across campus, and our gallery space is visited and enjoyed by a diverse group of students, professors, staff, and community members. In the past two years there has been a fast-growing demand for our gallery to provide technology that is able to display works within the genre of “new media.” Currently our capacity to do so is limited. STF funds would be used to purchase a variety of adaptable technology which would vastly improve our ability to exhibit such works for the benefit of students and public alike for years to come.

Principal Contact/ApplicantName: Cassandra HartEmail: hartc5@wwu.eduPhone: (509) 953-6793Dept/Org: Department of Art and Art HistoryEnter “student”, “faculty”, or “staff”: Student

Other Contact/ApplicantName: Sarah OunniyomEmail: ounniys@wwu.eduPhone: (425) 971-9067Dept/Org: Department of DesignEnter “student”, “faculty”, or “staff”: Student

Proposed Budget for Project

1. Equipment total $1960.00 

2. Plus site preparation (not STF funded) + $    NA

3. Total Project Cost (budget total from part III of this form, “Project Budget”) = $1960.00 

4. Less organization’s contribution – $ 75.00

5. Less site preparation – $ NA

6. STF Grant Request = $ 1885.00

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Student Technology Fee Mission:The Student Technology Fee (STF) provides Western students with adequate and innovative technology experiences by:· Broadening/enhancing the quality of the academic experience,· Providing additional student access to technology, and· Increasing integration of technology into the curriculum.

2. THE STF Committee will accept only complete proposals by the announced deadline. Every section (I–VIII) and all items of this proposal form must be addressed.

3. Disallowed items: The following items generally would not qualify for STF Tech Initiatives funding:

· Computer lab upgrades(Existing computer labs are upgraded on a rolling schedule with a separate allocation of STF funds.)

· Software related to maintenance and/or serial payments

· Maintenance contracts on equipment or software

· Expendable supplies

· Equipment that will not be used directly by students, and/or non-computer equipment or furnishings that are part of the typical classroom environment (such as lighting, portable and fixed media equipment, furniture, chairs, etc.).

I. Relationship to STF Objectives / Impact on the Student Academic Experience

The STF Committee will use as its primary assessment criteria the three objectives—quality, access, and integration—defined in the STF mission (“Note 1” above). Given this criteria, describe your proposed project in detail.

1. Tell us—focusing on what the students would gain from the project—how the project would provide positive benefits to the student academic experience. Specifically, answer at least one of a, b and c below:

a. How would this project broaden or enhance the quality of the student’s academic experience through the proposed technology?

The requested funding would support the purchase of equipment that would provide greater means of dissemination of new media projects, directly affecting class curriculum. Our gallery often serves as the first exhibition opportunity for students from a range of departments. With this equipment, students will have the ability to share their work and build their professional portfolios and careers. If access to said new media equipment was guaranteed, faculty would be very eager to include new media assignments in their curriculum. The inclusion of new media in curriculum would also greatly benefit students, as success in contemporary art consistently demands experience with technological art.

b. How would this project provide additional student access to technological resources?

With increasing regularity, faculty, students, and community members are requesting access to technology to exhibit their artwork within the gallery. When provided access to appropriate technology, their creative and scholarly work can be available in a free public space. However, our gallery currently lacks the resources to fully support the dissemination of technology-based academic and creative works. ATUS houses an impressive catalogue of new media equipment. However, the duration of our exhibitions is beyond the scope of ATUS standard loan policy. We do not want to restrict access of other students to ATUS equipment if many artists requested extended loan periods for the same time interval. Managing our equipment in the secure gallery space with staff/faculty oversight would increase access to exhibitors without infringing on access for others. As director of the Gallery, I have had many interactions with exhibitors who worried they would be required to spend personal funds to supply the technology required to show their new media works. We strive to

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achieve accessibility for artists and visitors, and easy and free technology access is a key part of that goal.

c. How would this project increase integration of technology into coursework?

My proposal idea stems from a conversation with a faculty member. She wished we had the technology to showcase and support work she hoped to make with her students, but she worried that without a proper platform the work would go unseen. Art is about communication. The exhibition is the publication and is the reason for all the effort behind the scenes. With the purchase of this new equipment, our community will know they can create their new media work and have a venue which will support its premiere and dissemination. Video, sound, animation, and documentary video installations are increasingly becoming the standard tools for student and professional artists. If this technology was readily available in our gallery, professors will be more willing to embrace new media in their classes, and students will benefit. New media is the future, and the option to create such works must be available to students so that they are given the tools to adapt and develop alongside our constantly evolving digital media culture.

2. Would other departments be involved with this project? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

Yes.

IF “Yes,” describe.

The B Gallery is an AS club, a student run and organized exhibition space whose purpose is to serve not only the department of Art, and Art History but the entire university community. The exhibition and event space serves as a bridge between the art department in which it is housed and other WWU departments and the broader Bellingham community. Our gallery is run by a team of students from diverse departments, and each quarter our gallery accepts shows that are put forth by individual students, groups of students, affiliated with classes, affiliated with on-campus clubs and organizations. We also regularly host shows including work created by off-campus organizations with Western affiliations. Students and groups from any department are strongly encouraged to apply. If our gallery received the funding requested, our new equipment would serve artists from across departments by giving them access to necessary tools to exhibit new media work like video, documentary, and sound-based projects. It would also serve visitors from across the community by giving them the opportunity to view and experience new media work by emerging artists at a free, student-run venue.

In the past year, the B Gallery has hosted numerous events with wide community participation; the following are some examples of these shows and are reflective of our mission to serve diverse audiences continuing on into the future. In early Spring 2019, the B Gallery, in association with the CASAS Program and the 15th Annual Western Regional Global Health Conference, hosted Criminalization of the Body: Life, Law, and Liberation, a show which included works by a dozen diverse artists who produced work responding to relevant global health concerns. In late spring 2019, the B Gallery in collaboration with the WXMN’s Identity Resource Center hosted Memoirs: A Gathering of Intersectional Voices, a show focused on uplifting the voices of marginalized community members on our campus. The B Gallery also commonly hosts class-affiliated shows, for example the Winter 2019 exhibition Treasure Hall, which showcased the work a cohort of students from various departments produced in response to the class trip they took to Japan in Fall 2019. This is just a sampling of the types of exhibitions offered by the B Gallery on a quarterly basis. Our team is always striving to craft a quarterly exhibition roster that is as

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diverse as possible in terms of type of work, background of the artists, departmental affiliations, and subject matter.

3. Has any part of this project previously been funded by the Student Technology Fee? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

No.

IF “Yes,” describe.

N/A

4. Is the proposed project a pilot project? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

No.

IF “Yes,” describe.

N/A

II. Utilization

List the anticipated number of times and duration per each use—per quarter or per academic year—that students would use the proposed technology, along with the impact of that proposed technology on students. Note: applications are funded after careful consideration of both the number of students that will be impacted by the technology and the quality of that impact.

Throughout our 2019-2020 exhibition schedule every show, with the exception of one, utilized some form of digital technology. On more than one occasion however, student exhibitors were forced to supply their own technology at a personal expense or through ATUS because our current equipment inventory could not meet their needs. This added more stress, time and expense to their effort beyond the actual making of the art. It is our goal to streamline this process to offer more accessible exhibition opportunities to students, faculty and community members and to encourage the integration of new technologies into their education and or creative output.

III.Project Budget

This section details the estimated total cost of the project. Include costs that would be covered—by your department or another source—for ongoing costs such as personnel or operating expenses.

1. For assistance in preparing your budget, please consult with relevant campus support departments:

· Academic Technology & User Services, x6538· Budget Office, x4762· Space Administration, x3222· Purchasing, x3340

How to Buy SoftwareHow to Buy ComputersLab/Special Supplies, etc.

2. Complete the Budget Estimate Table below. If you have more than seven line-item expenses, attach a separate Excel spreadsheet instead.

Items to Purchase Quantity Item Cost Item Total

1. Sharp 50” Smart TV monitor 1 $      $307.71   

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2. Wall mount for monitor 1 $      $86.87     

3. Epson Projector EX9220 1080p+ WUXGA 3,600 lumens 1 $      $864.17

4.  Micca Portable digital media player     2 43.47 $86.94

5. Transcend 64GB JetFlash 710 USB 3.1/3.0 Flash Drive  2 16.35 $32.70 

6. Colored Gels for lights (12 pieces) 2 13.03 $26.06

7. 50Watt PA Speaker Kustom 2 92.36      $184.77     

8. Speaker Stand Proline 2 59.78 $119.55

Subtotal N/A N/A $1708.77     

Allowance for price increases (3% of subtotal) N/A N/A $51.261     

Shipping (taxable) N/A N/A N/A     

Tax (8.7%) N/A N/A $200.00     

Total This total (or your attached spreadsheet total) should match the projected budget figure on page 1 of this proposal. (See box on page 1, #3.)

N/A N/A $1960.00

Important Budget Notes from the STF Committee:

· We recognize your proposed budget as an estimate. Final funding for successful projects will be established after thorough technical review; some costs may need adjusting due to price changes.

· We may impose special conditions on a proposal before approval. See STF Proposal Guidelines, section V, Proposal Modifications.

· Funding is not provided directly to departments for purchases. All purchasing is done via the Office of the VPIT/CIO and savings are retained in the Student Technology Fee fund.

3. What funding or contributions are available from your department or other sources?

No contributions are available from our department. Our gallery budget is allocated for consumables only (paint, hardware, etc.).

Note: The STF Committee encourages matching funds/funding support.“Contribution“ is defined as a monetary contribution. For example, a vendor discount is not considered a contribution.

4. Could this project be divided into discrete elements that could be funded separately? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

Yes.

IF “Yes,” summarize and prioritize project elements with cost estimate for each.

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Each piece of tech could be purchased separately and would still improve the B Gallery's functionality and flexibility for exhibitors. Any amount of funding received from the STF would greatly improve our ability to house successful and enriching exhibitions.

Note: A “no” response to question 4 creates an “all or nothing” proposal. That is, if the STF Committee decides against funding your entire proposal, it will not consider any elements for partial funding. If elements could be funded separately, the applicant is responsible for prioritizing them before submitting the proposal.

5. Are course or lab fees charged for any of the courses that will use this equipment? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

No.

IF “Yes,” describe.

N/A

Note: The total funding requested from the Student Technology Fee must reflect the amount collected from course fees for equipment replacement and/or equipment acquisition.

IV. Impact on Existing Resources

Your proposal must address the project’s potential impact on existing resources. Give special attention to the impact on data transmission networks (e.g., sources accessed, networking equipment, etc.), and personnel (e.g., staffing, administrative support, faculty support, etc.).

1. Describe how existing equipment is used. Contrast this to projected use if your project were funded.

Current inventory - television, Digital video projetor (circa early 2000s and it lacks the now standard HDMI input) used in almost every show. Students often need to bring their own tech (projectors, computer monitors, Bluetooth speakers, televisions, etc.) every two weeks which brings with it a range of issues relating to digital equity and technical compatibility.

2. Is similar equipment or technology available elsewhere on campus—such as the Student Technology Center, Classroom Services, Video Services, Western Libraries, a college lab? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

Yes.

IF “Yes,” describe why existing equipment does not meet the needs outlined in this proposal.

ATUS has some but not all of this equipment. ATUS lacks digital media players, adequate speakers, and the large displays we require. We would also be taking access away from other students by asking repeatedly for extended loan periods.

3. If this project involves the replacement of equipment, including computers:

a. Describe the “before and after” configuration changes. (A spreadsheet reflecting these changes may be attached.) Or, write “N/A.”

N/A

b. Describe the costs and benefits of replacing vs. upgrading. Or, write “N/A.”

N/A

4. Would this equipment be available to students outside of your department? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

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Yes.

IF “Yes,” describe the following:a. How students would gain accessb. How equipment availability would be publicizedc. The hours/week when equipment would be availabled. Any costs that would result from a-c

a. Any student who completes the show application form and is accepted to exhibit will gain access to the gallery equipment. Equipment will not leave gallery, and upon acceptance for a show all participants will be required to sign a contract. The contract assigns to the student(s) responsibility for loss of or damage to gallery equipment sustained under the student's observation.b. Open access to equipment will be publicized in show application documents, show contracts, and in class curriculum. Professors will be able to include new media work in their related classes and encourage it in independent studies. If funding is provided, faculty and all potential student exhibitors will be formally notified of our equipment acquisition so they can incorporate it into their class assignments and show applications. c. Gallery team members will be present on site to assist students during show installation (once every two weeks). A gallery staff member will also check in daily to ensure equipment is functioning as expected. Our gallery is open weekdays 9AM - 5PM and on weekends by request.

5. Does this project involve the check-out of equipment to students? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

The project does not involve check-out to students. Students are responsible for equipment during their show (as specified in the exhibition contract), but the technology will not leave the gallery space.

IF “Yes,” discuss whether the Student Technology Center/ATUS Loan Pool could be assigned this task.

No. Given the extended and regular duration of technology needs (every quarter, all quarter), travel back and forth from gallery would be detrimental to the longevity of the equipment. Additionally, the required equipment is specialized for gallery use and is time sensitive. Given the changing selection and availability of technology at ATUS, our lack of in-house equipment negatively impacts all parties involved: individual artists, students, faculty members, and class-based and group exhibitions.

6. Does the department have adequate operating funds to provide ongoing maintenance and support? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

Yes.

IF “Yes,” describe.

Equipment requested will need minimal maintenance for incidentals like adapters or cords or other minimal maintenance. Money is available from B Gallery budget ($250 annual) for consumables in support of exhibitions and maintenance.

7. Does the department have adequate personnel funds to provide ongoing staff support for the project? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

Yes.

IF “Yes,” describe.

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The gallery is run by volunteer student staff advised by annually rotating faculty. Thus, the department will not need to allocate any additional funds to maintain the equipment.

V. Space and Site Information

This section addresses any space alteration or site preparation necessary for the proposed project. Site alterations include painting, holes in walls, security systems, carpeting, construction, lighting changes, or conversion of a lab or office.

1. Location for installation of equipment or technology:

The B Gallery (located within the Fine Arts Building).

2. Would site modification be required? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

No

IF “Yes,” describe the modifications (e.g., electrical, air, painting, lighting, security, network access, etc.).

N/A

3. Would this project use space not currently assigned to your department or area? Enter “No” or “Yes.”

No. The gallery is a long-standing allocated space within the department.

IF “Yes,” describe.

N/A

Conditional If this project would require any site preparation, or if this project would use any space notStep 4: currently under your department’s control:

a. You must submit a draft proposal to Space Administration by March 9, 2020.

b. Space Administration and Facilities Management will then conduct a site survey and respond to you by March 20, 2020 about project feasibility, cost and schedule.

c. You must include the site survey response with your final proposal.

VI. Project Schedule

Describe your overall implementation schedule.Note that project awards are announced during spring quarter, and that projects are to be substantially completed by the end of the calendar year.If any site preparation is involved (see section V above), align your project schedule with the schedule provided by Space Administration and Facilities Management.

Ideally, technology will be purchased with allotted funds during fall quarter of the 2020-2021 academic year under advisement of STF staff and the department's administrative services coordinator Glen Tobosa. Given funding disruptions due to COVID-19, we understand that allocation of funds could take considerably longer, but Fall 2020 would be our best-case scenario.

VII. Constraints

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List or describe any external or internal factors/constraints that could affect your project schedule, project objectives, or the project budget (e.g., if external approval is required for curricular changes, or if funding must be received by a certain date).

The only constraints are financial. The B Gallery is an established part of the Art Department, and the university. On an annually rotating basis, full time faculty serve as liaison between the Department and the Gallery, providing technical, creative and administrative guidance. We expect this partnership to continue for years to come especially as more and more students from across the campus apply and execute exhibitions in the gallery as the gallery is increasingly integrated into the curriculum of numerous classes. STF funding will provide more updated access to technology, encouraging new exhibitions and increasing community access and participation.

VIII. Submitting the Proposal

1. Ensure your proposal does not exceed 14 pages (not including Tech Initiatives Summary Sheet).

2. Complete top portion of 2020 Tech Initiatives Proposal Summary Sheet.

3. Electronically submit the proposal and the summary sheet per appropriate substep below.

a. For student proposals: Email proposal and summary sheet by April 1 to AS Senate Pro Tempore at AS.Senateprotempore@wwu.edu. Both the proposal and summary sheet should be Word format.

b. For employee proposals: Email proposal and summary sheet by internal due date, per your unit’s process [which must be before proposal due date (to STF Committee) of April 2]. Both the proposal and summary sheet should be Word format.

Note: Step 4 is for the positions gathering and/or prioritizing the submitted proposals.

4. Process the proposals per the appropriate position substeps below (a, b, or c).

a. AS Senate Pro Tempore (for student proposals):

i. Prioritize the student proposals. Indicate priority on summary sheets, and sign the sheets.

ii. Email proposals (Word format) and summary sheets (PDF format) to batemad@wwu.edu (the STF Committee secretary) no later than April 2.

b. Dept Chair / equivalent (for employee proposals):

i. Sign summary sheet(s) on “department chair” line.

ii. Email proposals (Word format) and signed summary sheets (PDF format) to college dean/unit head to meet internal deadline.

c. College Dean / unit head (for employee proposals):

i. Prioritize the employee proposals. Indicate priority on summary sheets, and sign the sheets.

ii. Email proposals (Word format) and completed summary sheets (PDF format) to batemad@wwu.edu (the STF Committee secretary) no later than April 2.

Note: Please do not send paper copies of proposals to the STF Committee.

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