To ensure a smooth start to the semester, all faculty, especially those new to OTIS, must complete the following steps before the first day of school. This preparation helps ensure that instructors are fully familiar with classroom technology and teaching resources, thereby preventing any unexpected issues on the first day.

Responsibilities of the Hiring Academic Department

• Provide Access to the Instructor Guide
  Direct faculty to the official Instructor Guide located in the Otis College Knowledge Base. This guide provides instructors with an overview of the technology, equipment, and setup available in their assigned classrooms. It includes details on classroom features, instructions for using common devices, guidance on transferring files between computers, IT support contact information, and best practices for effectively using classroom technology.

• Organize Classroom Tours
  Coordinate in-person tours of the specific classrooms, studios, computer labs, or smart classrooms where the faculty member will be teaching. These tours should cover:

  • Available technology and AV systems

  • Emergency and safety procedures

  • Location of teaching resources and supplies

• Schedule AV/IT System Checks
  For faculty assigned to computer labs or Smart Classrooms, assist them in booking an appointment with OTIS IT to test all AV equipment and confirm they are comfortable using the technology before their first class session.

• Review Support Procedures
  Show faculty how to request classroom or technology support through HappyFox. This includes submitting a support ticket and understanding the types of issues that IT handles.

• Confirm Access and Permissions
  Ensure that faculty members have all the necessary building access, network permissions, and software access required for teaching.

Responsibilities of OTIS IT

• Technology Orientation and Equipment Testing
  OTIS IT will support faculty by testing classroom equipment and answering technology-related questions. The goal is to avoid issues such as incompatible laptop adapters, incorrect room assignments (e.g., expecting a Mac lab but entering a PC lab), or unfamiliarity with AV systems.

How to Schedule Technology Orientation

Faculty should schedule technology orientation and equipment testing in advance by contacting:

• Teaching/Learning Center (TLC): [email protected]

• OTIS IT Helpdesk: [email protected]

Hardware and Software Purchase

To ensure all hardware and software are purchased, tested, and installed in a timely manner, departments should plan ahead and submit requests using the forms below.

Requests for major hardware or software purchases must be submitted by March 1st to be considered for inclusion in the yearly budget.
Requests made after this date may not have funds allocated and will roll into the next budget cycle for review.

Click here for details on requesting or purchasing software and hardware