BATS: Integrating Teaching, Learning and Technology
Cal Poly's "Baseline Access, Training, and Support (BATS): Implementation and Strategies" Plan was developed in November, 1996, in response to the CSU Technology Steering Committee's request for plans to meet baseline access, training and support requirements for information technology as part of the system-wide Integrated Technology Strategy (ITS) initiative. All campuses were required to submit plans to the Chancellor's Office by January 31, 1997.
Campuses were also invited to compete for part of a one-time only $3 million grant in 1996/97 by submitting complete plans and proposals for start-up funding by December 1, 1996. Cal Poly elected to participate and developed a comprehensive set of plans and strategies for meeting the access, training and support requirements of the campus. Although this plan was developed within tight time constraints, it was reviewed and endorsed by the IACC, AACC and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The plan was developed by Information Technology Services (ITS) with input from representatives of the faculty, academic colleges, Robert E. Kennedy Library, and others involved in providing access, training and support for information technology.
In December 1996, a panel of both CSU and external experts reviewed 13 campus plans and start-up proposals. Cal Poly was one of seven campuses selected for the second round of reviews and one of only four campuses selected for full funding at $36 per student. On January 6, the campus was awarded $576,828 to begin implementing the plan which the reviewing committee ranked number one overall.
A progress report was submitted to the Chancellor's Office in August 1997 on the 1996/97 BATS implementation activities funded by the grant.
In 1997/98, CSU allocated a total of $10.4 million to the campuses to continue implementation of their BATS Plans. This equated to a total of $31 per student headcount, including $16 to be made a permanent allocation in 1998/99. Cal Poly received $522,750, and an updated progress report showing how these funds were spent was submitted to the Chancellor's Office on September 2, 1998.