TCU Cyberinfrastructure Initiative: A Study of Tribal College and University Cyberinfrastructure and Supported STEM Programs

American Indian Higher Education Consortium, Alexandria VA

Investigators

Abstract

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium, in collaboration with Navajo Technical University is conducting a comprehensive study of the current status of the cyberinfrastructure of all 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and the role, both current and planned, of the colleges' cyberinfrastructure in supporting STEM education and research programs and activities. This study provides NSF and the TCUs a clear assessment of the status of their cyberinfrastructure and the possibilities for advancement of their STEM programs through high quality campus cyberinfrastructure. Through a combination of campus surveys, online meetings and site visits, the study compiles information necessary to determine the TCUs' level of Internet connectivity, connection (or potential for connection) to regional Internet2 hub sites; campus networking, including design of wired infrastructure and wireless extensions, wireless access networks, maintenance/upgrade status of hardware and software, support for Internet of Things technologies, and the need/use of campus DMZs. It also compiles detailed descriptions of STEM program use and need for cyberinfrastructure-enabled resources. The project will generate an overall cyberinfrastructure status report of all 37 TCUs based on the information gathered through the campus surveys, site visits, and follow-up interactions with TCU stakeholders. An individual report will be generated and submitted to each TCU that includes the cyberinfrastructure assessment component included in the overall report, supplemented with specific recommendations for advancing the campus cyberinfrastructure that can be incorporated into the colleges? strategic technology plans. The study will catalyze IT capacity building and strategic partnership development across the TCU community.