Academic Computing at Jackson State University. A Case Study

Prepared by the Human Resources Research Organization to assist administrators, faculty, staff, and students at other minority institutions, to plan, extend, or improve uses of computers, this case study is one of a series on educational applications of computers. A profile of Jackson State University identifies the location, programs, mission, numbers of faculty and students, tuition and financial aid, accreditation, and the budget, and a chronology of significant events leading to the present state of academic computing is provided. An explanation of the functional organization and management of the central academic computing and support, including organization charts, is followed by (1) discussions of policies, hardware, software, and courses which facilitate students' use of computers; (2) courses and requirements for both undergraduate and graduate students in the computer science program; (3) a list of departments requiring majors to take computer science courses; (4) a description of the leadership role of Jackson State University in regional networks and workshops; and (5) advice from Jesse C. Lewis, director of the computer center, on how other similar institutions can apply the computing experience of Jackson State. The appendix includes the procedures for selecting the case institutions, a 9-item bibliography, and individuals to contact. (RBF)