Training and Assistance
The technology in our classrooms is designed to be user-operated. Users may request an individal training session on the technology by contacting the Classroom Maintenance and User Support Team. New faculty and first-time users are encouraged to take advantage of this service. We unfortunately do not have the resources to provide someone to operate the technology or to remain in a classroom during a presentation. Step-by-step instructions with photographs explaining how to operate the classroom technology can be found here.

The Help Desk

A help desk (232-9173) is in operation Monday through Friday, 8 am until 8 pm, to respond to problems in classrooms. Within minutes, a staff member can be in any classroom to help solve a technology problem. With advance notice, staff can also meet presenters immediately before presentations to assist them with connecting a laptop or other user-provided device.

Room Access and Lockout Service

General purpose classrooms usually remain unlocked when classes are in session or exams are being held. If a room is reserved through the Office of the Registrar, it will be unlocked if necessary by Physical Plant. Doors to departmental classrooms are under the control of the department owning the classroom. For one-time, emergency access to any classroom in the College of Natural Sciences, contact the Classroom Maintenance and User Support Team.

Technology Console Access

A key is needed to open the technology console and gain access to the computers, microphone, etc. The same key works in all classrooms in the College of Natural Sciences and will work from semester to semester. Faculty may check out a key that they may keep indefinitely by visiting WEL 2.244. Additionally, a passcode must be entered on the touch screen to power up the system. The pass code will be provided along with the key.

Projection Booth Access

Access to projection booths in general purpose classrooms is restricted to faculty who need access to slide projectors located there. Faculty may request a "swipe card" valid for one semester by contacting the Classroom Maintenance and User Support Team.

Security Alarms

Our technology - whether located in the console at the front of the room, in the projection booth, or attached to the ceiling - is protected by an alarm system monitored by the UT Police Department. Any attempt to move or disconnect the technology will set off the alarm. Police will arrive momentarily and ask for identification. If you accidentally set off the alarm during normal business hours, please call the help desk (232-9173). A technical support staff member will be dispatched to reconnect the technnology and reset the alarm after the police have left.

Classroom Furnishings

Each classroom has been furnished with an instructor stool whose height can be adjusted to work at the technology console. Additionally, each classroom has one or two instructor tables at the front of the room. These tables are on wheels and their tops flip up for easy storage when not needed. Auditoriums usually have several stackable chairs on the stage for special events. Problems with furniture should be reported to the Classroom Maintenance and User Support Team.

Classroom Maintenance

Each weekday morning between 6:30 and 8:00 am, student assistants visit every general purpose classroom, test the technology, and look for other problems. The goal is that all classrooms be in perfect working order by the start of the first class. Obviously, a bulb can burn out or a piece of equipment can fail at any time. The college keeps a large supply of spare equipment. Equipment can be swapped out between classes and - at the request of the instructor - even during class.

Classroom Renovations

The College of Natural Sciences has undertaken several major auditorium renovation projects in recent years, which include the replacement of the carpeting and seating. Examples can be found here.