Special Interest Groups Put Questions in Perspective

by Aviva Luria, Information Technology

In a group of over 200 knowledgeable participants, how do you get people to talk to one another? The Technology Support Program (TSP) found an answer --- Special Interest Groups.

Special Interest Groups provide program participants with an opportunity to ask questions and share knowledge with other Technology Support Coordinators (TSCs) on campus. TSCs have organized Special Interest Groups --- or SIGs as they are called --- that focus on such topics as Web Server Administration, NT Server Administration, Apple Administration, and Network 21.

Although an Information Technology TSP representative sits on each of the Special Interest Groups, the group's monthly meetings are chaired by at least one TSC.

"Many times the computer person in an office feels isolated. SIGs help break down these barriers," says Linda Rodden, Office Manager for Public Communications, and co-chair of the Web Server Administration group.

In a list of topics explored by the group, Rodden includes acceptable Web use, Web administration management, and Common Gateway Interfaces. Presentations tend toward the informal and attendance is never mandatory.

"SIGs acknowledge the expertise everyone has," says Katie Stevens, the I.T. representative for the Network 21 SIG.

"If someone has a question, there's a good chance that someone in the group has encountered the problem before. There's a better chance of getting the answer you need," says Stevens.

Doug Decker, co-chair of the NT Server Administration group, agrees. As a Computer Resource Specialist (and TSC) for Graduate Studies, Decker has what he calls a vested interest in knowing everything he can about Windows NT.

"We're in the process of transitioning everything to our NT server, and it can be quite complex. The number of problems you can encounter seems limitless. The group gives me a chance to share my problems and solutions with others," says Decker.

The level of experience in each Special Interest Group ranges from the novice to the expert, and participants at all levels can come away with something positive.

SIG meetings provide all participants with the opportunity to be both inquisitor and expert, and no question is considered stupid.

"It's a symbiotic type of thing," says Stevens.