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CAT initiative advances computer literacy on campus

By Meredith Mescher

For some MSU employees, computers do not play a part in their work life. But a new initiative aims to change that.

As more of the university’s communications and processes are done online, basic computer skills are a necessity for all employees. The Computer Access and Training Initiative has the goal of providing computer training to all university labor employees who need it, as well as access to computers during work hours in an effort to create a more inclusive work environment.

“This initiative furthers the university’s efforts in the areas of MSU’s core values: quality, inclusiveness and connectivity,” said Dawn Hecker, assistant director of human resources for Human Resource Development. “This is an empowering experience for those who haven’t had computer skills in the past.”

The CAT Initiative provides training for employees on such topics as sending and receiving e-mail communications, using electronic processes in their work and performing electronic functions associated with their employment at MSU.

“Now all employees will be able to receive work instructions via e-mail, enter their own attendance, check benefit balances and apply for jobs on campus,” Hecker said. “Some areas may even be able to eliminate paper entirely, which means cost savings for the university.”

Training sessions began in early spring and are offered at no charge and on work time to employees who need it. All labor employees undergo an assessment process to determine whether they will benefit from training and at what level.

The idea for the CAT initiative came about in fall 2006 as part of the university’s Boldness by Design initiative, when Vice President for Finance and Operations Fred Poston charged the Computer Access and Training Task Force with addressing the issues of labor employees’ basic computer skills and workplace access to computers.

The goals of the initiative are to:

• Enhance electronic communication options so the information flow to labor employees as e-mail becomes the norm for official university communications;

• Enhance the ability of labor employees to perform electronic self-service functions related to MSU employment;

• Remove computer skill-related barriers while improving efficiency and reducing costs; and

• Improve inclusiveness in the work environment by opening electronic communication and access to all employee groups.

As part of the initiative, the CAT Task Force conducted an inventory of computers accessible to labor employees to identify areas where additional computers and printers are needed. To achieve reasonable access for employees, employing units are purchasing and installing a total of 224 computers and 164 printers at workstations throughout campus. The offices of the Vice President for Finance and Operations and the Provost are sharing with these units the initial and ongoing costs of equipment purchase, installation and maintenance.

The initiative, which will reach approximately 1,500 regular and temporary labor employees, is being implemented over the next three years with completion scheduled for January 2011.