Stephen F Austin State University - Stone Fort Yearbook (Nacogdoches, TX)

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of SFA computers By Mark Palace Imagine yourself in one of the most difficult classes you have ever taken. The first few weeks go by, and you realize the dreaded first test day is quickly approaching. Sure enough, the professor walks in one morning and an- nounces that the test questions have been compiled. However, there is no test date. The professor simply states that you are to take the test at your con- venience within the next two weeks. You are instructed to go to the com- puter center, type in your class on one of the dozens of terminals, and the test will appear on the screen. After you have completed the test, your score will automatically appear. You cannot believe it. You can take the test any time you want, eliminating the pressures of all night cramming. You feel you may even be able to raise you test score because of the individuality and convenience of this new system of taking exams. The scene described above is not a scene of the future. Brigham Young University is currently using a com- puter test service program that enables students to take a test at their in- dividual convenience. However, not only has Brigham Young utilized computers to benefit the students, but colleges across the nation have witnessed the computer boom that has ignited in the rapidly changing world of high tech. Here at SFA computers have revolu- tionized different methodologies in near- ly every department. At the heart of this high-tech revolution across our campus is the Computer Center. Mr. Billy Click, director of the center, is a vital key in computer development on campus. He says that SFA purchased its first com- puter in 1963 for accounting. He also states that over the last 21 years, the supply of computers and computer terminals has been continual- ly upgraded. Although the first people working with computers on campus worked in the fiscal office, expansion allowed the development of the Com- puter Center in 1969. Since its forma- tion, the Computer Center has become a campus utility. Over the past 15 years, this utility has enabled nearly every department to grow in the high-tech world of com- puters. Of these departments, the one probably most familiar to the majority of students is the library ' s online system. Installed only about five years ago, it is a perfect example of how com- puters have become part of everyday life on the SFA campus. Other departments which have grown in the computer field include the math department, which had its first microchip computer installed only about four years ago; the School of Education, which has 20 computers to teach computer literacy; and the history department, which now uses a computer system to place hundreds of test questions at the professors ' fingertips. If the teacher desires, he or she can use this system to select certain ques- tions to be compiled and typed out into test form. Despite these and many other departments ' utilizing computers in- dividually, the computer science depart- ment uses about 50 percent of all com- puters in the Computer Center. Along with the impact of computer technology at SFA came the formation of the University Computing Committee in 1982. The committee, whose members are appointed by President William R. Johnson, handles all pro- posals for new computers requested by individual departments. Their main concern is whether or not each purchase would be the best possi- ble way to solve any departmental pro- blems. The committee ' s chairman, Dr. Craig Wood, is also head of the com- puter science department. Dr. Wood states that the main frame computer system on campus is the Central Pro- cessing 6 (CP-6). This system, along with dozens of ter- minals across the campus has enabled SFA to provide its students with the educational advances necessary in the modern, technological world. Overall, the computer systems used at SFA have grown immensely and will continue to grow as the high-tech revolution engulfs the world. In fact, the single largest computer purchase by the Computer Center occurred this past summer with a total of 80 computers added to the already growing supply. It may not be long before students can walk into the Computer Center and take a test in calculus, psychology or any other subject as a result of the high-tech developments at SFA. At left is an internal view of Central Processing 6 (CP-6), the campus ' s main frame computer. CP-6 - 13

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The high-tech world 12 CP 6

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Events of ' 84 January 1 Breakup of American Telephone Telegraph company into eight separate companies. 2 United States and Vatican establish full diplomatic relations for the first time in 1 17 years. February 15 Nevada desert area caves in. Energy Department says it was caused by unexpected geological conditions. March 15 Senate rejects constitutional amendment allowing silent prayer in public schools. April 9 Nicaragua files suit charging that the U.S. is attempting to overthrow and destabilize its governemnt. 13 Senate votes for 47 billion tax increase to help out federal deficits. May 29 The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, already wearing a mantle of s teel scaffolding, is closed to tourists. Refurbished, Miss Liberty will again welcome visitors on July 4, 1986. 30 Nearly total solar eclipse. June I Civil Aeronautics Board prohibits cigarette smoking on planes carrying 30 or fewer passengers. July II Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Hanford Dole says government will require automobile air bags in all states by 1989. 12 Walter Mondale picks Rep. Geraldine Ferraro of Queens as his running mate; she became the first woman on a major party presidential ticket. August 5 Federal government initiates 50 million study of nuclear winter, the at- mospheric condition suspected as aftermath of nuclear explosions. September 29 Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko meets with Secretary of State George Shultz. They agree to arrange further talks between the stalemated United States and Soviet Union. Continued on page 15 14