Did you know that New York State has a local chapter of SIGUCCS? Or that you could start your own local chapter? For information on ACM SIG local chapters, see https://www.acm.org/chapters/professionals/how-to-start-a-professional-sig-chapter

NYCHES (New York Computing in Higher Education Symposium – nyches.acm.org) was formally established in 1997 based on efforts of IT professionals from Syracuse University and Cornell University.  

With the rapid changes in technology and the common problems faced by colleges and universities across the state, it was clear that there was a real need for a forum to exchange ideas. In 1999, the NYCHES story was presented at a SIGUCCS conference, and the word spread quickly to other NY schools.  By 2012, NYCHES had become the first local chapter of SIGUCCS, called ‘NYCHES Chapter of ACM SIGUCCS’.

Today, there are over twenty schools participating in the central and western NY region, with over one hundred active members subscribed to our listserv.  Do you work in the information technology field at a New York State college or university? You need NYCHES – and NYCHES needs you. NYCHES meets twice per year to discuss current challenges, technology, and explore solutions as a community.  Participating institutions take turns hosting the meetings and always benefit from having a large group of talent and experience on their campus for the day.

The Spring 2019 meeting was held at Rochester Institute of Technology, where a wide variety topics – including staff development strategies, team building, Microsoft Intune, eSports, public lab imaging & maintenance, clinic/lecture video capture methods, endpoint security policies & best practices, and print management– were discussed.  Each meeting provides an opportunity to explore the hosting campus – RIT took the NYCHES group on a tour through MAGIC Spell Studios, where we were able to see their fully functional film sound stage, sound mix & color correction post-production studios, 4K Dolby Atmos theater, and their working media labs. The combination of student and faculty talent provides an exclusive service and experience for the RIT community.

The NYCHES community is strong, and the ideas that are exchanged through meetings and the listserv improve the greater NYS region’s higher education information technology services.  You can learn more at nyches.acm.org, and can become involved by emailing nyches-officers@listserv.acm.org.  Membership is free and the value of joining is great!

John Lord
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Vice Chair, NYCHES