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Computer/Software SpecialistBusiness and Information Technology >> Computer /Software Specialist Career Profile Because many non-technical employees are not computer experts, they often run into computer problems they cannot resolve on their own. Almost every computer user encounters a problem occasionally, whether it is the disaster of a crashing hard drive or the annoyance of a forgotten password. The explosion of computer use in the workplace has created a high demand for specialists to provide advice to users, as well as day-to-day administration, maintenance and support of computer systems and networks. Computer support specialists provide technical assistance, support and advice to customers and other users. This group includes technical support specialists and help-desk technicians. These troubleshooters interpret problems and provide technical support for hardware, software and systems. Support specialists may work either within a company that uses computer systems or directly for a computer hardware or software vendor. Technical support specialists are troubleshooters, providing valuable assistance to their organization's computer users. Technical support specialists install, modify, clean and repair computer hardware and software. They also may work on monitors, keyboards, printers and mice. Help-desk technicians assist computer users with the inevitable hardware and software questions not addressed in a product's instruction manual. Help-desk technicians field telephone calls and e-mail messages from customers seeking guidance on technical problems. In responding to these requests, help-desk technicians must listen carefully to the customer, ask questions to diagnose the nature of the problem and then patiently walk the customer through the problem-solving steps. The VU Advantage: What You Will Learn This program provides you the training required to enter the workforce in the nation's fastest growing information technology career track. Students will be exposed to theoretical and practical applications of programming logic, networking concepts, administration and computer management, as well as how to assist with the use of computer applications, particularly the Microsoft Office® Suite. The program is designed to train you as a support specialist in computer and software diagnostics. Program Transferability You should have no difficulty transferring your VU coursework to an accredited four-year college or university. However, it is a wise idea for you to select the transfer institution early in your studies at VU. Identify a faculty member there who serves as an academic advisor in your planned area of study. This way, you can become aware of any course prerequisites or course substitutes that your transfer institution may require that are not an official part of your associate's degree program. Employment Opportunities Individuals with this training have virtually unlimited possibilities in business and industry, government agencies, educational organizations and as general or area-specific consultants. Common job titles in the field include computer support specialist, software or application support specialist, computer help-desk representative and technical analyst. Earnings Potential According to the VU Job Placement Bureau, the average starting salaries for computer programming/information technology graduates in Southwest Indiana were between $22,880 and $30,000 in 2002. This wide salary range reflects various employment settings, sizes and responsibilities. Pursuit of a bachelor's or graduate degree, or even earning relevant certifications, can further increase a graduate's employment opportunities and earnings potential. For more information, please contact: Kathy Evans, Professor and Chairperson of Information Technology Department
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- Kotter recertified as collegiate retailer
- VU Christmas Gala Concert is Dec. 2
- Lady Trailblazers 10th, Trailblazers 25th in NJCAA’s 1st hoops polls of season
- Former VU Blazer Baseball Player Jason Clutter Making Way in Music
- WVUB radio receives state Community Involvement Award
- H1N1 vaccination clinic for VU students is Nov. 23
- VU Health Watch Wednesday Continues
Kotter recertified as collegiate retailer
November 20, 2009
VINCENNES, IND. - Ronald L. Kotter, manager of Vincennes University’s Old Post Bookstore, recently completed the requirements to renew his Certified Collegiate Retailer (CCR) designation through the National Association of College Stores. The CCR designation indicates skillful leadership, stewardship, and expertise in college store operations.
In addition to Kotter’s career experience in collegiate retailing, CCR designees must successfully complete a comprehensive examination that tests their fundamental knowledge of all areas of the collegiate retailing profession and their ability to apply that knowledge. To successfully recertify for the designation, individuals complete a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education and professional development in the four years since initially earning the designation or from the date of the last renewal, as applicable.
More than 100 collegiate retailers have earned the CCR designation since its launch in fall 2004.
About NACS
Headquartered in Oberlin, Ohio, the National Association of College Stores is the professional trade association representing the $11 billion collegiate retailing industry. NACS represents more than 3,100 collegiate retailers and approximately 1,100 associate members who supply books and other products to college stores. NACS member stores daily serve America’s college students while supporting the academic missions of higher education institutions everywhere. Additional information is available online at www.nacs.org.
VU Christmas Gala Concert is Dec. 2
November 20, 2009
VINCENNES, IND. - The Vincennes University Music Department will present a Christmas Gala Concert on Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. EST, in the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center Theatre. The concert is free and the public is invited to attend.
The concert will showcase various Christmas songs in a variety of musical styles. Featured groups include the VU Connection, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble, Blues Ensemble, performances by VU faculty members, and more.
For more information, please contact Duane Chattin, Director of Public Information, at 812-888-4164 or dchattin@vinu.edu
Lady Trailblazers 10th, Trailblazers 25th in NJCAA’s 1st hoops polls of season
November 18, 2009
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Vincennes Lady Trailblazers are No. 10 in the NJCAA's first Div. I Women's Basketball Poll of the season, which was released today.
The VU men were in a tie for 25th in the initial poll announced late Tuesday afternoon.
The 7-0 Lady Trailblazers had been ranked No. 13 in the pre-season poll. Gulf Coast - host of this weekend's Gulf Coast Classic in Panama City, Fla, in which the Lady Trailblazers will participate – tops the first regular-season poll. VU, after beating No. 14 Lincoln Trail 69-64 Tuesday, faces Gulf Coast Saturday, after taking on No. 22 Chipola on the tournament's first day.
Each of the event’s games will be carried live on the Gulf Coast Sports Network. The broadcasts can be heard by visiting the Gulf Coast Athletics Web site at www.gcathletics.com.
The Vincennes Trailblazers, 6-1 on the season, share the 25th slot in the rankings with the College of Southern Idaho. Central Florida Community College is the top-ranked team in the first poll. The Trailblazers defeated Lincoln Trail (ranked No. 23 in the first poll) 81-77 Tuesday night.
VU will host Southeastern Illinois at 7 p.m. Saturday at the P.E. Complex.
Former VU Blazer Baseball Player Jason Clutter Making Way in Music
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Jason Clutter's family moved from Elberfeld to Haubstadt when he was 10 and he discovered sports, especially baseball. He loved it so much that he worked hard enough to turn his God-given talent into a scholarship to pitch and play outfield at Vincennes University.
Clutter graduated in 2002 as one of the NJCAA's top closers and holding a degree in graphic design. He moved on to Oakland City and then spent part of summer 2003 in Italy playing baseball. Unfortunately, his shoulder gave out during his senior year with the Oaks and he would never play baseball again.
So Clutter looked to his other passion - country music, which until that time had been a way to pass time on baseball road trips. “I would sing on the bus on road trips during college and the team would join in," he said.
Music certainly became more than a hobby when Clutter started a local band and recorded seven original songs, two of which got fairly heavy play on Evansville market radio for almost two years. The band quickly grew from playing in front of about 20 people to crowds of about 200 per night.
Clutter has opened for 13 national acts and hopes to complete a new album for release in 2010.
**For more information, visit wwww.jasonclutter.com.
WVUB radio receives state Community Involvement Award
November 19, 2009
VINCENNES, IND. - Vincennes University radio station Blazer 91.1 WVUB is the recipient of the “Community Involvement” award from the Indiana Broadcasters Association. The award was presented Nov. 14 during the annual Spectrum Awards ceremonies in Indianapolis.
“I am very honored to have received this award for two reasons,” said Phillip Smith, general manager of WVUB. “We were very happy to have been selected as Radio Station of the Year last year. But this award has even more meaning. This is recognition of service to our community. Actually being concerned and involved in local events and activities is what broadcasting is all about, and being honored for that by your peers is the highest form of recognition. Secondly, both VU and the VU Broadcasting Department were recognized and highlighted by broadcasters from throughout the state.”
According to the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the Spectrum Award recognizes broadcast excellence for outstanding achievement in broadcasting by radio and television stations throughout Indiana. The competition was established to encourage the highest standards of reporting, community service, and production creativity. It is the ultimate peer recognition for members of the broadcast industry in Indiana.
“When I travel throughout the state, I frequently encounter graduates of VU’s broadcasting program and they always speak highly of their preparation at VU. Giving students the opportunity to be involved with award-winning stations such as WVUB is an important part of why our graduates achieve great success in this field. I commend everyone associated with WVUB on receiving this honor,” said VU President Dick Helton.
WVUB Program Director Michael Woods said the award is a motivator for the station’s staff. “The trophy shows the dedication of our staff and the acceptance of our listeners. We promise not to let up, but to continue to deliver quality programming for the people of the Wabash valley.”
VU BROADCASTING
The VU Broadcasting Department prepares students for successful entry into radio, television, and allied career fields while earning a college degree. The program emphasizes hands-on, real-world experience for students, including many hours in VU broadcast studios and stations perfecting both on-air and behind-the-scenes technical skills. VU’s public broadcast stations, WVUB and WVUT-TV, are the only ones in Indiana that are part of an academic broadcast program.
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional sites such as the Indianapolis International Airport. VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.
In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, and secondary education programs in mathematics, science, and special education.
VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 26 other states, and 37 foreign countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.
H1N1 vaccination clinic for VU students is Nov. 23
November 19, 2009
VINCENNES, IND. - An H1N1 vaccination clinic will be offered to Vincennes University students on Nov. 23 from 5:00-7:00 PM EST (or until all vaccine is given) in VU’s Beckes Student Union, Fort Sackville Room 1.
“We have a limited number of vaccinations and we must follow the priority guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control and the Indiana State Board of Health for administration of the vaccine. We will be offering additional H1N1 vaccination clinics as soon as we receive additional doses from the County Board of Health,” said Peggy Milligan, coordinator of the VU Student Health Center.
Recommended initial priority groups include: pregnant women, household/caregivers of babies under 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons aged 6 months to 24 years, persons aged 25-64 who have high-risk medical conditions.
VU Health Watch Wednesday Continues
VU Health Watch Wednesday began with two e-text messages that provided H1N1 wellness tips and reminded subscribers to visit the VU Health Office web page.
Updates will be posted each Wednesday (or sooner if the situation warrants). The webpage includes links to the Center for Disease Control flu pages, preventative tips, and campus information.