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i/s Back Issues

Volume 17

No. 3   January/February 2002

Student Technology Consultants Can Do the Job

Joanne Straggas

Do you ever need help on a short-term technical job such as updating a Web page, writing a macro for a repetitive task, upgrading your department's version of Eudora, or installing more memory on your computers? The Student Technology Consultants (STC) may be the resource you are looking for.

This student-run agency, sponsored by the Edgerton Center, places student consultants in short-term positions offered by MIT faculty and staff. STC consultants are trained to give professional service, focusing on the needs of the client. The STC's mission is to build faculty-student-staff relationships in a professional atmosphere while providing technical products and services.

The cost is $15 per hour plus 10% to cover operating costs.

Suite of Offerings
While the group will try to match a student consultant with whatever your technical needs may be, STC also offers two services that are well-defined and in demand across the Institute:
Palm Pilot Installs. STC consultants can install useful Palm applications and conduits for you. The basic suite contains conduits for Eudora and MeetingMaker; AvantGO (browser); and SecureMemo (encrypted memo pad).
Basic Network Package. This includes installation of Netscape, Eudora, Kerberos, and Certificates, along with related training.

In addition, STC consultants can install or upgrade hardware and software, including MIT-supported software such as VirusScan, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Dreamweaver. They can also install printers, scanners, drives, and memory upgrades.

Hiring an STC
Anyone who can authorize payment from an MIT account can submit a job to the STC. Typically, a client is an MIT faculty or staff member. Work must be done on campus, not in private homes.

To place your first job request, follow these steps.

  1. Go to http://stc.mit.edu/
  2. Under Clients, click the link New? Sign up now!
  3. Review the requirements on the registration form.
  4. Click the link Register as client (requires certificates). After you fill out and submit the form, you will be prompted to login. You'll then see your own dynamically generated client account page.
  5. Click the Submit Job link and fill out the form, then click the Submit Job! button.

You'll be notified by email in a week or less when your request has been matched with a consultant. The consultant will then get in touch with you.


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