University Business - January 2010 - (Page 58)

W H AT ' S N E W Clearer Aid Calculation Drawing Upon Visuals SmartDraw 2010 has been designed to make it easier for users to create top-notch graphics for presentations even if they have little or no design experience. Visual effects can be incorporated in projects such as training programs and charts to enhance viewer interest and participation. The software can automate tedious layout tasks to save time and reduce poor design mistakes. It can also create mind maps for better managing office workflow and can integrate with Microsoft Project and Microsoft PowerPoint. A Microsoft Visio import filter helps improve team collaboration between tech and non-tech savvy colleagues. SmartDraw 2010 costs $197. Volume discounts are available. Learn more at www.smartdraw.com. The Student Aid Estimator by StudentAid.com is an online net cost calculator that differs from the federally required template. This tool has more form questions to produce a more reliable cost estimate based on a student’s financial and academic circumstances. The tool uses “skip logic” so students can answer only questions essential to their situation. Students can submit responses not just for common financial aid questions but also for questions on academic merit, including GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. Institutions can customize the tool to display their brand as well as include their own financial aid questions. A fiveyear service contract includes $5,000 for setup and $12,000 for annual licensing. Visit www.studentaid.com/colleges. Paperless Processing SuperAPP from ConnectEDU has streamlined the task of processing student applications by electronically delivering a full application package (including official transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation) to a secure, integrated data feed. Students are enabled to submit, view, and edit applications, as well as track their progress. Admissions officers are able to verify that an application has been received and can manage these materials in one location—making these efforts paperless. The solution is free for high school students and counselors. Institutions are charged a $2 fee per each application they receive. Visit www.connectedu.net. Desk Collaboration CBT/SMARTdesks has released Collab Learning Studio Pods, interactive conference tables created for supporting collaborative learning. The triangular-shaped desks are equipped with six flipIT laptop safes that stow and lock permanently installed laptops out of sight when not in use and keep them connected and charging at all times. For students who want to use their laptops, a pop-up data/power port in the table’s center features four RJ45 and four 110-V outlets. All power and network connections are housed in an 18-inch steel column, which supports the pod tables and provides access to wiring via an access hatch. The desks can be customized to meet classroom needs. Depending on finish levels and other technology options, suggested pricing could range from $6,000 to $25,000. Visit www.SMARTdesks.com. 58 | January 2010 universitybusiness.com http://www.StudentAid.com http://www.studentaid.com/colleges http://www.connectedu.net http://www.smartdraw.com http://www.SMARTdesks.com http://www.universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - January 2010

University Business - January 2010
Contents
Editor's Note
Company Index
College Index
Advisory Board
Behind the News
Community Colleges
Sense of Place
Viewpoint
Human Resources
Money Matters
Endowments 2010: Risk Management, Liquidity, Stewardship
Donor 3.0
Reporting for Duty
End Note

University Business - January 2010