[Wolves] RE: University of Wolverhampton

[Green, Matthew A.]

Hello Wolverhampton Linux User Group,

Apologies in editing the subject line - I think that the discussion had 
moved sufficiently from "IMPORTANT: Handing over the reigns..."

Due to recent interest from the LUG in the University (and my name 
mentioned in postings) I decided it was time to step forward.  I am 
Matthew Green, a member of the teaching staff from the School of 
Computing and IT (SCIT) at the University - some of you may 
remember/know me as I know there are some former/current students on the 
list.

I thought it might be appropriate to answer some of the questions that 
have been posted, and offer some more insight into the inner workings of 
SCIT and UoW in general.

Firstly let me add to/amend some of the points that have been made so 
far on this topic - in no particular order:

1. To the best of my knowledge, Peter Burden was a primary, but not 
only, advocate of Open Source and specifically Linux at the University 
and has now left.  In his absence several individuals have picked up 
aspects of Peter's work and interests.  I have taken on most of Peter's 
former responsibilities, and in recent months, have found myself more 
and more attracted to Linux, to which I can happily announce that this 
week I removed my final remaining Windows partition. :-)  Contrary to 
postings on the list, Peter's "pro-Linux" approach is far from dead, as 
there is a growing number of existing and new members of staff that are 
pro-Linux - I consider myself to be one of these advocates.

2. My interest in OpenSSH is only an interest in as much as I am 
interested in all things Open Source.  The reference to OSSH is due to 
one of my growing collection of "geek" T-Shirts that students can often 
see me in, others include Ubuntu, Google, Port25, etc.  My recent 
attendance at the European Open Source convention in Brussels help me 
expand my knowledge and my collection. :-)

3. On the subject of marketing (i.e. posters) the noticeboards on campus 
are primarily for official notices and not free-for-all, however I 
believe if permission were sought, that there should be no reason for 
approved posters to be removed.

4. Currently, on a Computer Science degree, greater than 50% of first 
year modules have Linux content, ranging in quantity from basic concepts 
through to practical usage, and Open Source content continues throughout 
the current Computer Science and similar undergraduate courses.  There 
are a number of discussions currently in progress to further develop the 
provision of Open Source technologies on our courses.

5. Contrary to postings, student interest in Linux is growing 
exponentially.  On modules I lead, several hundred first year students 
have Open Source/Linux exposure in there first semester, and 
approximately 75% have extensive practical ongoing usage of Linux 
desktops in second semester.  Students are approaching me on an 
increasing basis for assistance in getting started with Linux, and I 
offer my assistance in installs/configs/etc. where required.

So what's next?

I feel this is an appropriate time for the University and the LUG to 
form stronger connections and a mutually beneficial relationship.  I 
will make some initial inquiries as to the extent to which the 
University can support the LUG with regards to facilities, access to 
students, etc, so will not make any promises at this stage, but what I 
can assure is that the LUG has an active, positive advocate within the 
university who can help promote the activities of the LUG to the SCIT 
student population.

What I would like is some feedback as to what specifically how the LUG 
believe I/SCIT/the University can help.  I would like to help facilitate 
as many requests as is practical.  From postings and such, I think the 
following is a good starting point for ideas:

1. Promotion of existence of the LUG and related activities to 
staff/student population?
2. Possible usage of University facilities to hold 
meetings/talks/discussions?

I would welcome any further opinions/ideas on this subject, and look 
forward to entering into discussions on how to further this 
relationship.  I read the mailing list in digest form, and at present 
infrequently, so apologies for any delay in replies - I can also be 
contacted directly if required.

Matthew Green
School of Computing and IT
University of Wolverhampton, UK
m.a.green at wlv.ac.uk