History of the STARS Program

For more than ten years, the Student Technology AdvisoRS (STARS) Program brought students and faculty together in a joint effort to explore the use of technology in teaching and learning in the classroom. STARS were trained to work one-on-one with the faculty to develop the critical mass of technological understanding on campus. The students assisted faculty with everything from basic computer skills to integrating technically sophisticated applications in their courses.

To meet the diverse needs of faculty from many disciplines, STARS were selected from various backgrounds and majors, including everything from art history to communication to physics. STARS qualifications included good interpersonal skills, a willingness to learn, and a vision for using technology in a liberal arts setting. Through their semester-long partnerships, STARS further developed their interpersonal skills while building a personal network comprised of STARS, faculty, and staff.

In July 2006, Information Systems staff, along with the help of input from students and faculty members, began work to re-invent the STARS program. During this time, no new STARS partnerships were established. The Information Systems Student Programs Staff is working to create and build a new technology program that will provide technology assistance to both faculty and staff on campus beginning fall 2007. Please check the ISSP page for updates.