Academic Services and Training (AST) provides leadership in current and emerging technologies that expand and enhance teaching and learning across the North Dakota University System. AST works with the institutions of the NDUS to develop and deliver enterprise-level academic systems, help desk support services, library services, and relevant training and communication support. By working closely with the institutions, we collectively and collaboratively expand the capacity of online learning programs, collaborative learning environments, resources that supplement student education, and more.
In broad terms, the AST service line breaks into four quadrants:
Quadrant One: Academic Technologies
AST supports an array of learning technologies that institutions use in support of both the online, distance learning experience as well as the face- to-face classroom experience. These technologies fill the three primary areas of academic tools, the learning management ecosystem, and productivity.
Quadrant Two: Help Desk
AST provides Tier 0, Tier 1 and Tier 2 help desk services for the North Dakota University System. Supported systems and applications include:
- NDUS Account IDs and passwords
- Password changes
- ConnectND applications, including Campus Solution/Campus Connection, Financials, and HRMS
- Bb Learn
- Bb Collaborate Ultra
- Skype for Business
- SharePoint
- Office 365
- âHow Toâ support for Exchange Email and Calendar
Quadrant Three: ODIN
The ODIN system provides library management services for 60+ libraries across North Dakota, including all 11 institutions of the North Dakota University System. The remaining ODIN libraries are disbursed across North Dakota at private higher education institutions: K-12 schools, local public libraries, and special libraries.
Higher education library users search PRIMO VE, a discovery application (with a built-in link resolver) allowing users to search for both print and electronic library resources simultaneously. Primo VE is connected to a library services platform called ALMA by Ex Libris, which provides management functions like circulation control, course reserves, acquisitions/serials control and a resource-sharing function. Non-higher education libraries use an integrated library system known as Polaris by Innovative Interfaces, Inc. and have their own discovery interface.
ODIN also provides authentication services for over 60 licensed, full-text databases and similar online materials for more than 300 North Dakota libraries. ODIN posts monthly usage statistics for these databases.
A Shared e-Resources Task Force in the Minitex region (MN, ND, SD) successfully negotiated an electronic resources package and North Dakota representatives picked databases that will best enhance the education, economic development, and overall quality of life for citizens of North Dakota. e-Resources serve the full spectrum of library users: from preschoolers, to post-secondary institutions, to lifelong learners in public and special libraries and provides a robust digital environment.
ODIN is committed to ensuring long-range planning, sound financial management and maintenance needs are met and carried out according to consortium goals and in the interests of the ND University system.
Quadrant Four: Training & Communication
The AST Training and Communication quadrant consists of a mix of identifiable tools and services along with consulting and solutions that are reactionary in nature to emerging issues within the IT and NDUS Environment.