Augusta University: Exploring the History and Utility of Box and Related Resources

Augusta University, like many modern institutions, relies on a suite of digital tools and resources to facilitate learning, research, and administrative functions. Among these, Box, a cloud-based file-sharing and storage service, plays a crucial role. This article delves into the history of resources such as Box at Augusta University, exploring its integration with university operations, related digital resources, and relevant archival collections.

The Significance of Box at Augusta University

Box is Augusta University's cloud-based, file-sharing, and storage service. Augusta University personnel and students are offered free, unlimited storage space by Box. With Box Drive, users can directly access all their Box files from the desktop app, without occupying a significant amount of hard drive space.

Using Box Effectively

To use Box effectively, it's essential to understand its functionalities and limitations. A Box account is necessary for all users, even a personal one, to access shared files. When sharing files, those without an account will be prompted to create a personal Box account.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Several factors can hinder the upload process to Box. A slow or intermittent internet connection is a primary culprit. To ensure optimal performance, a high-speed internet connection with high upload speeds is recommended. Box uses multiple endpoints to ensure uploads take the most efficient route. Firewalls can also slow down or block uploads, and proxy servers may sometimes cause failures. Temporarily disabling or configuring the firewall to allow Box as a trusted site might resolve the issue.

Browser-specific issues can also arise. For example, Box Drag-n-Drop might not function correctly in Windows 10 with Microsoft Edge. Clearing the browser's cache or trying a different browser can help.

File-related issues include invalid file names or paths exceeding the limitations of Box or Windows. Box supports file or folder names with 255 characters or less, excluding special names like “.” and “..”. On Windows machines, the file or folder's path should also be under the 255-character limit.

File Management and Security

Deleted files are retained in the Trash folder for 90 days, allowing for recovery. Box also offers a widget that enables people to upload files directly to a Box account securely, limiting access solely to file uploads.

Augusta University Health Sciences Campus Archives: A Historical Overview

The Augusta University Health Sciences Campus Archives are meticulously arranged by record groups, reflecting the collection's function, office of origin, or format. These record groups (RG) are further divided into sub-categories. A finding aid, a descriptive tool outlining the contents and arrangement of materials, accompanies each record group, providing historical context.

Key Record Groups and Their Contents

Several record groups offer insights into the university's history and operations:

RG01: Office of the President: This record group contains material from the Office of the President, dating back to when the chief administrative officer was known as the dean and the institution was the Medical Department of the University of Georgia.

Read also: Augusta Dental College Tuition Overview
RG04: Division of Academic Affairs: This record group comprises administrative units under the Division of Academic Affairs when the institution was known as the Medical College of Georgia.
- RG04.01: Bulletins and Catalogs: This sub-category includes annual bulletins or catalogs from the Medical College of Georgia.
- RG04.02: Commencements: This consists of programs from commencement ceremonies of the Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, and Georgia Regents University.
RG07: Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs: This division assists students and provides services that promote engagement, learning, and personal growth.
RG08: Office of Finance and Administration: This office oversees the daily administration and financial operations of Augusta University.
RG09: Division of Human Resources: This division focuses on recruitment, training, and management of employees, as well as overseeing compensation and benefits programs.
RG10: Division of Facilities: This division maintains the interior and exterior of buildings and grounds, including construction, space management, and environmental services.

Read also: Aspiring Professionals at Augusta
RG11: External Affairs: This record group contains annual reports, accreditation reports, teaching materials, Dean's newsletters, and promotional materials from the Medical College of Georgia.
RG12: Dental College of Georgia: This record group contains material from the Dental College of Georgia, formerly the School of Dentistry of the Medical College of Georgia.
RG13: Published Journal Article Reprints: This comprises published journal article reprints written by Health Sciences Campus faculty.
RG15: Augusta University Research Institute: Established in 1981, this institute serves as the applicant and awardee entity for most sponsored proposals developed by Augusta University faculty.
RG16: Senate: The Senate began as the Academic Council in the 1970s when the institution was known as the Medical College of Georgia.
RG17: Faculty and Spouse Club: Founded in the 1940s as the Faculty Wives Club, this club sponsors scholarships and hosts events.
RG18: Arts Council: Originating as Arts in the Hospital, the Arts Council enhances the campus environment through artistic endeavors.
RG19: Photograph Series: The bulk of this series comes from the Division of Communications and Marketing, formerly the MCG Institutional Relations Office and later the Division of External Affairs.
- RG18.02: Slide Series: Contains photographic slide transparencies of the Augusta University Health Sciences Campus.
RG19.18: Audiovisual Material Collections: This sub-category includes audiotape recordings of lectures and oral histories, videotape recordings of events like class lectures and ceremonies, and digital video recordings about the historical aspects of the campus.
RG20.01: Pacemaker Collection: Consists of pacemakers and implantable defibrillators given to the Robert B. Greenblatt, MD Library.
RG23: Institutional Name Change: Documents the institution-wide name change from Medical College of Georgia to Georgia Health Sciences University.

Software and Digital Resources Available at Augusta University

Augusta University provides a range of software and digital resources to support academic and research activities.

Creative and Design Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud: Includes applications like Acrobat Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premier Pro, and After Effects. University faculty and staff can install these products on their office computers, while students can access them in on-campus computer labs and study areas.
ArcGIS Desktop: A foundational GIS platform for creating, analyzing, managing, and sharing geographic information. It allows users to create maps, perform spatial analysis, and manage data from multiple formats.

Collaboration and Communication Tools

Microsoft Office 365: Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It can be installed on personal computers, mobile devices, and tablets.
Microsoft Teams: A tool for instant messaging and virtual meetings available to all AU faculty, staff, and students.
Zoom: A video conferencing platform for online teaching, virtual conferences, and meetings.
Brightspace Pulse: A mobile app that helps learners stay connected with their courses in Brightspace, providing access to calendars, readings, assignments, grades, and announcements.
Echo360: Turns classrooms and events into collaborative learning communities, combining video, engagement, and analytics.

Data Analysis and Statistical Software

GraphPad Prism: Combines scientific graphing, curve fitting, statistics, and data organization. Access is limited and requires approval.
SAS Education Analytical Suite: Integrates over 20 SAS products for educational professionals, including Base SAS, SAS/ACCESS, SAS/ASSIST, and more.
SPSS: Predictive analytics software with statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and data mining capabilities, specifically licensed for academic use.
MATLAB: A campus-wide access tool for computation, visualization, and programming, available to all faculty, researchers, and students on their personal computers and laptops.
NVivo: A qualitative data analytics software package available for AU faculty and graduate students.

Learning Management and Assessment Tools

Respondus: A tool for creating and managing exams that can be printed or published to learning systems like Blackboard Learn and Brightspace. It is available for faculty, while students use Respondus Lockdown Browser within their courses.
D2L (Brightspace): Used to access class materials, videos, discussion boards, and grades.

Other Essential Resources

Handshake: AU’s platform for jobs and internships.
JagAlert: AU’s emergency notification system.

Cybersecurity Measures at Augusta University

Cybersecurity is a critical priority at Augusta University. The university employs a dedicated defense team that operates 24/7 to protect personal data and university systems. Users are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.

Key cybersecurity practices include:

Using strong passwords with at least 10 characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols.
Being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity.

Additional Resources and Support

Augusta University offers various resources to support students and faculty:

IT Help Desk: Provides assistance with technology-related issues and offers equipment for class-related work.
Student Laptop Recommendations: Provides guidelines for purchasing laptops, including preferred pricing from Dell and Apple.
Software Availability: Offers software to students free of charge or at a reduced price, including Microsoft Office, Mathematica, and SAS JMP Pro.
JagCard: Required when checking out equipment.
Modern Campus CMS: Used for managing website content.

tags: #augusta #university #box #history