About Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is the ability to have live conversations (picture and sound) with other people using the Internet. In the past, video conferencing was extremely expensive and somewhat difficult to maintain. IP-based video conferencing solves those problems and allows for far more mobility.

Who May Use The Equipment

Any Faculty member, Staff member, or Student may request the use of our equipment for academic or administrative purposes.

What We Provide

WCTS maintains one desktop and one laptop to be used for video conferencing. The desktop is located in the WCTS Conference room (accessible through Olin 168). The laptop must be used in the Hall of Science. Despite the restrictions on physical location, anyone from Whitman may use the equipment. Each setup comes with a video camera and microphone that connect to the laptop.

Video conferencing equipment may be used for free during normal business hours. Subject to the availability of staff, the equipment may also be used outside of normal hours for a fee of $35/hour (testing and setup time included).

Once we have your request, we will arrange a test with the remote site. This takes a lot of planning and coordination, which is why we need advanced notice. Before your video conference begins, we will connect to the people at the other end and make sure everything works. We will show you how to control the volume and display. Once your conference begins, we will stay for about five minutes in case you have questions. When the conference finishes, you will need to call us so we can come pick up the equipment. Do not leave the room unoccupied unless it is locked. You will be financially responsible for all equipment until we pick it up.

What You Need To Do

We request that you notify us at least two (2) weeks before you want to have a video conference. To make a request, please call our office (509-527-5257). You will need to provide us with contact information for the technical support on the other end of the video conference.

Where You Can Have a Video Conference

For large groups, you can use one of the Hall of Science Smart Classrooms. In the event that there is no available Smart Classroom, Technology Services will provide projection for you in another venue. For groups of up to eight (8) people, you can use either a Hall of Science Smart Classroom or the WCTS Conference Room. If you are the only person using the equipment, you can use it in the WCTS Conference Room or from anywhere in the Hall of Science as long as there is a network jack nearby.