Student consultants: A key to efficient utilization of computing resources

I need three consultants for every one I have! We've all uttered something like this at some time. Why not use students? They represent a largely untapped resource on most campuses. But not just any students — use students who are trained, confident, well-managed, and backed by a professional staff. Students, consulting effectively with faculty, staff, and other students, can extend your scarce resources while increasing the computing competence of your users.

This paper reports how one computer center is increasing its effectiveness in consulting while freeing up permanent staff to deal with other matters, which include converting to a new system, developing an education curriculum, continuing system upgrade, establishing microcomputer labs, and implementing a campus-wide network.

This paper covers not only the training methods, the three levels of support, and the management tools used in this program but also the type of response this program has received on campus.