Using the Node

How to Schedule use of the Access Grid

There are two steps involved in scheduling time on the Access Grid Node:
    1. A user must first reserve a virtual venue on the Access Grid, and
    2. A user must then reserve the AG node room in Tech L350.

Users may either join existing AG events or schedule their own events. In each case the prospective user must e-mail a reservation request to ag-reserve@mccormick.northwestern.edu with the information listed below:

To join an existing AG event, please submit the following information via e-mail:
    · Your Name.
    · Contact Information: e-mail, phone, address.
    · Event Information
        1. Name of Event.
        2. Date and Time of Event.
        3. Virtual Venue.
        4. Number in Attendance.
        5. Any particular computer requirements (software packages, etc) or other special arrangements you may require.

To schedule you own AG event, please submit the following information via e-mail:
    · Your Name.
    · Contact Information: e-mail, phone, address.
    · The name you wish your event to be referred to.
    · A brief overview of your event's subject matter.
    · The date(s) and time(s) you would like to request.
    · A list of any remote sites that have agreed in advance to participate.
    · A rough estimate for the number of individuals attending here at Northwestern.
    · Any particular computer requirements (software packages, etc) or other special arrangements you may require.

Training

The facility is easy to use, and research groups at many facilities acquire the expertise to set up and run their own sessions in a short period of time. McCormick IT will qualify representatives from user groups to conduct AG sessions on their own. Individual training may also be available on a case by case basis by contacting ag@mccormick.northwestern.edu. Users of the AG Node should be able to bring their own trained node operator. McCormick IT staff can assist participants in setting up an AG events by scheduling a brief training session 30 minutes before an AG event takes place. McCormick IT will establish the certification criteria for AG Node operators and maintain a list of qualified operators and their date of certification.

Troubleshooting

McCormick IT will publish a duty schedule and means of contacting knowledgeable, certified AG Node Operators responsible for session set up and trouble shooting during regular working hours. Additionally, if technical difficulties arise, the help desk phone number to call is 7-3713. There is a phone in the AG Node room and the help desk number will be posted next to the phone.