Academic Programming

Academic Programming service provides computing support to research, instructional and administrative activities through in-depth consultation and customized software development.

Our service includes three major categories.

  1. 1) Software development for faculty research and instructions on
  2. 2) Comprehensive consultation and creative solutions for computer and technology related needs.
  3. 3) Customized software for administrative purpose to support student success.

There are four types of services:

  1. 1) Consultation.

    2. This typically takes from several hours to 30 hours of academic programmer’s time. Consultation involves solving specific problems, providing information, and initial request and discussion on software development. Some examples of Consultation are:

    1. a. I downloaded some open source software in C/C++/Fortran/Java/etc. How do I compile/link/run/install/use it?
    2. b. I have a small budget to buy a 16-core research computer. Can you recommend something that fits my budget and computational need?
    3. c. I need a searchable web database for special purpose and I did not find anything on the market. Can you develop it for me?

  2. 2) Development.

    3. This takes from 30 hours to 200 hours. A Development job targets at a small to medium scale computer program development, computer related solution, or a pilot program that supports and leads to a grant proposal.

    The first step of a Development job is to meet with the academic programmer via a face-to-face consultation to discuss ideas, needs, and the feasibility. A written proposal is expected before the actual code development begins.

    Some examples of development project can be found here: http://www.indstate.edu/cirt/et/ap_projects.html.


  3. 3) Enhancement.

    4. This takes up to 100 hours. Enhancement job is based on a previously completed Development project, where more features need to be added, or minor changes need to be applied. If the original design has been significantly changed, then it becomes a new Development.


  4. 4) Grant-funded Development.

    5. Academic programmer has been involved in granted funded software development, where external funding makes it possible to devote a certain amount of time to a specific project, for example, 150 hour per year over a span of several years. Such a project is usually a further development of a regular pilot Development project.

    A grant funded Development must be approved by the CIO BEFORE the grant proposal is submitted.

In exchange for any type of Development or Enhancement service, the client agrees to 1) respond to periodic requests or surveys on the satisfaction of our service and how and where the client uses the product from our service; and 2) acknowledge any appropriate support in his/her publication (including web pages) if the product of Development or Enhancement is used .

You may fill out the request form here, or email yihua.bai@indstate.edu, or contact IT help desk (X2910) to request new Development project.