Students offer new courses in IT skills

By: Joshua Stahl

Xavier’s Information Systems Club, in association with the Xavier University Help Desk, has started the IT Ambassador Initiative to allow Xavier students to take advantage of the IT resources across campus.

According to senior and student manager of the Help Desk Mouhamed Ndoye, the purpose of the initiative is to let students know about the various IT resources on campus and give them the skills to use them.

“(The aim of the initiative) is to increase awareness and utilization of the many IT resources available at Xavier,” Ndoye said.

The program’s website further states that the program is designed to, “instill confidence to those that find IT to be complicated and intimidating and position Xavier University as an institution that graduates students that are confident and effective with IT recourses in any setting.”

Information systems majors will run the program, teaching two one-hour sessions a week this semester in Conaton Learning Commons 207. Students need only attend one session per week.

Statistics suggest that IT skills, like those being taught by the program, are becoming more prevalent in society. Ndoye said that 75 percent of careers will consist of an IT component by 2020, highlighting the need for knowledge of IT skills in the professional world.

“Information technology impacts all aspects of our lives,” Ndoye said. “As students surround themselves with electronic devices and resources, it has become essential to know how to effectively use them. This knowledge not only enhances their Xavier experience but also their lives outside of the institution.”

All students are welcome to join the program. Registration is available online at http://www.xavier.edu/help.