The vision for the TechKnowledgy Bar was conceived in 2019 by the Office of Information Technology to be a space located in the Student Union for UT Dallas students, faculty, and staff to learn about technology at UT Dallas, including getting a first-hand look at new projects and initiatives from OIT and our partners. Knowledgeable staff from the OIT Help Desk are on hand to resolve issues with OIT services and personal devices. It was the brainchild of the late Shannon Cepica, who served as the Assistant Vice President for Customer Service and IT Business Affairs and was an adjunct professor in the Naveen Jindal School of Management – UT Dallas.
One of the major considerations for the bar was its proximity to students living on campus. Dan Goodwin, director of Student Union and Student Life Programs and one of the driving forces behind the bar, was interviewed by the Mercury in November 2019 regarding this.
“We realize that going off-campus for things isn’t always easy, nor is it the most cost-effective solution in the world,” Goodwin said. “With this kind of project … it just makes it easier for students to tackle one more road bump in their way of student success.”
In Fall 2021, after several delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the TechKnowledgy Bar was officially launched and has since helped hundreds of students, staff and faculty resolve their IT challenges.
By Spring 2022, the TechKnowledgy Bar was inspected by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to ensure that it met the requirements for accessibility for individuals with disabilities. To pass inspection, one must meet the requirements of communication elements such as digital signage and built-in elements like our space dedicated to wheelchair access. Space/accessibility for wheelchair access was checked in both customer-facing and staff areas. OIT is honored to have received the recognition of meeting the Texas Accessibility Standards (pdf) Inspection and are now fully certified!
The TechKnowledgy Bar was designed for the success of ALL students, and we hope all students continue to maximize this amazing resource. Do you have questions about device updates or need tech support of any kind? Walk right up to the Techbar, our technicians are always happy to help!