Michigan State University’s Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer, Fred Poston, is making efforts to “Be (More) Spartan Green” through the University’s Adobe Connect online meeting collaboration service.

Poston asked Physical Plant Assistant Vice President Ron Flinn to have his staff look into a video conferencing system to allow for more frequent meetings with his direct reports. Telecommunication Systems' Jeff Carpenter, planner/inspector/analyst III, was enlisted to coordinate the installation of a system that allows the attendees to achieve audio and visual conferencing while sharing files such as PowerPoint presentations. Using a webcam and headset, each member of Poston’s meeting can sit in his or her own office and talk with 15 other co-workers.

“When all of the people are logged into the system, some have observed it looks a bit like 'Hollywood Squares' or 'The Brady Bunch' introduction,” said Flinn.

“The system is impressive. Using Adobe Connect (formerly known as Macromedia Breeze), you will avoid travel time and costs that are associated with large meetings, which in turn cuts MSU's carbon footprint,” said Carpenter.

Poston’s monthly direct reports meetings have been the first to undergo this kind of communication change. He has held two meeting so far and hopes to make the direct reports meetings more often than before.

By using Adobe Connect to hold online meetings, MSU can cut expenses and ensure we are taking our environmental responsibilities seriously.

July 2, 2009