New Millenium Strategic Planning Committee

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New Millenium Strategic Planning Committee

• Taskforce on Technology

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Charge to the Taskforce (1)

• 1)       Produce a thorough and definitive
  assessment of the current state of CSUs
  information technology (IT) infrastructure and
  processes, including server/NetWare upgrades, IT
  services delivered to students, faculty and
  staff, and training needs of all IT personnel.

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Charge to the Taskforce (2)

• 2)       Compare this assessment with current and
  projected needs, including the skills and
  competencies that employers expect our students
  to have.
• Compare IT facilities and services with other
  Illinois public universities.

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Charge to the Taskforce (3)

• 3)       Prepare a report summarizing the
  findings and recommending improvements to bring
  CSU to the level that is determined to be
  necessary to accomplish its mission. This is a
  five-year plan.

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CSU IT Progress Since 2000 (1)

• The number of computers on campus has increased
  more than five-fold.
• Students can now register and pay their bills
  on-line.
• The BANNER system has greatly increased in
  functionality and number of users.
• Blackboard was not available five years ago
  today it is used for on-campus courses, distance
  learning courses, and as a tool for committees
  and organizations.

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CSU IT Progress Since 2000 (2)

• E-mail has become an indispensable means of
  communication.
• Telecommunications has been modernized and has
  added a host of new features.
• Smart classrooms have been installed throughout
  campus.
• Library and Information Services has modernized
  all aspects of information search and retrieval.

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NCA Concerns

• No budget or procedures for cyclical replacement
  of equipment, including computers and network
  hardware.
• IT technical support must be strengthened and
  expanded to keep pace with the growing needs of
  the university community.

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Strategic Concerns

• Hardware software are not upgraded on a regular
  basis.
• Existing IT infrastructure is strained to the
  limit. (E-mail server handles 250,000 to 400,000
  messages per day.)
• PC technicians are responsible for maintaining
  five times more machines than industry standards.
• Lack of campus-wide hardware software standards
  compromises service and support.

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Strategic Issue IBudgetary Issues

• Supplement and stabilize the universitys IT
  budget to keep the IT and Telecommunications
  systems secure, reliable and expandable.
• Consult with the CSU Foundation about
  establishing a Technology Fund.
• Investigate corporate partnerships.
• Consolidate CSU IT initiatives to get the biggest
  bang for the buck.
• Ensure that some money from technology-related
  grants goes to IT for service and support.

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Strategic Issue 2Infrastructure, Facilities
Hardware

• Provide and maintain an optimal operating
  environment to protect the universitys IT
  investment.
• Institute safeguards and procedures to manage
  risks to the IT environment and to provide for
  continuity and recovery of operations.

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Strategic Issue 2 (contd) Infrastructure,
Facilities Hardware

• Develop a mechanism to maintain a detailed
  inventory of all components of the IT
  infrastructure.
• Develop a plan to maintain, upgrade and/or
  replace all technology components on a cyclical
  basis.
• Develop strategies for expanded use of
  network-delivered applications and services.

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Strategic Issue 3IT Services and Support

• Create a mechanism for evaluating new
  technologies and applications.
• Implement network authentication/access control
  to improve network security.
• Develop a plan for continuous enhancement of the
  technical skills of IT personnel.
• Bring together the expertise of IT, Media
  Services, Computer Science and educational
  technology faculty to enhance and streamline IT
  operations.

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Possible IT Initiatives

• Create a Technology Operations Commission as a
  clearinghouse for all IT-related issues on
  campus.
• Within the TOC, create a Technology Evaluation
  Committee, a Technology Assistance Center, and a
  Technology Training Center. Ensure that all
  stakeholders are represented on these committees.
• Committees are intended to consolidate and
  rationalize hitherto disparate efforts within the
  campus community.

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Some Final Thoughts

• This is still a work in progress. WE NEED YOUR
  FEEDBACK.
• The only way CSU can protect its investment in
  technology is to keep investing in technology.
• Technology-related services are rapidly becoming
  crucial to attracting and retaining students and
  faculty.
• There is much under-utilized expertise on campus.
  Leveraging this expertise will be key to
  improving and enhancing technology at Chicago
  State University.