This page is intended to provide you with efficient and effective answers for a variety of frequently asked questions.
These resources were created by the UTech staff to provide you with information on some of the more involved aspects of this process.
- Strengthen cyber security and reduce threat surface
- Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery readiness
- Enhance service
- Optimize the university’s investment in information technology
- Ensure an inclusive team approach to all IT efforts
In the near future, there will not be any reductions of IT positions nor will anyone relocate. As we work through this process, we may find opportunities to combine duties and/or provide a staff member the opportunity to add to their skill set and responsibilities.
This process will not detract any services currently provided nor diminish responsiveness to units’ or schools’ individual needs. In fact, in many ways, optimizing IT will enhance service levels.
No. Changes will be made strategically and after a thorough assessment of needs, skills, and service levels have been fully examined. This is an important journey that, with input for all of IT, will be planned and executed in the most efficient and effective manner.
This process, although not clearly defined yet, will happen in a deliberative, thoughtful, and consultative manner. Consider the experience of Vice President for Student Affairs Lou Stark. Sue met with Lou early and asked if he would be willing to have his division be the first to go through a process where Student Affairs IT staff members report to UTech. He agreed, and the two worked with Vice President for Human Resources Carolyn Gregory to execute the transition. A key individual involved in the transition was former Student Affairs IT lead Joel Kraft (now director of Executive IT Support); his professionalism and openness has helped the newly integrated group quickly identify ways to improve services without additional expense.
It has successfully begun already with the formation of the Executive IT Support team who have been transitioning the executive offices in Adelbert Hall. This process will continue iteratively with administrative units and then shift to individual schools. The implementation process will be carefully measured and revised as needed to ensure success.
Although we do not know all of the changes that may occur, we do know that the technology staff members previously assigned to units or schools will be employees of UTech.
These staff members will have greater access to current information and professional development opportunities; they will have increased opportunities to interact with colleagues and potential mentors engaged in similar and/or related IT fields; and they will have increased possibilities for career advancement within the university.
The university will be able to leverage knowledge about individual systems, structures and needs to increase its ability to identify and act upon cyber security vulnerabilities. The university also will be able to implement timely upgrades and patches in a more efficient and comprehensive manner, and quickly add newly released tools and software that can more effectively protect technology and ensure business continuity.