TECHNOLOGY PLANNING & PRIORITIES COMMITTEE

MARCH 31, 2017

Present:  Janet Scannell, Paul Thiboutot, Bev Nagel, Carolyn Livingston, Elise Eslinger, Fred Rogers,
 Tommy Bonner

Agenda:

1. Brief demo of an Augmented Reality view of the new science complex 3D models (9 minutes)

2. Approve minutes (1 minute) attached

3. Discuss technology capital investment projections (50 minutes)

4. Revisit goals for the content management system review (20 minutes)

Brief demo:

Andrew Wilson demonstrated and members put on the HoloLens to see an augmented reality view of the new science complex in expanded 3D models – which was accompanied by oohs and aahs.

Approve Minutes:

Minutes from the February 16 meeting were approved.

Discuss technology capital investment projections:

Janet began by reviewing the 5 year ITS capital planning projections, a technology spending growth chart, and outlining the budget challenges we’re facing.

She highlighted a number of near-term pressures on maintaining and growing the services we currently have:  replacement of the expanded number of computers, AV and networking devices in Weitz and Science, increased cost of personal computers and staff/faculty expectation of a laptop, potential replacement of our content management system (Reason) and enterprise systems (Colleague), and increased expectation around support.  Janet also highlighted these emerging innovations:  growth in digital humanities, campus-wide ePortfolio, more and better data storage and retrieval, more personal devices on our network, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and classes taught remotely by LACOL faculty. 

 Also pointed out are some possible unpleasant options ITS would need to consider if funding isn’t made available:  6 yr desktop replacement cycle, fewer elite services (Dropbox, SPSS, dual boot machines), less expansion of wireless, more self-funding around storage and staffing to support faculty grant activities.  Any of these would significantly affect the Carleton brand and perception of our exclusive status. 

Fred commented that the revenue situation of the college is constrained by student fee income, the budget is largely compensation, and they are continuing work on balancing the budget for 2019.  How do we prioritize and fund these technologies and meet expectations for an institution of Carleton’s caliber?  We will need to plan for structural adjustments that allow us to support the essential and expanding technologies that are an assumed part of our strategic initiatives.

After discussion, several next steps were suggested:

·         Continue this conversation over a series of meetings

·         Examples of and a framework around how priorities are set.

·         Where do our biggest pressures come from and what tradeoffs will give us the biggest payoff for the institution?

·         Janet will add more detail to the capital expenditures spreadsheet (compensation).

Revisit goals for content management systems review: 

The TP&PC sub-group (Reason Task Force) met several weeks ago to discuss a number of questions to illuminate our opinions and choices and to provide enough information for the sub-group to continue its work.  The desire is for a more holistic view of the web/social media and clarity of Carleton’s goals and web presence. Cost, timing, and transition period are all things they are considering.

  Janet will bring a proposal with two options to an upcoming meeting that includes Admission redesign and one where it does not.

Submitted by:

Candyce Lelm