As the semester winds down, we are all rushing towards the finish line as well as planning for the summer. In Information Technology Services, the next few months will include the usual upgrades (to classrooms, Moodle, etc.) and adoption of emerging technologies (selection of a new ticketing system and a workshop on 3D printing), and of course lots of support of the construction efforts. This summer is also going to be a time of reflecting on projects that will take years to implement, like a refreshing of enterprise systems and research computing infrastructure.
In order to guide our work and communicate our goals, ITS has defined a set of Strategic Priorities for the next three years based on our understanding of campus needs and current commitments. The priorities have been grouped into six categories or “planks” (shown in bold below), each of which has a “pillar project” (shown in italics below). The following ITS priorities will be subject to annual reflection and potential re-prioritization to accommodate emerging needs.
- Excellence Performing I.T. Basics: provide a more reliable classroom technology environment with faster response time for faculty while they are teaching
- Central & Self-Directed Support: work with St. Olaf to select and implement a new ITS ticketing software package
- Enhance Teaching, Student Learning & Computational Research: work with faculty and embedded staff to respond to the marked increase in demand for computational research infrastructure
- Transform Data Integration & Process Efficiency: continue the work of the enterprise software review to ensure that Carleton is well-served by our software systems
- Modernize Web & Mobile Platforms: build on the work of Web2020 which launched the Admissions site in May, and complete the multi-year transition of 600+ sites from Reason to WordPress.
- Embrace Cloud & Shifting I.T. Infrastructures: continue building a modernized IT infrastructure in the new science complex and related construction projects, with a special emphasis on the growing demand for wireless service
Technology is constantly in flux, and ironically, that volatility makes the creation of strategic priorities even more important. The question for every institution is when to shift direction in response to emerging technologies, and the impact of doing so. Those pivotal moments are aided by having a clear understanding of current priorities.
If you have thoughts about these priorities or other emerging needs, please do let me know. Whether it’s graduating the class of 2018 or planning for the technology of 2021, it’s definitely true that it takes a village!
Summary of this year’s “From the CTO” articles:
September 2017 – “To help faculty get off to a good start, members of the Helpdesk and Academic Technology teams will be offering weekend support from 10am-2pm during the two weekends before school starts.”
November 2017 – “Another reminder of how technology, applied well, can enrich our lives. It’s not about the technology, it’s about what it can do for us — and knowing when it’s worth it.”
February 2018 – “The Equifax breach of 2017 was caused by a server that was behind on its patching.”
April 2018 – “According to a recent study by the Institute for the Future, 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t even been invented yet.”