Key Initiatives
The following technology projects are underway or have been recently completed. Moving forward, the IT governance process will prioritize technology projects on an annual basis.
IT Governance
The information technology governance structure for UM-Dearborn is intended to ensure that user needs and experiences deeply inform our campus-wide technology strategy and investments.
Current Phase: Governance structure has been drafted and is being launched. The first IT Council meeting will occur in Winter 2013.
IT Rationalization
IT Rationalization is an effort to improve IT service delivery, reduce costs, and repair the university's fractured infrastructure, in addition to creating the next generation of IT for the university. This initiative was launched on the Ann Arbor campus, but extends to both of the regional campuses.
Current Phase: IT rationalization is underway in partnership with colleagues from ITS, EMSL, the Mardigian Library, and all academic units. Initial focus is on analysis of a shared collaboration suite (Google), storage, the academic computing strategy, and an evaluation of our learning management system(s) in AY12-13.
Easy WiFi Logins
Information Technology Services has deployed a new secured wireless system (XpressConnect) that offers UM-Dearborn faculty, staff, and students with a quick, easy, and secure way to connect to the campus wireless network. Mobile devices will only need one sign in, avoiding dropped connections and the repeated need to authenticate.
Current Phase: Available now
Storage Solutions
The University of Michigan is offering a great new service that provides 50Gig of storage space in the cloud. This service is available at no charge to currently active faculty, staff, and students. It provides an easy way to store and share personal and work files, and to collaborate with others inside and outside UM.
In addition, ITS has partnered with academic units to develop an affordable option for campus researchers who need to store large amounts of data in a centralized location. Contact your local tech for more information.
Current Phase: Available now
Campus Wireless Expansion
The rapid growth of mobile devices demands significant growth in the campus wireless network. To support increased and reliable access to wireless across campus, resources have been designated and reserved for expansion over the next three years.
Current Phase: Campus wide site survey is complete. Phase I, high priority sites are Mardigian Library, FCS, UC and CASL.
The UM-Dearborn campus has the opportunity to “Go Google” for email, calendaring, and collaboration tools, as was done this past year by the Ann Arbor campus. The Google Suite can improve collaboration, reduce system redundancy and provide cost efficiencies.
Current Phase The analysis of functionality and cost/benefits has been completed. The final review before “Going Google” is happening with faculty and staff leadership team members the first two weeks of September 2012.
On-Campus Academic Computing Strategy
Faced with decreasing space availability and the need for a broader look at how our campus might more effectively support student needs for computing while on campus, a group of academic computing lab managers has been asked to research and select leading practices and technologies.
Current Phase ITS and unit team members are in the process of deploying tools to show lab use across campus to enable students to find open computers for use. In addition, collaboration between the units is under way to provide open computers for students across all labs.
Student Printing Policy
A joint project is underway to develop a common printing policy for students across all academic units. The lab managers developed recommendations for new polices that will offer students a more seamless experience when moving across campus. All students will now have a 500 page print quota and will be able to print at any designated printer.
Current Phase: ITS and unit tech team members are setting up the technology necessary for launch in January 2013.
Business Intelligence (Web Focus)
To support well-informed decision-making, we are developing enhanced functionality in WebFocus, a centralized reporting system that extracts data from the Banner/Oracle data warehouse. Users will be able to review basic “dashboards’ and ultimately, customize their own reports.
Current Phase: Phase I is under development and will be launched mid January 2013.