Reinforce the Foundation: Optimize resources, establish governance and enhance security

My SA

Reinforce the Foundation: Optimize resources, establish governance and enhance security

To fully support the university’s strategic plan and mitigate risk, the Technology Division needs to shore up and extend its foundation. In order to begin, we will need to establish strategic and operational governance groups to increase transparency and collaboration across all university technology communities. Update processes to close security gaps for data and networks. Elevate physical campus security with the addition of a robust video surveillance system, complete exterior access control, safety apps and social media monitoring.

In Progress

Assemble technician-level Client Services Steering Committee
Project Lead: Director of Client Services

  • Initialize an operational governance group of IT technicians to centralize student-facing support services and provide redundancy of system workflows and knowledge. 
  • Mitigate vulnerabilities by eliminating single points of failure. 
  • Increase basic documentation of critical systems including vendor points of contact/support, ensure they are shared in case of emergency. 
  • Provide central request system to eliminate confusion of technology support responsibilities in classrooms and conference rooms. 
  • Establish consistency of standards and procedures to mitigate security risks.

Support campus safety through video surveillance technology and access control
Project Lead: Director of Client Services

  • Hire Access & Surveillance Technician to oversee installation and maintenance of cameras, systems and servers to support the university video surveillance system. The position will also be critical to the completion of the exterior door upgrade.
  • Upgrade infrastructure to support power and connectivity.
  • All exterior doors upgraded with access control systems for central management.

Maintenance for IT infrastructure
Project Lead: Director of Networking

  • Work with facilities and outside vendors as needed to address serious environmental issues in the data center and selected network equipment closets. 
  • Review server/storage coverage options and replace/refresh cycles.

Banner updates and integrations
Project Lead: CIO

  • SSB - Support and training for upgrade to Banner 9.
  • Create new Banner synchronized Active Directory enabled Student authentication for Single Sign On and Two Factor Authentication, and reintegrate ancillary systems Office 365, Ez Proxy, Wi-Fi, Canvas, etc.

Identity and access management
Project Lead: CIO

Implementation of campus-wide single sign on and evaluation of two-factor authentication.

Technology Refresh Plan

Incorporate classroom technology into annual Technology Refresh Plan.  

Address campus-wide training for core systems

Address campus training for core systems (Canvas, Banner, G Suite/Google Workspace, etc.).

Centralize support for enterprise-level digital asset management

Centralize support for enterprise-level digital asset management solution including needs for conservatories, archive, library, etc. 

Ongoing

Maintenance for IT infrastructure
Project Lead: Director of Networking

Continued improvement on network equipment closet environments.

Training and certifications for Technology employees
Project Lead: CIO

Network employees will complete and maintain current CCNA certifications.

Negotiate competitive products, software and services
Project Lead: IT Business Manager and Client Services Coordinator

  • Obtain competitive bids to compete against inflated pricing. 
  • Develop acceptable strategy to reduce vendor maintenance expenses on network equipment.
  • Establish a software catalog to centralize purchase of software and negotiate competitive pricing with scale

Complete 

Assemble functional user-level Banner Steering Committee
Project Lead: Director of Information Systems

  • Initialize an operational governance group of functional users from Finance, HR/Payroll, Registrar, Admissions and Financial Aid to coordinate operational activities involving enterprise-level technology systems and services.
  • Establish a Change Control Board to manage operational change requests for Enterprise Systems.

Evaluate safety applications, mass notification systems and social media monitoring
Project Lead: CIO

Review use of existing technology and implement apps or systems that directly improve campus safety.

Develop and communicate procedures that reduce security risk
Project Lead: Director of Client Services

Establish the Departing and New Employee Computer Procedure to coordinate between Technology, General Counsel and Human Resources to preserve employee data for future needs. 

Banner updates and integrations
Project Lead: Director of Information Systems

  • Ensure that primary business areas (Finance, HR, Payroll, Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar) are able to own and manage the processes within their respective areas. Bring in additional consulting and training if needed. 
  • Support Banner integrations with approved ancillary systems.
  • Prepare for Banner 9 update.
  • Banner Admin - Support and training for upgrade to Banner 9.   

Campus-wide digital asset management
Project Lead: Director of Information Systems

  • Bring up G Suite and Dropbox for easy-to-access storage, redundancy and collaboration.
  • Launch and support WebDam for marketing photos and videos.
  • Explore cold storage options for Film School, possibly utilize the Amazon Web Services contract through General Administration.

Training and certifications for Technology employees
Project Lead: CIO

Client Services technicians will complete SCCM, Jira Service Desk Administration, PMI and latest Apple Certified Support Professional certifications.