by Tom Galaraga
Staff Writer
With the University of La Verne’s technological needs rapidly increasing, decisions to consolidate the Management of Information Systems (MIS) and Academic Computing Services (ACS) have been made.
The decisions to unify the previously separate departments arrived after both the Technology Task Force (TTF) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) evaluated the University’s current state of technology.
The TTF, which was headed by Philip Hawkey, executive vice president, recognized the need for a more comprehensive support department and also found that technology at ULV suffered from lack of funding.
Although not unanimous, TTF officials decided that a single department was needed to better organize technological efforts. Several members of the TTF, however including Jay Jones, chair of ACS, felt separate departments could handle ULV’s support needs.
The sole purpose of the newly formed Office of Information Technology (OIT) is to centralize computer management. This will reportedly result in a more efficient computer system support.
Former director of MIS and TTF member Clive Houston-Brown, has been placed as chief information officer of the OIT. It was his original proposal that led to the formation of the OIT.
“In the long run the OIT provides better management of people and resources, eliminates redundant support, and reduces user confusion,” Houston-Brown said.
The OIT is composed of four specialized teams that handle the University and its 12 off-site campus support needs.
These teams provide support in: Applications, End User/Desktop, Systems and Network programs. The use of the four teams allow support expansion and offer better coverage for the OIT.
The two previous separate departments, had overlapping duties that reportedly confused users and proved to be inefficient.
According to a previous WASC report, 50 percent of all respondents were unsure of which department to call for the proper support. With a single department in charge of computer management, respondents can more easily access the proper support without having to hassle with the two separate support groups.
“I’m very excited about the OIT, it gives us an opportunity to use our small staff more effectively,” Houston-Brown said.
Benefits of the OIT come in the financial form as well.
“The OIT basically allows us to use or identify the appropriated funding to fulfill our plan for technology at the University,” Houston-Brown said.
With the consolidation of the two departments, priorities can be more easily identified and funding better isolated.
The OIT will also oversee the integration of technology into the learning environment at ULV.
With the integration of technology into the classroom, Houston-Brown said he anticipates stronger support for the faculty and a significant enhancement of the learning experience.
The OIT will not only be the foundation the University strives for in technological advancement, but also will also serve as its infrastructure.
