UMA Strategic Plan - History and Context for Objective 7.2
Objective 7.2: Update the Master Technology Plan to enhance the institution's academic and administrative technology infrastructure.
7.2.1 The Technology Advisory Planning Committee (TAPC) will conduct a needs assessment to identify the University's current and future technology needs.
Historically, the usual process for assessing and responding to specific faculty needs begins when IT is asked to support a faculty member's curriculum development or teaching technology request. If the request requires new funding, it is taken to the TAPC for review, prioritization, and funding if approved, otherwise current budget resources or existing equipment is used. A similar process is used for all support offices.When IT is ready to upgrade University technology infrastructure such as server or telephone technology the department recommends to the Vice President for Finance who also supervises the department. The Telephone Advisory Group, consisting of members from UMA and UNET-Augusta, also make recommendations. President's Staff is advised of decisions.
During the academic year 2007, the TAPC will review and edit the Technology Plan based on IT's and the TAPC's experiences over recent years, and consider planning already underway at UMA and Systemwide. The plan will be updated annually.
7.2.2 The Technology Advisory Planning Committee will consult with technology providers to identify how to improve access and functionality, how to budget for improvements, and how to schedule network upgrades.
UMA's TAPC reviews technology requests made by faculty and staff and after assessing resources (human and financial) makes recommendations to the Provost regarding which projects should be funded.
One of UMA's major vendors is UNET, the University System Technology Support Group, who maintain the System's wide area network, wireless networks, Blackboard (online course management system), and e-mail just to name a few.
Another major vendor is Computer Connection, a preferred Systemwide vendor, which is located on the Orono campus. Most hardware and software purchases are obtained directly through Computer Connection, at substantial educational prices.
UMA participates in the University of Maine System IT Directors' Council which meets every other month. In addition, the technical staff members from the System and each campus meet twice a year to share ideas and best solutions, helping to avoid wasted energy and resources.
Computer Services has an established minimum hardware configuration. Funds have been set aside so that each fiscal year one classroom or lab is upgraded with new hardware. The old hardware is then redistributed to staff offices to replace ageing hardware. In addition, the Provost's office has funds set aside each fiscal year to upgrade faculty technology.
7.2.3 The Technology Advisory Planning Committee will provide guidance for all new technology initiatives and installations.
With input from members of the TAPC, UMA's Computer Services staff has created and implemented a campus-wide Technology Purchasing Policy. This policy was created to ensure that all purchases are compatible with other University software and equipment and meet pre-established minimum hardware configuration and quality requirements. This policy also ensures that new purchases can be supported by campus IT staff.
The TAPC has two representatives from each academic college and one representative from all major departments, e.g., student development, library, Administrative Services etc.
With input from the TAPC, Computer Services has developed an Employee Acceptable Use Policy which details use of technology on campus.