Questions
Q What are the goals and benefits?
A We promise to our students that they will receive a high quality education, and updated technology infrastructure and support will ensure that we deliver on that promise to our students. We have the opportunity to create something unique, a 21st century version of the university where personalized learning and services are a reality. Taught in a highly technological environment, UWF graduates will be able to successfully compete for jobs because the value of their UWF degree increases in value. For our faculty, they will have access to technology to reach students in creative and meaningful ways.
Q How was the plan developed?
A It was the work of many people. First, the UWF staff working in informational technology had already pursued several of the initiatives unveiled August 25. Because of their talents and dedication, the university is able to move forward with an aggressive plan. President Cavanaugh first heard of IT issues during his interview process. He surveyed faculty, staff and students. He charged the UPC-IT Committee to craft the first-ever IT Strategic Plan for UWF. The president held a series of open and special meetings, and he held a day-long retreat with key stakeholders. He invited an outside consultant to assess the status of UWF technology. Finally, he held numerous conversations with vice presidents and deans to forge the best plan for UWF. From this, the president crafted six initiatives to pursue.
Q What is the timeline for implementation?
A There is an 18-month timeline, but much of that depends on the availability of funds. During the fall 2003, the emphasis will be to reorganize the central IT units. Spring 2004 brings the reorganization of server and desktop support. Fall 2004 sees the reorganization of computer lab support and building an e-business support organization.
Q What does this mean for faculty?
A Faculty consistently have asked for better classroom technology, greater speed and capacity on the web and more assistance in developing on-line classes. The plan confronts all those issues, but perhaps most important will be a quick-strike team to support E-Learning. That team will provide university-wide support to all faculty, offering assistance and guidance on everything from how to upload a syllabus to development of a full on-line course. In addition, the Center for University Teaching and Learning will continue to provide faculty support activities, primarily pedagogical. The improvements also will help faculty by providing greater research capabilities.
Q What does this mean for students?
A They will have greater access to technology, which will enhance their education and better prepare them for the technological future.
Q What does this mean for staff?
A Staff will find more of their daily paperwork eliminated as forms and other reports are handled solely on line. There will be better on-line services, better support, more integrated data and a host of technological advancements that will ease the way we work.
Q How much will it cost?
A It is difficult to assess, but the cost will be in the millions. The university has set aside about $1.2 million this fiscal year to enhance IT, and it will seek to find more next year. Other IT needs, such as the ERP system to handle university employee and financial data is expected to cost $10.4 million during its first five years of operation.
Q Who pays for this?
A The university. While UWF continually seeks additional funds from the Legislature for technology, it has been a tough sell recently because of the economic recession. Unfortunately, Florida, unlike many other states, never dedicated a funding source solely for technology. Instead of handling it as a yearly operating expense, state fiscal managers initially funded it as a capital expense and expect universities to pay for technology from their budgets. Even the ERP system, which was mandated by the Legislature, was not funded.
Q Why is a student technology fee important?
A A dedicated funding stream will allow the university to plan for future classroom improvements and other technology services that directly benefit students. UWF intends to seek legislative authorization to implement the fee.
Q Where can I find the latest information?
A On this site. Check it weekly.
Q Who controls the content of the on-line courses?
A Faculty will.
Q Who selects the priorities for on-line course development?
A The provost, in consultation with deans, will decide the priorities. The E-Learning support team will operate as a quick-strike unit to develop full courses and degree programs on-line, while supplying daily faculty support.
Q Who controls the technical support for faculty?
A Because the university does not yet have the necessary staff, it is negotiating with a private vendor, Collegis, to direct the technical aspects of the initiatives.
Q What will happen to my job? To whom will I report?
A It is likely that most IT personnel will remain in their current offices, at least temporarily. The provost and deans are discussing the best way to restructure reporting lines to ensure efficiency and productivity, meeting the needs of the entire university, each college, all departments and all faculty members.
Q Will more people be hired?
A Yes, but that is purely a function of budget.