Office of Information Technology

Strategic Plan

Technology Direction – Charting the Course

As Indiana State University strives to move technology adoption and use to the next level, the alignment of technology with the strategic direction of the institution becomes increasingly important if we are to achieve the desired outcomes in service, student learning, research and engagement. For a higher education institution to be competitive in today’s environment, the information technology (IT) solutions employed must move beyond basic competency. Rather, technology must be an integral part of the institutional fabric and the IT strategies must integrate with, and support, the business strategies of the organization. Moreover, the technology direction must anticipate future institutional needs and provide leverage and support for long-term change.

During 2007, the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) engaged in a strategic planning activity that resulted in a planning document (Information Technology Plan 2008-2010) which will guide ISU’s information technology direction during this period. The plan is consciously aligned with institutional strategic priorities and is intentionally aspirational.

The plan is comprised of 5 strategic goals with each goal supported by a number of conceptual initiatives which will be operationalized through the development and completion of targeted set of projects, tasks, and activities. The goals and initiatives for 2008-2010 are as follows:

Goal 1: Student Learning and Success – select and implement information technology and other strategies that integrate with other institutional efforts to foster the development of learning environments, address the needs of current and future students, and contribute to student success.

  • Support institutional efforts to improve student success in gateway courses (courses with high rates of drop, withdrawal and failure).
  • Improve and enhance faculty professional development opportunities, programs and activities.
  • Support and promote the exploration, adoption and assessment of innovative teaching strategies designed to improve learning.
  • Improve the quality and delivery of, and support for, distance and “blended/hybrid” courses and programs.
  • Improve student access to information resources and educational tools.
  • Assists and support faculty and student efforts related to knowledge creation and dissemination.

Goal 2 : Research – support the scholarly and creative activities of the faculty with appropriate technology-related and technology-enhanced tools, services and infrastructure.

  • Enhance the technology infrastructure (voice, video, and data) in support of faculty research activities.
  • Develop/identify and implement appropriate technology solutions and/or capabilities that facilitate the communication and dissemination of information related to ISU research activities.
  • Support faculty research efforts (particularly in STEM disciplines) through the enhancement of visualization and high-end computing capabilities.
  • Expand and enhance support for grant activities (writing, project/research efforts, assessment, and dissemination of results) to include both technology and non-technology-based projects and research (particularly in the area of humanities and professional disciplines/schools).
  • Identify and implement best practices to encourage and support creative activities of the faculty in their respective disciplines.

Goal 3: E-Connection – support the expansion, availability, effectiveness, security and efficiency of institutional services through the use and application of technology-based solutions.

  • Improve and enhance the voice, video, and data infrastructure in support of the current and future needs of students, faculty and staff.
  • Assist and support the investigation, adoption, implementation, and assessment of technology solutions that improve communication, collaboration and information sharing in support of the learning, research, communications, and administrative functions of the institution.
  • Enhance the security for the network, servers, and user workstations to further protect institutional data and the communications/video/data environment.
  • Investigate, select, and implement technology solutions and tools that augment and enhance learning, support faculty teaching, and improve access to information.
  • Improve and increase e-service capabilities for students and employees.
  • Improve and increase technology-based solutions that foster and improve office and administrative effectiveness and efficiency.

Goal 4: Recognition and Reputation – pursue state, regional, and national recognition of, and reputation for, Indiana State’s integration and application of technology in the academic enterprise.

  • Improve communication and information dissemination on campus and in the local community.
  • Identify and participate in state initiatives and activities to improve the awareness of and visibility for Indiana State University with higher education institutions, government, parents and prospective students, general public, business, and philanthropic agencies.
  • Develop and participate in regional (mid-west multi-state) higher education activities, collaborations, consortiums, and organizations
  • Support of the marketing and enrollment services efforts of Indiana State University
  • Increase the visibility for Indiana State University by disseminating information about innovative uses of technology through publications, conference presentations, organizational membership and participation on national committees and subcommittee (i.e., Merlot, Educause, etc.)
  • Build and enhance the “service orientation” and “support responsiveness” of the OIT and CIRT units.

Goal 5: Outreach – work cooperatively with extended communities to enhance the general technology environments supporting educational, social, and business and economic development activities.

  • Develop and pursue opportunities for partnerships with K-12 institutions, locally and at the state level, to improve academic preparation, encourage college attendance, and improve student success.
  • Identify and participate in community engagement projects that support community improvement, promote life-long learning, and assist other non-profit groups and agencies.
  • Seek out and build cooperative and collaborative relationships with other local higher education institutions (particularly Ivy Tech) in order to expand student and faculty opportunities
  • Identify and support the efforts of faculty and the Center for Business Engagement to foster and promote local and state business and economic development opportunities.
  • Work with faculty and the Office of International Affairs to develop, enhance, and support international collaborations, educational programs, and institutional relationships.