As we approach the end of the year and my first semester as CITO, I want to provide you with a status update on some of the DTS accomplishments this fall as well as a sense of our priorities for 2016.
- We have reallocated funds and returned to a model of direct support for schools and colleges and have hired a new classroom improvement specialist. Searches are also underway for a project manager and a help desk manager.
- Budget planning has resulted in detailed, itemized information on current and future expenditures and the creation of a high-level infrastructure replacement plan.
- Technology in seven classrooms and the Legal Clinic have been renewed with plans and funding in place to renew an additional seven to eight classrooms in the Spring semester.
- We have built a redundant data center environment in Shakopee, Minn., for disaster recovery purposes, which should result in fewer future Internet outages. We have also worked with 24 departments to review their business-continuity plans.
- In order to improve our Banner system, new, robust hardware has been installed. In collaboration with our campus partners, we have implemented a new campus scheduling system and phases 1 and 2 of an online housing management system.
- Finally, management of Blackboard was moved off campus to increase reliability and availability.
As we end our calendar year and look towards 2016, we will be focusing on:
- Building a culture of service excellence
- Increasing collaboration across campus
- Improving our accountability
- Communicating better with campus
- Ensuring a reliable and robust technology infrastructure
- Reducing risks related to information technology
Thank you for your warm welcome to campus. I’m dedicated to continuing to improve DTS communication and service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of my staff to let us know how DTS can better serve you and your area.
I wish you a holiday season filled with happiness, and I look forward to working with you in 2016.
Chris Gill
Chief Information Technology Officer