One IT Initiative

Building a more connected​ and secure IT organization for UMass Amherst

The One IT Initiative will establish a single, center-led IT organization for UMass Amherst with these primary goals:

  • Improve information security and reduce institutional risk through standardized practices
  • Ensure consistent, coordinated IT support, services, and systems across campus
  • Establish defined career paths for IT staff to support retention and employee satisfaction
Smiling IT staff members attending an IT Conference

One IT Initiative : Our Approach

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People Focus

Staff Engagement Initiative

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Finance Focus

Finance Engagement & Discovery

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Technical Focus

Technical Discovery & Assessment

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One IT Initiative Timeline

Our path towards a center-led IT model

Summer & Fall 2026

Staff Engagement Initiative: Phase 2

  • Shared & Embedded Solutions Working Group (IT representatives from across campus)
  • Listening sessions with IT stakeholders
  • Develop service delivery model

 

Finance Engagement & Discovery

  • Meetings with Executive Fiscal Officers and Business Managers
  • Build shared understanding of IT costs, services, and cross-unit dependencies​
  • Develop IT financial model for FY28

 

Technical Discovery & Assessment

  • Independent assessment with Deloitte
  • Discovery for aged/redundant systems, equipment, and infrastructure
  • Baseline assessment of campus IT services, resources, and risk exposure
  • Benchmarking with R1 institutions

 

Spring 2026

  • Staff Engagement Initiative Phase 1: Individual discovery meetings with each member of embedded IT teams
  • Deputy CTO meetings with IT staff, supervisors, department heads and chairs

 

Fall 2025

  • One IT Initiative plans announced to campus
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Deputy CTO meetings with Deans and Dean Designees
  • Deputy CTO meetings with IT staff and supervisors
  • Initial changes to reporting lines - View current IT Org Chart
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Center Led

Benefits of a Center-Led Model

A center-led model gives us shared direction on strategy, security, and systems—while keeping IT support close to the work it serves.

  • Strategic direction from the center
  • Local presence maintained
  • Flexibility to meet local needs
  • Shared planning and accountability
  • Embedded staff, stronger campus connection
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Shared & Embedded Solutions

Embedded solutions are performed by staff dedicated to a specific unit, typically where specialized expertise is required.

Shared solutions are common functions provided across multiple units for efficiency and consistency.

Evolving Shared and Embedded Solutions with Center-Led IT

Our transition plan includes the establishment of clear processes for both embedded and shared service models, while ensuring alignment with institutional standards. 

In the short term, current embedded services will remain in place. In the long term, after IT staff engagement and discovery phases are concluded, some functions may move into a shared service model, with a centralized intake process to ensure consistency and transparency. 

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Strong Security Through Shared Standards

Cybersecurity is a major driver behind our shift to a center-led IT model.

Fragmented systems and inconsistent policies leave the entire university exposed — from research and student data to infrastructure and operations.​

A unified structure enables faster response, consistent protections, and clearer accountability across all units.​

It’s about building a stronger foundation so our teams can move faster and protect more, together.​

The Initiative: 
One IT for UMass Amherst

This name refers to projects and processes leading us towards the new center-led IT model.

Our Name: 
UMass Amherst Information Technology

We retain our familiar and trusted identity, recognized as the authority on campus technology.

Strategic Alignment: 
Technology Solutions for the Common Good 

Our goals align directly with the campus mission and strategic plan.