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
Poeple walk past campus buildings in snow

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.

 

Icon of people

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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Projected Timeline

Our path towards a center-led IT model

Fall 2025

  • One IT Initiative plans announced to campus.
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Deputy CTO meetings with Deans and Dean Designees begin.
  • Deputy CTO meetings with IT staff and supervisors
  • Initial changes to reporting lines

Spring 2026

  • Staff engagement Initiative with decentralized technology support staff begins.
  • Technical discovery for aged/redundant systems, equipment, infrastructure

 

Illustration of hands in a circle

Shared & Embedded Services

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

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

Evolving Shared and Embedded Services 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. 

 

graphic representing layers of security. The outer shell is campus units, data research, student services. The next in is Unified IT Standards and tools, and the deepest level is Security Team CISO

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.​

One IT Initiative
UMass Amherst Information Technology