2021-2025 Strategic Plan | Initiatives [1]
Initiatives
A selection of projects that achieve our strategic goals.This page provides an overview of planned and anticipated changes to IT services with a tangible impact on the campus community and is not an exhaustive list of IT initiatives.
Flexible Teaching & Learning
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Flexible Learning Initiative [12]
(cross-campus collaboration)
Providing the technical backbone for the Flexible Learning Initiative. Launch of additional Flex classrooms. Upgrades for computer classrooms, hybrid classrooms, and other teaching & learning spaces.
More Flex classrooms announced. Planned upgrades for computer classrooms, hybrid classrooms, and other teaching & learning spaces underway.
Expand classroom technology support model in partnership with the Provost's Office.
Instructional Technology Platform Exploration
(cross-campus collaboration)
In conjunction with the Provost's Office, announced the selection of Canvas as the single learning management system for UMass Amherst.
Transition to Canvas announced. Supporting the outreach, training & rollout of the new platform.
Providing the technical infrastructure for course migration to Canvas.
Research Computing
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Research Computing Services
(in partnership with Center for Data Science)
In collaboration with the Center for Data Science, established a new research facilitation team of seven & a new service support & delivery strategy.
Positioned the UMass Amherst-grown Unity cluster as the flagship UMass system cluster with regional partners. Continue to increase funding for research computing services.
Growing research computing services, including the Unity cluster.
Communication & Collaboration
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Transition for individual lines complete.
Transition of departmental lines underway.
Transition of departmental lines continues.
Web Ecosystem Initiative
(joint with University Relations)
Provided strategic, tactical, and operational support to create a scalable, accessible, and resilient environment for campus websites.
Provide hosting and technical support for the launch of high-visibility websites.
Modernize the campus web content management systems and on-premise web infrastructure. Assist in the implementation of a common framework for campus websites and the next phases of the web ecosystem initiative.
Network & Computing Infrastructure
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SPIRE
Developed strategic roadmap & started the assessment of SPIRE components & integrations.
Add two-step login & complete login experience change for SPIRE
Continue to modernize SPIRE for performance and user experience.
Network connectivity: Wireless First
Continued to replace or add new wireless access points in academic & administrative buildings. Leveraged AI-driven technologies to identify & rectify wireless issues.
Wireless upgrades continue in preparation for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Planning for the next generation of internet connectivity continues. Prioritize automation and virtualization for sustainability and carbon mitigation.
Information Security
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Vendor & Product Security
Began implemenation of a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform that allows for more consistency and deeper analysis of risks for cloud vendors and products.
Reviewed first vendors with new GRC platform.
Continue to refine GRC process and work with President's Office for vendor and product reviews.
Fully integrate GRC platform into Vendor and Product Reviews
Begin cross platform and longitudinal reviews of all vendors/products
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Launched I AM at UMass Amherst [14], a multi-year roadmap for identity and access management, which aligns technology systems with our dynamic personal and professional identities, supports flexible and equitable digital experiences, and further safeguards university resources.
Roll out improved access management features, consolidate authentication systems, and implement two-step login for administrative accounts.
Continue to implement Grouper, an enterprise group and access management software that simplifies access management across campus. Publish a Request for Information (RFI) to find next generation IAM partners.
With selected IAM partner, develop project roadmap for IAM implementation
Kick-off IAM implementation Project
Support & Operational Excellence
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IT Service Desk: IT Support & Learning
With new expanded hours and located in a more convenient, central location on campus, the IT Service Desk solved issues more efficiently for more students, faculty, and staff.
Incorporate usability & accessibility in the IT service lifecycle.
Further develop the IT Service Desk as a unified IT support hub for the campus community with enhanced self-service options.
IT Service Management
Completed IT service maturity assessment & developed strategic roadmap for delivering IT services at UMass Amherst, including engagement & feedback strategy.
Grow the adoption of the ServiceNow platform for service management and support and incident management across campus.
Formalize action plans for asset management and service inventories using ServiceNow.
Continue to standardize technology support for campus departments.