Initiatives

Flexible Learning Initiative

• Spring 2023
  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.
• Summer 2023
  More Flex classrooms announced. Planned upgrades for computer classrooms, hybrid classrooms, and other teaching & learning spaces underway.
• Fall 2023
  Expand classroom technology support model in partnership with the Provost's Office.

Instructional Technology Platform Exploration

Cross-campus collaboration

• Spring 2023
  In conjunction with the Provost's Office, announced the selection of Canvas as the single learning management system for UMass Amherst.
• Summer 2023
  Transition to Canvas announced. Supporting the outreach, training & rollout of the new platform.
• Fall 2023
  Providing the technical infrastructure for course migration to Canvas.

Research Computing Services

In partnership with Center for Data Science

• Spring 2023
  In collaboration with the Center for Data Science, established a new research facilitation team of seven & a new service support & delivery strategy.
• Summer 2023
  Positioned the UMass Amherst-grown Unity cluster as the flagship UMass system cluster with regional partners. Continue to increase funding for research computing services.
• Fall 2023
  Growing research computing services, including the Unity cluster.

Next Generation Phone System Transition

• Spring 2023
  Transition for individual lines complete.
• Summer 2023
  Transition of departmental lines underway.
• Fall 2023
  Transition of departmental lines continues.

Web Ecosystem Initiative

Joint with University Relations

• Spring 2023
  Provided strategic, tactical, and operational support to create a scalable, accessible, and resilient environment for campus websites.
• Summer 2023
  Provide hosting and technical support for the launch of high-visibility websites.
• Fall 2023
  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.

SPIRE

• Spring 2023
  Developed strategic roadmap & started the assessment of SPIRE components & integrations.
• Summer 2023
  Add two-step login & complete login experience change for SPIRE
• Fall 2023
  Continue to modernize SPIRE for performance and user experience.

Network connectivity: Wireless First

• Spring 2023
  Continued to replace or add new wireless access points in academic & administrative buildings. Leveraged AI-driven technologies to identify & rectify wireless issues.
• Summer 2023
  Wireless upgrades continue in preparation for the 2023-2024 academic year.
• Fall 2023
  Planning for the next generation of internet connectivity continues. Prioritize automation and virtualization for sustainability and carbon mitigation.

Vendor & Product Security

• Spring 2023
  Began implementation of a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform that allows for more consistency and deeper analysis of risks for cloud vendors and products.
• Summer 2023
  Reviewed first vendors with new GRC platform.
• Fall 2023
  Continue to refine GRC process and work with President's Office for vendor and product reviews.
• Spring 2024
  Fully integrate GRC platform into Vendor and Product Reviews
• Summer 2024
  Begin cross platform and longitudinal reviews of all vendors/products

Identity & Access Management (IAM)

• Spring 2023
  Launched I AM at UMass Amherst, 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.
• Summer 2023
  Roll out improved access management features, consolidate authentication systems, and implement two-step login for administrative accounts.
• Fall 2023
  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.
• Spring 2024
  With selected IAM partner, develop project roadmap for IAM implementation.
• Summer 2024
  Kick-off IAM implementation Project

IT Service Desk: IT Support & Learning

• Spring 2023
  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.
• Summer 2023
  Incorporate usability & accessibility in the IT service lifecycle.
• Fall 2023
  Further develop the IT Service Desk as a unified IT support hub for the campus community with enhanced self-service options.

IT Service Management

• Spring 2023

  Completed IT service maturity assessment & developed strategic roadmap for delivering IT services at UMass Amherst, including engagement & feedback strategy.

• Summer 2023
  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.

• Fall 2023
  Formalize action plans for asset management and service inventories using ServiceNow.
  Continue to standardize technology support for campus departments.