Midterm Assessment: The Indiana University Information Technology Plan

Abstract

We would like to begin this midterm assessment with a brief statement of overall findings. It is the opinion of the UITC that extraordinary strides have been made by the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology (OVPIT ), by University Information Technology Services (UITS), and by other agencies within the university to achieve the vision outlined in the IT Strategic Plan. In some cases, such as advanced networking, progress has exceeded expectations; in this and other areas, the university is recognized as a national leader; and in many areas, while much progress has been made, further challenges remain. This midterm assessment contains a number of recommendations for midcourse revision or shifting emphases, yet the briefest summary of our findings and our strongest recommendation to OVPIT and UITS would be: "Well done! Press on!" Indeed, the greatest challenge for the remaining two years of the IT Strategic Plan may be to sustain the progress achieved during the first three years, as the State's fiscal crisis threatens to put all these accomplishments in jeopardy. Progress toward the goals set in the various Recommendations and Actions of the Information Technology Strategic Plan has been supported through the internal reallocation of funds within UITS and OVPIT, and through State appropriations of technology funds in thel 999-2001 biennium and again in the 2001-2003 biennium. Additional State support was appropriated for the Abi.lene Network Operations Center, the I-Light optical fiber infrastructure (which connects IUB and Purdue West Lafayette with Indianapolis and IUPUI), and the State GigaPoP. Moreover, in the 1999 and 2001 sessions of the Indiana Legislature, funds were appropriated and bonding authority given to construct a building on the IUPUI campus that will house classrooms, laboratories, departments, centers, and institutes that have IT as a significant part of their programs and curricula. These resources have made information technology a major force in promoting the excellence of learning, teaching and research at Indiana University. The UITC fully appreciates the State's fiscal crisis, and we know that Indiana University is committed to cooperating with and assisting the State as we work through current economic difficulties. Spending reductions proposed by the Governor include reduced appropriations to higher education. These cuts will be very painful, particularly as they would affect planned investments in information technology. We know that IU will make every effort to protect the academic mission of the university, so that research, teaching, learning and service are not adversely affected. However, the UITC also believes that Indiana University already plays a leadership role in enhancing the State's economy by building upon our strengths in information technol­ogy, thereby fostering growth and opportunity for all Hoosiers in the New Economy.