SWOT Analysis

The Goal 6 Committee judged that the University is meeting its goal to provide comprehensive information technology services. Computing is widely available and information technology tools are used effectively to increase communication. However, more can be done to utilize existing resources to integrate information and educational technologies. In the face of rapid changes in computing, finding adequate financial resources to meet campus needs remains a challenge.

In summary, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with regard to computing are as follows:

Internal Assessment of the Organization

Strengths

Flexible, responsive administration of computing
Well-maintained network
Universal, convenient computer/Internet access
Local control and flexibility
Integration of computing in curricula
Successful integrated administrative computing (BANNER®)
School of Technology’s new systems administration program

Weaknesses

Insufficient oversight of student lab fee expenditures
Financial strain for small departments
Inefficient interdepartmental resource sharing
No instructional computing center or support personnel
Staff turnover
No career path and limited training for systems administrators
Insufficient backup for systems administrators
No on-campus high performance facilities

Opportunities

Continuing increase in the speed and power of information technology
Enormous potential of the WWW for on-campus and distance education

Threats

Limited lifespan of hardware and software
Enrollment fluctuations which undermine student lab fee system

External Assessment of the Environment

Action Plan

To take advantage of opportunities and remedy concerns with regard to computing, the following action plan is recommended. Responsible parties for implementing the recommendations are identified.

	What	Who

1	Establish annual mechanism for accountability for student lab fee expenditures, which is independent of process of establishing new fees.	CAC Executive Vice President and Provost
2	Develop central instructional computing center to help faculty integrate computing and educational technologies.	Center for Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development The Library Information Technology
3	Review salary levels and improve professional development opportunities for systems administrators.	Human Resources Iinformation Technology
4	Increase base budget funding for faculty computing to CAC's $1,000/faculty target.	Office of the Provost

This Action Plan will be integrated into the strategic planning process for 1998/99.

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Last Revised: 12 DECEMBER 1997
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