Formation of the New OIT Department
In a university that has over 20,000 students and 2500 faculty and staff, the task of an IT department becomes daunting and challenging. Due to the size of the University and the amount of work that comes with the size, changing times, and changing demands, sub-units were formed in the Department. These sub-units were formed to ensure efficiency and productivity since each unit has a specific mission. The sub-units will also effectively and efficiently enhance teaching, learning, and research. The units created include:
1.) Enterprise Computing
2.) Infrastructure
3.) Training and Research
4.) Security and Compliance and
5.) Services. Below is an explanation of the functions of these units.
Explanation of OIT Units
- Enterprise Computing: Enterprise computing encompasses all the various types of enterprise software, including database management, relationship management, and so on. Enterprise computing is usually seen as a collection of big business software solutions to common problems such as resource management and streamlining processes. This unit is tasked with the responsibility of implementing and maintaining the University’s information systems that support university operations. In addition, this unit partners with University’s business units, and cross-functional groups to identify and implement efficient, cost-effective IT solutions. The Unit is headed by a deputy director and consists of two main sub-units: Administrative Computing and Academic Computing:
- Administrative Computing: This unit supports the administrative data systems that help the University conduct its business. Administrative Computing ensures that staff, spread across more than four campuses, receive the efficient, friendly, and high-quality services they need so that they can, in turn, support the University’s mission. The Unit is also responsible for all of the University’s ERP systems as well as its web presence.
- Academic Computing: This unit supports the University’s academic mission. It provides the technical expertise, resources, and services directly to students and faculty, and to other units that in turn support aspects of the UL’s mission. Academic Computing provides information on the use of IT in teaching, learning, and research environments. An example of the services Academic Computing provides is the management of computer labs and support to students and faculty in the use of SCHOOLINK, the University’s Student Management System. The Academic Computing Unit also provides faculty-specific computing resources and supports to the UL Library System and e-Learning (ONLINE).
- Infrastructure: This Unit is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of all University’s computing infrastructure including network connectivity, servers, power systems, computers, data centers, network nodes, etc. This Unit is headed by a deputy director.
- Security and Compliance Unit: This unit ensures all IT resources are used prudently and IT services are delivered at an economic value and in adherence to IT policies. It also coordinates the development and maintenance of the University’s information security mechanisms. This Unit is also responsible for network security, cybersecurity and hardware, and software evaluation. This Unit is headed by a deputy director.
- Training, Research, and Innovation: This Unit provides special IT training in various application packages for the University community. The Unit works in collaboration with the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) to provide faculty and staff training. The Unit also works with the University community on research projects and innovation. This Unit is headed by a deputy director.
- Services: This unit is the first line of support for “constituents”. The Unit assesses problems from “constituents” and makes the appropriate referrals. It provides user support and support for computer hardware and software, audio-visual systems, etc. The unit is also responsible for desktop support, routine maintenance, backup services, disaster recovery readiness and system reliability. The Unit is responsible for project management, preventive maintenance, and helpdesk, as well as inventory control. It is headed by a deputy director.
Organizational Chart of the OIT
