Longwood University
Information and Instructional Technology Services
Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives
2009-2010
(subject to review by VITA)
Longwood University
Strategic Plan for Information Technology
Introduction: Longwood University serves as a unique and dynamic agent for positive and sustainable change within and among its communities and constituencies. This is especially important within the Southside region of the Commonwealth. The University’s Information Technology strategic plan directly supports the strategic plan of the institution as well as the University’s mission, “the development of citizen leaders who are prepared to make positive contributions to the common good of society.”
Technology Mission: From this context, the strategic mission for Information and Instructional Technology Services (IITS) has evolved. The mission of IITS is to collaborate within and beyond the University to “provide technology resources that enhance the transformation of capable men and women into citizen leaders.” In addition, the vision for technology at Longwood is “to be a trusted, agile partner in delivering technology services that assist in the development of citizen leaders.”
Guiding Principles: Technology at Longwood has several guiding principles that bring the institution’s mission and vision to reality:
- Instruction, research and service are the key missions of the institution. Technology in and of itself is secondary and exists only to facilitate the mission of Longwood University.
- Change and technology are linked. The technology environment is ever changing.
- Technology systems are extremely complex. A well-integrated and exceptionally sophisticated portfolio is needed to ensure the mission of the institution.
- Collaboration is essential in order to have successful technology projects. Collaboration involves cross-university groups and management from the Information Technology Project Management office.
IITS’ value statements directly support its mission, vision and guiding principles:
- Provide a positive work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity.
- Provide extraordinary customer service.
- Recognize that collaboration is essential to success.
- Model the values of citizen leadership.
- Embrace new technologies through research and development.
In order for the IT organization within the University to succeed, it will need to build and enhance relationships across the University.
As previously stated, the university Information Technology strategic plan directly supports the University’s strategic plan and is organized in a similar fashion. The University’s strategic plan has four measurable areas each of which is supported by measurable outcomes from the various units at Longwood. The measurable outcomes change from year to year while the goals remain consistent.
1. Distinctive Impact:
Longwood University serves as a unique and dynamic agent for positive and sustainable change within and among its communities and constituencies.
Rationale:
The university will develop a diverse community that fosters a collegial climate where divergent ideas are respected, improving the quality of life through service to the region, and serving as a catalyst for regional prosperity and advancement.
Through Distinctive Impact, Longwood University will:
- Model the values of citizen leadership.
- Provide leadership in effecting positive and sustainable change.
- Build cultural respect, global understanding, civility, and an appreciation for human diversity.
- Distinguish itself as a premier institution through its signature programs
Information Technology Unit |
2009-2010 Measurable Outcomes |
Information Technology Administration |
Provide leadership with strategic guidance for Midatlantic Broadband Cooperative (MBC). Longwood’s Chief Information Officer will chair the Audit and Finance Committee of the MBC Board of Directors as well as represent Longwood on the Board of Directors, its Executive Committee and on its Nominating Committee. |
Instructional Technology Services |
Provide technical support for the College of Business and Economics’ yearly free tax clinic for the citizens of the region. |
2. Engaged Learning:
The Longwood University community demonstrates a commitment for lifelong learning that results in personal and professional growth through emphasizing active involvement, collaboration, and application of knowledge.
Rationale:
Longwood University will sustain an engaged learning community large enough to provide a broad palette of opportunities yet small enough to be a true community. High levels of faculty-directed research and scholarship; student-faculty interaction; active and collaborative learning experiences; enriched educational offerings including internships, service learning, and cross-cultural opportunities; healthy lifestyles; lifelong learning; and, technological innovation will characterize the learning environment.
Through the Engaged Learning emphasis, Longwood University will:
- Integrate instructional and co-curricular strategies that engage students actively in learning.
- Create a learning environment that permeates all aspects of the Longwood experience.
- Provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, including the use of regional communities as laboratories where students can apply classroom knowledge to real world application.
- Manage enrollment growth that enhances the ability to achieve the university’s mission and retain its unique institutional character.
Information Technology Unit |
2009-2010 Outcomes |
Communications and Technology Services |
Provide three foreign language channels in the residence halls. |
Application and Engineering Services |
Initiate a collaborative program between IITS and one student computer science class per academic year to utilize student talents in development. |
3. Superior Performance:
Longwood University achieves excellence in institutional effectiveness through continual improvement.
Rationale:
Students’ academic accomplishments will be defined by demonstrating a sound grasp of the arts and sciences as well as the ability to think critically, respond creatively, and apply knowledge. Assessment of these competencies will be used to ensure continuous improvement of the educational experience.
The academic curriculum, institutional operations, as well as the performance of faculty and staff, will be continually assessed and refined to ensure rigor, effectiveness, and relevance to Longwood’s distinctive mission.
Through the Superior Performance emphasis, Longwood University will:
- Meet or exceed regional and national standards for learning and performance.
- Provide the environment and opportunities that unleash the unique potential in every individual.
- Conduct systematic assessment to ensure accountability in meeting goals and continuous program improvement.
Information Technology Unit |
2009-2010 Outcomes |
Instructional Technology Services |
Update 50% of the academic computing labs to current desktop technologies. |
Instructional Technology Services |
Update all classrooms in Ruffner, Grainger and Chichester to most current desktop technologies. |
Application and Engineering Services |
Increase Storage Area Network capacity from 12 terabytes to 37 terabytes. |
User Support Services |
Conduct annual division-wide assessment to measure satisfaction with all areas of IITS. An assessment report will be submitted to the University’s Academic Committee on Assessment. |
User Support Services |
Become an Apple Authorized Service Provider allowing warranty repairs to be performed in the Computer Repair Center. |
4. Responsible Stewardship:
Longwood University embraces its responsibility to manage human, cultural, environmental, fiscal, and capital resources effectively.
Rationale:
Longwood University will be a model for the Commonwealth in its ethical and responsible stewardship of resources. The university will incorporate the most effective and innovative methods and practices in supporting the institution’s mission.
Through the Responsible Stewardship emphasis, Longwood University will:
- Plan and prioritize resource allocation to achieve institutional efficiency and effectiveness.
- Utilize best practice principles to ensure appropriate and effective management of all resources.
- Ensure a safe and secure campus environment.
Information Technology Unit |
2009-2010 Outcomes |
Application and Engineering Services |
Create a formalized system for tracking application maintenance fees. |
Application and Engineering Services |
Convert all information technology staff to one work order system that is ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) compliant to improve efficiency. |
Instructional Technology Services |
Utilize a state contract for desktops to reduce cost and increase SWAM spending. |
Information Security Services |
Compile the results of all data owners’ classifications of data to ensure that 100% of University data has been classified for sensitivity. |