2002-2003 IT Update

UNC Division of Information Resources

December 2003

Welcome to the 2002-2003 IT Update, an overview of activities and accomplishments of the Division of Information Resources.  The division has provided guidance to the University on IT issues and concerns since 1999, when the Board of Governors adopted UNC’s IT Strategic Plan and the division was created.  In previous IT Strategy Annual Updates, we’ve focused on the division’s efforts to ensure the initial $10 million investment to implement the strategy delivered maximum benefits to the University and to individual campuses. 

For this year’s update, we take a different approach, one that concentrates on the six strategic directions associated with the 2002-2007 long-range plan adopted by the Board of Governors.  The efforts of the division are targeted squarely at meeting the goals outlined in the six directions, yet Information Resources does not operate in a vacuum.  Our collaborations within the Office of the President and with individual campuses, state agencies, SAS and other partners illustrate the scope of our challenges and the power of sharing expertise and resources.

From online courses to grid computing, information technology is helping us deliver quality academic programs, address the challenges inherent in research and conduct the daily business of the University more efficiently.  We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Robyn R. Render

UNC Vice President for Information Resources and CIO

Ensuring access to higher education

Providing support for e-Learning and distance education

Enhancing affordability of attending UNC

Helping UNC Office of the President and constituent campuses operate more efficiently

Expanding student support services to improve access to information, communications and advocacy

Building institutional financial support

Building a promising future for North Carolina

Expanding access through e-Learning

Helping teachers and learners effectively use technology

Building a reliable, responsive infrastructure

Increasing efficiency through cost savings

Ensuring timely implementation of the UNC IT Strategy

Strengthening administrative systems and student services

Meeting the needs of the state’s public schools

Bridging the gap between supply and demand for teachers

Increasing e-Learning opportunities for professional development

Expanding the frontiers of knowledge

Enhancing outreach and economic development initiatives

Facilitating access to databases, software and other tools

Sharing IT resources and expertise

Opening doors to global classrooms

Preparing leaders in a multi-ethnic and global society

Managing risks of internationalization

Transforming the ways we teach, learn and work

Expanding the authority and capacity for management flexibility

Ensuring accountability and strengthening communication

Developing best practices and support systems for e-Learning

Facilitating the transition to new enterprise management systems

Ensuring compliance with HIPPA regulations

Strengthening partnerships with the public and private sectors

On the horizon