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Network and Information Systems Study APPENDIX B KENT STATE UNIVERSITY V. P. FOR BUSINESS and FINANCE
Computing and information technology is expected to play an important role as Kent State University responds to the Governor's "do more with less" challenge by developing and implementing new and creative approaches to meeting its service and support responsibilities . Over the years, Kent State University has made a significant investment in computing and information technology to sustain its academic programs and support operation. However, like most universities, Kent has been challenged in its effort to maintain a sufficient level of resources to meet demands. Studies and plans have been undertaken and completed periodically to respond to specific requirements, e.g. recent studies include the campus-wide network plan and the Academic Support Systems Task Force (ASSTF) report. The campus-wide network plan primarily addressed inter-building and backbone connectivity issues while the ASSTF report identified key communication and student information system issues and recommendations. President Cartwright has asked that we build on these reports by organizing a committee to conduct a university-wide analysis and establish an integrated and comprehensive direction for networking and information systems. The committee's charge will be to assess network and information system needs, in part, by interviewing and gathering information from Kent students, faculty and staff from all divisions of the University. In addition, the committee will be charged with developing a plan that defines network and information system objectives, issues, recommendations and implementation priorities. IBM has offered to provide a consultant to assist the committee with this data gathering and planning effort. Furthermore, IBM will provide this consulting service at no charge or obligation on Kent's part to purchase any additional equipment or services. Thus, we are pleased to accept IBM's offer to assist us with this effort. The consultant will serve as facilitator as we utilize the IBM Application Transfer Study (ATS) methodology to complete this analysis and planning effort. The ATS methodology has been used extensively by Universities (with IBM assistance) to establish computing and information technology plans. Since 1978, IBM has successfully facilitated over 400 ATS studies in higher education. The study usually takes six weeks to complete and will require the equivalent of at least three days each week. We write at this time to confirm your participation on this committee. Your name was suggested by either Provost Henry or me for participation. This is an opportunity to examine how well computing and information technology at Kent supports the University's networking and information system objectives and to explore ways to enhance this support. IBM has advised that the committee be limited to six to eight individuals. Therefore, the committee will consist of one representative from each of the following area-: Provost's office, Regional Campuses, Student Affairs, Library, Faculty, Financial Affairs, Information Services, and Business and Finance. Ilee Rhimes, Associate Vice President for Business and Finance, has agreed to chair the committee since he has overall responsibility for computing and information technology. I understand, that Ilee has already contacted you and confirmed a planning meeting on October 7, 1992 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Urban Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the Library. He will be in touch with each of you again shortly regarding the agenda. For your information and future planning, the six-week review will begin sometime during the week of November 2, 1992. The computer planning study on networking and information systems is an extremely important initiative for the University and I am pleased that you have agreed to be a part of this process. If you are unable to serve or have any questions about the study, please contact me as soon as possible.
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