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Network and Information Systems Study INTRODUCTION TO STRENGTH AND PROBLEM STATEMENTS The Network and Information System Study Team for Kent State University began by soliciting information from faculty, students, and staff concerning their experience and opinions of current information systems and network facilities. The following two sections summarize the strengths and concerns that were heard during this information gathering effort. Twenty interview sessions (including one open session) were held over a five-day period during the first two weeks in November 1992. After each session, team notes were captured and entered into a lap-top computer. The study team also received a number of written reports from interview participants. This interview process included discussions with approximately 99 individuals. The interview sessions resulted in over eighty pages of notes summarizing the discussions. Note that even though this study was not focused on academic and instructional computing, issues and strengths were raised in these areas. The key strengths and issues raised are summarized respectively in the strength and problem statement sections of this report under the category of "Other Information Technology". In addition, over 3,000 questionnaires were mailed to all full faculty and staff and a random sample to 300 students. Also, questionnaires were circulated to students utilizing the computer laboratory sponsored by undergraduate student senate located in the student center, and more were circulated by leaders of the undergraduate and graduate student governments. A total of 905 completed questionnaires were returned with 285 from faculty, 76 from students, 294 from classified staff, and 249 from administrative staff. The team analyzed the information provided in the interviews, in the reports prepared by interview participants, and in the questionnaires. The team then prepared strength and problem statements which were organized into the following six categories: Management, Organization, Policies and Planning; Institutional Information and Access; Training and Support; Communications and Networking; Resources and Equipment; Other Information Technology Strengths/Issues. [ Table of Contents | Next page | Previous page ] |