In August, the Information Management Governance Committee surveyed the campus to plan future infrastructure improvements in hardware, software, network connectivity and support services.
In all, 1,359 employees and 446 students responded. In addition, focus groups were held to learn more about the issues. Several themes emerged:
Basic Services such as Microsoft Office/Office 365, email services and internet/web access function well. As the campus becomes a digital campus, however:
- The Help Desk needs to be responsive 24/7;
- There is a need to upgrade the internet speed in many buildings on campus, particularly the education buildings;
- Service of tech support varies between colleges/units and expertise needs to be broader;
- Connectivity to Kearney, Scottsbluff and Norfolk is highly variable and needs to improve; and
- Software/hardware needs to be ready in classrooms prior to class start.
On data security, the majority of those interviewed understand the issues and need for internet/data security. Most believe that encryption of thumb drives is “overkill” for those not working with protected health information.
Since the survey, the following actions have taken place:
- On Oct. 1, three new ITS support technicians were hired and assigned to the education core of campus to ensure classrooms were ‘up and ready’ before class starts.
- Internet speed on campus has been increased to 40 GB. All education buildings will be upgraded from 1 GB to 10 GB by time classes resume in the fall of 2017. The Sorrell Center will be upgraded over holiday break 2016.
- Nebraska Medicine and UNMC IT are going to integrate in the near future. A proposed integrated organization chart will be presented to the Information Management Committee during their January meeting.