Information Technology Annual Report

Completed application and staff certifications to be an Apple Service Center, providing better, less costly hardware support to Mac users on campus.
Completed the application and set the groundwork for iTunesU, providing free network storage for campus podcasts.
Planned and implemented Alumni e-mail service— installed server and e-mail software; wrote custom code to automate sign-up for the service and transfer of e-mail from UW Oshkosh mail system to the alumni system; and provided user statistics to the Alumni Office.
Assisted with implementing Image Now, document imaging system.
Assisted with UW System negotiation for Xythos and began implementing campuswide file collaboration system to be called TitanFiles
Facilitated project to pilot Plone, content management system, to rewrite the Academic Computing Web site.
Distributed about 160 old PIII computers and 100 monitors to local nonprofits creating goodwill for the University.
Reallocated 166 computers, 61 monitors and 13 printers from surplus to on-campus units.
Hired new Help Desk Manager; reorganized unit assignments, moving GCA Lab setup from Server Support to Desktop support.

Enhanced professional training for instructors so they now receive Microsoft Office Master Certification as part of their professional development.
Restructured classes to be shorter sessions that focus on specific tasks rather than perceived skill levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced).
Expanded the number of course offerings to meet the training needs of the campus.
Redesigned the training Web site and included online class registration and evaluation forms; created How-To videos to guide users through specific tasks in MS Word and Excel; and made all class manuals available online as another self-learning tool.
In collaboration with Human Resources, created Essential Skills Training (EST) program and manual to provide communication tools (e-mail, electronic calendar, computer security, etc.) to all new employees; and conducted program pilot.
Implemented a Skills Inventory (assessment) program used to determine skill level for finalists (both current employees and all other applicants) applying for vacant administrative support Classified Staff positions.
Conducted introductory MS Word and MS Excel workshops for community participants referred by Women’s Center and Workforce Development agency.
Initiated customized one-to-one training sessions for staff based on their specific needs and requests, using Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.

Installed two additional technology classrooms
Increased delivery of mobile equipment to classrooms by 8.5 percent. Computer deliveries increase by 12 percent.
Halsey Instructional Technology Services was revitalized by upgrading computers and weeding and reorganizing the reserve items circulated in that center.
Updated five lecture halls with “white board” monitors and document cameras.
Began replacing classroom computers with machines running dual operating systems
Upgraded both interactive video distance education classrooms with 50-inch flat panel monitors and added H.239 “People plus Content” capability.
Established small group videoconferencing facility in Halsey Room 259.
Completed pilot project to incorporate Plone Content Management System to array of offerings for Web development
Initiated live streaming video of commencement
Initiated offering of iTunesU for storage and distribution of podcasts.
Completed searches for Instructional Television Coordinator and Clow Audiovisual Services Assistant
Reported highest percentage of D2L utilization in UW System
Produced self-study book and associated documents for Higher Learning Commission Reaccreditation.

Implemented a new content management system (Plone) to improve the University’s Web presence. The Web site for Academic Computing was the pilot project.
Developed a new Telephone Billing and Charge Back System for the University.
Developed a new automated system to manage the University’s Faculty Development Program.
Created the computing environment for offices and departments to offer online surveys.
Working with Gateway Enterprises Inc., upgraded the University’s cashiering system to improve its security and reliability.
Provided the analysis and programming to deliver an accurate Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate for the Financial Aid Office.
Completed the telecommunications and computer infrastructure to support the University Foundation’s new automated call center.
Working with the vendor, Nelnet Inc., integrated electronic refunds with the University’s Student Financials System.
Completed the analysis and programming for a project that allows students to view their earning statements online using the Student Administration System’s self-service feature.
Provided a secure remote connection, Virtual Private Network (VPN), between the University and the Living Healthy Community Clinic.
Completed a collaborative project with the Human Resources Office and UW Madison’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT) to convert the University’s legacy personnel database to Madison’s Integrated Appointment Data System (IADS).

Governing Ideas