University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s chancellor formally announced Tuesday a plan to centralize two key units on campus—information technology (IT) and integrated marketing communications (IMC). The goal of these organizational changes is to improve efficiency and make better use of campus resources.
“It’s not about doing more with less, it’s about doing more differently,” UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said.
In response to the $7.5 million state budget reduction currently being managed by UW Oshkosh, several initiatives have been announced during the past year, including a voluntary retirement option with a goal to reduce UW Oshkosh’s workforce by 120 people.
“We now have to learn to run this institution more effectively and efficiently with fewer dollars. It’s important to critically look at ourselves and how we run our enterprise,” Leavitt said.
The centralization of IT and IMC—both campus service departments—allows for greater efficiencies without eliminating positions at UW Oshkosh, Leavitt said. The changes will also streamline workflow, add greater ability to prioritize resources and add greater accountability to key functions on the campus.
Within IT, Leavitt said the centralized team would now be equipped to manage its resources and make sure there is equal distribution of services across all divisions and units at UW Oshkosh—something imperative in planning for an innovative future.
“Information technology is no longer simply a support function.” Chief Information Officer Anne Milkovich said. “It’s a strategic partner in all aspects of a successful university.”
Similarly, UW Oshkosh will also move forward with a centralized marketing communication office. Not only will centralization provide more efficiency in spending, it will create an opportunity for “creative synergy that will serve the institution very well,” Leavitt said.
“There is a great deal of talent throughout the campus community. Bringing people together as a team will provide greater collaboration and coordination, but also greater creativity and results,” Assistant Vice Chancellor of Integrated Marketing Communications Jamie Ceman said.
On Tuesday, Leavitt shared with the campus community that the centralization of both units begins Feb. 1.
Leavitt said he’s excited and optimistic for the future of UW Oshkosh—and the affected campus units.
“In my heart of hearts, I do believe UW Oshkosh will be better because of these changes,” Leavitt said. “I believe this will propel the institution forward to both get our message out and provide a robust IT platform that will serve everyone on campus.”
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