ITR Charge and Structure

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From the letter appointing the

NDSU Information Technology Roundtable (ITR)

President Tom Plough

September 18, 1996

"... the NDSU Information Technology Roundtable (ITR) ... will provide guidance and recommendations to me on integrating technology into the infrastructure of NDSU. Information technology has become increasingly important in the manner that institutions of higher education conduct their affairs. Thus, NDSU must effectively adopt information technology as a means to enhance learning. We must do more than react to the rapid changes in how society uses and exchanges information. Therefore, we must also envision the technological future and take coherent action to realize that vision.

Two key components will be required for the campus to formulate and integrate information technology in our teaching, research, and outreach relationships.

First, we need to bring our now diverse policy and planning efforts together in pursuit of a university vision. To guide the university in its policy and planning, I am creating a campus-wide Information Technology Roundtable. The Roundtable is charged:

• to create a campus vision for integrated use of technologies;
• to develop a strategy for integration of the technological and informational functions of various units that support the university's instructional, research, and outreach activities;
• to engage in continuous review of information technology policy, and propose revisions or new policies as appropriate;
• to inform and advise administrative and governance groups on information technology; and
• to enlist campus participation in special projects that improve the university's ability to deploy information technology in support of its mission.

Roundtable members will be appointed from three groups:

• support services, broadly defined to include faculty support groups as well as units that traditionally support information technology;
• faculty -- both those who have experience as "early adopters" of information technology in their academic work, and others who are ready or have just begun to do so; and
• representation from our constituents (including students and community).

  In addition, the Vice Presidents (Academic Affairs, Business and Finance, and Student Affairs) will serve ex-officio. Many members appointed will fill multiple roles. ITR will recruit additional participants from the campus on an ad hoc basis to join in planning and execution of some of its projects. Bill Maki, Special Assistant for Technology, will chair the ITR.

The second key component is our renewed support for information technology in the form of increased personnel and funding:

• Funds from the Technology Fee are improving access, facilities, and course delivery for students.
• Planning, Priorities, and Resources Committee (PPRC) will continue to fund innovative projects.
• Additional funding will come from internal reallocation, vigorous pursuit of state initiative moneys, and ongoing efforts to attract external support from government agencies and private foundations."