WSU Information Technology Division

July 28, 2006

The following summarizes key accomplishments of the IT Division as they relate to 2004-05 university values, goals, objectives and initiatives.

WSU Planning Initiative (Fall 2006):  Provide 24/7 Information Technology Support.

• Developed and implemented new policies for 24/7 off-hours support, including on-call procedures and compensation for key professional staff.
• Implemented improved wireless LAN services, automated security monitoring and new enterprise Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities.
• Completed the first phase of a multi-year implementation of Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) standards.  Three people completed ITIL Foundation training and certified.
• Expanded the Help Desk hours of operation and developed more efficient interface procedures with the Operations area.  Created an improved 24/7 coverage schedule, created job descriptions for two new positions and initiated position searches, and issued an RFP for improved Service Desk request tracking software.
• Created an improved, more secure Network Operating Center (NOC) environment with large continuous status monitoring displays.
• Worked closely with Facilities Management personnel to prepare for major air conditioning and electrical upgrades to take place in October 2006.
• Re-established the redundant network link to WSU-Davis and completed planning for the second UEN GeoMax node implementation at WSU-Davis.
• Hired a new Director of Technology Services.
• Hired a new Lead Senior Systems Engineer and completed work toward reclassification of two existing positions.
• Completed the upgrade of the WSU-Ogden core network hubs to Gigabit Ethernet.
• Completed installation of a new backup emergency power generator for the Alumni Center network node. 
• Joined with representatives of other USHE institutions in the initial stages of a major disaster recovery planning effort.

• Completed year five of the Information Technology Infrastructure Project (ITIP) implementation, including the final stages of Lynx/Banner Student System implementation (Admissions, Financial Aid & Registration).  Installed a new multi-terrabyte Storage Area Network (SAN) and successfully completed the first two student registrations on the new Lynx/Banner software.
• Completed a major upgrade of the SunGard Banner software to release 7.0.
• Implemented TouchNet Marketplace software for improved web payment handling capabilities.
• Implemented a new server cluster to improve reliability of the university's eMail systems.
• Implemented improved eMail Spam filtering, including a quarantine/user release system for suspected Spam messages.
• Completed implementation of the new "Site Manager" Web Content Management System and achieved conversion of approximately 40% of department web sites to the new templates and protocol.
• Completed implementation of the university's new Pinnacle Telecommunications Management System and database.
• Continued work on the Mobile Internet Access Device (MIAD) project, with improved services for all classes of mobile device users.
• In response to a change in IRS policy with regard to business cell phones, developed new policies and procedures for university cell phone use.  Began implementation with completion scheduled for early Fall Semester 2006.
• Implemented the Novell Suse Linux alternative desktop computing environment for a small number of computer users.
• With the addition of the Intel chipset to Apple computers, updated the Lampros Hall LP-203 classroom computers from outdated Windows machines to iMac computers running both Mac OS X and Windows XP Professional. [The implementation was completed in July and is working well]. Completed plans for a "triple boot" configuration in the near future, adding SuSE Enterprise Linux Desktop to the OS list.
• Negotiated a new campus-wide software contracts with Microsoft and Corel to provide the Microsoft Office Suite and FrontPage, as well as the ability to upgrade every computer on campus using Windows to the latest version of Windows XP Professional. This will provide the campus with a standard OS version that is more secure

WSU Objective: Implement role-based identity management in a secure network environment.

• Continued progress on role-based identity management, including clean-up of remaining problems related to the new single WildCat ID or "WCID."
• Continued work on the resolution of the remaining Banner/Luminis/Vista integration issues. 

WSU Objective: Continue implementation of multimedia standards in all needed WSU classrooms, meeting rooms and facilities.

•  In 2005-06, achieved the 44% level of WSU Ogden classrooms meeting the standard (132 out of approximately 300 "needed"); all WSU-Davis classrooms meet the standard.
•  An enhanced multimedia standard was developed and implemented in the Smith Lecture Hall rooms in the Wattis Business Building.  This includes the use of a 15” touch screen for control and functions similar to the WSU-Davis classrooms.

WSU Objective: Under general supervision of the WSU Board of Trustees Audit Committee, assess and ensure the security of WSU network and computing resources, including compliance with laws applying to critical and sensitive institutional and personal data.

• Completed follow-up audits of progress on implementing the LBL Technology Partners recommendations on network security procedures and practices.

• Made significant progress on the DISC project to check all university faculty, staff and lab desktop computers for compliance with university network security standards.  Along with educating users, verifying computer information was added to the project.  To-date 2,122 computers have been verified and the users educated on how to protect their data.

• An afterthought to the preceding project resulted in creation of a web site allowing a department manager to see all the computers/users visited in their department.  The manager can also see hardware as it is distributed in the department and use this to assist in forecasting replacements or upgrades.

• Achieved approval by the Board of Trustees of the new University Acceptable Use Policy (PPM 2-19; 10-11-05).

WSU Objective: Begin measuring faculty and staff satisfaction on a regular basis.

• Held multiple open meetings with faculty and staff.  Provided feedback on progress on initiatives and user recommendations.
• Continued monitoring and analysis of Help Desk trouble calls and work orders.

WSU Objective: Encourage professional growth opportunities for employees.

• Began work on improved "career ladder" advancement paths for WSU IT professional staff.
• Identified preliminary standards for compensation levels for certifications and other professional activities.

WSU Initiative: Enhance Institutional culture by encouraging, recognizing and supporting diversity.

• Continued work on the reconstituted the IT Division Diversity Action Team.