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Information Technology
The information technology program can be divided into two overlapping areas: administrative and academic programs and projects.
The primary administrative program is the Jenzabar software system, which integrates finance, development, admissions, alumni/ae, advising, and student/registration modules.
The primary academic system is the Blackboard system, which contains individual course web sites and online community communication functions. The Blackboard system is a hybrid, which is a teaching tool, a mechanism for creating community, and an electronic reference library. It bridges the gap between the library building and classrooms.
Management
The Information Technology Department operates through a careful balancing act encompassing three types of management:
• Facility management: Various campus locations where physical technology centers are maintained, including the Media Studio, three student computer labs, the Media Lab and Academic Services Center, as well as inter-building connectivity, including dorms and apartments.
• Utility management: Somewhat like the telephone company, IT manages all network and telecommunications systems, including email, internet access, media streaming, cable and satellite support, etc.
• Customer service support management: This includes hardware, software, printing, and network support for administration/staff and faculty, as well as network connectivity support for students.
2005 Audit
In 2005, an external audit of the organization and operations of campus technology was performed by Kaludis Consulting. The final report highlightedthe strengths of the technical infrastructure and encourageda more integrated approach to the organizational structure. Further, it noted the need for continued support and maintenance of the technical systems and staff, and confirmed that there has been appropriate budgeting and funding for technology projects on campus.
The report also supported the use of outside consultants as presently used for evaluation, risk management, and project support.
The main recommendations from the audit report included:
• Ending the "silo mentality" at the Seminary by integrating systems where possible, improving interdepartmental communications, and creating three campus groups to encourage community involvement in decision-making about technology throughout the community.
• The integration of the Seminary’s external content-based Internet and its internal administrative-based Intranet byimplementing the Jenzabar web portal solution.
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