Independent Technology Assessment for Saint Joseph’s College
Benefits and Outcomes:
As a result of this IT assessment, the college:
- Was able to understand and prioritize the IT-related challenges.
- Could create an efficient, workable plan for improving Information Technologies.
- Better serve business and academic processes throughout the college.
Background:
St, Joseph’s College, a liberal arts college in Maine that draws students nationally, determined that an independent review of its IT systems was needed. Several issues drove the decision to have the assessment done, including:
- The need to adapt emerging technologies such as broadband wireless access.
- The need for technology equipped classroom with respect to supporting faculty.
- The need for integrating databases / services with a legacy system to get desired functionality.
- The need to evaluate the current IT organization at the school.
- Information Systems had extremely limited resources, both in staffing and budget.
Project Description:
BDMP conducted an independent assessment of IT by conducting surveys and holding meetings with IT staff and members from end-user departments. A number of key, important findings emerged from the interviews and surveys, including but not limited to the following:
- Business processes were not user-friendly.
- The level of software available to faculty was not the same for all faculty members.
- Faculty computers were very slow, and printers were very old.
- In many cases, computers with sound or CD were not available.
- There is a need for interactive software to develop and enhance critical thinking.
- Faculty was poorly trained for existing technology and would need training in the use of any technologies to be adopted by the college.
- Many faculty members were not proficient in the use of PDA’s and could not support the student use of these devices for academic purposes.
Why do an independent assessment?
Colleges and Universities need to be on ‘the cutting edge” of technology, not only to provide excellent services to faculty, staff, and students, but also to promote the reputation and competitiveness of the college in securing enrollment. Periodically, colleges and universities should assess their IT processes and systems to ensure that Information Technologies are providing the best possible support to the University. Implementing and maintaining top-notch information systems is a necessity.
