Highlights

Information Technology
Information Technology is a progressive organization operating in a highly collaborative environment with a commitment to outstanding service, innovation and creative problem resolution. Headed by Charles R. Shomper, Vice Chancellor and Vice President for Information Technology, IT is comprised of the Departments of Computing and Telecommunication Services (CTS), Technology Support Services (TSS), Enterprise Systems (ES), and Security & Disaster Recovery (SDR), and our outreach program the Houston Area Technology Advancement Center (HATAC).

IT’s vision is to be the leader in the creative use of advanced technologies to enhance instruction, research, administration and outreach services and to be the most successful higher education division in the country at delivering the best computer service to faculty, staff and students. Information Technology’s mission is to meet the customer’s expectations by providing:
•Best in class customer service
•Superior network and server infrastructure
•Integrated, state-of-the-art information systems
•Proactive security
•Leading technology

IT Major Accomplishments in FY02

• Launched the IT Quality in Business Excellence initiative to improve the service provided to our customers.
• Tropical Storm Allison devastated the campus technology infrastructure with the flooding of two primary network node facilities. IT staff worked around the clock and restored all core services within days.
• Designed and deployed a highly sophisticated server and network infrastructure serving all the UHS universities. This multimillion dollar computing initiative to improve administrative computing for the UH System by using the PeopleSoft System.
• Implemented new network links to the UHS universities. This initiative gave a 100 times increase in network capacity among most universities.
• Redesigned campus network to support voice, data and video convergence. This highly fault-tolerant network delivers ultra high-speed services to campus building and network devices.
• Created an e-mail system that automatically creates an e-mail address at the point of entry; enables customers to change where their alias points and automatically updates mailing lists.
• Supported over 340 WebCT courses for the Spring 2002 semester, serving approximately 19,000 students.
• Created discount volume purchasing agreements with Apple, Compaq, Dell and Gateway for the University. Indirect savings for UH departments is estimated to be $250,000 annually.
• Launched a new Web-based problem reporting and tracking service enabling customers to submit questions, report problems, and query the status of their problem reports.
• Facilitated web-based scheduling of classroom equipment, reporting of problems, requesting training or providing feedback.
• Participated in the system-wide implementation of the PeopleSoft HR/Payroll and Financial Modules.
• Introduced a web interface to the UH Student Enrollment Services system, allowing students to register for courses, add/drop, inquire about stops on their account, review the course schedule, change their address, look at their grades, review admission etc.
  

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