Information Technology Services is a group of five departments (see VI-3.2 through VI-3.6 below). Each department has its own decision autonomy, budgets, and business plans, which guide its actions and decisions. The Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides coordination, capital planning and control, policy approval, and other institutional coordination, intended to support the successful operation of each ITS department.

The CIO leads the campus IT Professionals, a group of ITS collegiate and administrative IT staff. The group's general purpose is to facilitate discussion, strategies, infrastructure/enterprise solutions, and good communication on information technologies.

Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) is a charter committee appointed by the governing body of the faculty, students, and staff and faculty senate, confirmed by the President of the University. The committee's general charter is to advise and recommend on University IT policies, services, and development.

For more information on any of these services, please see http://cio.uiowa.edu or contact Information Technology Services by phone or e-mail (its-information@uiowa.edu).
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3.2 ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGIES.
The Academic Technologies department provides assistance to instructors and researchers who use technology. The group offers a wide range of services and support, as detailed below.

3.2(1) Support for Instructors.
For more information on any of these services, please contact Academic Technologies by phone or e-mail (its-academic@uiowa.edu).

 

a. Collaborate with instructors to produce instructionally relevant electronic materials and tools. Academic Technologies staff have a rich set of skills and many years of experience supporting the use of technology in instruction. Skills they can offer to assist in the development of instructional materials include:

 

(1) Instructional design;
(2) Software development (such as in C++ and Java, especially cross-platform);
(3) Use of authoring tools (such as Authorware and Toolbook);
(4) Web development (including web page design and online course development with WebCT, Dreamweaver, and other tools);
(5) Database development (including active web page creation with FileMaker Pro and WebObjects);
(6) Use of presentation tools (such as Director, CourseBuilder, and PowerPoint); and
(7) Digital media production.

 

The assistance provided ranges from walk-in assistance in Studio 107 (see paragraph b below) to developing software projects which require months of effort.

b. Maintain a media lab and development studio, Studio 107, with on-site expertise in software applications and hardware. Studio 107, a multimedia lab exclusively for instructor and researcher use, offers specialized hardware and software for both Macintosh and Windows platforms. Academic Technologies also provides help in designing and creating digital media for instruction. Faculty can use the facility on a walk-in basis or receive one-on-one consultation by appointment. Some of the typical things that can be done in the studio include the following:

 

(1) Digitize and edit photos, slides, audio, and video;
(2) Produce QTVR (QuickTime Virtual Reality) clips;
(3) Design and create multimedia presentations, lectures, and course web pages;
(4) Use digital still and video cameras to create digital movies and animations; and
(5) Experiment with new instructional and adaptive technologies.

 

Faculty can stop by Studio 107 (107 Lindquist Center South) to use the equipment or consult with a staff member Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or by appointment.

c. Provide opportunities for faculty to learn about technology and its integration with teaching and research.

In addition to the one-on-one assistance provided through Studio 107, Academic Technologies also offers a variety of opportunities for faculty to learn about technology and teaching.

 

(1) NExTT Workshops. Twice a year (before the start of each semester), Academic Technologies sponsors a week-long series of workshops, NExTT: New Experiences with Technology in Teaching (http://at.its.uiowa.edu/nextt).

(2) Ad Hoc Workshops. Academic Technologies staff are available to provide small-group training geared specifically to a department or group, in any location (office, classroom, or in Studio 107).

(3) Throughout the year, Academic Technologies sponsors half-day workshops, demonstrations, and seminars on specialized topics covering the latest tools and methods for teaching with technology.

 

d. Investigate new and emerging products, methods, and systems that have instructional applications, especially those technologies that are based on open standards and promote interoperability. Investigations are typically collaborations with faculty and other ITS departments, sometimes initiated by Academic Technologies and sometimes initiated by others. The following list identifies some of the major areas for investigations and gives examples from recent projects.

 

(1) Collaboration tools;
(2) Development standards: XML, IMS;
(3) Digital video: DVD, streaming video, MPEG;
(4) Communications: video conferencing, SMIL;
(5) Asset management, digital libraries;
(6) Web technologies: Java server pages, web-based surveys, web-enabled databases; and
(7) Networking: wireless, Internet2 applications, distributed network storage devices.
 
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The Research Services group of Academic Technologies supports researchers in their use of computing technologies in research endeavors. For more information on any of these services, please contact Research Services by phone or e-mail (its-academic@uiowa.edu).

a. Collaborate in new research. Research Services provides expertise in a number of areas, including computer imaging and visualization, computer-based 3D modeling, system administration, software development, virtual reality, molecular modeling, high performance computing, and high performance networking. Our staff is available for consultation regarding researchers' projects and actively collaborates by co-authoring papers and co-writing grant proposals.

b. Build the local cyberinfrastructure. Research Services is working on developing local research computing infrastructures, including the development of computational grids and high performance computing resources. We also have active projects that are planning and exploring the development of other IT infrastructures for research, including data management, visualization, remote instrumentation access, and collaborative tools.

c. Enable investigators to better accomplish their endeavors through the use of information technology. Research Services works to provide whatever is necessary for investigators to be successful in their use of information technology. This can include training, both in one-on-one situations and in workshops organized through the year, providing access to unique hardware, serving as liaisons to key vendors, and organizing user groups. For a given project, Research Services staff are available to provide research assistance, protocol design, model building, software development, and system administration; to answer how-to questions; and to provide consulting/troubleshooting help.

d. Stimulate consideration of new technologies. Research Services is always looking at new technologies (such as collaborative tools and immersive environments) and new research applications of existing technologies such as 3D printer and high performance networking.

e. Work with and complement the efforts of other researcher support groups across campus. Research Services works closely with other research facilities on campus to provide multi-disciplinary support for researchers. We work closely with the DNA Core Facility to support protein/DNA sequence analysis, the Central Microscopy Research Facility to support image analysis and volume rendering, and the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance facility to support molecular modeling.
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The administrative systems supported encompass a diverse set of University functions such as academic and financial student records, library automation, central business office functions, human resources, payroll, and personnel services. Administrative Information Systems major customers include the Office of the Provost, Registrar, Residence Services, Admissions, Financial Aid, Finance and Operations, Business Office, Accounting Services, Human Resources, Facilities Services, Research, and University Libraries.

The University's administrative systems are hosted on a variety of computing platforms (IBM Enterprise Server, Unix, Linux, and Windows servers) and databases (IMS, DB2, Oracle, MS SQL Server, and MS Access) using many different development environments (PL1 Batch and CICS, PeopleSoft, CGI/Perl, Java, and MS Access). Administrative Information Systems services are supported through strong partnerships with sponsoring customer departments and other ITS departments.

The Administrative Information Systems department is organized into customer-centric and service-oriented work groups. Currently, there are four work groups aligned directly with major customer groups (Provost's Office, Finance and Operations-Finance, Finance and Operations-Business, and Finance and Operations-Human Resources) to provide their specific support needs. The remaining two work groups provide broad services across all the administrative customer base. These work groups are the Web Development and Support Group and the Institutional Data and Data Management Group.
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3.4 CAMPUS SERVICES.
The Campus Services department provides computer-related information, account management, training, computer access, and problem resolution to University students, faculty, and staff. For more information on any of these services, please contact Campus Services. Services include:

a. Customer Information Desk provides general information about Information Technology Services, issues telephone authorization codes, and manages e-mail, calendar, web-based, file-storage, and institutional database accounts.

b. Help Desk provides information and problem resolution on a wide range of computer hardware and software, networking, and computer access, including remote access and Hawk ID services. Offers site-licensed software via web download and CD.

c. Faculty/Staff and Parent/Student Orientation provides information about computing services offered by ITS to incoming University of Iowa faculty and staff and incoming students and their parents.

d. Instructional Technology Centers (ITCs) provide students access to the University's academic computing resources and the Internet and encourages departments to integrate computing into their academic programs. All ITCs are interconnected by a campus network to provide maximum connectivity to common campus resources such as the library system catalog (Info Hawk), the on-line student registration (ISIS), and the foreign language practice drills (Dasher). ITCs also provide assistive technology access to screen magnifiers, braille embossers, and a variety of assistive software titles.

e. Specialized Consulting provides technical support for e-mail, online calendar, statistics, MS Office products, and web services.

f. Campus Software Program coordinates campus site licenses and volume purchases of software.

g. Computer Loan Office provides support for student computer loans.

h. University Telephone Operators provide initial contact point for incoming calls to the University, provide campus phone numbers, and setup for conference calls.
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The Systems and Platform Administration department provides computing environments that enhance the academic, administrative, teaching, and research functions of the University. SPA also provides comprehensive management or assists with the management of Large Systems, Unix Systems, Windows Services, Enterprise Client Management, Director and Authentication Services, and Computer Operations at The University of Iowa. The Systems and Platform Administration department is committed to providing secure, reliable, cost-effective services using the most appropriate and efficient technological tools available. The Systems and Platform Administration department is responsible for hardware and software installation, configuration, and maintenance. The department is also responsible for resource management, troubleshooting, and storage services, including backup and security. The Systems and Platform Administration department is organized by server, client, directory, and operations support. For more information on any of these services, please contact the Systems and Platform Administration director.

a. Large Systems. The Large Systems work group provides the hardware and software support for the IBM z/OS enterprise server for the University. The Large Systems enterprise server provides services and support for personnel, student, and accounting information for the University. The Large Systems support staff provides service and support for academic and administrative enterprise computing. The group provides installation, configuration, and support of the operating environment, data repositories, transaction servers, and end users computing utilities and languages. The group manages the troubleshooting, data backup and restore, security, and the printing facilities in the IBM z/OS environment.

b. Unix Systems. The Unix Systems work group provides storage service, directory services integration, and management of Unix and Linux servers. The Unix group supports the campus computing infrastructure as well as various academic and administrative services at the departmental level. Supported services include campus e-mail, web services, the library online catalog system, the course management system, and the PeopleSoft financial and human resource applications. Typical tasks include system installation and configuration, application installation, troubleshooting, backups and restores, and assisting with computer security.

c. Windows Services. The Windows Services work group provides server management and application hosting services to departments. Services include security patching, hardware, software updates, and communications. Supported services include shared campus Active Directory forest domain controllers, campus e-mail/calendaring, web services, file and print, and the course management system. Typical tasks include system installation and configuration, application installation, troubleshooting, backups and restores, and assisting with computer security.

d. Enterprise Client Management. The Enterprise Client Management Services work group provides System Management Server (SMS) tools for delegated adminstration of departmental machines and Citrix support for web access to applications from Windows, Macintosh, and Linux workstations. SMS for desktop administrators provides: 1) remote control for troubleshooting clients; 2) security patch management; 3) application deployment that allows you to automate installation of specific applications to targeted machines; and 4) asset tracking to monitor both software and hardware inventory.

e. Directory and Authentication Services. The Directory and Autentication Services work group provides a fully integrated method for verifying the electronic identity of persons in the University of Iowa community. Supported services include: 1) Enterprise Directory Service, a repository of data from authoritative sources; 2) determination of roles (e.g., faculty/staff, student, affliliate) and service eligibility, based on institutional rules; and 3) enterprise authentication. A single Hawk ID (unique login ID) that assures secure access to appropriate resources for each person is supported through this identity management and provisioning infrastructure. The enterprise Directory Service provides an electronic, LDAP standards-based, accessible directory for support of enterprise applications, and client access, such as white pages lookup. The directory service feeds other local service directories, as appropriate.

f. Computer Operations and Data Center Management. The Computer Operations and Data Center Management work group provides resources for day-to-day operation of the central University of Iowa computing systems including Academic Computing and Administrative Computing. The Operations group is responsible for the scheduling, execution, examination, and dispersal of computer output. This includes doing problem determination, problem tracking, and customer assistance. The group is responsible for monitoring the diverse systems and physical infrastructure of ITS computing and data storage facilities.
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a. Services.

 

(1) Telephone service, including maintenance and repair
(2) Cable television service, including maintenance and repair
(3) Data networking for access to the campus data network and the Internet
(4) Satellite uplinks and downlinks
(5) Video conferencing
(6) Video streaming
(7) Campus video networking
(8) User training and consulting on telephone services and features
(9) Voice processing, for example, voice mail, auto-attendant, bulletin boards, etc.
(10) Long-distance calling
(11) Conference bridge (conference calling)
(12) Campus directory service
(13) On-campus relay service for the hearing impaired (assistive technology)
(14) University telephone calling cards
(15) Installation of local area networks
(16) Consultation, design, and inspection for communications cabling and outlets
(17) Installation of communication cabling and outlets
(18) Locating buried University communications cables
(19) Installation and maintenance of campus fiber and coaxial cables
(20) UITV

 

As part of the campus universal wiring plan, every communications outlet has the capability of providing voice and data connections.

b. Requests for Service. A University Service Requisition form is required for any installation, move, change, removal, or replacement of telephone, data, video, or cable service. For service requests, please forward the requisition form to the Telecommunication and Network Services customer representatives.

c. Infrastructure. Telecommunication and Network Services has ultimate responsibility for all campus communications infrastructure including outside plant copper, fiber, and coaxial cable; in-building copper, fiber, and coaxial cable; communications closet infrastructure, access, and security; microwave, satellite, and other point-to-point communication infrastructure; wireless design, radio-frequency use, and deployment including cellular sites; and all other communications infrastructure. All communications infrastructure installed on campus must be in accordance with current campus standards and be approved and inspected by Telecommunication and Network Services. Unapproved infrastructure may be removed, replaced, or redesigned at the expense of the offending department. For more information please contact Telecommunication and Network Services.

d. Construction Projects, Remodels, and Relocations. When a construction project, remodel, or relocation causes the need for additional communications infrastructure, equipment, or services, the one-time installation and capital costs shall be borne by the project and should be included in the project budget.

e. Outside Vendors. All significant contracts for services provided by outside vendors should be coordinated with the director, Telecommunication and Network Services. These include but are not limited to local and long distance service providers, contractors and consultants, and equipment vendors. Please contact the director, Telecommunication and Network Services, before negotiating with outside vendors. Telecommunication and Network Services is in the best position to coordinate and integrate the proposed products, services, and vendor relationships with existing campus telecommunication services. As with all contracts, compliance with purchasing policies (V-11) is required.

f. Consultation and Training. Telecommunication and Network Services provides consultation, training, and support upon request. Customer Representatives are available to answer questions regarding your existing telephone service, new service offerings available, or help evaluate the best service options for your needs. Please contact them by phone to schedule an on-site visit or training session.

g. Billing. Departments pay monthly for telephone service. The charges include the telephone line, instrument, system features, maintenance, and repair due to normal use of the service. Departments are also charged for data connections, which includes circuit, equipment, and maintenance costs.

Repairs required due to customer misuse or abuse of University-owned equipment or customer-provided equipment, will be billed on a repair time and material basis.

Long distance charges are billed monthly and appear on each department's Transaction Detail Report. Statements showing call detail of long distance calls are mailed to departmental executive officers each month.

Questions regarding any of these billings should be directed to Telecommunication and Network Services.

h. Personal Long Distance Telephone and Cellular Phone Policy. Departments are responsible for determining when an employee needs to have access to telephone service and the type of service required in order to fulfill job responsibilities. (Types of service include: single-line phone, multiple-line phone, calling card, cellular phone, local service only, restricted long distance service, unrestricted long distance service, authorization code required to activate phone service, etc.) All costs related to such services are borne by the department. Examples of related costs may include: acquisition, installation, and ongoing fees related to use of the equipment or services.

Personal phone calls made on University equipment should be kept to a minimum. Long distance personal phone calls are the responsibility of the employee. In the event an employee is abusing this policy, the employee's department is responsible for taking corrective action. If an employee needs to make a personal call which, if dialed direct, would result in a long distance phone charge to the department, he or she should either: 1) call collect; 2) charge the call to their home phone; or, 3) charge the call to a personal calling card. If, due to an emergency or through inadvertence, a personal long distance telephone call is charged to a University account, the caller will be required to reimburse the University by check. An employee may need to reimburse the University for cell phone use on a pro rata basis if personal minutes result in additional charges. Personal misuse of University long distance may result in disciplinary action. The University will conduct periodic reviews of long distance usage to ensure compliance with this policy.

Departments are responsible for retaining documentation indicating employees have reviewed the monthly long distance or cellular telephone charges made from University equipment. This requirement could be addressed by having an employee initial each statement approving the charges as legitimate business expenses. Documentation supporting these charges must be retained by the department for three complete fiscal years.

(See also V-11.23 Cellular Phone Policy.)

i. Restrictions. All University phones are restricted from making operator-assisted calls (9+0), third number calls billed to a University number, or from receiving incoming collect calls. These types of calls are allowed by exception only. If a department needs such an exemption, contact Telecommunication and Network Services for an "Operator-Assisted" call form. Once the form has been completed and approved by an officer of the department, it should be returned to Telecommunication and Network Services. After receipt of the approved request, it takes approximately two to five days for the restriction(s) to be lifted. The department requesting the lifting of the restriction(s) will be liable for all long distance calls charged to that number.

j. Telephone Calling Cards. University telephone calling cards are available for University faculty and staff who are traveling on University business and need to bill long distance calls to their department. Requests for calling cards can be made by sending a completed requisition approved by a departmental officer to Telecommunication and Network Services. Lost or stolen telephone calling cards should be reported as soon as possible. Personal misuse of University calling cards may result in disciplinary action.

k. Directories.

 

(1) The University Student, Staff, and Faculty Directory (Herdbook) contains student and faculty/staff sections and is available in mid October. This directory is prepared by Information Technology Services, University Life Centers Marketing and Design, and Office of Student Services.

(2) University directory updates for faculty and staff who need to correct their individual listing in the back section of the directory should update the HR Self Service web site.

(3) Copies of the University directory may be obtained by submitting the standard requisition to General Stores. The directory is also available at the University Book Store in the Iowa Memorial Union or at Iowa Book, 8 S. Clinton St.

(4) Local Iowa City telephone directories are delivered by General Stores each year during November and December. Departments may obtain copies of the directory by submitting the standard requisition to General Stores.
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