Transforming Information Technology

Higher education as we know it is changing. Learning is no longer a scheduled event that takes place in a classroom; it’s becoming a more student-centered activity that’s available anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Formal, face-to-face coursework is being replaced by or augmented with online and hybrid instruction, non-degree credentials, and life experiences. And success is no longer measured by the number of courses taken, seat time, and traditional grades but by students’ skills and competencies. While change is necessary for growth, community colleges across the nation are beginning to question whether their current IT organization can keep up.  

 

Traditionally, colleges have managed and delivered information technology in one of two ways: either through their internal IT department or by contracting with a managed services vendor. Both of these models are built on the belief that IT must possess and provide all of the technical expertise and services that the college requires. However, as higher education continues to change and evolve, more colleges are realizing that these models are neither efficient nor sustainable.

 

At CampusWorks, we are transforming the way colleges approach IT. Our IT Transformation Services reenergize business processes and empower student success by helping IT departments move away from being "everything to everyone" to becoming a "broker" of technology services. Under this new model, IT staff evolve from technology experts into transformation experts with access to "expertise pools" that can be called upon when needed, eliminating the inefficiencies involved in securing and supporting highly specialized skill sets that are not utilized by the college on a daily basis.

 

For example, one of our community college clients recently decided to replace their 20-year-old ERP system, but instead of building a new data center with new onsite computers, we helped them evaluate and secure cloud-based hosting and accompanying support services, like database administration and system monitoring. As a result, the college did not incur the major capital expenses associated with purchasing hardware nor did they have to over-purchase to allow for growth. They also saved on the cost of recruiting expensive specialized IT staff, whose services are only needed at specific times.  

 

In addition to major cost savings, the college’s IT organization was freed from the responsibility of "keeping the IT factory going", allowing them to focus on efforts that enhance the student experience and increase the efficiency of their business operations. The transformation has been such a success that we are now helping them apply CampusWorks’ IT Transformation Services to other functions, like IT Security.

 

Higher education may be changing, but transforming your approach to information technology can position your college to thrive for years to come.