OIT undergoes restructuring
By JOHN FANNING
News Writer
On Jan. 15, the Office of Information Technologies implemented a new structure to more clearly organize the various services that it offers. The change was made in response to various complaints by users who felt that the former system was not easy to use, and was not effectively dealing with their needs.
Essentially, OIT reorganized its existing services in a more coherent and user-friendly manner.
"We felt that the previous OIT structure was too confusing," said Michael Ball, manager of Instructional Computing and Media Services for OIT.
Under the old organization, services for classroom computing, such as tape to disk services, lecture and conference support and cluster facilitation were all listed separately, while under the new organization all of the amenities dealing with classroom instruction are dealt with by one department under one phone number. These new numbers will be published in the upcoming weeks, while the new structure can be viewed on OIT's Web site, www.nd.edu/~ndoit/.
This reorganization applies to all of OIT's services. The change has been in effect for several weeks and each department is still working out the kinks. Ball maintains that everyone involved is very positive about the changes, and the limited customer feedback that they have received has also been positive.
In addition to the restructuring, improvements are also being made in the campus computer labs, which Ball acknowledges as the problem area that most affects the students. Many of the clusters have been re-staffed and have come under new management.
"The stability and reliability of the computer labs will improve as well as the level of customer service in the clusters," said Ball.
While Ball feels very optimistic about the changes being made in OIT, he realizes that if services "are not what people need, then they are missing their mark." Once the changes have become more solidified, OIT will continue to look for opportunities to consult with costumers and better understand their needs in order to maintain the highest and most effective level of service possible.
Contact John Fanning at jfanning@nd.edu
All News Stories for Thursday, February 7, 2002
