Description:  Reduce the server hardware and data storage equipment footprint on campus to achieve cost savings, efficiencies, and benefits associated with cloud-based technologies. Utilizing cloud infrastructure vendors can offer UMB almost unlimited capacity. Cloud computing facilitates the rapid deployment of IT resources. Cloud infrastructure vendors offer a “pay as you go” subscription model where UMB would only be obligated to pay for those services that are consumed. Cloud infrastructures offer green computing improvements/carbon footprint reduction by reducing the consumption of resources required to manufacture or operate physical computing equipment itself, as well as datacenter operations resource consumption. By transferring hardware maintenance to cloud service vendors, UMB IT staff can focus on efforts that are central to advancing UMB’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Also, UMB would no longer need to carry the lease and occupy the data center at 300 West Lexington Street.

Description: Leverage the UMB licensing agreement with Microsoft and utilize Microsoft’s Azure computing infrastructure to develop and implement the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) wherever possible.  The Azure computing infrastructure and AVD will enhance IT security when accessing UMB systems and data and provide the opportunity to buy less expensive computers. Instead of installing and connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and remembering the specifics to connect to an on-premises computer, an individual just opens a modern web browser and logs into AVD with their UMB credentials. This is the value of connecting anytime, anywhere. A virtual computing infrastructure hosted by Microsoft is continually kept up-to-date and contemporary.

Description:  Support research activities generated by the Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA), the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), the agreements with TriNetX and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), and other research programs through the development and use of cloud computing and cloud infrastructure solutions. Leverage the UMB licensing agreement with Microsoft and utilize Microsoft’s Azure computing infrastructure to develop and implement the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) wherever possible.

Description:  Continue to leverage the Information Security Collaborative (ISC) partnership of UMB schools, departments, and affiliated entities to strengthen UMB’s overall security posture by seeking and addressing vulnerabilities, assessing and mitigating risks, and heightening cybersecurity awareness.

Description:  Expand and promote the UMB Data Analytics program to allow for the analysis of data within and across institutional data sources so it can help advance UMB reporting in such strategic areas as finance and resource allocation, student success, human resources, facilities and building maintenance, philanthropy, etc.

Description:  Enhance education applications and systems, for both in-classroom and remote teaching and learning, by expanding the availability of digital services and products that provide new, contemporary solutions for faculty and students; and develop a UMB-wide inventory of new and existing educational technologies, including audio/video technologies. Where possible and applicable, pursue consolidating and/or sharing these technologies and spaces, both licenses for electronic access and physical spaces where these technologies reside.

Description: Reimagine the future by implementing new and/or upgrading existing aging information systems and applications, including the MyUMB Portal, Travel Expense system, the HR/Payroll system, the Student information management system, the Development/Fund Raising system, an eProcurement system, and other information systems and applications as needed.

Description:  Support the UMB Center for Global Engagement and global programs and initiatives via the availability and use of contemporary tools and technologies, both at UMB and around the world.

Description: Support the UMB Community Engagement Center and local UMB community engagement activities with technology resources that improve the human condition and further build relationships with our neighbors in West Baltimore.

Description: Develop new communication and customer support mechanisms, e.g., create additional customer feedback mechanisms; develop a comprehensive support program for Apple Mac computers; develop standards for equipment and software needed for remote set-up; develop standards for technology for use by faculty; provide recommended IT solutions that would be offered to schools and departments, and to faculty, staff, and students for on-campus as well as for tele-working and tele-education; etc. 

Description: Encourage the development and promote the use of advanced and emerging technologies for academic success and administrative effectiveness, e.g., further the development of machine learning; pursue greater use of wireless technology, including RFID and 5G; introduce and use artificial intelligence (AI), chatbots, virtual assistants and robotic process automation; work with UMCP and MPower faculty/staff to help identify and investigate emerging technologies; leverage Microsoft experts who can advise and inform UMB faculty/staff as to new, developing products and services; conduct predictive analytics, possibly in conjunction with AI and machine learning.

Description: The goal is to develop and implement a clearly articulated group of behavioral expectations related to each Core Value, to which CITS leaders and staff are held accountable. 

Description: In collaboration with the Office of EDI and in partnership with the Chief EDI Officer and VP, create a dashboard of specific metrics and indicators to assess progress with diversity, equity, and inclusion in CITS.

Description: The goal is to work with the Office of EDI to identify and disseminate EDI related material and information to members of the CITS organization for the purposes of bringing greater attention to the topic, enhancing education and knowledge, changing attitudes and perceptions, and for spurring greater thought and discussion among CITS colleagues.  

Description: The goal is to promote knowledge, expertise and career development in CITS by encouraging every staff member to attend at least one professional development opportunity during the year.