The cost of the information technology resources should be shared by the University, students, and industrial partners. Faculty access is a utility that should be supplied at a minimum level by the Universi ty like a phone or desk. Individual faculty members who have requirements beyond those of the minimum level should have those requirements met with supplemental funds from the department, college or, or other resources. Because information technology ha s been advancing at an exponential pace, this document is strategic in nature. This plan would not be complete if it did not address the full range of access requirements, which include hardware, software, support, and training.
Further consultation regarding implementation details is a necessity.
This means that whenever a faculty member who has not needed information technology resources develops a need, the opportunity for catching up will exist. The program would be incomplete if either component is missing, or if any of the subcomponents of either phase are missing. When looking at the problem of obsolete equipment and software, funds for it is an obvious first step, but accompanying that, there must be an increase in training and support. The recipients of these new computers will likely need more support and training than those with current hardware and software to realize the full benefits associated with their use. As stated above, it is not enough to provide only the machines, software, and connectivity, but support and training must also be part of the plan.