Most of the adoptions of technology were initiated without considering the impact of the technology on the university beyond the departmental level. Even though the university has not had a well-developed process for identifying and managing technology in academic programs, the university has maintained an adequate level of involvement with technology. In some areas, we have actually developed technological resources ahead of other universities in the state. The automation of the library's holdings and research resources and the efforts to include distance learning in several health science programs and through the Division of Continuing Education, for example, are noteworthy. Given the increased influence of technology, the university should identify technology as a key result area to monitor in future years since the university's ability to met its objectives will increasingly depend on how wisely we use technology and how comfortable our graduates will be moving from our academic programs to their professional and civic responsibilities after graduation.
Recommendations Develop a university-wide vision for using technology in academic programs.
Identify academic programs where the university should support technology. Concentrate resources on the library's role in implementing technology. Include technology as a critical issue in academic positioning discussion. Continue university-wide discussion initiated by provost on ways to integrate technology into our programs. Develop more cost effective ways to fund technology using leasing and support contracts.