Further, we must ensure that our graduates have the information-technology skills to compete in the modern world. The education that the University of Virginia offers to its students must include this skill set, adjusted appropriately for the variety of careers and job choices to which our students aspire. In order to provide this learning experience for our students, and in order to maintain the University in the top ranks of research institutions in the world, we must also make sure that our staff and faculty are adequately trained in computer-technology skills. Funds must be found to support the initiatives proposed by UCIT . The idea of fund raising targeted to information technology at the University is a relatively new, but deserving one.
Technology is a necessary tool for the work of a modern university.
Failure to provide the needed resources and tools to do our job will risk, if not ensure, the failure of our mission. There is little or no chance that the resources needed to implement the plans I have discussed here will be provided by the state. Therefore, we must rely on private support. If the University community will unite behind this goal, there is every reason to think that it can be achieved.