These include the FedEx Emerging Technology Complex, the Computational Sciences, Geographic Information Systems, and The Institute for Intelligent Systems. Some areas are thought of more in the realm of research but offer graduate education opportunities of real excellence. The Center for Earthquake Research and Information, the FedEx Center for Cycle Time Research, the SCB Global Technology Center, the Speech and Hearing Center, and the Prevention Center should be considered as candidates for additional IT emphasis. For the past three and one half years The U of M has concentrated upon building an IT infrastructure to support the needs of the institution in attaining and maintaining a competitive stature with selected peer institutions. Considerable progress has been made, and The University is reasonably competitive.
Work remains to be completed, however, to maintain a competitive level.
By mid-summer 1999 most of the basic infrastructure will be in place to support such a competitive IT stance. The DataNet project completion will certainly bring the University to a fully competitive level with respect to connectivity, and gaining Internet2 membership will enable both research and instructional programs to compete with our TBR designated peers. As noted above this is not a steady state and must be augmented just to maintain equity. The annual IT Strategic Planning and the Operational and Capital Budgeting processes coupled with the TAF ensure The U of M a competitive advantage over most universities in on-going IT funding strategies. Unless a program which provides faculty with current desktop computers and upgrades is implemented, The University will not remain competitive with its TBR-designated peers.