Commission on Affordability stated in its 1999 report, Higher education and technology are essential and interdependent building blocks for a robust economy. In response to these changing needs, SMSU has developed a strategic information technology plan designed to deliver these applications and services. These same technologies will be used to recruit potential students and communicate with alumni and communities anywhere in the world. Potential students are increasingly evaluating institutions, in part, by the level of technology infused into the institution. Information technologies will enhance existing relationships and allow new types of relationships to be established - between the university and the student, between the student and faculty member, between faculty members, between students and staff, between the university and its alumni, and between entire institutions.
Technology is a tool, just one of many in the university s toolbox.
SMSU will continue to use information technologies to improve quality, increase access, and become more efficient. Given the rapid pace of change, the university cannot hope to predict future information technologies any more precisely than other organizations. The only thing known for sure is that technologies will continue to change, and probably at an increasing rate of speed. Information technology products, services, and skills will quickly become obsolete if not regularly updated. Consequently, SMSU must plan for change by using life-cycle budgeting and creating a technical infrastructure that focuses on flexibility and scalability.