Top 10 IT Strategic Efforts
Below are the Top 10 IT Strategic Efforts that are propelling our institution into the future with transformation and innovation. All of the projects in our portfolio are important efforts that move IT forward. These Top 10 IT Strategic Efforts are specific initiatives and projects that are taking our institution to new heights and are helping shape a brighter, more innovative future for our students, faculty, researchers, and staff.
- Transition to Cloud Voice System
- Response to NIST 800-171 Audit Findings for Azure
- Deployment of Endpoint Security Tools to UIC IT Assets
- UIC IT Capability Improvement (COBIT Audit)
- Forward Initiative Connectivity Modernization
- Password Unification
- Decommission Bluestem Website Authentication
- Grammarly Pilot
- Launch of the Chicago Computes Program
- Modernize Identity and Access Management (IAM)
List Last Updated: 01/08/2024
1. Transition to Cloud Voice System Heading link
Sponsor: Matt Riley UIC CIO & Jason Maslanka UIC CTO
Project Manager: Mat Willis
Description: The cloud voice solution will provide a flexible cloud-based phone system that can support the traditional, hybrid, and remote workforce at UIC. The migration will bring new capabilities and free up resources tied to legacy phone technology. Resources that can be reallocated to higher-value needs
Status: The effort kicked off in April 2023. Planning and building the underlying infrastructure for porting phone numbers is progressing (SIP Conversion). A dedicated website was created for this project.
2. Response to NIST 800-171 Audit for Azure Secure Computing Environment Heading link
Sponsor: Himanshu Sharma
Project Manager: Thelma Majalca
Description: This project addresses the findings from the NIST audit report provided by external auditors. Therecommendationsimprovetheoverall security posture of the environment, creating new opportunities to pursue research grants.
Status: This effort was recently approved upon receipt of the recommendations from the external audit firm.This effort is a continuation of our Azure Compliance with NIST800-171 secure computing goals for researchers.
3. Deployment of Endpoint Security Tools to UIC IT Assets Heading link
Sponsor: Shefali Mookencherry & Esteban Perez
Project Manager: Sue Martini
Description: Expand the use of security toolsets (Splunk, Qualys, Defender) across UIC colleges so that the university can effectively identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from disruptive security events minimizing down time and loss of productivity.
Status: A PMO project manager has been added to this project. Initial planning, milestones, and charter development are underway. Once the plan is completed the team will begin scheduling stakeholder meetings.
4. UIC IT Capability Improvement (COBIT Audit) Heading link
Sponsor: Matt Riley
Project Manager: Steven Van Poucke
Description: Process improvements for all campus IT units regarding security, asset management, configuration management, resource optimization, and human resources.
Status: This is a program consisting of several efforts. Meetings among the sub-teams continue with regular updates to the CIO and CTO. Work is progressing and on schedule. Teams will contribute to a draft response that will be prepared in January 2024.
5. Forward Initiative Connectivity Modernization Heading link
Sponsor: Jelene Crehan
Project Manager: Mat Willis
Description: Improving the student experience with an upgrade to the network infrastructure (Wi-Fi and wired connections) in the Daley and Health Science libraries.
Status: The Richard J Daley Library (OCP Managed), Health Science Library (LHS), and, Physical Education Building (PEB) are in-progress. The Clinical Sciences Building (CSB) is on hold until the 1st floor closets are built. The next building in the queue is ETMSW. Both Jefferson Hall (JH) and Henry Hall (HH) were removed from the queue due to extensive renovation work taking place.
6. AI Enablement & Strategic Planning Heading link
Sponsor: Jason Maslanka
Description: Integrate and adopt Ai tools that enhance and improve education, research, and learning
Status: Project is in planning stages
7. Decommission Bluestem Website Authentication Heading link
Sponsor: Radhika Reddy
Project Manager: Roni Rivera
Description: An effort to explore how we can modernize our authentication platforms and retire a legacy homegrown codebase.
Status: Project is 56% complete due to 37 additional items added to the backlog in July.
8. Grammarly for Education Pilot Program Heading link
Sponsor: Bryan Libbin
Project Manager: To be determined
Description: To promote academic excellence and writing proficiency among its 34,000-strong student body, faculty, and staff, Technology Solutions will provide Grammarly licenses to all students, faculty, and staff for a year. The objective of this pilot is not only to improve writing proficiency among students but also to positively impact faculty and staff, enabling them to streamline their communication and content-creation processes. The hope is that Grammarly will become an integral part of the campus ecosystem, breaking down barriers, creating equity, and enhancing the overall writing experience. LTS has partnered with various departments, including Student Success and Belonging, to advocate for the widespread adoption of Grammarly licenses across the campus. This collaboration underscores the commitment to providing the best possible resources for our academic community and further enhancing the culture of writing and communication at the university.
Status: Currently, we have negotiated the contract and university-wide site license, and the contract sits in procurement while we are working with security and accessibility on moving the adoption forward.
9. Launch of the Chicago Computes Program Heading link
Sponsor: Himanshu Sharma
Project Manager: Thelma Majalca
Description: The Chicago Computes Program seeks to lower the digital divide across underrepresented scientific disciplines by democratizing access to expertise, data, and computation resources.
Status: The technical work of this undertaking is well underway and is approximately 40% complete. The project team has hit two milestones and recently received much-needed cables to continue planned work.
10. Modernize Identity and Access Management (IAM) Heading link
Sponsor: Shefali Mookencherry
Project Manager: Scott Lagger
Description: This effort will enable use of identity data to advance the mission of colleges and units at UIC. Examples include, student success, process improvement, and campus safety.
Status: A Midpoint consulting firm, engaged by the UI-System Chief Digital Risk Officer (CDRO), is working with System and Campuses to document IAM processes and workflows.