Technology
Technology Ernie Clevenger, Director; John Gibbs, Associate Director
The Technology Division is responsible for information technology policies, planning and leaders in support of
the mission of NationsUniversity and for insuring the integrity of all related data. These policies are consistent
with those adopted by the Board of Regents, harmonize with those of other divisions of the University, and
have the support of those who are charged with their execution.
The Director of Technology serves as the primary information officer and technical consultant of the
University. The Director chairs the University's Technology Committee. The Director is the organization's
leader in developing and executing policies, plans, strategies, controls, and budgets for the university's
technology infrastructure and for the integration of information technology into its administrative and
instructional activities. Technology is understood to include (a) hardware and software, (b) platforms, and
(c) information and data management. The Division also plays the leading role in dealing with network
security issues.
The Director of Technology researches and recommends system development priorities. In this regard,
he/she leads in the creation, revision, and implementation of an ongoing Technology Strategic Plan that
addresses current and future trends in the field of distance learning technology as it applies to
NationsUniversity. The Director anticipates future network needs and identifies proactive solutions to
satisfy these needs.
Specific tasks associated with the three areas of Technology are outlined below.
Scope: Hardware is here defined as computers, office equipment, and communication equipment.
Software is defined as computer programming--both standardized and customized.
Tasks:
1. Identify, obtain, manage, monitor, maintain, operate, and plan for replacement and/or upgrades
for that hardware required to fulfill the mission of the University, including:
a. Telephone system, both hard wired and cell based
b. Reproduction, facsimile, postal, filing, and similar equipment
c. Computer and computer related hardware and work stations
d. Local area networks, modems, and related computer hardware
e. Wireless services
f. Data backup systems
2. Identify, obtain, manage, monitor, maintain, operate, and plan for replacement and/or upgrades
for that software required to fulfill the mission of the University, including:
a. Off the shelf packages (MS Office, etc.)
b. E-mail
c. Webcam and video conferencing
d. Internet services
e. Website technology
f. Social networking technologies
g. Specialized software such as the CMS
Job description: Reports to the Director of Technology and serves as a member of the University's
Technology Committee. Participates in the annual and long range work planning and budgeting
cycle to implement the tasks listed above. Prepares and delivers appropriate training in the areas
of hardware and software. Creates and maintains technical documentation for hardware and
software.
Scope: Platforms refer to those electronic programs that make the educational system function. These
are comprised mainly of Moodle, the Curriculum Management System (CMS), and the University's
website. Needs are assessed in concert with other units and procedures in order to assure the
construction of architecturally sound systems that are aligned with the University's needs.
Tasks:
1. Identify, obtain, manage, monitor, maintain, operate, and plan for replacement and/or upgrades for
the educational platform (Moodle), the software (Curriculum Management System), and the
University's website.
2. Enhance existing systems to enable ongoing quality scale to meet the needs of the student
population and academic leadership.
Job description: Reports to the Director of Technology and serves on the University's Technology
Committee. Provides technical leadership for those electronic software programs that make the
educational system function. Leads in the design, implementation, and deployment of successful
systems that are designed to be secure, efficient, and scalable. Participates in the annual and long
range work planning, budgeting, and execution cycle to implement the tasks listed above. Prepares and
delivers appropriate training for those electronic programs that make the educational system function.
c. Management of data
Scope: The management of information and data refers to ability to store and extract data from the
Curriculum Management System that is needed for assessment of educational outcomes and to
assure that accreditation standards are met. This data falls into three areas: (a) administrative,
University and its software providers and developers.
Tasks:
1. Identify, obtain, manage, monitor, maintain, operate, and plan for the storing and extraction
of electronic data needed to assess educational outcomes and fulfill the mission of the University.
2. Perform data mining, extraction, and, in some cases, possibly encryption.
3. Create standard and ad-hoc reports utilizing different data sources.
4. Maintain a current knowledge of, and expertise in, relevant technologies.
Job description: Reports to the Director of Technology. Participates in the annual and long range work
planning, budgeting, and execution cycle, and implements the tasks listed above. Prepares and
delivers appropriate training in the areas of information storage and extraction.
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