INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
STRATEGIC PLAN
2019-2024
CONTENTS
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
I) Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Letter from the Associate Vice President and CIO � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3
Mission
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4
Departments
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 5
II) Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Purpose� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
Guiding Principles
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
Governance and Review Process
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9
III) Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Goal 1: Academic Excellence, Innovative Teaching and
Student Centered Learning
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11
Goal 2: Strategic Enrollment Growth and Student Success � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12
Goal 3: IT Culture � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13
Goal 4: Operational Eciencies and Access to Data� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �14
Goal 5: Enhanced Services and Availability� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �15
Goal 6: Secure IT Environment� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �16
Goal 7: Communication and Branding � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �17
IV) Planning and Execution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
INTRODUCTION
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
2
3SECTION I: INTRODUCTION | LETTER
Letter from the Associate
Vice President and CIO
Radford University has developed a robust and reliable technology architecture
that the campus community relies on for daily business� This is accomplished
through a dedicated team of IT professionals that work tremendously hard to
meet the ever-changing needs of the campus community�
The Information Technology Strategic Plan 2019-2024 serves as a high-level guide
to help set goals and objectives to support the academic and business needs
of the campus community� The plan was commissioned with participation from:
a core strategic plan task force made up of key senior leaders in Information
Technology Services (ITS); the entire leadership team and sta of ITS; and input
and feedback from the Information Technology Advisory Committee�
As we look forward to the journey ahead and playing a part in the future of
technology at this great institution, we welcome your comments and continued
conversation about technology at Radford University�
Sincerely,
Ed Oakes
Associate Vice President for Information Technology & CIO
4 SECTION I: INTRODUCTION | MISSION
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
Mission
Information Technology Services is committed to
delivering a strategic advantage to Radford University
by fostering creative and innovative use of technology
to achieve the University’s objectives. The division
promotes eective stewardship of information assets
and provides a secure, highly reliable technology
infrastructure along with high-quality, customer-
oriented services and support, so as to meet the ever-
changing needs of the University community.
SECTION I: INTRODUCTION | DEPARTMENTS 5
Departments
Electronic Engineering and Communication Services designs and
maintains campus electronic learning spaces, the WVRU radio station, cable
TV and digital signage. In addition, sta support audio-visual (AV) events, live
streaming and broadcast television access.
Enterprise Systems provides systems analysis, design, programming,
reporting and implementation services supporting core university
administrative systems and business processes.
Identity Services and IT Audit Compliance maintains the identity
and access management environment, and supports IT audit, policy and
compliance initiatives.
Information Security protects the confidentiality, integrity and availability
of the university’s computer systems, electronic data and networks.
IT Infrastructure provides a secure and highly reliable server and network
infrastructure.
Technology Support Services provides high quality, customer-oriented
technology support for the instructional, research and business needs of the
university community.
Web and Mobile Technologies provides technical development, support,
integration and maintenance of the University’s web presence, OneCampus
portal, RUMobile and other web applications.
Embracing the Tradition and
Envisioning the Future
2018-2023 Strategic Plan
DIRECTION
6 SECTION II: DIRECTION | PURPOSE
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
Purpose
In January 2018, Radford University released a new strategic plan, 2018–
2023 Strategic Plan: Embracing the Tradition and Envisioning the Future.
The 2019-2024 Information Technology Strategic Plan aligns technology
goals and objectives with the University’s strategic vision, and
establishes a framework for future technology decisions and initiatives.
The IT Strategic Plan will be updated following any major revisions to the
university’s strategic plan.
SECTION II: DIRECTION | PRINCIPLES 7
Guiding Principles
1. Implement technology and services based on defined functional needs
and the strategic objectives of the University.
2. Design and support new systems and technologies with integration and
ease of use as expected features.
3. Manage IT projects in accordance with industry best practices.
4. Implement cost eective technology solutions and standards.
5. Provide responsible stewardship for University budgets and resources.
6. Maintain appropriate technology lifecycles that optimize value and
productivity for the University.
7. Value and encourage engagement, open communication and
collaboration across the organization.
8. Provide trusted and reliable systems.
9. Maintain a high level of security and privacy for sensitive data.
10. Value employee diversity and commitment to excellence.
11. Implement and support accessible IT systems.
12. Recognize that people supporting and using technology are more
important than technology itself.
13. Maintain focus on innovation while anticipating changes in technology
and the needs of customers.
14. Promote a responsive governance structure to engage the University
community in decisions and strategic directions for IT.
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
8 SECTION II: DIRECTION
“Radford University is known for its technology-driven teaching methods and
approaches to learning�
“Technology graces all nooks and crannies of the campus� Even so, the
University has an opportunity to elevate the utilization of innovative technology
in order to enhance teaching, learning and administrative functions�
“Such activities will result in increased access to education for all, including students
with disabilities and those living in rural areas, while also decreasing learning and
working disruptions and increasing communication with stakeholders�”
2018–2023 Strategic Plan: Embracing the Tradition and Envisioning the Future
SECTION II: DIRECTION | GOVERNANCE 9
Governance
and Review Process
The Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) is comprised
of representatives from all segments of the university to include faculty,
students and sta� The committee acts as a sounding board and provides
feedback and recommendations to the Information Technology Services
(ITS) on such topics as: new and existing technology, ideas and solutions;
technology refresh cycles; updates to instructional technology and software;
and development, review and implementation of IT policies and standards�
Planning for a new Information Technology Strategic Plan began in June
2018� A core group of the ITS leadership team met during the summer
to develop a project plan and initial requirements� In September, the ITS
leadership team met during the annual retreat to discuss and finalize a
draft of the goals and objectives�
The draft goals and objectives were introduced to the entire division
during the October quarterly meeting, and to the ITAC in December�
Both groups were encouraged to review and provide feedback to the
leadership team�
The Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information
Ocer approved the plan in April 2019 and then submitted it to the
President for final review�
STRATEGIC PLAN
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
10 SECTION III: PLAN
“We must adjust to the speed at which society is
moving! For this to occur, we must focus on innovation
and being responsive to societal needs. Therefore, we
will allow innovation to drive our strategic planning and
witness our vision and mission come to life.”
Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. (President 2016-2021)
Investiture Ceremony, Inaugural Address
“I wanted to reach out
and thank you for all of
your help on this year’s
SGA Elections� If it
wasn’t for you, I would
not have been able to
do it! I will be graduating
this year so you will have
fresh, new members to
teach! Thanks again for
your amazing work over
the years�”
Cody Hartley
Vice President
Student Government
Association
11
Goal 1 Provide technologies and services
to support academic excellence, innovative
teaching and student-centered learning.
Objective 1.1: Collaborate with faculty to design, build, maintain and support
technology rich and pedagogically flexible physical and virtual learning spaces.
Objective 1.2: Collaborate with faculty to identify opportunities to enhance
instruction, research and service through the use of information technology.
Objective 1.3: Oer educational opportunities for faculty on the use of
instructional technologies.
SECTION III: PLAN | GOAL 1
“Now more than ever, enrollment
leadership requires a coordinated
campus team to respond to emerging
internal challenges as well as shifting
external forces�”
Leslie Crosley and Jim Scannell
“Meeting Today’s College Enrollment
Goals While Preparing for the Future”
University Business, April 2017
12
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
Goal 2 Support strategic enrollment
growth and student success with flexible,
adaptable systems and services.
Objective 2.1: Support student recruitment, retention and success strategies with
robust technologies, integrations and data analytics.
Objective 2.2: Empower current and prospective students with responsive self-
service access to personalized information and resources.
Objective 2.3: Oer opportunities for students to gain real-world technology
experience and increase marketability after graduation.
SECTION III: PLAN | GOAL 2
“Connie worked late hours and early mornings to copy over 75 sections of
materials in a very short timeframe� Connie is an invaluable asset to your team�
Thank you so much to her and your division for sharing such an asset�”
Jason Lucas
New Student & Family Programs
13
Goal 3 Promote an IT culture committed to
excellence, innovation and customer service.
Objective 3.1: Recruit and retain talented and qualified sta committed to
providing exceptional customer service under visionary, empathetic leadership.
Objective 3.2: Evaluate and adjust organizational structure and processes as
needed to optimize the alignment of IT resources and University needs.
Objective 3.3: Communicate regularly regarding IT news, information, updates and
changes to ensure a well-informed campus community.
Objective 3.4: Engage students, faculty and sta to solicit feedback on system
enhancements, new technologies, and services.
Objective 3.5: Provide guidance and recommendations on the selection and use of
systems and services to support the technology needs of the campus community.
Objective 3.6: Leverage project management methodologies and best practices to
eectively plan for new and innovative technologies.
Objective 3.7: Invest in technology training to increase the knowledge and skills of
University employees to stay abreast of rapidly changing technologies.
Objective 3.8: Provide superior customer service for faculty, sta and students in
the use of campus technologies.
Objective 3.9: Provide IT infrastructure, systems and support for the success of
new campus initiatives.
Objective 3.10: Promote an IT culture of sustainability.
SECTION III: PLAN | GOAL 3
“You and your team are always supportive
but the project mentors this semester went
above and beyond�”
Dr� Je Pittges
Department of Information Technology
“Thanks, the technology worked flawlessly�”
Dr� Murugappa Krishnan
Dept of Accounting & Finance
14
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
Goal 4 Improve operational
eciencies and access to data through
integrated administrative systems.
Objective 4.1: Integrate administrative systems to reduce duplication of data,
enhance functionality and streamline user access to services.
Objective 4.2: Develop and maintain a reporting environment that supports
strategic planning and decision making using dashboards, reports, business
intelligence and analytics.
Objective 4.3: Consult with departments to continually evaluate and re-engineer
business processes and information workflow to optimize productivity and system
capabilities.
Objective 4.4: Increase electronic access to data and reduce the use of paper
forms and reports.
Objective 4.5: Develop and implement a strategy to maintain a modern portal
environment to better serve the evolving needs of University constituents.
SECTION III: PLAN | GOAL 4
“Because of the overlap
between IR and IT work,
I enjoy learning from
you and seeing how you
plan and evaluate your
own areas�”
Eric G� Lovik, Ph�D�
Director of Institutional
Research
15
Goal 5 Continually explore
methods to enhance services and
availability while reducing costs.
Objective 5.1: Maintain a robust, highly available and reliable IT infrastructure
while maximizing performance and minimizing single points of failure.
Objective 5.2: Evaluate and use virtualization technologies and hosted/cloud
services when secure, cost eective options are available.
Objective 5.3: Implement lifecycle replacement and upgrades of hardware,
software and systems to meet business needs in a cost eective manner.
Objective 5.4: Leverage public and or private partnerships with other
organizations to reduce costs.
Objective 5.5: Review contracts on a regular basis to ensure licenses are in line
with current needs.
SECTION III: PLAN | GOAL 5
“Those guys worked hard to execute every detail asked of
them… and there were a lot of fluid details to work through!”
D�J� Preston
Director of Student Recreation and Wellness
16
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
Goal 6 Build and maintain a secure
IT environment while balancing
security, usability and access.
Objective 6.1: Promote IT security awareness and training to minimize security
threats and incidents.
Objective 6.2: Implement and adhere to security policies and standards and
security best practices.
Objective 6.3: Maintain readily available documentation to ensure business
continuity in the event of an unplanned disruption.
Objective 6.4: Continually monitor and enhance the security of the University’s
information assets.
Objective 6.5: Use eective change management processes to minimize risks
through review and approval of documented changes to hardware and software.
Objective 6.6: Foster partnerships with local, regional and Commonwealth
security professionals.
SECTION III: PLAN | GOAL 6
“He knew what needed to be done and did
it all with a delightful attitude and was a
friendly addition to our conference�”
Dr� Brad Bizzell
School of Teacher Education & Leadership
17
Goal 7 Provide state of the art technologies
to support communication and branding
Objective 7.1: Collaborate with the campus community to continually enhance
the digital environment to support and promote the University’s mis
sion.
Objective 7.2: Provide and support web and mobile technologies to meet the
changing needs of the University.
Objective 7.3: Enhance electronic communications and services to the
University and surrounding community by leveraging relationships and
developing partnerships using radio, TV and digital signage.
SECTION III: PLAN | GOAL 7
PLANNING AND
EXECUTION
18 SECTION IV: PLANNING AND EXECUTION
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
The 2019-2024 Information Technology Strategic Plan provides the
framework and guidance for evaluating technology decisions, new
technology initiatives and annual operational planning�
Targeted projects and operational strategies will be proposed and
prioritized with consideration of institutional priorities and annual
budget development�
The project portfolio and operational plans will track progress toward
strategic goals and objectives�
Progress toward meeting these goals and objectives will be
documented in the Information Technology Annual Report�
PLANNING AND
EXECUTION
SECTION IV: PLANNING AND EXECUTION 19
UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC PLAN
(2018-2023)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
STRATEGIC PLAN
(2019-2024)
IT STRATEGIC AND
OPERATIONAL PROJECTS
(ANNUALLY)
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
ANNUAL REPORT
IT STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2024
Radford University Mission
As a mid-sized, comprehensive public institution dedicated
to the creation and dissemination of knowledge, Radford
University empowers students from diverse backgrounds
by providing transformative educational experiences,
from the baccalaureate to the doctoral level, within and
beyond the classroom� As an inclusive university community,
we specialize in cultivating relationships among students,
faculty, sta, alumni and other partners, and in providing a
culture of service, support and engagement� We embrace
innovation and tradition and instill students with purpose
and the ability to think creatively and critically� We provide
an educational environment and the tools to address the
social, economic and environmental issues confronting our
region, nation and the world�