Needs assessment of Faculty’s IT supports change
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Updates are being installed following a needs assessment of the Faculty of Health Science’s (FHS) information technology (IT) services. Launched six months ago by Susan Denburg, executive vice dean and associate vice president (academic), the assessment describes the IT needs within the Faculty and how these align with the strategic priorities of the Faculty and the university.
Updates are being installed following a needs assessment of the Faculty of Health Science’s (FHS) information technology (IT) services.
Launched six months ago by Susan Denburg, executive vice dean and associate vice president (academic), the assessment describes the IT needs within the Faculty and how these align with the strategic priorities of the Faculty and the university.
“We’re very pleased with the thoroughness of the review and the robust engagement of all of our stakeholders,” said Denburg.
The highest priority recommendations, which are considered to have the greatest impact, are:
- The implementation of an IT governance committee with cross-Faculty representation, aligned with FHS and McMaster governance structures;
- A concentration for the Computer Services Unit (CSU) on defining and delivering core services, with all units focused on differentiated and value-add FHS services;
- An alignment of IT funding with the new FHS budget model to eliminate the cost recovery model for core IT services. These will be developed with stakeholder input and validated by the new IT governance;
- The development of effective IT planning processes, including a robust asset management strategy to help manage and plan for future IT costs.
“I fully support these recommendations, and we’ve already started to work on implementation,” said Tracy Mestdagh, acting director of information technology for the Faculty, and head of the FHS Computer Services Unit (CSU).
Liaison work has enhanced the collaboration with McMaster’s University Technology Services and the academic hospital partners, and a website development committee with staff of both CSU and the Faculty’s public relations department is determining a coordinated website development process and maintenance plan.
Other changes will include an expanded director of IT role, which will report to the assistant vice-president of the Faculty, Laura Harrington.
“The review recognized the quality of work provided by CSU staff, and that their customer service approach is very much appreciated,” Harrington said. “It’s clear that our Faculty community is supportive, and we are well positioned to transform the way IT services are governed, organized and delivered in the Faculty.”
The report was reviewed by the Faculty’s Executive Council this week, and the report may be found here.
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