ASCUE 2014 – Administrative Round Table

The Round Table discussion was led by Craig Gray – Gilford College

Topic: EDUCAUSE Top 10 Administrative Issues in Higher Education

Many believe the EDUCAUSE list has dramatically changed but the list has not changed. Many feel that the items have been re-prioritized. The group of attendees selected four specific topics from the list.

  1. Establishing a partnership between IT leadership and institutional leadership to develop a collective understanding of what information technology can deliver.
    1. Tina Stuchell mentioned that she attends President’s Council meetings.  Her attendance commenced this year, She currently reports to VP for Finance.
    2. Many believe that is is important for t senior leadership to hear  directly from Information Technology representatives. The sense for many is that the IT message have been or is censored as the information flow up the chain of command.
    3. A question was asked if this solution was best for our students?
    4. Tina believes her presence on the council have helped vice presidents to think differently about the impact of technology.
    5. Craig suggested that the attendees complete the Educause Core Data Survey and then use the SDS dashboards to compare their institution to peer institutions.
    6. Anthony Basham mentioned that his staff is trying to figure where IT balances or fits in the institution culture.
    7. George Pyo mentioned that communicating with senior leadership is very important. He suggested that key members of the IT department should schedule regular monthly meeting with members of senior leadership.
    8. Craig mentioned that CIO or top IT leaders can not spend time putting out fires. More time should be spent preparing strategic plans.
  1. Assisting faculty with the instructional integration of information technology.
    1. The group recognized that this item consistently appears on the list each year.
    2. It was recommended that IT leaders review the EDUCAUSE-ECAR freshman evaluation. The evaluation is a good measure in determining  student expectations of  how  faculty utilize technology in the classroom.
    3. The groups discussed the responsibilities of two positions  Instructional Technician and Instructional Designer.  Tina Stuchell presented comments discussing the environment using Instructional Technicians  vs Instructional Designers. She mentioned that is very important to have the correct person in these positions because of the type of support that is needed in each area.
    4. Gerald Ball mentioned that  Instructional Technology was established under a Title III grant. A Computer Science faculty assumed the Instructional  Technologist  position but prefers teaching.
    5. Hollis Townsend presented  advice on evaluating Instructional Technology positions.
    6. Jeff Le Blanc mentioned that Instructional Technology  and Instructional Design is separated at his institution. Instructional Technology sets with central IT.  His department also provides training on using many different software packages. The Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning reports to the Provost and includes the Instructional Designers. Designers work with faculty on developing assessment tools, etc.  There is a separation of responsibilities.
  1. Developing an IT staffing and organizational model to accommodate the changing IT environment and facilitate openness and agility.
    1. The question was asked, “What are the areas that were most transformed at your institutions to deal with changing technologies?”
      1. Matt Manous stated that money/funding is a major influence. Since money is a major concern, sometimes less confident individuals are hired.
    2. Tina Stutchell mentioned the team building efforts that her department has implemented have been positive.
    3. Jeff LeBlanc  thinks team building has increased by delegating and through the use of project management.
    4. Many agreed that project management is vitally important and good for the entire Information Technology department.
  1. Changing IT funding models to sustain core service, support innovation and facilitate growth.
    1. Some attendees mentioned that funding at their school has never changed. One attendee mentioned that the model at his institution has moved reverted to a strategy used in 2008. The goals of the IT department are included in the costs of new building projects.  The funding mechanism is built into the the project costs.
    2. The question was asked if funding increased or decreased. The opinion was mixed among the members of the group in attendance.

2022 ASCUE Event Safety During the Pandemic

Updated as of February 11, 2022

As the COVID-19 Global Pandemic continues, ASCUE is both cautiously optimistic and prepared to manage our on-site events with the health, safety, and well-being of our members, presenters, exhibitors, and speakers in mind.

We will continue to monitor and update safety precautions for the ASCUE Conference regularly and follow guidelines in accordance with trusted national resources, state and local public health agencies, Ocean Creek Resort and Conference Center, and off-site event venues.

In all cases, we will continue to assess the risks in the local area and the current status in the United States. There may be some events during which the mask requirement may be waived, but for most cases, these will be the policies and procedures required of our attendees at indoor conference activities and events.

ASCUE reserves the right to modify these policies and procedures at any time given the rapidly changing nature of the current global pandemic.

Please continue reading about our 2022 ASCUE Conference In-Person Attendance Requirements and COVID-19 Protocol here.