Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation - Project Enterprise

Implemented several key modules of Temple's $38 million ERP project, including:

• Banner Recruitment and Enrollment Management,
• Banner Financial Aid,
• Banner Registration,
• Banner Catalogue and Scheduling,
• Cashiering,
• Billing and Accounts Receivable,
• Banner Advancement and,
• The new Banner Travel and Expense module.

For more details and additional accomplishments, see the Project Enterprise News site.

Telecommunications Services

• Replaced 500 edge switches as part of the three year network upgrade to replace all of the 2,500 pieces of equipment in the University's data network that serves both the University and its Health System. This network upgrade has allowed the University to maintain a state-of-the-art data network that is meeting the needs of the exponential growth in bandwidth requirements.
  
  
• Expanded wireless connectivity. To meet the exponentially increasing demand for bandwidth and wireless connectivity throughout campus, we expanded wireless capability to 12 lecture halls and 18 classrooms in 2011.

Cloud Computing

Introduced TUcloud - the University's version of cloud computing, the next stage in the Internet's evolution. TUcloud provides the means through which everything from computing power to computing infrastructure can be delivered to departments as a service wherever and whenever they need it. Computer Services is offering TUcloud on a fee for service basis. This new service eliminates the need for departments to purchase and administer their own servers. This lowers the infrastructure costs for the schools and colleges and provides a low cost infrastructure option for researchers. There are now 64 different areas using TUcloud.

Windows 7 Upgrades

Microsoft released Windows 7 in the spring of 2010. The Windows 7 upgrade for all computer labs and smart classrooms was completed in time for the opening of the fall 2010 semester.

Mobile Computing

Introduced TUmobile. There is an ever increasing demand for mobile applications to do the administrative functions at Temple. In April 2011, the first of numerous applications providing on-line functionality for the iPhone and Android devices implemented. Adding the Blackberry operating system is under development.

Data Security

Data security and identity management are two of the most critical things that face the University. Implemented several security enhancements to improve and enhance Temple's data security:

• Laptop encryption to 200 laptops,
• Security incident and event monitoring to monitor Symantec Endpoint Protection, Active Directory, Proventia Intrusion Protection Systems and Tivoli Access Manager, and
• An encrypted file share system for five University departments.

Joint Data Center for Electronic Medical Records

Assisted in setting up of the system infrastructure in the new Joint Data Center for EPIC, the Temple University Physicians new Electronic Medical Records system. TUP is close to 50 percent completed on the implementation of this system in the various doctor's practices.

Web 2.0 and Social Media

Launched a WordPress server that will allow departments to create their own Web 2.0 sites, and take part in an online community for launching ad-hoc forums, workgroups and projects. Increased the use of Google Forms by departments, allowing them to easily gather information and conduct polls in a quick and efficient manner. Increased the number of departmental presentations on social media and Web 2.0 technologies, to guide departments in the safe and effective use of these technologies.

Smart Classroom Implementation Plan

As part of the Five Year Smart Classroom Plan, 24 classrooms on four campuses were converted to smart classrooms equipped with a computer, projector, Internet access, newly-designed podium and a touch-panel control system. This brings the total of smart classrooms throughout the University to 477; 72 percent of University classrooms. In addition 15 existing smart classrooms were upgraded to a 16x9 format with new computers, screens, and projectors. Also, as a pilot test, touch panels in podiums in Tuttleman Learning Center classrooms were configured for two-way voice communication. When instructors need assistance, they touch the "Help" button on the panel, and a consultant can "call" the touch panel to initiate a conversation.

Training

Computer Services now offers over 50 self-paced online training modules, in addition to traditional face-to-face training. These modules include both those developed in-house and well as commercial subscriptions. Training covers standard Office Productivity and multimedia software packages as well as in-house systems like Self-Service Banner and TUmail. Online training was developed and rolled out for student workers in Computer Services, and collaborated with Human Resource on the design and implementation of online customer services training for student workers. The number of training sessions has increased for students using the TECH Center's multimedia studio, video, and audio suites.

Disaster Recovery

The Computer Services' Disaster Recovery is up-to-date and compliant with the testing of all its mission critical systems, including Banner and the mainframe (ISIS). All of the Schools and Colleges are now involved in Continuity Planning. Working groups have been formed for each school/college to develop a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness and Continuity Plan. Continuity Planning has been divided into 4 key areas; Business, Academia, Research and Building. The process of establishing essential categories and building the appropriate framework to support the key areas is in progress. Computer Services is participating by conducting its own Continuity Plan and working closely with the Continuity team to assist other schools/colleges in their planning activities.

Service Catalog

Computer Services has worked to identify, redefine, and reclassify all of its services and has officially rolled them in what is known as the Service Catalog. This can be found on the Computer Services home page www.temple.edu/cs. This Service catalog will streamline the IT communication channel by making it easier for customers to locate services, keep complex business processes behind the scenes and allow for self service options.

Blackboard Upgrades

In the summer of 2010, Computer Services upgraded Blackboard 8 to version 9.1, including:

• Migrating over 60,000 courses to test new version,
• Upgrading existing storage to new SAN,
• Virtualizing the servers,
• Upgrading of all third party modules such as blogs, wikis, etc,
• Upgrading the Bb Learning, Content, Outcomes and e-portfolio systems,
• Rewriting the new modules to integrate with Banner and TUportal, and
• Training the community on how to use the new Blackboard features.

TECH Center Enhancements

In fiscal 2011, Computer Services made major renovations and improvements to the TECH Center including:

• Implementing a working multi-media studio,
• Replacing all computers in accordance with replacement schedule,
• Repainting the student lab areas and new carpeting installed in main thoroughfares,
• Upgrading software to latest versions, and
• Installing "diner style" booths with seating for 6+ people with mounted computer screen allowing for collaborative work.