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Current Projects

Emergency Communications Project

The University of Connecticut's Emergency Communications project is sponsored by Barry Feldman, Chief Operating Officer, and the project Steering Committee which is comprised of Michael Kerntke, Associate Vice President of Information Technology Services (UITS); Scott Brohinsky, Director of the University Relations Office; and Robert Hudd, Associate Vice President for Public and Environmental Safety. The project committee, headed by Michael Kerntke, is charged with investigating and implementing various ways for University officials to alert faculty, staff and students of life-threatening emergencies.

The committee is researching various technologies including sirens, broadcasting messages from Code Blue telephones, message boards, text messaging systems, as well as the utilization of our current email and voice mail systems.

The committee will meet throughout the summer with the goal of having emergency communications systems operational this fall. The committee members represent the departments of Public Safety, University Technology Services, Purchasing, Facilities Operations, the UConn Health Center, the UConn Law School, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Media Communications, as well as USG, the Registrar's and the Provost Offices.

In addition, the committee formed a few sub-committees to focus on specific technologies. These sub-committees include representatives from Telecommunications, Network Engineering, UITS Server Support, and Facilities Operations.

For more information about this project, go to http://web.uconn.edu/ecp/.

Encryption of University Data on Laptops and Desktops

Many computers at the University of Connecticut contain sensitive or confidential data, the storing of which involves risk that sensitive information will be compromised as the result of unauthorized access, theft, or loss of a computer. Each year in the United States hundreds of incidents occur at higher education institutions which involve the loss or theft of computers used to access or store sensitive data.

The University of Connecticut has had its own incidents involving lost and stolen equipment and the risk is present that additional equipment may be lost or stolen. The bottom line cost of such incidents must be taken into consideration, as well as the damage to the University’s reputation. It is estimated that the cost of data lost to an institution like UConn is $197.00 per exposed record. The cost to the University’s reputation is difficult to measure, but certainly costly. The University must protect its data; data encryption provides protection.

The goal of the University Encryption of University Data on Laptops and Desktops Project is to install Full Disk Encryption (FDE) products for Windows and Macintosh on laptops and desktops at all University of Connecticut campuses. The project includes staff from the UITS Security Policy and Quality Assurance, and Customer Support and Relations and is expected to begin in the Fall of 2008.

Exchange 2007 Upgrade Project

UITS is currently running an Exchange 2003 infrastructure. In order to keep current with latest technologies UITS will be upgrading to Exchange 2007.

Upgrades to the system include:
  • An improved Outlook Web Access interface.
  • Improved support for mobile devices.
  • Moving to a higher end server infrastructure.

The users will be migrated to the new system with minimal downtime. Users mailboxes will be moved during the night, on an individual basis. Clients will receive new configurations as to where mail is located automatically, no change is required on the users side.

Firewall

UITS has installed firewalls at the University Internet borders as well as the UITS server farm. We have taken an innovative approach in network and host security by installing firewalls that combine the common capabilities of stateful inspection with the uncommon ability to scan network traffic, in real time, for viruses and network intrusion attempts. The principal idea is to identify and stop only malicious traffic, while allowing legitimate traffic to flow as expected. This project involves UITS Security, Server Support and Network Engineering Staff.

Human Capital Management (HCM) Project

This project is an effort to enhance our human resources data management and system functionality as well as update the technology upon which our human resource system is based. Using the Oracle-Peoplesoft Human Resource system as a foundation, this system provides a modern platform including database management technology, web-based access, combined with some of the best functionality in the industry. This effort will replace the existing and aging Genesys system, which no longer enjoys vendor support, and will operate on a more modern system platform. This significant enhancement will enable us to take advantage of web-based solutions as well as align the technology and technical skills required to that of the Student Administration system, another major enterprise system. The commonality among these major applications will permit the highest degree of integration that is consistent with our operations, similar technology and computer platforms and technical staff skill sets.

The Human Resources department as well as departments throughout the University will see improvements to recruiting and search capabilities, payroll authorization process, adjunct hire process, time reporting, annual mass salary increase processes for various bargaining units and length of service calculations.

The project is to be accomplished in two major phases. The first is designed to get us to the new solution maintaining our existing functionality while benefiting from new improvements provided by the new system. During this phase we will also be implementing a new reporting solution using data warehouse technology. This reporting and data warehousing technology will also align with that used by our Student Administration system. This major milestone in this phase of the effort is scheduled to be accomplished during February, 2008 during which time the new system will be placed in operation. This phase will continue through June, 2008.

A follow on phase will begin to deploy new functionalityavailable in the new system. Although the scope and specifics of this phase have yet to be specified, the areas of focus for this are expected to be for improvements in absence management and employee self service.

Core-CT will continue to be the source for payroll information however interfaces between the Core-CT system the UConn HCM system will be continued and enhanced.

This project involves staff from UITS, Human Resource and Payroll as well as participants from across the University including OIR, Financial Aid, Financial Affairs and others.

HuskyCT Upgrade (Version 4.2)

HuskyCT (formerly WebCT-Vista) provides a set of web course tools that can be used to enhance or modify the instructional delivery process using web-based tools and the power of the Internet. Our use of this system has grown rapidly over the past few years and has exceeded our plans and expectations in terms of growth and adoption.

The adoption of this software has placed new demands on our systems and UITS will have to make a considerable investment in upgrading this platform during the Fall 2007. Currently over 39,000 enrollees in almost 3,000 classes used this facility in conjunction with their instruction. This use has grown by 200% just in the past year. This growth consists of both an expansion in the number of courses that use it but also more intensive use of this tool by existing users as well. This growth has exceeded our expectations and, as a result, has placed demands on the computer environment thereby also requiring a major upgrade in the computer equipment as well. This hardware upgrade will occur during the Fall 2007 to handle the current workload as well as position us well for the planned software upgrade.

Our plans call for the software upgrade to the new version 4.2, along with the upgrade to the electronic course reserve (ECR) tool that we have developed for our course needs at UConn. We expect to begin work in the Spring of 2008 and continue through the Summer for availability for the Fall semester 2008.

The new version will provide administrative improvements including a more flexible backup and archival capability. There will also be new features including a choice of different templates for instructors, improvements to testing and assessment, new media library import and export features, and Microsoft Windows Vista support.

IT Strategic Plan

The IT Steering Committee and the IT Strategic Planning Committee will complete a revision of the current IT Strategic Plan for the University. The current UConn IT Strategic was adopted in 2006 and should be examined to ensure that it is still current in terms of meeting the University’s needs. It is also necessary to ensure that it still directly supports the nearly completed UConn Academic Plan.

Network Master Plan

The Network Master Plan (NMP) for the university was drafted and approved in the Spring of 2004. The purpose of the plan was to perform a campus-wide equipment, facilities and wiring upgrade in order to create, enhance, and maintain, the university technology network infrastructure. The plan outlined the overall status and configuration of the current network system, identified the university’s projected needs with respect to network technology, and strategies on how to meet those needs, the cost, milestones, and timelines for the project, and recommended maintenance and replacement programs. Network equipment upgrades have occurred in several University buildings over the past 4 years. The project is scheduled to be completed in the Spring of 2012.

Network Vulnerability Assessment

The University of Connecticut Information Technology Services (UITS) will be engaging an outside independent organization to evaluate, through a network vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, the level of security of the University’s IT resources that reside within the UITS Server Farm from external attack. It is expected that such an initiative will provide information to UITS concerning the effectiveness of existing security efforts and potentially build the case for future security efforts.

Pinnacle V6 Migration Project

The goal of the Pinnacle Communications Management System (CMS) project is to migrate from our present version to the newest release of Version 6 (V6.) The current V4 is functioning on unsupported hardware and software platforms. The data in Pinnacle is extremely critical; therefore data back-ups, hardware redundancy and system failover procedures are necessary.

This endeavor will allow:
  • A comprehensive and centralized database of voice, video and data communications information into one easily accessible application,
  • Improve and streamline workflow processes,
  • Shorten service order request cycles,
  • Allow web access for administrative and end-user access,
  • Provide E-billing for online customer statement review,
  • Enhance inventory control and asset management,
  • Improve work order and trouble ticket workflow,
  • Increase flexibility of call rating routines,
  • Improve ad hoc reporting capabilities.

The effort will focus on the data modeling/process. System set up, data clean up, extracting data, testing imports and implementing V6 are deliverables. The project includes staff from UITS Network Engineering and Telecommunications, Server Support, and Customer Business Applications.

Studdent Administration Data Mart (SADM) Retrofit Project

The purpose for this project is to retrofit SADM with data from PeopleSoft Campus Solutions V9 in order to provide a reporting environment that will be available when PeopleSoft Campus Solutions V9 goes into production on October 13th, 2008. Once resources become more available, SADM will eventually be replaced with the EPM/CS product.

Student Administration System 9.0 Upgrade Project

In early October, 2008 we will perform a major upgrade to the Peoplesoft Student Administration system to a new release referred to as “version 9.0” which will replace the current “8.0” version now in operation. The upgrade period begins on Friday evening October 3rd and continues through Sunday, October 12th. We expect that the new system to be available by Monday, October 13th. During the upgrade period the current version 8.0 will be available for inquiry only. No transactions or updates to the system will be permitted during this time. Due to the possible length of this service restriction your offices should make preparations for interim means of capturing information that may need to be updated in the new system later.

The extended time of the upgrade includes a contingency period for us in case we experience some unexpected delays. We are hopeful, if things go well, for an earlier availability during the week of October 6. We are currently proceeding on a 24-hour basis practicing that upgrade process in efforts to shorten the impact of reduced service to the university community.

This upgrade is the result of a major effort coordinated by UITS and the central administrative offices of the Registrar, Financial Aid, Admissions offices, the Graduate Admissions office, the Bursar, Continuing Education, School of Law and Social Work and other departments. The planning for this work began about two years ago and our upgrade activities began last Fall. These activities will continue after the October cutover through to the end of this calendar year.

In preparation for the upgrade, there will be a series of training sessions for administrative staff will be offered prior to the cutover, some of which will be offered at the regional campuses. For more information on time and locations of these sessions please contact Janice Bazzani at janice.bazzani@uconn.edu.

The PeopleSoft Help site, www.peoplesofthelp.uconn.edu, will also be updated to reflect the changes in navigation and functionality. This website, developed by the able staff in the Institute for Teaching & Learning, has been in place for several years and it has been very successful in providing real time information to assist our students, faculty and advisors with using the Student Administration system.

Some noteworthy enhancements that are incorporated in the new 9.0 release include:
  • New navigation panels that are easier to understand and use.
  • A new portal-like Student Center webpage helps consolidate information for easier retrieval and viewing for students.
  • Similarly, a new Faculty Center webpage that consolidates information and provides easier access to student information by faculty.
  • Improved navigation and elimination of some terminology that many found confusing (e.g., “Learner Management”)
  • Greater flexibility in the use of Class Permission Numbers
  • A new online Academic Advisement report that is integrated into the registration process
  • The ability for a faculty member to easily send email messages to individual students or groups of students in their classes or advisees

There are many other enhancements that will improve life for the central administrative offices as well. In addition to these delivered improvements we plan to implement our own, one of which is to provide a new grade upload feature for faculty to simplify the grade submission process.

Although we had planned to implement a new NetID logon capability we were unable to resolve some of the deployment aspects of this before our planned go-live target date. However, this remains one of our goals and we have put some of the elements in place to do this in the near future. We will look at this enhancement in conjunction with some of our other post go-live priorities.

The major portion of our efforts during the time since the project began has been the work required to accomplish the significant project planning, coordination, technical work, business process changes, and the resource, methods and other hurdles required to reapply over 800 UConn customizations to the system. We also were required to recreate a new reporting environment to replace the “SADM” reporting database which had been dropped from vendor support with this new release. Although we experienced a delay of several months acquiring our consulting support we have been most fortunate to have the utmost in cooperation, teamwork and support working with these groups and our project team to realign our work to make up this delay to keep to our original implementation target. We are most appreciative of the work and spirit of this outstanding team to help make this a reality and we have a high confidence level in our success with this upgrade.

Even with all the planning and preparation we have done we will still encounter some problems during the initial rollout -- as there always is in such a major systems change. We will appreciate your understanding and patience during this time and we will work to provide timely communications to you on system status at http://itstatus.uconn.edu/ or the various LISTSERVs we use to communicate with specific groups.

For additional information you should contact Janice Bazzani for training information as mentioned above. Other questions about this upgrade and schedule can be directed to Georgianne Copley, Manager for Student Administrative Systems at georgianne.copley@uconn.edu. In addition, please do not hesitate to contact Dan Mooney Director, Enterprise Administrative Applications at x1177 or email daniel.mooney@uconn.edu.

Video Head End & Cable Services Project

The equipment residing in the “Head end” today is over 10 years old. It does not have the capability to transport “High definition” or “Digital” signals. There will be an FCC mandated industry change in February 2009 requiring all broadcast television stations to convert the signal they send into a digital format. Also, on June 30th, 2009 the current contract with the supplier of 90% of the University programming will expire. The other 10% of the programming is supplied via separate contracts with satellite providers. The satellite programming contracts also expire at the end of June 2009. This project will be undertaken to work on the issues noted above as well as address some additional ones. The first is to renew or obtain a new source for programming. This will combine both our current contracts that are in existence today. These are the standard programming and the satellite programming options. The second will be to replace the existing distribution system. The newer system needs to support “High Definition”, “Digital” programming and must be able to port over to the IP network in the future. Also the newer hardware, based upon today’s standards, should take up 50% less rack/floor space and have a 50% less load on both the HVAC and Electrical systems.

Workflow Applications Research and Development

There are compelling needs to apply automation to an almost infinite number of business processes throughout the university. In recognition that such needs cannot be met with large scale systems or extended development projects, a solution is needed for a more targeted approach to solving, or at least improving, key business processes.

UITS has initiated a program to examine the tools and technology available to develop such solutions.

In this regard, we have defined workflow as the automation of a business process, during which documents (such as information, issues, tasks, work orders, purchase orders, authorization requests etc.) are passed from one person to another for approval action, according to a set of rules defined by a workflow scheme.

Workflow technology is the information technology toolset that is used to automate workflow processes.

The expectation for workflow solutions is that they can be developed as purpose specific solutions to forms-based business processes, and can be developed on a common platform relatively rapidly.

The outcomes of this initiative are expected to be the following:

  • Identification and development of a suitable technical infrastructure consistent with UITS technology directions.
  • Developing workflow applications foundations, specifically an approvals authorization facility.
  • Development or demonstration and pilot applications.
  • Staff knowledge acquisition on workflow tools, uses, approaches and technical development methodology.
  • Identification of standards, knowledge requirements and staffing for continued workflow applications development.

This program is not specifically funded as a university technology initiative and is being accomplished on an as-staff-is-available basis. For the upcoming year, FY/2007-08 we expect to be able to accomplish several of the goals identified including a pilot application.

Updated: 09.09.2008:ldg