Office of Campus Computing

Strategic Plan 2019-2023

Last updated: January 2, 2019

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Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary 3

II. Mission Statement 4

III. Vision Statement 5

IV. Current Organization Structure 6

V. Current Services 7

VI. Guiding Principles for Campus Computing 12

VII. Strategic Goals 13

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Executive Summary

The Office of Campus Computing has traditionally had a much faster planning cycle than

many other disciplines due to rapid technological changes combined with the impact of

separate campus accreditation within the University of South Florida System. USF St.

Petersburg is mandated by Florida law to provide services locally only when USF Tampa

services are more costly. Information technology requests continue to grow at

unprecedented rates, and place significant stress on the existing Campus Computing

infrastructure. As a separately accredited university, existing processes, vision and

objectives must be realigned to stay competitive.

As a service organization, the Office of Campus Computing, a department within

Academic Affairs, provides value added services needed by implementing strategic

technology advances. These services are crucial for USFSP to fulfill the institutional

mission, goals and objectives. The Office of Campus Computing Strategic Plan has been

developed to articulate and examine services provided/purchased by the Office of

Campus Computing and to better define how these services should be enhanced or

restructured. This plan has been developed within the mission of USFSP and the ongoing

Office of Campus Computing strategic planning process.

The Office of Campus Computing Strategic Plan addresses key areas where participation

in development and policy formation is needed. It reaffirms the critical importance of

universal access by faculty, staff, students and administrators to Campus Computing

resources both locally and remotely. Furthermore, it calls for increased investment in

virtual technology, classroom technology, desktop technology, research computing, site

licensing and collaborative efforts with other campuses and institutions. The common

theme throughout the plan is to build on core competencies; enhance partnerships and to

utilize web based technology in the delivery of services.

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Mission Statement

The Office of Campus Computing at USFSP is responsible for improving the learning

and research mission which involve computing, data communication, access control,

CCTV and voice over IP services. The St. Petersburg Regional Data Center (SPRDAC)

and Campus Computing Services (CCS) are part of the Office of Campus Computing and

support these functions. The Office of Campus Computing is also involved in the

planning and implementation of the information technology necessary to support the

evolution of USF as a major research institution, and academic programs that require

technology.

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Vision Statement

The Office of Campus Computing will be viewed as an organization that provides

exceptional customer service and technology leadership through professional and

supportive action. This will be accomplished with continuous training and development

of staff in a collegial and innovative environment.

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Current Organizational Structure

The Office of Campus Computing consists of the following positions:

Director & CTO

Systems Administrators

Technology and Systems Manager

Technology and System Analyst

Information Technology Support Specialists

Help Desk Assistants

Functionally the Office of Campus Computing consists of two accounting entities. The

St. Petersburg Regional Data Center (SPRDAC) is an auxiliary responsible for all server,

network, voice communication, hardware repair, Lenel access control and Exacq CCTV

operations for the campus. Campus Computing Services (CCS) is an E&G entity

responsible for responding to requests from the user community regarding issues

pertaining to computing, phone and voice mail. The computer labs, computer

classrooms and classroom technology resources also fall under CCS.

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Current Services

The Office of Campus Computing provides a comprehensive array of services for

student, faculty, staff and administrative users.

1. Telephone

Cisco Call Manager is the campus standard for telephone service. Over 350 numbers

were converted from the USF Tampa legacy phone system during the summer of

2003 at a recurring cost savings of over $500,000 per year. Units were allowed to

retain the phone budget in order to assist with enhancing desktop technology. By

2004 the service had grown by over 35% to over 475 numbers. Today over 1,400

lines are active at USFSP. E&G Departments are not billed a monthly fee for phone

service but are responsible for long distance costs, new handsets and new voicemail

license fees. USFSP was first USF institution to comply with E911 (enhanced)

service.

2. Voice Mail

Cisco Unity voice mail is the institution standard. Voice mail service is provided to

over 700 subscribers.

3. Network

The network is the center of all technology services provided to the institution.

Redundant core network components are located in Davis Hall & FPF along with one

or more network equipment distribution points in all buildings. The network is

monitored and supported on a 24/7/365 basis to insure uninterrupted service and

consists of 31 buildings: Bayboro Hall, Children’s Research Institute, Chiller Plant,

Coquina Hall, Davis Hall, Florida Center for Teachers, Haney Landing, Harbor Hall,

Knight Oceanic Research Center, MSL, One, Piano Man, Parking Garage, Plant

Operations (POR), Poynter Institute, Poynter Library, LPH, Research Lab, Residence

Hall One, Science and Technology, Snell House, Student Life Center, SVB, Terrace

100, Terrace 200, Terrace 300, Terrace 400, University Student Center, USGS,

Welcome Center and Williams House. Over 5000 network devices are supported in

31 buildings. Wireless network connectivity is available in twenty-eight (28)

buildings: Bayboro Hall, Coquina Hall, Davis Hall, Florida Center for Teachers, FTF,

Haney Landing, Harbor Hall, Knight Oceanic Research Center, MSL, One, Piano

Man, Parking Garage, Plant Operations (POR), Poynter Institute, Poynter Library,

Research Lab, Residence Hall One, Science and Technology, Snell House, Student

Life Center, SVB, Terrace 100, Terrace 200, Terrace 300 and Terrace 400, University

Student Center, USGS and Williams House. Over 396 wireless Access Points provide

wireless Internet to students, faculty, and staff on campus.

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4. Open-Use Computer Labs

The USFSP Virtual Computer Lab provides access to university licensed applications

from virtual desktops running “in the cloud”. Faculty and students have access to both

open-use and specialty virtual desktops from on or off campus using their USF

NetID. A VMware Horizon client is required to connect to the virtual desktops. The

USF VPN client is required to access from off campus. Campus Computing also

manages four open-use physical computer labs across the campus. All open-use

physical computer lab computers are refreshed on a 3-year refresh cycle. Access to all

open-use physical classrooms is provided by the Lenel access control system.

5. Computer Lab Classrooms

Campus Computing supports ten student computer lab classrooms with over 280

student computer systems. These lab computers are located in Bayboro Hall, Davis

Hall, Coquina Hall, Harbor Hall, Peter Rudy Wallace FL Center for Teachers,

Science and Technology, Warehouse Labs, and Lynn Pippenger Hall. Lab computers

are replaced on a 3-year refresh cycle. Access to all computer classrooms is provided

by the Lenel access control system.

6. Classroom Technology Resources (Smart Classrooms)

Classroom Technology Resources (CTR) was established to support the computer

technology needs of USF St. Petersburg faculty and students in a classroom setting.

CTR provides the computing resources necessary for instructors to enhance the

learning experience of all USF St. Petersburg students. All 62 instructional

classrooms are equipped with an Internet connected computer with USF site-licensed

applications and a Cisco Voice-Over-Internet phone. Faculty log into these computer

systems using their USFSP Bayboro account. Classroom computers are replaced on a

3-year refresh cycle.

7. Hardware Repair

Located in Bayboro Hall 226, the St. Petersburg Regional Data Center (SPRDAC)

Hardware Repair Center is the St. Petersburg in-house source for convenient,

economical repair services on USFSP standard Dell OptiPlex and Latitude models.

Experienced technicians are trained and keep up-to-date on the latest in technology.

They work in assigned territories, so you have the opportunity to get to know them,

and they can become familiar with your equipment and your maintenance

requirements. They come to you, often taking care of your problems on-site the same

day. Departments with University-owned Dell OptiPlex or Latitude equipment and

valid account numbers are eligible for service. In addition, there are University-

related organizations that qualify for Dell OptiPlex or Latitude service, including all

grant, A&S and auxiliary activities.

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8. Infrastructure

SPRDAC staff, play a key role in maintaining the outdoor fiber cable plant, indoor

copper plant, generators, electrical and cooling systems that provide the necessary

environment for uninterrupted service.

9. Help Desk

The Help Desk staff provide phone and onsite technology support for faculty, adjunct

faculty, students and staff. They are responsible for escalating calls when necessary

and supporting the tracking software used to manage and service over 4,000 end user

requests per year. Another key responsibility is keeping pace with the current

technological trends as they apply to USFSP.

10. Access Control

In 1997, USFSP established numerous measures to increase the security for students,

faculty, staff, and facilities. Access control is part of these measures. The objective

of this project is to improve the security of the University of South Florida St.

Petersburg by better managing the access to facilities. The objective is also to

implement a system that enhances security without disrupting the educational,

research and other activities of the institution. The project has been implemented

using a hybrid system of electronic card readers, metal keys, and scheduled electric

locks. The primary focus is to secure the buildings. In most cases, several exterior

doors on each building will be equipped with card readers. Remaining exterior doors

will be locked automatically on a time-of-day basis. These doors will allow for exit

but not for entry during after hours. In buildings where some interior areas cannot be

accessed from a single exterior door, multiple card readers will be used. The system

requires that all faculty and staff have a valid proximity card. Over 2,400 access cards

are active, supporting potential access to over 200 doors in 15 buildings: Bayboro

Hall, Children’s Research Institute, Coquina Hall, Davis Hall, Florida Center for

Teachers, Harbor Hall, Parking Garage, Piano Man, Science and Technology, Student

Life Center, Research Lab, Residence Hall One, University Student Center,

Warehouse Labs, and Lynn Pippenger Hall.

In 2001, President Judy Genshaft established a task force to improve USF security.

USF Tampa adopted the technology in use since 1997 at USFSP for use in Tampa. A

1.5 million dollar retrofit project was approved and funded for the Tampa campus.

11. CCTV

Campus Computing offers full-featured, full-performance digital video systems that

have revolutionized the use of video for security applications. The distributed system

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was first implemented in 1997, and advances in technology continue to drive its

evolution, setting the standard for digital video management today. The video

security system network has expanded to multiple buildings and more than 400

cameras.

12. Scantron

Three Scantron systems are currently available. Scantron machines are located in

Davis Hall 215 and Bayboro Hall 226 and Lynn Pippenger Hall. Faculty are

responsible for all test scoring. Campus Computing Services does not archive the

electronic answer sheet data and student reports. If exam records need to be saved,

USB memory stick is needed.

13. Free Pay for Print

The open-use computer lab in the Student Success Center offer a free 22 page a day

pay for print system for blank and white printing.

14. Institution Print Server

Network printing is offered to those departments who wish to utilize this

service. With approximately 117 network printers available, printing needs can be

consolidated and streamlined offering a dramatic cost savings by eliminating the need

to have individual printers purchased for each desktop computer. Standard printers

are made by Hewlett-Packard.

15. Institution File Storage and Backup

Campus Computing offers the service of data storage. Each faculty and staff member

has server storage designated to them and can be located under the icon named "My

Computer" as drive letter P:. In addition, each department has a shared drive (Q:,

R:, S:, T:, U:) on the server for all office members to share files within the

department. Both the personal and shared drives are backed up on a nightly basis in

case of accidental deletion or file corruption.

16. Campus disk images for existing hardware

Dell disk images are maintained on servers to provide rapid system restoration in the

event of a hardware failure or for rapid deployment of new system purchases.

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17. Electronic Mail

Electronic mail services are provided for over 10000 faculty, adjunct faculty, staff

and students through Google. .

18. VPN

Providing faculty and staff access to campus computing resources regardless of

location has become a common request. A Cisco Virtual Private Network are

operational and support secure access.

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Guiding Principles for Campus Computing

1. In the 2001 legislative session, lawmakers approved SB1162 regarding education

governance. Section 37 of SB 1162 provides USF St. Petersburg independence to

operate as a separate budget and organizational entity. Specifically, Section 37

2(c), provides authority to enter into central support services contracts with the

Board of Trustees of the University of South Florida for any services that the St.

Petersburg campus cannot provide more economically including technology. The

current contract for $731,963 in IT services covers FAST, GEMS and OASIS.

2. All faculty, staff and students should have access to computing resources

appropriate to their needs and responsibilities. This access should be provided by

a network that is reliable, with minimal downtime and configured using open

standards.

3. Institutions that rely on departments to purchase PCs end up spending more

money and receive less in return. This decentralized model creates a Noah’s Ark

model of computing with each group of animals requiring a unique diet of

firmware, driver and hardware updates. Personnel, expectations and ongoing

support costs become difficult to manage. A better model is the life cycle

approach that strives to replace a desktop PC every 48-60 months. This approach

is much more affordable due to the fact that systems can be purchased in bulk, use

common disk images, firmware upgrades and parts during the life of the product.

4. All units must recognize that the growth of our reliance on information

technology requires that an increasing portion of fiscal resources be dedicated for

support. Technology decisions need to accurately recognize one time and

recurring costs for both equipment and personnel. Funding for these costs must

be provided on a recurring basis since consistent support is critical to the

technology planning process.

5. Institution wide technology planning that will best serve the needs of all units, the

establishment and implementation of policies and standards to facilitate use

should be the primary responsibility of the Office of Campus Computing.

6. The institution should explore opportunities in distance education for credit

courses delivered by academic units. Technology is the key component for

distance education and support should be provided for curriculum development

and electronic classroom management.

7. Technology for classrooms should be adequately configured and maintained with

close cooperation with the academic units. Support should be provided for

training and maintaining ongoing operations.

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Strategic Goals

1. Computer Desktop Technology Refresh (Faculty and Staff)

Using central funds, Campus Computing was able to replace over 400 aging faculty

and staff computer systems across the USFSP campus at the end of FY2017/2018. All

computer systems that were over 5 years old were replaced with new equipment.

Campus Computing plans to work with Administration and Finance to ensure funds

can be acquired to refresh faculty and staff computers are a regular basis. In years

past, Campus Computing refurbished decommissioned classroom technology to

refresh aging faculty and staff office computers.

Life cycle planning will help to guarantee that computers will be replaced on a

regular basis. Tens of thousands of dollars will be saved by using volume purchasing

and support costs will be reduced by limiting the number of hardware variations. The

Office of Campus Computing will identify and replace a Dell desktop computer,

keyboard, and mouse every 48-54 months for all E&G units. Monitors, laptops,

peripherals, Apple devices, and printers will be the responsibility of the individual

units.

Fiscal Year Estimated Cost Description

FY 18/19 $130,000 Phase 1 Windows 10 migration

FY 19/20 $100,000 Phase 2 Windows 10/MacOS Mojave migration

FY 20/21 $400,000 200 unit computer refresh

FY 21/22 $400,000 200 unit computer refresh

FY 22/23 $700,000 400 unit computer refresh

2. Classroom Technology Resources

Classroom computers are refreshed on a 4-year cycle. This includes both instructor

and student use computers in USFSP classrooms. The computers that are removed

with be refurbished and provided for use elsewhere on campus as long as they comply

with Campus Computing support standards. With plans for student enrollment to

increase, the need is evident for the enhancement of instructional facilities.

Supporting innovative teaching facilities will help to attract and retain faculty and

students. The Office of Campus Computing will work with the academic units to

identify large classrooms that will be better served by using projection equipment and

document cameras.

Fiscal Year Estimated Cost Description

FY 18/19 $320,000 All instructional and student classroom computers

running Windows 7 or are at their EOL date.

FY 19/20 $160,000 Proposed new computer labs- SMART, HBR

FY 20/21 $260,000 LPH, WHL, COQ classroom computer upgrades

FY 21/22 $200,000 New classroom and lab additions

FY 22/23 $350,000 All campus classroom refresh

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3. Site/Volume Licensed Software

The Office of Campus Computing will work to expand the site /volume licensed

software packages that will benefit the institution. Among the benefits are significant

cost savings to departments, a wider array of products and free updates.

Currently End Note, Microsoft Office, SAS, SPSS and Trend Micro Antivirus are site

licensed products. Security and management software costs increase as new devices

are purchased and used by USFSP faculty, staff, and students.

Fiscal Year Estimated Cost Description

FY 18/19 $145,000 Site-licensed software

FY 19/20 $150,000 Site-licensed software

FY 20/21 $155,000 Site-licensed software

FY 21/22 $160,000 Site-licensed software

FY 22/23 $165,000 Site-licensed software

4. Wireless

Wireless networking uses radio frequencies to send and receive data between PCs and

network devices (Access Points). More students today have wireless ready laptops

and have registered them in order to be able to access the USFSP network. Access

points need to be located in strategic locations throughout institution and support

indoor as well as outdoor locations. The Office of Campus Computing would like to

expand wireless connectivity to additional areas for student access.

Fiscal Year Estimated Cost Description

FY 18/19 $55,000 Maintenance and repair

FY 19/20 $100,000 Upgrade to newest standards

FY 20/21 $50,000 Increase campus coverage

FY 21/22 $55,000 Maintenance, repairs, and replacements

FY 22/23 $55,000 Increase campus coverage

5. Home Access (VPN)

Providing faculty and staff access to campus computing resources regardless of

location has become a common request. Home access to campus file storage is

limited at this time due to numerous Microsoft software flaws. Many faculty and staff

have requested access since. Cisco Virtual Private Network server maintenance is

needed to maintain secure access.

Fiscal Year Estimated Cost Description

FY 18/19 $8,000 Licensing and maintenance

FY 19/20 $8,000 Licensing and maintenance

FY 20/21 $8,000 Licensing and maintenance

FY 21/22 $15,000 Hardware refresh

FY 22/23 $8,000 Licensing and maintenance

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6. Building Access Control

The USFSP campus-wide Card Access System is designed to provide access control

to campus buildings without the need for staff to manually lock and unlock perimeter

exits. It can also provide access control to building offices, computer labs, high

security areas, etc. In the case of perimeter control, each exterior door must be

equipped with the following hardware:

 Fail-secure (locked when unpowered) electric locking devic

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