First Annual Tech Week a Success

David Stowers

CIO Chris McCoy presents the Tech Week CIO Chat on Oct. 4.

Campus IT recently concluded the first-annual Tech Week, a series of events to celebrate achievements, encourage collaboration across campus and explore ways to improve technology at the University of Arkansas.

"Tech Week 2016 is our stake in the ground, demonstrating to the campus community that we take technology leadership seriously," Chris McCoy, chief information officer, said. "It's vital that we unite our IT support community and that we hear from stakeholders such as students, faculty and staff about how to deliver services that do not just meet, but exceed, their expectations."

There were a lot of firsts during Tech Week. On Oct. 5, 180 technical staff members from colleges and departments across campus gathered for the first time at the Campus Tech Workshop. The workshop, lead by McCoy, fostered an open dialogue about how to strategically approach challenges to improve campus technology and celebrate shared victories.

"This campus technology team is poised to meet all university technology needs, from basic device support through experienced advisory discussions on a big-picture, long-term direction for business process improvements and everything in between," Paige Francis, associate CIO of shared services and academic technologies, said.

Another exciting first was the Student Technology Forum on October 6, which provided students of all technical skill levels an opportunity to voice their opinions directly to campus IT leadership. Student feedback is essential to exploring and implementing technology solutions that help the campus community succeed academically and professionally.

Leading up to the forum, students were asked to complete a technology survey. With engagement from over 645 students, campus IT leadership can understand student expectations and needs better than ever before.

The survey results revealed that providing excellent technology services is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. For example, 64 percent of respondents said they learn the most in face-to-face classes with some online components, but 15 percent said they prefer classes with no online components at all.

The majority of the students surveyed also said they prefer to get computer training from self-guided online video tutorials. Many students are not yet aware that Lynda.com online tutorials are now available for free to anyone with a University of Arkansas email address.

Additionally, over 70 percent of students responded that they need more money to purchase software and equipment for classes. Starting this year, Office 365 and OneDrive are available for free to all students, including downloads on up to five devices at a time and 24/7 access to online Office apps. Students can get started at its.uark.edu/office.

"Our first annual Tech Week elevated IT visibility for faculty, staff and students, and we are excited to keep moving forward," Francis said. "When you think about it, technology touches every facet of our business day, and we want to make sure this campus is aware that we are here to proudly serve the best of the best. Go Hogs!"

Students, faculty and staff are invited to share their opinions, wishes and complaints about campus technology by contacting the Office of the CIO.

Find out more about campus technology services and events at twitter.com/uaits and facebook.com/uarkits.