Campus Technology Support (CTS) Phase 2 Implementation Update

Stakeholder Communications

A message from Associate Vice Chancellor and CIO, Bob Beck:

I am pleased now to share this “who/what/when/how” update on Phase 2 of the Implementation of Campus Technology Support (CTS) for the ISS Project.

Who?
Phase 2 of the implementation of CTS will affect the following UWM “Hub 2” units:

  • College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
  • College of General Studies
  • Graduate School / Office of Research
  • Lubar School of Business
  • Peck School of the Arts
  • School of Architecture and Urban Planning
  • School of Continuing Education
  • School of Freshwater Sciences
  • School of Information Studies
  • UWM Libraries

What is happening?
The Campus Technology Support (CTS) Phase 2 Transition will formally begin in July 2019 with an initial “staffing reorganization.”  This staffing reorganization will be followed by an incremental series of “service transition” activities that will continue through 2020.

The Transition process is designed to make gradual IT changes and improvements with minimal disruption. During the Transition process, CTS will work with its supported areas to ensure that the progressive transition of IT services will meet the needs of the faculty, staff, and UWM community.

When is it happening?
From July through October, CTS staff from Hub 2 will conduct “transition assessments” with each school/college/division.  Over these four months, they will determine the details and timing for any changes in IT services, in consultation with unit leadership, faculty, and staff members.

In October through January 2020, CTS will gradually implement the Transition Plans so that the “Hub 2” units can receive the IT support services offered by CTS through the “shared services” support model.

For “Hub 2” units, changes to some existing IT devices, facilities, and services may be delayed until the Summer of 2020 to reduce the possible impact on instruction.

How will it affect Hub 2 IT staff?
A Phase 2 IT staffing plan for “Hub 2” units is being finalized now.

In July, those IT professional staff members from Hub 2 units whose transfer has been endorsed will be reassigned to CTS.  Once in CTS, the staff will help facilitate transition planning tasks and activities. Even so, the reassigned Hub 2 IT staff will initially serve in generally their same IT support roles, support their same people, and work from their same physical office spaces.

Staff alignment will be reviewed throughout the Transition process, and adjustments will be made as the IT services make the transition to CTS. A more complete CTS staff reorganization will be undertaken in early 2020.  The reorganization will be based on IT service process changes and on opportunities for staff specialization and advancement that result from the Hub 2 Transition.

Any later changes to role and office assignments will be discussed with the affected IT staff members before final recommendations are made.

Where can I get additional information about the project?
The ISS Project Website continues to be the place where we will share important documents, communications, and updates about the ISS project.  The Shared Services website and CTS website are primarily for service recipients to find hub staff contact information, process documents, and other relevant information.

If you have additional questions or comments:

Many thanks for your kind consideration.