Top IT Strategic Efforts
Below are the Top IT Strategic Efforts that are propelling our institution into the future with transformation and innovation. All of the projects in our portfolio are important efforts that move IT forward. These Strategic Efforts are specific initiatives and projects that are taking our institution to new heights and are helping shape a brighter, more innovative future for our students, faculty, researchers, and staff.
- Cloud Voice System - Future of Collaboration
- Response to NIST 800-171 Audit Findings for Azure Secure Computing Environment (SCE)
- Deployment of Endpoint Security Tools to UIC IT Assets
- Forward Initiative Connectivity Modernization
- AI Advisory Group
- Decommission Bluestem Website Authentication
- Grammarly Pilot
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- Modernize Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Enhance UIC Security Privacy Office
List Updated: 10/2024
1. Transition to Cloud Voice System Heading link
Sponsor: Matt Riley UIC CIO & Jason Maslanka UIC CTO
Project Manager: Mat Willis
Description: The cloud voice solution will provide a flexible cloud-based phone system that can support the traditional, hybrid, and remote workforce at UIC. The migration will bring new capabilities and free up resources tied to legacy phone technology. Resources that can be reallocated to higher-value needs
Status: The pilot groups are ready to test the infrastructure for Zoom. The initial list of pilot members was submitted to AT&T for conversion. Vendor-related challenges have delayed the pilot schedule, TS staff continues to work with our vendors to overcome roadblocks and obstacles.
2. Response to NIST 800-171 Audit for Azure Secure Computing Environment Heading link
Sponsor: Himanshu Sharma
Project Manager: Thelma Majalca
Description: This project addresses the findings from the NIST audit report provided by external auditors. Therecommendationsimprovetheoverall security posture of the environment, creating new opportunities to pursue research grants.
Status: Work is proceeding on this project as the team works through the implementation of system controls. The overall effort is progressing and 40% complete. This effort was recently approved upon receipt of the recommendations from the external audit firm.This effort is a continuation of our Azure Compliance with NIST800-171 secure computing goals for researchers.
3. Deployment of Endpoint Security Tools to UIC IT Assets Heading link
Sponsor: Shefali Mookencherry & Esteban Perez
Project Manager: Sue Martini
Description: Expand the use of security toolsets (Splunk, Qualys, Defender) across UIC colleges so that the university can effectively identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover from disruptive security events minimizing down time and loss of productivity.
Status: This project has been placed on hold due to changes in priority.
4. Forward Initiative Connectivity Modernization Heading link
Sponsor: Jelene Crehan
Project Manager: Mat Willis
Description: Improving the student experience with an upgrade to the network infrastructure (Wi-Fi and wired connections) in the Daley and Health Science libraries.
Status:The Clinical Sciences Building (CSB), Richard J Daley Library (PSPM Managed), and ETMSW are completed. Science and Engineering West (SELW) and BRL are currently in progress. Buildings that will be addressed during the rest of fiscal year 2025 are under consideration.
5. AI Advisory Group Heading link
Sponsor: Matt Riley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and CIO
Description: This committee, comprising representatives from academic departments and administrative units, aims to guide the university in navigating the evolving landscape of generative AI and driving innovation in service of our mission.
Status: Project is in planning stages
6. Decommission Bluestem Website Authentication Heading link
Sponsor: Radhika Reddy
Project Manager: Roni Rivera
Description: An effort to explore how we can modernize our authentication platforms and retire a legacy homegrown codebase.
Status: The project is no longer progressing and placed on hold due to other priorities. Additional tasks were added to the backlog resulting in 78% of the work completed. Work on this effort was put on hold in July 2024.
7. Grammarly for Education Pilot Program Heading link
Sponsor: Bryan Libbin
Project Manager: To be determined
Description: To promote academic excellence and writing proficiency among its 34,000-strong student body, faculty, and staff, Technology Solutions will provide Grammarly licenses to all students, faculty, and staff for a year. The objective of this pilot is not only to improve writing proficiency among students but also to positively impact faculty and staff, enabling them to streamline their communication and content-creation processes. The hope is that Grammarly will become an integral part of the campus ecosystem, breaking down barriers, creating equity, and enhancing the overall writing experience. LTS has partnered with various departments, including Student Success and Belonging, to advocate for the widespread adoption of Grammarly licenses across the campus. This collaboration underscores the commitment to providing the best possible resources for our academic community and further enhancing the culture of writing and communication at the university.
Status: Currently, we have negotiated the contract and university-wide site license, and the contract sits in procurement while we are working with security and accessibility on moving the adoption forward.
8. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Heading link
Sponsor: Jelene Crehan
Program Manager: Steve Van Poucke
Description: A collection of projects to bring the capability to allow or deny access to resources based on your role at UIC.
Status: This is a large and complex effort that is starting with a focus on network role based access control.
9. Modernize Identity and Access Management (IAM) Heading link
Sponsor: Shefali Mookencherry
Project Manager: Scott Lagger
Description: This effort will enable use of identity data to advance the mission of colleges and units at UIC. Examples include, student success, process improvement, and campus safety.
Status: A Midpoint consulting firm, engaged by the UI-System Chief Digital Risk Officer (CDRO), is working with System and Campuses to document IAM processes and workflows.
10.Enhance UIC Security Privacy Office Heading link
Sponsor: Shefali Moonkencherry
Description: Hire additional staff to enhance UIC’s ability to leverage data for teaching, learning, and research while appropriately managing privacy and risk.
Status: This effort is just starting out in Fall 2024