Goal Statement

Improve the accuracy, consistency and accessibility of system data, including the continued development of a comprehensive data warehouse

IT Strategic Direction for the Montana University System

Improve the accuracy, consistency and accessibility of system data, including the continued development of a comprehensive data warehouse

To meet the three primary goals outlined in the Board of Regents’ Strategic Plan, the Montana University System will strive to implement the following Information Technology Strategic Directions, utilizing cutting-edge technology to provide innovative solutions and enable seamless collaboration, communication, and learning experiences for students, faculty, and staff.

1. Infrastructure and Security:

  • Enhance IT infrastructure by investing in modernization, scalability, and reliability to support the growing needs of the Montana University System.
  • Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to safeguard critical student, employee, and financial data, protect intellectual property, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Continue to develop and improve an education network that provides high speed telecommunication capabilities that link MUS institutions, provide connectivity to national research and education networks, and expand the reach of the MUS to remote areas of Montana.

2. Digital Learning and Teaching:

  • Promote the adoption and integration of innovative technologies, learning management systems, and virtual learning platforms to enhance the quality and accessibility of education for students across the state.
  • Provide professional development opportunities and support for faculty in effectively utilizing technology tools for teaching and assessment.

3. Research and Innovation:

  • Develop a robust research-computing infrastructure, including high-performance computing, data storage, and analytics capabilities, to support advanced research initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Foster a culture of innovation by providing resources, support, and partnerships to encourage faculty and students to explore emerging technologies and conduct groundbreaking research.

4.  Administrative Efficiency and Services:

  • Streamline administrative processes through the implementation of integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (i.e. UM and MSU host a single instance of Banner for their affiliated campuses, with the potential for including the community colleges, as well as tribal colleges), learning management systems, and course sharing platforms.
  • Centralize administrative services where possible, such as a single source for payroll generation.
  • Enhance self-service capabilities for students, faculty, and staff by expanding online portals, mobile applications, and digital communication channels.
  • Standardize codes and data elements as well as align business rules and practices across campuses to the furthest extent possible.

5. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence:

  • Establish and maintain a comprehensive data analytics framework including data warehousing to collect, analyze, and interpret data for informed decision-making and performance assessment in measuring the goals of the Board of Regents’ Strategic Plan.
  • Enable advanced analytics and business intelligence tools to provide actionable insights and visualizations for resource allocation and performance monitoring to include reporting official enrollment, developing linkages with K-12 and workforce data, and producing and monitoring the MUS Operating Budget.
  • Develop data governance policies and practices to ensure the security, privacy, and accuracy of student and financial data stored in the data warehouse.

6. Collaboration and Communication:

  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive digital environment by implementing unified communication and collaboration tools, video conferencing solutions, and virtual meeting platforms.
  • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing through the development of online communities, research networks, and collaborative spaces.
  • Adopt software in support of multi-institutional seamless enrollments, schedules, transcripts and financial aid based on combined enrollment at more than one institution.

 

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