IT Partnership Departmental Responsibilities

Below is a list of typical functions of a department's coordinator. The list is not exclusive or mandatory as department managers or supervisors will work with Information Technology Services in setting up the minimum or maximum standards to meet the support goals within the time and budget constraints of each department. The first item would represent the minimum participation.

• The coordinator will act as liaison between the department and Information Technology Services: Work with IT Services and create a plan of action to best meet the support needs within the department by subscribing to internal electronic mailing lists, using only legal software, and adhering to University technical standards for applications. Designated as the first point of contact, the ITSC distributes within the department important information technology bulletins and news announcements. Coordinators are encouraged to present the department's support issues at the IT Services peer-to-peer training sessions.
• The coordinator will commit to training on University networking standards and installations. Weekly Peer to Peer training sessions are offered at IT Services every Wednesday 8:30-10:20am. (Average 4-6 hrs a month). Training videos can be checked out for 2 week periods.
• The coordinator will handle hardware and software installations. This might include setting up new computers, installing software upgrades, or configuring standard applications for printing (with training and assistance from IT Services as necessary).
• Help the department work on a technology goals and objectives plan: Through their training with IT Services, coordinators are better qualified to provide input for the department's future information technology plans.
• Organize and maintain departmental computer records: This might include software licensing, upgrades, and hardware replacement and maintenance. Coordinators can plan for standardized applications so users do not run multiple versions of software. This information can be used in budget planning for upgrades and software license maintenance.
• The coordinator will create a Computing Efficiency Program. A coordinator can be a critical source of information, helping others make the best use of technology, establishing best practice standards, and assisting in training new employees.
• The coordinator will provide purchasing assistance. This could include conducting a departmental needs analysis, making configuration recommendations (hardware, software, and peripherals), gathering costs and preparing cost estimates (up-front and recurring costs), preparing and placing the final orders, and arranging maintenance.

Contact Marie Riley via mriley@uark.edu for further details.