Due in large measure to the funding support provided by the 1998 Technology Bond Initiative, the University has undertaken a wide range of new and/or augmented initiatives to meet the technology needs of the University community. The ongoing costs to refresh the infrastructure and maintain it have yet to be addressed fully. With the bond funding slated to end in 2001, this challenge will have to be faced soon.

Key Initiatives (1999-2002)

·         Network Infrastructure Project. The University will complete its campus network to the various outlying smaller campus buildings and upgrade the outdated cabling and network electronics in buildings that were networked prior to this networking bond funded initiative.

·         The Ocean State Higher Education, Economic Development and Administrative Network (OSHEAN). OSHEAN is currently comprised of three founding partners: URI, Brown University, and RINet, the Rhode Island K-12 network. In the future, OSHEAN expects to add members from other Rhode Island colleges, universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The long-term goal is to pool the resources, skills and purchasing power of member institutions to provide a cost-effective, state-wide network infrastructure that will nurture collaboration among the institutions and provide a foundation for economic development within the State of Rhode Island.

·         Expanding Networking Options. The University will increase student, faculty and staff network access options through the strategic use of wireless mobile networking devices both on and off-campus. In addition, in order to ensure high-speed off-campus access, the University will seek ways to take greater advantage of the expansion of commercial digital services to the home such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and Cox’s digital cable service.

·         University Learning Spaces. A task force comprised of members of Information and Instructional Technology Services (IITS) is developing an ongoing program that ensures that all classrooms are physically conducive to learning and are equipped with the technology needed for flexible, interactive learning environments. In addition, we are developing the necessary maintenance and support processes to ensure that instructional equipment in our classrooms is reliable.

·         Distributed Learning Opportunities. The University is developing plans for wider access to electronic media and instructional resources from statewide, regional and global constituencies.

·         Curriculum Re-design for More Student-Centered Learning. The University is developing a pilot incentive program to provide faculty teams with the technology resources and logistical support for re-design of key areasof the curriculum.

·         Information Literacy. The University Libraries are working to expand and enhance pilot programs in information and technology literacy throughout the curriculum to ensure that our students can take full advantage of new technologies and network services.

·         Teaching and Technology Fellows Program. Information and Instructional Technology Services (IITS) and the Instructional Development Program (IDP) are expanding this program to ensure that all faculty have access to training and support in using new learning technologies. Funding for the inter-institutional program is from the Office of Higher Education Incentive Fund for Excellence in Technology.

·         Leveraging Our Resources and Knowledge. The University is developing "collaboratories" to foster interdisciplinary research in technology applications.

·         Internet 2. The Vice Provost for Information Services and other members of IITS are working to ensure URI’s participation in Internet 2, the national high-speed networking research initiative.

·         Statistical Support. The University is working to enhance statistical support and data access for researchers.

·         Political Papers Archives and Center. The University Libraries are working to create a State Archives and University and Government Political Papers Archive Center which would in turn support an environment that encourages education, scholarship, research, and renewal of interest in government.

·         PeopleSoft. The University is working to implement the PeopleSoft system that includes Student Administrative, Financial (including grant and research accounting), Alumni Development, and Human Resources Systems with University needs driving the re-engineering of our systems and processes.

·         World Wide Web. The University is committed to expanding and enhancing applications and information available through the World Wide Web.

·         Electronic Resources. The University is committed to expanding the availability of access to library material in digital form so that learning may more easily take place anytime and anyplace.

·         Library Collections. The University is working to expand its library collections in both print and digital formats in support of the educational and research mission of the University.

·         Sustaining Our Technological Infrastructure (Technology Asset Protection Plan). The University continues to work with the Office of Higher Education to develop the ongoing funding necessary to sustain our $29 million in technology infrastructure investments established through the Technology Bond Initiative.

Indicators of Success for 1999-2000

·         Faculty are increasing the use of technology in classes through WebCT and PictureTel offerings. The Technology Fellows Program has been very successful in assisting faculty with integrating technology as a means to enhance quality and increase the effectiveness of student learning.

·         The enhancement of technology systems has made use of the Web, e-mail and numerous technology tools far more accessible to faculty, staff and students throughout the four campuses. The result is that URI can continue to work on the cutting edge in areas where this would no longer be possible without such resources.

Go to:

Priority #1 -- Access and Affordability

Priority #2 -- Fiscal Planning
[To be included in President’s Management Letter.]

Priority #3 -- K-12 and Teacher Preparation Reform

Priority #5 -- Quality Assurance and Outcomes Assessment

Program Projections

Addressing Other Institutional-Based Priorities and Possibilities

View/Download the complete Academic Plan 1999-2002 in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

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