Information Technology Governance Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that new and ongoing initiatives and investments in information technology align with and effectively support the University’s mission.

Scope

This policy applies to all McNeese State University employees and students.

Definitions

Information Technology (IT): Applicable to a wide array of technology services used throughout the University and centrally managed by the Office of Information Technology. For the purposes of this policy, the term includes but is not limited to:

• Internet/network access, telecommunications, and facilities infrastructure (e.g., data and voice networks, cabling)
• Computing (e.g., servers, end-user devices)
• Enterprise-wide applications and user services (e.g., Banner, email)
• Instructional technology (e.g., classroom systems, Moodle)
• Video (e.g., network-based video applications, security cameras)
• Peripheral technologies (e.g., printing and scanning)
• Information security

Policy

Governance is an important factor in generating value from IT, and it is a critical success factor for the University. As such, the following framework has been developed to ensure comprehensive and integrated IT governance along with the allocation and planning of IT resources. The IT governance structure helps establish the strategic plan for IT as well as prioritize initiatives and projects for the University.

IT Governance Council (ITGC)

The ITGC provides direction on IT issues, reviews and approves the IT strategic plan, and provides a conduit for communicating IT issues throughout the University. The ITGC consists of the following members appointed by the president:

• Chief information technology officer (non-voting)
• Provost and vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management
• Vice president for business affairs
• Vice president for student affairs
• Associate vice president for enrollment management
• Student Government Association president

ITGC Responsibilities

The ITGC is responsible for IT policy and governance. The ITGC reviews the five-year roadmap of IT development projects and either affirms the plan or provides revisions. The process is iterative and ongoing. The ITGC is responsible for identifying resources necessary to implement the IT development roadmap. When the ITGC meets to discuss IT projects, the chief information technology officer sets the agenda with the Office of the President and chairs the meeting but does not vote on agenda items.

Mandates

• Contribute to building an IT vision and cohesive plan to optimize technological investments
• Provide input on IT policies and procedures, usage, service, etc.
• Make recommendations on new initiatives
• Make recommendations on priorities considering institutional mission, vision, and community needs
• Review IT services and performance and make recommendations for improvement

Standing Agenda Items

The following items will be included on the agenda for each meeting of the ITGC:

• Prior meeting minutes approval
• Five-year plan review
• Large project review as needed
• Project performance
• University IT risk profile

Annual Review

The following items will be included on the agenda for at least one meeting of the ITGC per year:

• Strategic plan
• IT services
• State of IT policies
• State of cybersecurity
• External IT regulatory and compliance standards
• IT governance structure

Communication

This policy is distributed via the University Policies webpage.