Information Technologies Services used the past academic year to build a stronger infrastructure foundation while also implementing new systems so that Maricopa Community Colleges will succeed in the new millennium. Information technology is critical to the success of any enterprise of the New Era. It is both strategic for new directions and services but also for the day to day operations. ITS is pleased to play this important role and looks to the future with eagerness.

Although new successes are more proclaimed, the fundamental role of ITS is to continue to operate and support on-going systems. An enterprise as large as Maricopa required major efforts to "keep things running." Operating computer runs, tuning databases, backing up files, printing reports, installing software releases, repairing computers, managing a very large scale student information system, making sure the network is up, maintaining telephones, managing desktop software, answering questions on the help desk, programming financial systems, cataloging library materials, etc. were examples of the daily work of most of ITS.

January 1, 2000 passed without problems because of the diligent Y2K work ITS performed during the previous two years. The lack of problems does not imply there were no problems that would have occured, but that much good work and due diligence prevented problems. As the world continued to embrace the Internet, ITS continued to build a networking infrastructure that supported the incredible increase in traffic by our students, faculty and staff. The buzz about the "new economy" centered on the connections made possible by the networks of Maricopa and the world.

ITS improved Maricopa with its innovative service to students. The new job placement system (Maricopa Recruiter) was awarded the distinction of the Innovation of the Year for all of Maricopa. The new web based access to the student information system (Maricopa Online, built on TouchNet technology) was also acknowledged for its innovative value.

The district wide movement toward instructional management systems was facilitated and supported by ITS with the procurement of Blackboard and IntraKal software systems. The primary benefit of these systems was the improved communication between faculty and students.

Electronic communications among the Maricopa employees and their external contacts was improved with the implementation of a new email system (MEMO). Whereas the world discovered email in the past few years, Maricopa moved on to a new generation after many years of electronic communications being part of the work culture.

As the Information Age accelerated and the volume of information increased, ITS continued its strong support of information resources as used in the libraries. Whether through the new library automation improvements or the expanding electronic databases, students were able to enjoy a large jump in their information access capability.

Although the implementation of a new Human Resource system with PeopleSoft encountered pains and difficulties, the foundation was in place for a new and powerful information system to manage the rapidly expanding needs for a very large and complex organization called Maricopa Community Colleges.

The large-scale telecommunications improvement project was completed during the year. Voice communications became a vital infrastructure to a college connecting to its community.

A Student Information Commission was created to plan for a new student system and make decisions regarding choices and priorities. ITS supported this commission and carried out its requests.

The people of ITS grew professionally by attending conferences and training classes. Despite working with rapidly changing technology and a hot job market for their skills, they exhibited eagerness to learn and loyalty to Maricopa. They enhanced Maricopa's reputation in the local and national professional community. The Vice-Chancellor of ITS was elected as the Chair of EDUCAUSE, the leading professional association for the use of information technology in higher education.

ITS embarked upon a strategic planning process during the year. A new strategic plan will be released during the next year and will align with the district strategic planning effort. Members of ITS went through a series of planning activities that led to revised vision and mission statements and guiding principles. Twelve strategic directions were proposed. Within each of these major directions, goals and strategies are being written. The strategic plan will then lead to the operational plans of ITS.

In summary, ITS had a very good academic year. The work of the seventy-five people greatly assisted the accomplishment of the mission and goals of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

	Vice Chancellor, ITS	Ron Bleed
	Application Services	John Schroeder
	Learning Services	Janet Gesin
	Network Services	John Hawkins
	Special Projects	Jim DeVere
	Telecommunications Services	Diane Bondurant