Fairfield University’s information technology services department was recently named a national “model of efficiency” in University Business magazine’s summer 2014 issue.
The university was recognized for improving the efficiency of its technology help desk, which was relocated to a prime location on campus: the main floor of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library. This allowed IT staff to assist with basic software training for students and printing system management, which freed up librarians, who previously had to field all the technology questions, to focus on their primary duties.
“For our students to excel and remain competitive, the relationships between technology, higher education and education itself needs to be seamless,” said Paige Francis, Fairfield University chief information officer, in a statement. “This award validates Fairfield University’s efforts and demonstrates that we are on track to becoming one of the leaders in this area.”
In January, Fairfield also purchased a site license for Lynda.com, which provides access to video training for software programs and applications, including Java and Microsoft Excel and Word. This helps address small technology issues that don’t require a technology support staff member to be on-site. Within the first three months of access, 1,268 members of the campus community used Lynda ”“ 78 percent of them students.
“We are saving money by reducing the number of staff hours, a direct result of consolidation of duties, more efficient online and at-desk information and overall better campus technology service and systems,” Francis said. “Salary savings alone total $30,000 annually. The overall feel of technology satisfaction has increased from faculty, staff and students.”
Eight other college and universities were acknowledged nationwide for bringing innovative approaches to improving their technology and business processes.
