The past few years have seen an almost unbelievable amount of change on campuses around the country. High speed Internet connections in every residence hall, ubiquitous computing,  wireless networks, web portals, learning management software, streaming media, and P to P file sharing are new services and products unknown to us just a few years ago.

In the fall 2008 the university opened the Teacher Education and Technology Complex. This new facility will house one of very few high definition production television studios; an audio recording studio; ten video editing rooms;  five audio editing rooms; and both PC and MAC labs for media integration and design.

Technology has moved from back office administrative support services and campus computer labs, to becoming a strategic element in everything the university does. Communications, public relations, strategic management, student services, classroom support, course delivery, are just some of the new areas into which information technology has moved.  Technology is certainly strategic,  and not just tactical.

Technology has become a bigger part of everything we do and a has had a significant impact on university budgets. Planning is key.  SU has developed a five year technology plan which seems to change every few months. In fact, a new plan is under construction to direct efforts through 2010.

This new era is exciting,  challenging,  and is not likely to slow down any time soon. Hang on for the ride.