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FITAC says faculty concerns must be addressed

The University needs to take faculty concerns into account in developing a strategic plan for information technology (IT) on campus, according to a committee report presented last week to the Faculty Council.

"We want this document to be the impetus for more discussion and exploration of what should be the role of IT on this campus," said Bill Balthrop, who chaired the Faculty Information Technology Advisory Committee (FITAC). "There is a healthy skepticism about what IT can and cannot do. Where can it be used appropriately?"

The 14-member committee studied other universities' approaches to IT strategic planning and developed a list of several key issues. Among the recommendations in its report:

* An IT strategic planning council should be formed to facilitate coordination among central administration, academic units and information services and to develop a strategic plan for IT integration at the University.

* Faculty incentives and recognition should be expanded to consider IT expertise as a measure of academic excellence. Faculty IT interests should be represented on the Chancellor's Committee on Faculty Appointment, Promotion and Tenure. Faculty leaves should be designated for IT development, and teaching awards should consider innovation with IT as criteria for excellence.

* Ongoing support must be provided for faculty professional development to ensure the diffusion of IT across the campus. Current funding to reward IT innovation and offer IT workshops will end with the 2002-03 academic year.

* Infrastructure and support needs must be addressed in ways that include faculty input.

* An IT component should be included in the capital campaign.

The report sparked little discussion, although several faculty members reiterated their concern about the administration's decision over the summer to consolidate the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Instructional Technology. Some said at the time the merger was announced that they feared it would shift the University's emphasis from traditional teaching methods to a focus on keeping up with emerging technology.

The merger is scheduled for Jan. 1.

Marian Moore, vice chancellor for information technology, said the FITAC report could lead to a useful discussion of how faculty can best use technology to fulfill the teaching, research and service missions of the University.

"It's a good idea for the faculty to begin the dialogue on how or if technology should affect the reward system," Moore said. "I think it's one of the strengths of Carolina that that kind of conversation can be carried out in a supportive atmosphere."

The committee has received some preliminary comments from the faculty committees on copyright and distance education, and Balthrop said he hoped the discussion would continue. The FITAC report -- and a discussion forum dedicated to it -- is available at http://www.unc.edu/cit/fitac/

The council may consider some of FITAC's recommendations at its next meeting in October, said Sue Estroff, the faculty chair.

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