At universities, students cart their laptops to class, plug in and take
notes. When they go home, they can print out their notes, send e-mail and
do their research on the Internet.
But how is all of this technology coordinated? And who makes the decisions
on a high-tech campus?
At one university, the director of information technology works with executives
to decide how to implement new business strategies, and to figure out just
how to make the systems work.
Janice Sissons is that director. She works to upgrade and maintain the
telecommunications systems.
"There is so much technology on campus these days," she says. "Someone
has to oversee the entire academic computing systems, help human resources,
look after all the audio-visual equipment and the telecommunications."
Sissons specializes in telecommunications. "With distance education and
more courses going on the computer, long-distance operations have become very
important on campus," she says.
Sissons is also involved in the everyday workings of the campus. "You might
not first think of mail services as information technology, but they are coordinated.
They can be made to work more efficiently and use a better system," she says.
Communications have become so important in companies that most large corporations
hire CIOs to help them keep abreast of technology and in touch with the rest
of the world.
Tad Pinkerton is the CIO at the University of Wisconsin. He says that trying
to decide what future path a university or a company should take is often
tricky. "A lot of people have a lot of different ideas about where the university
should be heading," he says. "That can make the work very difficult."
Some executives may feel that university education is becoming too dependent
on technology. Others feel that the only way to ensure quality education is
to advance with the latest technology. "Some major controversies arise over
the strategy the university should take," says Pinkerton.
That's when a CIO has to know more than the ins and outs of information
technology. "You have to work with people, help them figure things out and
act as a mediator in some discussions," he says. "Communications skills are
especially important."
Pinkerton oversees 800 information technology workers. "Half of my job
entails managing the staff that looks after all kinds of computer services
on campus, telecommunications and academic services."
CIOs are dealing directly with information technology. Their work is never
stale or boring.
"I need to have so many different varieties of knowledge," says Sissons.
"Telecommunications are always changing. There are new ways to do things.
I need to know about them, and decide if they will work better in our situation.
It's a really exciting part of my job."
Information technology is advancing at a rapid pace. There is little time
to sit back and contemplate decisions. "You are never bored in this job,"
she adds.
"The learning curve is always evolving," agrees Laura Lukasik. She works
with an information technology association. "CIOs have to work to stay on
top."
CIOs must be able to learn new technology quickly, direct and negotiate
with others, and develop sound business plans. It often means long hours with
tight deadlines. But some people thrive in this setting.
"In IT, there are so many challenges," says Pinkerton. "You have to get
out there and meet each one head on. That's what is truly enjoyable about
this work."