Recent budget cuts led to the dissolution of Education Media Services (EMS), with its responsibilities now divided between Information Technology Services (ITS) and Event Services. The decision to restructure has sparked concern, particularly within ITS, which is struggling to adapt to the expanded scope of its duties. While the change aims to improve efficiency and standardize classroom technology, it has left both departments grappling with new challenges.
EMS has been responsible for supporting both classroom technology and event services on campus. The team ensured that classroom equipment such as projectors, computers and Zoom boards functioned smoothly, helping faculty deliver their lessons without technical interruptions. In addition to classroom technology, EMS managed the technical aspects of conferences, lectures, and other events, ensuring event organizers had the tools and support they needed to succeed.
EMS played an essential role in providing consistent support for both academic and extracurricular activities, making its dissolution a significant shift for the university. The decision to dissolve EMS was largely driven by budgetary pressures and the desire to streamline operations.
The dissolution of EMS intended to make classroom technology and event services more efficient and standardized across the university. One of the main goals behind this restructuring was to standardize the technology used in the classrooms. By ensuring that every classroom was equipped with the same set of tools, it would be easier for faculty to operate equipment and for IT staff to provide consistent support.
In addition to standardizing classroom setups, the restructuring aimed to simplify the process of requesting help. Faculty and staff would no longer need to navigate multiple departments to find the right support team. Integrating EMS responsibilities into ITS was also intended to leverage the ITS’ technical expertise, ensuring that the latest technology was being used and maintained across all classrooms.
Despite these strategic goals, the transition has not been without its difficulties, especially for ITS, which now bears the brunt of additional responsibilities.
For ITS, absorbing EMS’s responsibilities has presented a series of challenges. Traditionally focused on broader Information Technology needs, the department now finds itself managing classroom technology and event services, areas that were previously outside its scope. The increased workload has been a source of frustration for some ITS staff, who are now required to oversee the day-to-day operation of classroom equipment and handle technical issues as they arise.
To mitigate the strain, ITS hired a new staff member specifically to manage classroom technology. However, with two EMS staff members leaving their positions before the restructuring, ITS is still operating under increased pressure with these two positions unfilled. The demand for quick, responsive support has grown, particularly as classrooms rely increasingly on technology for teaching.
Event Services, now tasked with managing the logistics of conferences and campus events, has also experienced growing pains. The restructuring was intended to enhance customer service and streamline event planning, but some in the department have raised concerns about the need for additional staff to handle the influx of new responsibilities. One new staff hire is currently under consideration, though the department is still in the process of adjusting to its expanded role.
The restructuring was not without its anticipated challenges. One of the key hurdles has been ensuring that faculty and staff are adequately trained on the technology that is new to their positions. Training sessions have been offered to familiarize faculty with the classroom tools, though some still report difficulties adjusting to the changes.
Inventory management has also been a significant challenge for ITS. As the department now oversees all classroom technology, keeping track of equipment and ensuring that it is up to date has become an essential, yet time-consuming, task.
Perhaps the most pressing challenge has been ensuring responsive support. With a larger workload and fewer staff members, ITS has implemented a help desk system to manage support calls. However, with the volume of requests increasing, responding quickly to every issue has proven difficult.
While ITS staff have expressed concerns about the increased workload, Mike Wentz, Vice President for Finance and Administration, sees the restructuring as an opportunity to enhance their services.
“This transition gives us a real opportunity to enhance and strengthen our technology services in classrooms and for events,” Wentz said.
Faculty feedback has been mixed. Some appreciate the move toward standardizing classroom technology, Wentz noted that it has made the teaching experience more consistent across different locations. However, others have faced difficulties, particularly with connectivity issues and technical glitches in the new systems. These issues, while typically resolved quickly by ITS, have added stress to faculty trying to manage their lessons.
Academic Affairs has worked closely with ITS to provide training and support to faculty, ensuring they have the resources they need to adjust to the new systems. Still, some communication breakdowns have occurred, with confusion over which department to contact for specific issues emerging as a recurring problem.
Despite the immediate challenges, the restructuring of EMS is expected by the administration to bring long-term benefits to the university. By ensuring all classrooms are equipped with the same tools, faculty will no longer need to adjust to different setups when moving between rooms, improving efficiency in teaching.
In terms of support, having ITS manage both classroom technology and event services is intended to streamline the process, making it easier for faculty and event organizers to get the help they need. Event Services, now working closely with ITS, is positioned to provide more proactive event planning and customer service as the integration continues.
The dissolution of EMS and the shift of responsibilities to ITS and Event Services have introduced significant challenges for both departments.
“It was very well organized. Like, you already knew what you would go in and do,” said Kenny McMillen, a former EMS staff member, reflecting on his time there.
When asked if he left due to the transition, he clarified that his departure was simply due to a full schedule on his end.
The university’s restructuring following the dissolution of EMS presents an opportunity for meaningful improvement in classroom and event services. By standardizing technology and streamlining support, the administration aims to create a more efficient and effective environment for teaching and learning. Despite the initial challenges, there is optimism that these changes will enhance the overall educational experience, enabling faculty and students to engage more fully with the resources available to them.
