The CSU System IT Alignment implementation team is responsible for managing a project portfolio; a strategic selection of projects that range from small initiatives to large-scale endeavors. Each project has its own specific objectives, timeline, and dedicated project team. This approach allows us to use our resources more effectively, mitigate the risk of redundancies or duplicated efforts, and ensure that the alignment’s overarching objectives are met.
Projects that fall within the IT Alignment portfolio should meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Establish a foundation for, or directly relate to, aligning people, processes, services, and technology.
- Inform the strategy and contribute to the future success of IT for the CSU System.
For an overview of the timelines associated with the alignment portfolio projects, please refer to the project roadmap. Continue reading to find more specific information about the desired outcomes of each project.
Table of Contents
IT Alignment Project Portfolio
In Progress
IT Service Management (ITSM) Implementation
This project aims to strengthen the quality of IT services and support through the adoption of ITSM best practices and the development of a new and improved IT Service Catalog.
For more information, visit IT: IT Service Management (ITSM) Initiative.
IT Strategic Plan: IT Governance
This initiative seeks to develop an IT governance structure that will contribute to the ongoing development of CSU’s IT relationships, ensuring improved communication and alignment of IT resources.
For more information, see the Strategic Initiatives page.
IT Strategic Plan: IT Security
This initiative seeks to enhance cybersecurity practices by developing standardized approaches, policies, and communications to raise awareness and strengthen our ability to protect all members of the CSU community.
For more information, see the Strategic Initiatives page.
IT Strategic Plan: Student Experience
This initiative stems from the Student Success priority of the IT Strategic Plan. Student Experience aims to provide CSU students with a standard set of inclusive and accessible learning and engagement tools, creating a seamless user experience for all.
For more information, see the Strategic Initiatives page.
IT Strategic Plan: Endpoint Management
This initiative is part of the IT Security priority of the IT Strategic Plan.
Goals include:
- Design and implement a campus-wide risk assessment for user device management that will include an evaluation of existing practices and technologies.
- Collaborate with campus IT partners to develop a campus-wide strategy and standardized approach to providing endpoint device management.
- Develop and implement a communication and training plan for IT professionals at CSU that ensures broad-based adoption of the newly developed standards for end-point device management.
CSU Pueblo Wireless
This project seeks to improve and enhance the Wi-Fi network on the CSU Pueblo campus, providing users with a better experience when joining and using the wireless network.
Team Information Sharing
This initiative seeks to familiarize Division of IT staff with one another and their operational processes, preferred platforms, and supported technology. This process will provide teams the opportunity to knowledge share, network, and it will inform the work done in the Service Alignment.
Service Alignment
This project aims to optimize our IT services through comprehensive assessments and strategic recommendations and will be the driving force in achieving IT alignment for the CSU System.
The scope of this initiative will address critical aspects of our organization, including people, processes, technology, and services. This will be done through a series of workshops with Trebuchet Group alongside CSU IT Leadership developing long-term strategies for their groups.
The first phase of this project was completed in January 2024. Phases 2 and 3 will run from February through June 2024. See Service Alignment Overview for more information.
Upcoming
Network Pipe Installation
This work will involve installing network equipment to create a secure, direct connection between the Fort Collins and Pueblo data centers, to enable high-speed data sharing. This project is scheduled for February – March 2024.
Security Backups
Groups are currently engaged with a consultant who will develop a report and project roadmap to inform this work. The project to address the findings in the report is scheduled to begin in March 2024.
IT Policy Alignment
This initiative will review internal and external IT policies as well as campus policies to ensure alignment. The goal will be to have a single, consistent operating model for IT. This project is scheduled to begin in April 2024.
IT Purchasing Alignment
This initiative will involve reviewing contracts and purchasing processes to identify opportunities for alignment and cost savings. The planning for this project is scheduled to begin in August 2024.
IT Metrics & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
This project is scheduled to begin in August 2024. At that time, a number of foundational components will be in place (e.g., ITSM, IT Governance). This will be an opportunity to continue IT’s growth and maturity in these areas by developing KPIs to determine the impact of these initiatives on operations and service delivery.
IT Service Governance
This project is scheduled to begin in October 2024. More information will be provided as the IT Governance initiative of the IT Strategic Plan evolves.
Completed
Organizational Structure
One of the primary objectives of the CSU System IT Alignment was to establish one central IT team, geographically distributed, supporting the unique needs of each campus.
To accomplish this, on July 1, 2023, the majority of IT employees at CSU Pueblo and the CSU System Office became employees of CSU in Fort Collins.
The Colorado State University System follows a “Flagship Model”. In this model, the System Office is kept as lean as possible, and shared services (such as IT) are hosted at a single campus in the System. As the System’s flagship institution, CSU in Fort Collins will host central IT services and will serve all campuses and entities in the CSU System.
CSU Pueblo Security Initiative
This initiative resulted in a number of upgrades to physical and virtual environments at CSU Pueblo to reduce risk and improve the institution’s security posture.
FY24 Budget Planning
This work involved financial staff across the CSU System collaborating to create processes and workflows for managing budgets across campuses.
FY25 Budget Planning
This work involved finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Pueblo budget and the review of FY24 processes for improvements.
Software & Hardware Inventory
This inventory provided a comprehensive overview of software and hardware purchased by central IT. This report has been used to identify opportunities for cost savings, contract alignment, and service alignment.
Business Case Framework
The Business Case Framework provides the Division of IT with a standardized methodology for decision-making. This framework is currently being piloted within the IT alignment portfolio. If successful, it will be implemented for decisions that need to be made across the division for issues surrounding people, processes, technology, and services.
Division of IT Branding Update
This project rebranded the Division of IT into a System-level entity representing the newly expanded team and additional campuses supported.
