Division of Information Technology Milestones
The IT Division strives to bring the university the most advanced, relevant, and useful technologies to campus. To keep the university community abreast of projects within the IT Division, we publish milestones for our most visible projects and update them frequently, as circumstances can cause dates to change.
A list of completed projects can be found on our Completed Milestones page.
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- Library’s Open Educational Resources Community of Practice training course available in Canvas
Date: January 25, 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: Canvas course for faculty to learn the importance of and basics to adopt, adapt, or create Open Education Resources for textbook affordability is launched.
- MDT Training Moved to Canvas course
Date: February 1, 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: Historically the ITAC has delivered Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) training to technology support staff across campus through in-person and hands-on training. MDT is used by staff across campus to image Windows computers. Due to the pandemic, we are moving this course online within Canvas.
- Banner migration to the cloud complete
Date: February 22, 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: The university will transition the Banner Student Information System from an on premise internally managed application to a cloud based and Ellucian managed.
Notes: This item was originally scheduled for release in the fourth quarter 2020 but was pushed due to vendor competing demands and faculty concerns.
- DegreeWorks 5.00 Upgrade complete
Date: February 22, 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: This is a major technical and functional upgrade, introducing new technology items as well as refreshing the look and feel. It is also a prerequisite for our Oracle database upgrades, and replaces functionality based on Adobe Flash which will reach its end of life at the end of this year.
Notes: This item was originally scheduled for completing in Q4 2020 and is being moved due to competing demands.
- Alkek RFID security system enabled
Date: February 28, 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: University Libraries is currently undergoing extensive change and reorganization with the modifications to its structure. This provides an excellent opportunity to upgrade the library’s current security system and adopt modern inventory tools. Transitioning to RFID will make it possible for the library to implement self-checkout near the two new building entrances providing more convenient checkout options so users will not have to go to the third floor. Adopting self-checkout services will improve user experience by providing more places for patrons to check out materials.
- Research Storage Plan Proposal Published
Date: February, 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Over the past year, the need for available disk storage for research has become more evident. IT has started working with the research office and researchers to make available storage for research. This project will produce a proposal that will be shared with the research office and Provost for approval and implementation.
- Academic departments begin using Evaluation Kit to conduct electronic course evaluation surveys
Date: March 12, 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: Historically academic departments have used ePortfolio to conduct electronic course surveys. We have replaced this functionality with a more robust and easy to use system called EvaluationKIT. Academic departments will receive training and begin using EvaluationKIT to conduct all Spring 2021 course evaluation surveys.
- Redesigned SSO and O365 login pages go live
Date: First Quarter 2021
Unit: Marketing and Communications
- Accessibility Training Course Available
Date: April 2021
Unit: Special Assistant
Description: A primer course for new employees and current faculty/staff is currently under development with Human Resources. The workshop will focus on accessibility features and training for a wide variety of tools. The workshop's scope and specific tool set are still being arranged.
- 171 gaps report presented to leadership
Date: April 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description: Findings of gap analysis and action items will be written and report delivered to Research Compliance.
- Ransomware Taskforce Report Delivered
Date: April 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description: This project will partner with the IT Assistance Center and Technology Resources to create a report detailing the results and recommendations of the Ransomware Taskforce. The report will be delivered to the IT Council and shared with other areas as appropriate.
- Texas State digital signage platform available
Date: May 2021
Unit: TIO
Description: Move TXST into a more comprehensive digital signage strategy so the capabilities of the platform can be exploited. The overall goals center around more strategic use of the displays to deliver content from all over the university –especially university marketing and university communications, and to have all signs configured to support emergency messaging
Notes: This project was originally scheduled for completion in December, 2020 but has been moved to May, 2021.
View the Digital Signage Platform project charter (IT Staff only)
- Spring 2021 Tech Talk
Date: May 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: This content-packed, open sharing session will bring Technical Support Personnel (TSPs) from across the university together to gain insight on tech services and projects, ask tech questions, and network with other fellow tech staff for information and resource sharing.
- Scheduling and Time Tracking Solution for campus identified
Date: May 2021
Unit: Special Assistant
Description: A new service which allows for student worker scheduling and timekeeping (i.e. clocking in and clocking out) will be identified and made available to campus prior to the start of the fall 2021 semester.
- Desktop or User-Level Automatic Backup to OneDrive solution available
Date: May 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: This milestone will work to investigate and possibly implement user-level backups to OneDrive for additional Ransomware protection. The idea is to leverage Microsoft OneDrive to automatically backup the primary file locations on a user's computer without requiring them to put files in their default OneDrive folder.
- President Cabinet Approval of Telecommunications Billing Process Changes
Date: May 2021
Unit: IT Business Operations
Description: Review of telecom infrastructure and costs to realign cost models to be implemented in September. Report will be presented to the President's Cabinet in May, with release to campus in June.
- First Annual Department Reports on Computing Device Status sent to Department Heads
Date: June 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: These annual device reports will be sent to department heads to help them make better decisions regarding their computing devices. The report may contain things like device age, warranty status, encryption status, backup status, security patch levels and more.
- ISO website redesign complete
Date: June 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description:
- TXST Mobile faculty and staff user profile launch
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: The faculty and staff user profile launch in TXST Mobile will provide personal user profile information for faculty and staff. Data points and sources will reflect the unique needs of the user base and allow individuals to easily update incorrect data from the app.
Note: This item was originally scheduled for completion in Q4 2020 but is being pushed due to resource constraints.
- Research-based workshops available
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description: This project will create the first iteration of research security focused workshops delivered to research-focused faculty.
- URL Shortener Service Available to Campus
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: Rebrandly, our URL Shortner service, is currently limited on licensing. This would open it up to faculty and staff use. A request form will be made available for campus to request a short URL. This milestone will also introduce the governance around the URLs and request process.
- Willow Hall User Experience Standardization Complete
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: Correct audio/visual (A/V) programming and installation problems left over in Willow Hall from third party A/V intergrators. This process will make these classrooms compliant with the Texas State University campus classroom technology standards. This affects about 15 rooms. The majority of the problems are programming-based.
Comments: This work was originally scheduled to be completed in August 2020 but had to be re-prioritized due to the COVID-19 response.
- Libraries Contract Migration Complete
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Business Operations
Description: In collaboration with University Libraries and TR, review electronic contract workflow, the use of TCM and migrate from the old dot NET repository.
- Surveillance Camera Billing in Pinnacle Complete
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Business Operations
Description: This project will move from a manual process to use a Pinnacle workflow for IDT billing.
- P-Card Usage Review Workflow in Production
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Business Operations
Description: Establish periodic Internal workflow review for internal IT Division audit.
- Adobe Sign workflow for MIFI renewal Implemented
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Business Operations
Description: Create an Adobe Sign workflow for MIFI request in conjunction with Purchasing and Accounts Payable.
- Most Used IT GL list communicated to customers
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Business Operations
Description: Communicate to campus widely used IT GL's. What GLs should be used when purchasing hardware so that they fall into the appropriate workflows for ISO and ADA review.
- University-wide TCM Notifications of Contract Renewals Enabled
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Business Operations
Description: Be able to use notification emails for expiration dates to others outside of the IT Division.
- TXST Mobile - Campus Contacts Update live
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Launch the student government contact card in the Campus Contacts component; implement filtering, sorting, and the ability to search by campus and contact name. Improve accessibility and update the API.
- Microsoft 365 Seamless Single Sign On Live
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Integration for domain connected machines who once authenticated at the domain connected computer, will seamlessly log in to Microsoft 365
- .NET Application Marketplace live
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: There will be one centralized location (website) for customers to see available .NET applications in the PROD environment as they are converted from legacy to the new architecture. - display URL
- SAP Adobe Interactive Forms Eliminated
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: This project will complete PCR migration to ABAP forms and end use of Adobe interactive forms within SAP.
- Wittliff Store Open in former Lonesome Dove Gallery open
Date: Second Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Saturation Acheived
Date:July 3, 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description:
- Newly renovated ASBS computer lab open for use
Date: August 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Comments: This item was originally scheduled in First Quarter, 2021
- Electronic Inventory Report for Materials Management
Date: August 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: The goal of this milestone is to reduce the burden of physical computer inventory for the Materials Management department. This project will work to implement a process by which we locate controlled/capital computer assets on the Texas State networks and provide a report to Materials Management on when and possibly where they were located. Materials Management could then use this official report to reduce the number of computers they physically have to locate/see for inventory purposes.
- Self-check circulation workstations available
Date: August 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description:
- New Student Printing System Live
Date: August 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description:
- Bobcat Virtual Assistant Expansion
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: TIO
Description: In conjunction with the IT Assistance Center, the expansion will include institutional data sources such as course and directory information components.
- The Teaching Space of Tomorrow Available for Tour
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: TIO
Description:
- DDOS Protection Test Exercise Completed
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description:
- TAC 202 assessment (DIR) or Gartner Assessment Complete
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description:
- Penetration Test Complete
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description:
- Risk Assessment Updates post TAC 202 update completed
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description:
- TSP 102 Course Available in Canvas
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: This milestone will release additional training for TSPs through Canvas. The goal is for new/additional content that goes deeper than that of our TSP 101 course and is developed in partnership with other IT offices outside of ITAC.
- Classroom Remote Instruction Delivery Upgrades - Medium Classrooms
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: This milestone will improve the video conferencing technology in all medium sized classrooms. While many classrooms are standardized in their setup, there are quite a few that are unique and will require a special technology solution. These classrooms will see improved camera and microphone technology.
- ITBO Request Form Consolidation Project Complete
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: Update forms from Gato forms to Smart forms to have one form for purchases
- Authorized Software Website Launched
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: Provide a cross-reference software site by "use for approved software with search functionality for customers to use and identify approved software.
- TXST Mobile - Lab Availability Upgrade Live
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Expand Lab Availability functionality in the TXST Mobile application to include favorites and printing.
- JCK Network Upgrade Complete
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Complete the JC Kellam Network MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) upgrade in this highly complex building.
- SuccessFactor Learning Live
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description:
- Concur Travel Application Live
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description:
- Undergraduate Library Instruction Program Offered in Canvas
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: Sustainable and scaffolded lower-division undergraduate instruction program through Canvas offering multiple modalities of instruction.
- TARO Upgrade Complete
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: This project will allow University Archives and Wittliff Collections finding aids in consortia setting, making them discoverable across repositories in Texas.
- ArchiveSpace Implemented
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: This project will allows wider discovery of University Archives and Wittliff Collections finding aids giving providing ability to search across collections.
- Alkek Open House Held
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description:
- Initial Phase of Digital offsite preservation storage completed
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: This project will create redundant storage for selected archives for dark archiving.
- Computer labs and virtual capability
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: The purpose of this initiative is to implement a “Phase I” of remote access capability for our computer labs. No solution has been decided upon, so a part of this project is to determine our best direction. The result of this project should be some level of remote computer lab services for our students.
- TXST Mobile geolocation, maps API, and dining API update released
Date: Third Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: The Geolocation and API updates in TXST Mobile for maps and dining will improve the consistency and reliability of information of both components, which are currently being managed manually within the app.
Note: This item was originally scheduled for completion in Q4 2020 but is being pushed due to resource constraints.
- Cyber Security Awareness Month Activities Launched
Date: October, 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description:
- Wittliff Festival Panel Discussions Held
Date: November 14, 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description:
- Wittliff Festival Held
Date: December 2, 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: An all-day event focusing on the Wittliff Pillar Collections including Lonesome Dove, followed by a gala event with live entertainment and auctions.
Comments: This event was originally going to be held in April 2020 but has been postponed until a later date due to COVID-19. The date was moved to January 9, 2021, but due to scheduling issues has been moved to December 2, 2021.
- 2021 IT Almanac Published
Date: December, 2021
Unit: Marketing and Communications
Description:
- Agency Information Security Assessment Submitted TGC2054.515
Date: December, 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description:
- Fall 2021 Tech Talk
Date: December, 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: This content-packed, open sharing session will bring Technical Support Personnel (TSPs) from across the university together to gain insight on tech services and projects, ask tech questions, and network with other fellow tech staff for information and resource sharing.
- IT Services and ITAC websites moved to Calico (mobile-first) design standard
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Marketing and Communications
Description:
- Accessibility verification in Gato CMS available
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Special Assistant
Description: Create integration with PopeTech and Gato so that an automated check of the page is performed prior to the page being published.
- Major UPPS Rewrite Released for University Approval
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description:
- Security Evaluation Transparency Website Launches
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Information Security Office
Description:
- ePortfolio (Tk20) Transition Plan Published
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: Our ePortfolio contract expires in August 2023. This project will produce a transition plan by assessing how ePortfolio is used (student teaching assessments, student binders, application processes, etc.). This project will work to find a new home for these services/processes. The assessment and transition plan needs to be complete in 2021 so that we can find an alternative solution/system(s) and start migrating to these new systems (if necessary) in 2022 and complete the migration no later than July/August 2023.
- Classroom Remote Instruction Delivery Upgrades - Large Classrooms
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: This milestone will improve the video conferencing technology in all large classrooms. While many classrooms are standardized in their setup, there are quite a few that are unique and will require a special technology solution. These classrooms will see improved camera and microphone technology.
- Implement SAP Personas
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: SAP Screen Personas is a solution, that allows you to personalize SAP screens and run them on your phone, tablet, or desktop. It provides tools to modify many SAP GUI screens to improve usability and visual appeal. The objective is to personalize the user interface to improve user productivity, process, and usability. We will be able to customize the look and feel of standard SAP transactions as well as custom transactions developed by our Texas State team. We want to create a Fiori like experience for users across the SAP landscape as we’ve received positive feedback from users with the recent Fiori portal upgrade. Once Personas is installed, the process will be a transaction by transaction effort to customize each transaction to deliver the Fiori look and feel.
- Ellucian Experience Live
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Deliver a single responsive Banner interface where a user can access dynamic data and personalized content aggregated from multiple disparate sources, based on their role and usage patterns.
- Ellucian Analytics Live
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Ellucian cloud service which allows the university to transform data into actionable insights and display the data via the analytics portal where and when you need it.
- TXST Mobile - Dining upgrade Live
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: TXST Mobile application, update Dining component to include meal plan information and utilize the the vendor's API for automated updates to locations and hours. Add dining dollar balances (dependent on upcoming CS Gold capabilities).
- Alkek One micro-credentialing program Launched
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description:
- Student Created Virtual Reality Applications Live
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: Establish a development pipeline for students to create and publish applications and VR titles.
- Fedora-Based Repository Implemented
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: University Libraries
Description: Implement a new repository for archival, non-scholarship items from the University Archives and Wittliff Collections
- Student Success Metrics Available
Date: Fourth Quarter 2021
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: This project is essentially “Part I” of a data analytics and business process adjustment initiative, which is to create an infrastructure whereby selected data is stored in datasets that could be combined to provide insights to university administrators. This project is only about creating the “warehouse” of data, not about doing the actual analysis. For example, we might export to our warehouse Canvas usage and login data, wireless usage data, computer lab usage data, or other easily acquired datasets that could be combined or aggregated to create insights or patterns.
- Alkek Teaching Theater Renovation Complete
Date: Third Quarter 2022
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: The technology in the Alkek Teaching Theater is beginning to show it's age and needs to be replaced. We plan to work directly with faculty teaching in this space to tailor the improvements around their technology needs. This will involve surveys, focus groups, AV design, procurement and installation over two years.
- Classroom Remote Instruction Delivery Upgrades for Small Classrooms Complete
Date: Third Quarter 2022
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: This milestone will improve the video conferencing technology in all of our smaller classrooms. While many classrooms are standardized in their setup, there are quite a few that are unique and will require a special technology solution. These classrooms will see improved camera and microphone technology.
- Centennial Hall Teaching Theatre Renovation
Date: Third Quarter 2023
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: The technology in the Centennial Hall Teaching Theater is beginning to show it's age and needs to be replaced. We plan to work directly with faculty teaching in this space to tailor the improvements around their technology needs. This will involve surveys, focus groups, AV design, procurement and installation over two years.
- Audience Response System Installed in all Classrooms
Date: 2023
Unit: IT Assistance Center
- LBJSC Teaching Theatre Renovation
Date: Third Quarter 2024
Unit: IT Assistance Center
Description: The technology in the LBJSC Teaching Theater is beginning to show it's age and needs to be replaced. We plan to work directly with faculty teaching in this space to tailor the improvements around their technology needs. This will involve surveys, focus groups, AV design, procurement and installation over two years.
- Clear Alkek Library 4th floor compact shelving
Date: Fourth Quarter 2024
Unit: University Libraries
- TXST mobile meal plans launch
Date: Under Review
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: The meal plans launch in TXST Mobile will allow students to select and manage their term-based meal plans. Individuals who are required to have meal plans will also receive automated notifications when the selection window is open, as well as when they have been auto-assigned a meal plan.
Comments: This item was originally scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2020 but is being moved because of competing demands.
- Alkek One micro credentialing program launched
Date: Under Review
Status: Under Review
Unit: University Libraries
Description: Alkek One's micro-credentialing program will be a hybrid learning opportunity for Texas State students, faculty, and staff focused on digital literacy and design thinking.
- Mediaflo automated captions launched
Date: Under Review
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: The automated captions launch will integrate Microsoft Azure with the university's enterprise media management system, Mediaflo. Media assets uploaded to a Mediaflo library or created within the system via Anthem will be transcribed by Azure closed caption transcript will be appended to the media for library owners to work with (edit/enhance) using the embedded Amara caption editor.
Comments: This item was originally scheduled for Q3 but had to be pushed because of competing demands.
- Peopleadmin onboarding complete
Date: Under Review
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: This project will facilitate the onboarding of our new employees. Today much of our onboarding occurs in person in the new employee orientation that takes place on the first day of employment. This solution will deliver online onboarding activities for the new employee, prior to their start date. For example collecting bank details for direct deposit, selecting an insurance plan, parking permits, election of electronic W-2, etc. The desire is to eliminate or reduce the amount of time the employee spends in new employee orientation so they can immediately begin performing their job functions rather than spending half a day in orientation.
Notes: This project was scheduled for completion in August 2020 but is being moved due to end-customer competing demands. With the current restructuring of leadership within Human Resources, the project has been put on hold until further notice.
- Social Work Field Placement
Date: Under Review
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Students pursuing Social Work as their major must complete an internship in their last semester at TXST. This web application allows students to apply for an internship, to confirm their academic eligibility, and to select their preferred geographic location and social work areas of interest to be matched with agencies with the same attributes. Agencies will receive an email, including the student’s resume, notifying them of the match. Agency representatives can accept the student for the internship in the tool, following an interview/review process. Automation of the communication and override management, as well as MOU statuses offer additional value to the department.
View the Social Work Field Placement project charter (IT Staff only)
Note: This item was originally scheduled for Q3 2020 but had to be pushed because of resource constraints and underlying application updates.
- Educator field block available
Date: Under Review
Unit: Technology Resources
Description: Students pursuing teacher certification have a required field block element of their curriculum. These field blocks are a combination of a Texas State course taught by TXST instructor, as well as observation of a teacher working in the local school districts. This tool assists confirming the eligibility of the student to register for a field block, matching them with a school district that has availability for observation in the appropriate subject, and automates the communication and overrides necessary for the student to register for the relevant courses, once the match is confirmed.
Note: This item was originally scheduled for Q3 2020 but had to be pushed because of resource constraints and underlying application updates.
