UNC Asheville’s ITS division consists of five distinct units:
- Academic Technology Support (ATS)
- Client Technology Support (CTS)
- Enterprise Systems and Applications (ESA)
- Networking, Infrastructure, and Systems (NIS)
- Auxiliary IT Services (AUX)
Academic Technology Support (ATS)
ATS handles most aspects of more than 110 computer labs and 15 smart classrooms on campus. We maintain the computers in each space by installing software and updates, updating computer hardware, and configuring Windows and Mac computing environments to suit the needs of instructors.
Additionally, ATS installs, maintains, and upgrades classroom audio visual equipment including projectors, document cameras, smart boards, sound systems, and more. We maintain an emergency help line for immediate assistance in a lab or classroom. ATS also offers training sessions on classroom equipment upon request.
Client Technology Support (CTS)
Technical Support
Faculty, staff, and students are likely most familiar with our end-user support services including the IT Service Desk. In addition to user support, CTS also manages the over 1600 computers on the UNC Asheville campus. Through the Computer Refresh Program and CPI, CTS upgrades and replaces approximately 1/4 of the computers on campus each year.
Enterprise Systems and Applications (ESA)
ESA is responsible for implementing enterprise systems to meet the strategic goals of the university. We evaluate vendor solutions, manage projects, and integrate purchased software solutions with existing applications. ESA staff members work closely with the administrative offices and advocate continued improvement in the use of technology to support business needs. Key services provided by ESA can be found under Enterprise Applications.
The following list highlights some areas of responsibility:
- Enterprise Resource Planning Systems to support Student Information, Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, Alumni, Development, Financial Aid and Identity Management.
- Application-level security of institutional data
- Portal services for Students, Faculty, Employees and Development Officers
- Development, integration and maintenance of systems ancillary to the ERP systems
- Development and maintenance of reporting dashboards and reporting tools
- Web interfaces to enterprise databases
- Management and archiving of institutional data
Networking, Infrastructure, and Systems (NIS)
NIS has two primary areas of responsibility — the campus networking infrastructure and central core systems. Networking involves the design, implementation, maintenance, support and enhancement of the campus network. This includes the physical network infrastructure, network electronics, network management tools, bandwidth management, security and firewall management. A combination fiber optic and CAT5e UTP backbone provides switched Ethernet connectivity to all campus offices, classrooms, and residence hall rooms in addition to a high speed link to the external Internet. Secure wireless access is provided in all academic spaces, as well as in the residence halls.
Insfrastructure & Systems includes systems management, systems programming, operating systems and hardware maintenance for specific central core servers.
Network Implementation and Support
NIS manages the campus network, a fiber optic backbone that connects all campus buildings and provides high-speed connectivity to all spaces on campus where people live, learn, and work — residence hall rooms, classrooms, offices, and common areas.
Systems Programming/Management
NIS performs systems programming & management for several different central core server platforms. These core servers support campus services such as: domain name service, user authentication, and network, administrative, and student services.
NIS installs new systems software releases and recommended patches on the central core systems, implements security procedures for system files and application programs, monitors and enhances system performance, and installs and maintains a number of third-party systems software packages, including several networking software packages. Networks and Infrastructure staff oversee daily and weekly backup of the central core systems, archiving/restoration of file systems, and maintenance of the backup environment.
Virtual Servers
Additionally, Network and Infracture manages the virtual infrastructure upon which most of the university’s servers run. We also provide systems administration services for both Windows Server systems and Linux Server systems. Since 2007 we have grown from around 20 “stand alone” servers to over 90 servers running in a virtualized environment.
Auxiliary IT Services (AUX)
AUX provides support for many major systems across campus. Our areas of responsibility include:
- OneCard
- Web application development
- Printing Fleet Management
- Telecommunications
- ITS purchasing
Other Services
Website Development
ITS supports the university’s collection of 100 websites. Working closely with Communication & Marketing, we help build, deploy, update, and customize websites for each department.
Security
Our team also includes a security officer, dedicated to protecting data for every employee & student.
Guidance & Planning
Our CIO & Associate CIO interface with university administration to ensure our campus remains far ahead of the technological curve.