July 1, 2002, the Telecommunications Department merged with Information Technology Systems and Services (ITSS) Department. The merger was one of the goals set forth in the University's Strategic Plan and had been recommended by the President's Information Technology Planning Task Force and their consultants, Innovative Interactions, Inc. Telephone and video conferencing services are moving towards using the same Internet protocol as data uses today. This merger brings central information technology infrastructure under one reporting function to better coordinate the strategic and tactical planning for and operation of that information technology infrastructure.
Initially, University departments will experience little change. Telephone, voice mail, and long distance services and requests will continue to be handled by the same individuals in the Carnegie Building. In the future, the merger will provide "one stop shopping" for departmental requests for telephone and data services. Goals of the merger are to reduce duplication, increase efficiencies, and improve customer service for information technology to the campus community.
Telecommunications will join the ITSS Support Services component led by Craig Cerkowniak. Lois MacGregor will continue to lead Telephone Administrative and Student Service areas and Larry Fisk, Telecommunications Facilities Analyst, will lead the Telecommunications technical staff and cable infrastructure management. Rich Lehn, former Director of Telecommunications, has been hired full-time