The University Community believes that information technology is an important component of the institution. Technology can deliver quality and service improvements across the University and provide a strong base of support for the educational, research, outreach, and administrative needs of the University if it is utilized to implement a unified vision for the future, a vision that addresses the mission of the institution. The vision for computing and information technology at UTC encompasses a convenient to use campus-wide information resource which supplies information and services wherever they are needed, provides access to both campus and international resources, supports and enhances the educational and administrative processes, and improves the work environment of everyone in the University community.

Characteristics of the envisioned environment include:

• Information technology will be directly linked to the mission of the University and aligned with the university's strategic direction as a key criterion for making decisions.

• The University will establish a strategic information technology architecture including information technology standards, support services, organizational structures and funding models, and develop incentives for innovative project proposals that comply with predefined strategies and standards.

• Faculty, students, and staff will have appropriate and convenient access to information, instruction, software, and hardware from on-campus locations, including offices, dormitories, laboratories, and classrooms.

• The use of information and instruction will be independent of the platforms used to produce and access that information.

• The electronic environment will enhance personal interactions through support for electronic mail, discussion groups, special interest groups, and other advanced communication techniques.

• Through computer networking, faculty, staff, and students will be able to communicate and interact with national and international scholars and professionals in all fields.

• The tools necessary to efficiently use information will be supplied and supported, as will appropriate training. A rich set of productivity tools will be provided through the shared information resource. Advanced, discipline-specific tools will be available through distributed information services.

• Information technology will expand the operations of the teaching, research, service, and administrative functions of the University and support significant improvements in collaboration and services.