Projects promise improved services, better technology by next summer

KU will implement better customer service methods and revolutionary technological advances by next summer to deliver information and other academic resources through the Web, computer labs, libraries and student assistance offices.

KU Information Services and the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success have announced that more than 60 people representing information technology, libraries, academic units, administrative units, students and national consultants are participating in three projects to evaluate the university’s infrastructure and to tailor user-friendly services for students, scholars and administrators.

The projects are: improving campus learning centers, such as computer labs and library reference areas by integrating print and electronic resources; designing new service models and delivery methods such as the greater use of e-mail and instant messaging; and preserving digital resources, such as human resource, student enrollment and scholarly research records.

KU has dubbed the project “HVC Squared” for its two components: High Velocity Change through High Volume Collaboration. Due to the project’s timely focus, the project likely will be watched closely by KU’s national peers. The EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, or ECAR, will participate in the process, and it has classified the HVC Squared project as one of its “living case studies.”