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Information Technology Unification Initiative

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To better serve the University community, ITS is leading an institution-wide IT unification initiative. This initiative will centralize IT services across the university to standardize technology practices and procedures, strengthen our cyber security, and build a more efficient organization.

This re-organization will occur in six stages. All schools and colleges have been grouped into pods for more streamlined reporting. These pods will operate within a federated model, grouping similar academic interests into broader support structures. Based on the timeline below, each pod will take 90 days to establish, and will include planning sessions, inventory, defining service definitions, and completing any needed HR processes.  

Departments and Units will integrate into this new organizational structure by aligning with collaboration centers (student, advancement, finance, human resources) that will report up through ITS.

Why IT Unification?

  • Reduce fragmentation and inequities across schools and units.
  • Improve security posture and standardize IT service management.
  • Enable faster innovation and better prioritization of projects.
  • Build efficiencies to free resources for future technology investments.
  • Support a stronger, more connected university community.
Unification Timeline

Guiding Principles

Collaboration

Preserve local expertise while leveraging shared resources.

Resilience

Distribute responsibilities across multiple team members to avoid single points of failure and ensure backup support is always available.

Equity

 Ensure consistent service quality across all units.

Growth

Create career pathways and professional development opportunities.

Flexibility

Balance centralization with local innovation.

Phased Approach

Phases

Phase Details

Phase 1: Planning and Alignment

Initial planning sessions and inventory of services.

Phase 2: Transition

Move departmental IT units into collaboration centers (pods):

June 2026
- Arts & Communications
July 2026
- Science & Engineering
August 2026
- Humanities & Education
To be determined
- Business and Law
- Clinical

Phase 3: Operationalize

Finalize service catalog, governance, and feedback loops.

What this means for Schools & Colleges 

  • Local IT expertise remains embedded in academic communities 
  • Sustainable support model with 24/7 coverage 
  • Reduced administrative burden through shared services 
  • Stronger partnerships with deans and faculty

Measuring Success

  • Enterprise-wide service catalog implemented
  • Redundant services eliminated
  • Operational centralized call center 
  • Cost neutrality demonstrated 
  • Ongoing feedback loop with leadership

Benefits

  • Enhanced student, faculty, and researcher experiences 
  • Stronger institutional security and resilience
  • IT as a strategic partner in institutional excellence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IT Unification?

IT Unification is a collaborative, hybrid model that brings together Temple’s IT resources to reduce duplication, improve equity, and strengthen security—while preserving local expertise within schools and colleges.

Is unification the same as centralization?

No. IT Unification is not full centralization. IT balances shared services with local flexibility, ensuring innovation and responsiveness to unique academic needs.

Why is Temple doing this now?

To reduce fragmentation, improve service equity, strengthen security, and create efficiencies that free resources for future innovation. It also aligns IT with the university's strategic goals.

Who's in what pod?
  • Arts and Communications: Tyler School of Art, Boyer College of Music and Dance, Klein College of Media and Communication, School of Theater, Film and Media Arts
  • Science and Engineering: College of Science and Technology, College of Engineering
  • Business and Law: Fox School of Business, School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Beasley School of Law
  • Humanities & Social Science and Education: College of Liberal Arts, College of Education and Human Development
  • Clinical: Kornberg School of Dentistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, School of Podiatric Medicine, College of Public Health, Student Health Services
  • Campus partnerships: Ambler, Center City, Harrisburg, Japan, and Rome Campuses, University Libraries
Will local IT staff lose their roles?

No. Local IT expertise remains embedded in academic communities. Staff will have opportunities for growth and career pathways within a sustainable model.

How will this impact schools and colleges?

Schools will benefit from reduced administrative burden, faster project prioritization, and stronger partnerships with central IT while maintaining local expertise.

What are the benefits for students, faculty and researchers?

Enhanced support, improved security, and access to consistent, high-quality IT services across the university.

How will success be measured?

Key indicators include: enterprise-wide service catalog, elimination of redundant services, operational centralized call center, demonstrated cost neutrality, and ongoing feedback loop with leadership.

Where can I find updates?

Updates will be posted on this webpage and shared through university communications.