With this inaugural issue of Technology@Adelphi, we would like to bring to light the people who use and support the technology at this University, as well as introduce our plans for the future.

Technology impacts every aspect of our lives. Yet too often, people think of technology as an impersonal machine, following commands written in a language that not everyone speaks. A solid infrastructure is the cornerstone of a successful technology plan and we have devoted great effort to ensuring a powerful and secure network. But at Adelphi, there is very human aspect to technology.

Technology has many functions. It is the resource that enables faculty to create multimedia learning experiences. It is the creation of policies to protect sensitive data. It is the support from Customer Services or a Resident Computer Associate. It is the development of programs to conserve resources and “go green.” It is the new design of the AU homepage. It is the expansion of eCampus to expedite academic requests and facilitate off-campus activities. And it is much more.

All of these elements of technology merge in our new three-year Strategic Technology Plan that takes a broad perspective on how to maximize technology to benefit the Adelphi community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We focus on critical areas that include academic technology, distance learning, emergent technologies, and administrative best practices. One of our key initiatives and top priorities is helping students and faculty achieve fluency in technology, a skill that is essential in today's competitive global economy.

Along with identifying and implementing new programs, we recognize our responsibility to the Adelphi community to be transparent in all our actions. In subsequent issues of the Technology@Adelphi newsletter we will keep you up-to-date about our activities. Plus, you'll get a chance to meet more of the people in Technology Services who are dedicated to helping you.

Sometime in the future, we may communicate as avatars in a virtual world. For now, we value your real world input and encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments. You can send your feedback to technews@adelphi.edu.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jack Chen
Chief Information Officer