Technology Investment Review Process

In conjunction with the IT Governance Committee, Information Technology Services (ITS) has developed this process with the goal of ensuring that technology-related initiatives are reviewed by key technical, operational, and strategic representatives, and are aligned with the University’s stated goals and budgeting process.  

This process helps to reduce risk, avoid redundancy and improve customer support for campus technology needs. The process provides a centralized and streamlined process to allow University employees to submit technology-related proposals with approval from the relevant Department Head, Vice President or the Provost. Additionally, this process will ensure compliance with the University’s information security and procurement requirements. 

How do I submit a request for review?

You can submit a request by filling out the Technology Purchase Request/Project Proposal form.

What needs to be reviewed by IT Governance

Any technology solution which impacts the University’s enterprise processes, systems or data shall be included in this process. Typically, technology solutions include, but are not limited to technology hardware, software, network infrastructure, application development, technology-related consulting and cloud-based applications/services. For specific questions about whether or not a project, procurement or idea should go through the review process please contact pmo@longwood.edu.

Any investment in technology products, hardware and software solutions have an impact to the University in any of the following categories:

• Business Impact
  • Results in changes to business/administrative processes.
  • Requires integration with existing technology or campus data sources.
  • Impacts mission critical programs/services (i.e. teaching and learning, research, etc.).
• Financial/Resource Impact
  • Requires additional staff, resources or third-party consulting for implementation and long-term support.
  • Requires IT staff and/or resources for implementation and long-term support.
• User Impact
  • Users will need to learn new skills or undergo a new service experience.
  • Is available for use by a large population of users.
  • Available to the general public.
  • High likelihood of impact for persons with disabilities.
• Risk Management
  • Utilizes, stores and/or transmits highly sensitive data and information.
  • Failure to act on the project/initiative/technology purchase results in:
    • Significant IT security risk
    • Compliance risk
    • Significant risk to mission critical systems, operations, processes, or services
    • Potential legal exposure
    • Adverse impact to grand funding or loss of significant opportunity costs

What does not need to be reviewed by IT Governance

Faculty/staff desktop computers, associated computer peripherals and software purchases for individual use, which do not connect to or impact the University’s enterprise, systems or data may fall outside of the process. Approved computer options for faculty and staff can be found here: https://solomon.longwood.edu/usersupport/computer-options-facultystaff/. Purchases outside of offerings on this page must be approved by the department supervisor as well as Information Technology Services and may not receive the same level of support as recommended models.