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IT Governance

Information technology affects everyone in the A&M System. Input and buy-in from stakeholders guides the IT services and resources that faculty, students, staff and researchers need to work effectively.

You are here: Home / Governance & TACs / IT Governance Framework

IT Governance Framework

For more information on the A&M System and IT Governance and Collaboration framework, please contact the CIO of any member.

Click on the different councils to learn more.

Executive IT Council

Ensures alignment with the A&M System mission and acts as the definitive decision-making body for A&M System IT governance

Meets Semi-Annually

Strategic Technology Councils

Academic IT Governance

Academic Technology Council

Defines and recommends approaches to key academic technology issues and facilitates collaboration among members

Meets Quarterly

Administrative IT Governance

CIO Council

Defines and recommends approaches to key administrative technology issues and facilitates collaboration among members

Meets 3x Per Year

IT Shared Services Governance

A&M System IT Shared Services Council

Focuses on shared applications and services, ensuring they align with A&M System IT shared services strategy

Meets Semi-Annually

Collaborating Councils

CATIE

Provides collaborative strategic direction, guidance and recommendations on technology-enriched teaching, learning and assessment initiatives

Meets Quarterly

Research Computing Council (inactive)

Coordinates research technologies and identifies collaboration opportunities across the A&M System

Meets Semi-Annually

Administrative Computing Council

Focuses on data and voice networks, data storage and administrative computing infrastructure

Meets 3x Per Year

Information Security Council

Provides overall leadership and direction for the A&M System information security program

Meets Monthly

Workday HCM Advisory Council

Maintains the integrity of the Workday application and provides cohesive functional and technical support to maintain and achieve improved processes and lower operating costs

Meets 4x Per Year

Maestro Steering Committee

Supports researchers and research administration

Meets 6x Per Year

Financial Systems Council

Provides guidance and recommendations for financial applications and other system-wide applications

Meets 3x Per Year

EIRA Council

Provides governance and oversight of EIR accessibility

Meets 4x Per Year

Security Operations Center Governance Board

Provides cybersecurity services to enhance the IT security position of A&M System members

Benefits

 

Benefits of A&M System IT Governance and Collaboration

Leverage Existing Solutions

  • Reduce duplicative efforts and identify opportunities to leverage solutions that two or more members are using

Gain Access to Expertise & Lessons Learned

  • Share insight, expertise and lessons learned from across the A&M System

Cut Costs

  • Leverage economies of scale to cut project costs or set up a master contract with premium pricing
 

Purpose, Values & Responsibilities

 

A&M System IT Governance Purpose, Values and Responsibilities

The purpose of a collective IT governance and collaboration structure for the A&M System is to create an environment where consensus,  collaboration and communication are possible between all A&M System members. IT governance helps engage stakeholders throughout the IT lifecycle, asking for input and sharing information with stakeholders and decision makers. The vision of IT governance for the A&M System is to ensure that transparency, accountability and stewardship are valued in every conversation and every action.
Governance Framework Values
Transparency focuses on informing appropriate stakeholders, Accountability means IT leadership takes responsibility for decisions, and Stewardship is the efficient and responsible use of IT resources
Responsibilities for IT governance are divided between the A&M System and its members. IT governance at the A&M System level focuses on coordination, collaboration and strategic decisions; member governance frameworks focus on local needs and tactical decision-making:  

The Texas A&M University System IT Governance Framework is Responsible to:

  • Establish and communicate a system-wide IT vision that supports institution and agency mission and goals
  • Establish an efficient communication structure that enables effective coordination among members
  • Establish policies and practices that at a minimum encourage effective IT across the system, while working with applicable state regulations
  • Establish a minimum set of policies and practices to guide the governance of collaborative projects shared between members
  • Establish criteria to determine when information systems are best delivered and managed at the system level rather than by individual members
 

Member IT Governance Frameworks are Responsible to:

  • Establish and communicate an organization-wide IT vision that supports the mission and goals of the institution or agency, and complements the vision outlined by the system
  • Ensure that IT leadership collaborate with organizational leadership concerning the strategic direction of the institution or agency
  • Ensure that IT priorities are aligned with the member’s mission, strategy and business goals
  • Establish a structure to set IT priorities (including budgeting and funding) with appropriate stakeholder input
  • Ensure that all appropriate stakeholders are engaged throughout the IT lifecycle, and that input is solicited and feedback is provided
  • Provide clear and measurable metrics regarding the progress and status of institution- or agency-wide IT projects
  • Establish IT rules for the institution or agency in concert with applicable state and federal regulations and system rules
  • Define technical standards, procedures and best practices for the institution or agency in concert with applicable state and system policy
When information resources or services are delivered and managed at the system level, A&M System IT is accountable for the responsibilities listed under member IT governance

How It Works

 

Collaboration and Sharing Information

Collaboration is a core element of the A&M System IT Governance and Collaboration framework. Members bring projects and business issues to the appropriate Strategic Technology Council.

How Members Collaborate

 

How Ideas Move Through the Framework

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Texas A&M University System
Security Operations Center Governance Board

Purpose

Provides cybersecurity services to enhance the IT security position of A&M System members

 

Responsibilities

Provide financial oversight, guiding principles and strategic direction for the A&M System shared service implementation of the Security Operations Center

 

Members

Chair: SOC Board Member (rotates)
Vice Chair: SOC Board Member (rotates)
Secretary: SOC Board Member (rotates)

11 Representatives nominated and elected by the Information Security Council, consisting of:
– Two University Chief Information Officers
– One Agency Chief Information Officer
– Two University Information Security Officers
– One Agency Information Security Officer
– Five Member Cybersecurity Functional Professionals (IT Manager, Network / Security / System Administrator, Analyst, Engineer, etc.)

 

 

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • November 4

2022

  • February 28

 

 

Information Security Council

Purpose

Provide overall leadership and direction for the A&M System information security program

 

Responsibilities

  • Oversee A&M System-wide security initiatives
  • Monitor major projects and member compliance
  • Advise the A&M System CISO on operational issues
  • Provide guidance on purchasing direction
  • Identify and / or validate collaboration opportunities among members

 

Members

Chair: A&M System CISO
Member CIOs
Member ISOs
Subcommittee Representatives
Security Operations Center Representative
Total: ~24 members

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • August 17
  • September 21
  • October 19
  • November 16

2022

  • January 18
  • February 15
  • March 1
  • April 5
  • May 3
  • June 7
  • July 5
  • August 2

 

Permanent Subcommittees

SOC Governance Board

Purpose

Provide financial oversight, guiding principles, and strategic direction for the Texas A&M University System shared service implementation of the Security Operations Center service

 

Members

Chair: Selected from Information Security Council
A&M System CISO
A&M System Deputy CISO
A&M System CTO
SOC Director
RSO IT Manager
RELLIS Campus CISO
TTVN Program Manager
11 member representatives chosen by the Information Security Council

  • (2) University CIOs
  • (1) Agency CIO
  • (2) University CISOs
  • (1) Agency CISO
  • (5) Cybersecurity Functional Professionals

Total: ~18 members

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • January 26

 

A&M System IT Shared Services Council

Purpose

Focus on shared applications and services, ensuring they align with A&M System IT shared services strategy

 

Members

Chair: A&M System CIO
A&M System CISO
Workday HCM Council Chair
Maestro Steering Committee Representative
Financial Systems Council Chair
System Procurement
Expense Management
TrainTraq Representative
EDW and SSO Applications Working Group Representative
EIRA Council Representative
SOC Representative
CPI Representative
CIO Council Representative
TAMU CIO
Academic Technology Council Representative
CFO Council Representative
HRO Representative
Two representatives from:
– Texas A&M University
– Texas A&M University at Galveston
– Texas A&M Health Science Center
– A&M System Offices
One representative from:
– AgriLife Extension
– AgriLife Research
– TAMFS
– TVMDL
One representative from:
– TDEM
– TEES
– TEEX
– TTI
One representative from:
– Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
– Texas A&M University-Kingsville
One representative from:
– Texas A&M University-San Antonio
– Texas A&M International University
One representative from:
– Prairie View A&M University
– Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Two representatives from:
– West Texas A&M University
– Tarleton State University
– Texas A&M University-Commerce
– Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Total: ~26 members

 

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • November 3

2022

  • May 4
CIO Council

Purpose

Define and recommend approaches to key administrative technology issues and facilitate collaboration among system members

 

Responsibilities

  • Oversee A&M System-wide IT initiatives
  • Monitor major projects and member compliance
  • Advise the A&M System CIO on operational issues
  • Provide guidance on purchasing direction
  • Identify and / or validate collaboration opportunities among members

Members

Upcoming Meetings

Chair: A&M System CIO
Member CIOs
TTVN Governance Board Representative
CATIE Representative
Information Security Council Representative
Workday HCM Advisory Council Representative
Maestro Steering Committee Representative
Financial Systrems Council Representative
EIRA Council Representative
Security Operations Center Representative
Total: ~32 members
2021

  • October 21

2022

  • February 21
  • June 28

Permanent Subcommittees

TTDN Governance Board

Purpose

Provide financial oversight, guiding principles and strategic direction for the A&M System shared service implementation of the TTDN Shared Service

 

Responsibilities

  • Ensure delivery of a service that all TAMUS information technology service customers can leverage
  • Provision new capabilities for their stakeholders through innovative, cost‐effective and modernized services
  • Exercise communication activities that seek input toward significant decisions

 

Members

Upcoming Meetings

Chair: Selected from members representatives
A&M System CIO
Texas A&M University CIO
Texas A&M University CTO
TTVN Business Relationship Manager
Texas A&M University System Network Architect
9 member representatives chosen by the CIO Council
Total: ~14 members
2021

  • October 12
  • November 9

2022

  • January 11
  • March 8
  • April 12
  • June 14

 

Administrative Computing Council

Purpose

Focus on data and voice networks, data storage and administrative computing infrastructure

 

Responsibilities

  • Focuss on data and voice networks, data storage, administrative computing infrastructure and applications
  • Oversee current and future design and standards for IT architecture (network, servers, storage, ERP platform, data warehouse, etc.)
  • Define and enforce asset standards and lifecycles
  • Establish vendor criteria for interoperability

Members

EIRAC Representative
At least 1 representative from each member chosen by member CIO
A&M System Enterprise Architect
A&M System IT Network Architect (TBD)
A&M System CISO Delegate

Subcommittee Representatives
EIRAC Representative
Student Affairs Committee Representative, Texas A&M University
Student Affairs Committee Representative,
an institution other than Texas A&M University

Total: ~27 members

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • October 13

2022

  • February 8
  • June 22
Executive IT Council

Purpose

Ensure alignment with TAMUS mission and act as the definitive decision-making body for A&M System IT governance

 

Responsibilities

  • Approve the A&M System‘s IT vision
  • Prioritize strategic A&M System issues to be funded in the next budget cycle
  • Endorse IT principles and policies
  • Resolve A&M System-wide technology issues
  • Establish accountability

Members

Upcoming Meetings

Chair: A&M System CIO
Selected member CEOs/Presidents
Selected member CFOs
Selected member CAOs
Selected member CIOs
Total: ~23 member
2021

  • November 17

2022

  • May 18
  • November 9

Permanent Subcommittees

TAC 216 Subcommittee

Purpose

Approve changes to the TAC 216 Companion Guide in accordance with required biennial reviews

 

Upcoming Meetings

The TAC 216 Subcommittee meets every other summer based on the biennial review schedule.

  • 2022 TAC 216 Companion Guide: The subcommittee met September 17, 2021 to review and approve proposed changes
  • 2024 TAC 216 Companion Guide: The subcommittee will meet in summer 2023 to approve the 2024 guide
Workday HCM Advisory Council

Purpose

Maintain the integrity of the Workday application and provide cohesive functional and technical support to maintain and achieve improved processes and lower operating costs

 

Responsibilities

  • Accurately represent the opinion of region members
  • Review enhancements for implementation approval or denial
  • Assign priority of approved enhancements

 

Members

Chair: Workday Services Manager

Two representatives from:
– Texas A&M University
– Texas A&M University at Galveston
– Texas A&M Health Science Center
– A&M System Offices

One representative from:
– AgriLife Extension
– AgriLife Research
– TAMFS
– TVMDL

One representative from:
– TEES
– TEEX

One representative from:
– Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
– Texas A&M University-Kingsville

One representative from:
– Texas A&M University-San Antonio
– Texas A&M International University

One representative from:
– Prairie View A&M University
– Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Two representatives from:
– West Texas A&M University
– Tarleton State University
– Texas A&M University-Commerce
– Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Total: ~10 members

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • October 26

2022

  • January 11
  • March 29
  • August 9

 

Meeting Minutes

2020

  • January 14
EIRA Council

Purpose

Collaborate and communicate in the following areas with respect to EIR accessibility:

  • Guidance and consultation
  • Compliance initiative review
  • Strategic planning
  • Status updates to respective leadership
  • Awareness and training

In addition, the EIRA Council serves as an advisory body to the A&M System IT Governance councils, working groups, committees and other entities as appropriate. As such, the EIRA Council is strictly an advisory group and each member of the EIRA Council will continue to follow the direction of their respective institution or agency leadership

 

Responsibilities

  • Share EIR accessibility best practices
  • Discuss common issues and formulate solutions
  • Provide recommendations for measurable goals and risk mitigation
  • Organize informational workshops and training
  • Produce and disseminate advisory statements as appropriate

The specific EIR accessibility issues to be considered by the EIRA Council, and the relative priority of those issues, will be set by the Chair in response to:

  • Federal and state legislation and issues identified through one or more A&M System IT Governance councils, working groups, committees, and other entities as appropriate input from the EIRA Council voting membership
  • Input from the A&M System Chief Information Officer

Members

Chair: Member EIRAC (rotates)
Vice Chair: Member EIRAC (rotates)
Secretary: Member EIRAC (rotates)
A&M System CIO
A&M System Executive Director of Program and Project Management
Member EIR Accessibility Coordinators

 

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • September 3
  • December 3

2022

  • March 4
  • June 3

 

Maestro Steering Committee

Purpose

Maestro is an enterprise-wide system that supports researchers and research administration across The Texas A&M University System and is governed by the Maestro Steering Committee

 

Responsibilities

  • Provide researchers with timely and accurate information needed to manage their research activities and to establish collaborations
  • Publish up to date research key performance indicators for all TAMUS institutions and Board of Regents
  • Streamline research administration processes to minimize inefficiencies and improve turnaround time

 

See Sponsored Research Services for more information (open)

 

See the Maestro website for more information (secured)

 

Members

Co-Chairs: Texas A&M Vice President for Research, A&M System CIO
Texas A&M Research Information Systems Representative
Texas A&M Sponsored Research Services Representative
A&M System Budgets and Accounting Representative
A&M System Internal Audit Representative
A&M System Research Representative
A&M System Research Security Representative
PI / Faculty Representative
Member Representatives
Total: ~25 members

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • September 8
  • November 10

2022

  • January 12
  • March 9
  • May 11
  • July 13

 

CATIE

Purpose

Provide collaborative strategic direction, guidance and recommendations on technology-enriched teaching, learning and assessment initiatives

 

Responsibilities

  • Teaching and learning technologies
  • Policies, rules and regulations governing the use of technology within the academic environment
  • Quality assurance, integrity and compliance in the use of technology in teaching and learning
  • Collaboration to leverage resources
  • Emerging and innovative trends and best practices for using academic technologies to advance A&M System goals
  • Professional development for faculty and staff in academic technology

See CATIE’s home page for more information

 

Members

Upcoming Meetings

Chair: Chosen by CATIE
Four representatives from Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Texas A&M Health Science Center
Two representatives from each of the remaining universities
Three representatives from the Texas A&M agricultural agencies
Three representatives from the Texas A&M engineering agencies
CSAC student representative
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
A&M System CIO
EIRA Council Representative
Total: ~31 members
CATIE At Large Meetings

2021

  • October 28

2022

  • February 4
  • June 15

 

CATIE Executive Committee meets monthly on the 1st Friday

 

Academic Technology Council

Purpose

Define and recommend approaches to key academic technology issues and facilitate collaboration among system members

 

Responsibilities

  • Oversee A&M System-wide academic technology initiatives
  • Monitor major projects and member compliance
  • Provide guidance on purchasing direction
  • Identify and / or validate collaboration opportunities among members

Members

Chair: Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Member CAOs
A&M System CIO
CATIE Representative
EIRA Council Representative
Total: ~15 members

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • August 25
  • November 17

2022

  • February 16
  • May 18
  • August 9
  • November 9
Financial Systems Council

Purpose

Provide guidance and recommendations for financial applications and other system-wide applications

 

Members

Chair: Executive Director, Budget and Accounting, System Offices
Finance Discovery Working Group Representative
EDW and SSO Applications Working Group Representative
FAMIS Services Working Group Representative
EIRA Council Representative
Member CFOs
Total: ~20 members

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • October 19-20

2022

  • February 2
  • June 28-29
  • October 18-19

2023

  • January 24-25

FAMIS Services Working Group

Purpose

Review, discuss, provide input and prioritize proposed major change requests submitted by members of the A&M System; items requiring significant development work will be reviewed, discussed and approved by the Financial Systems Council

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • September 28

2022

  • January 11
  • June 6

 

Finance Discovery Working Group

Purpose

Initiate and develop the finance discovery process and provide member insight into what functionality is needed in a potential replacement financial system

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • August 26
  • September 23
  • October 28

2022

  • Coming soon

 

EDW Working Group

Purpose

Review and discuss issues and requests for enterprise data warehouse changes and propose solutions; items requiring significant development work will be reviewed, discussed and approved by the Financial Systems Council

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • September 27

2022

  • January 24
  • June 13

 

SSO Applications and Integrations Working Group

Purpose

Review, discuss and propose solutions to known application and integration issues submitted by members of the A&M System; items requiring significant development work will be reviewed, discussed and approved by the Financial Systems Council

Upcoming Meetings

2021

  • September 17

2022

  • January 28
  • June 5