Texas A&M System IT

The Texas A&M University System

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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