Creating New Synergies by Combining Academic and Administrative Computing

Abstract

During the twenty or thirty year evolution of computing in the college and university environment, the development of academic and administrative computing departments continued with little interaction at most schools. In the eighties, many schools combined the departments, realizing that there were opportunities to be gained in reducing duplication and providing expertise to a broader audience.There are issues that divide the two departments, namely the confidentiality of information and the fear on the part of academics that producing payroll checks will take priority over teaching and research needs.This paper will discuss the results of our merger at Lafayette College, the ways we have helped alleviate these fears and provide added value to our services to both academics and the administration without any increase in staff or funding.