Where Do We Go From Here: Summative Assessment of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for Linking and Integrating Information Resources Copyright CAUSE 1994. This paper was presented at the 1993 CAUSE Annual Conference held in San Diego, California, December 7-10, and is part of the conference proceedings published by CAUSE. Permission to copy or disseminate all or part of this material is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributed for commercial advantage, that the CAUSE copyright notice and the title and authors of the publication and its date appear, and that notice is given that copying is by permission of CAUSE, the association for managing and using information technology in higher education. To copy or disseminate otherwise, or to republish in any form, requires written permission from CAUSE. For further information: CAUSE, 4840 Pearl East Circle, Suite 302E, Boulder, CO 80301; 303449-4430; e-mail info@cause.colorado.edu Where Do We Go From Here: Summative Assessment of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for Linking and Integrating Information Resources Glenda F. Carter Associate to the President Harold W. Lundy President & Julius D. Penn Senior Director, Information Resource Center Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana Abstract This paper describes the implementation and the outcomes of Grambling State University's five-year strategic plan for linking and integrating its disjointed information resource systems under the umbrella of telecommunications. The range of services encompassed in the plan included energy management, surveillance and security, voice, data, and video communications, office automation, and administrative and instructional computing. After a brief recap of the original plan, this paper sets forth the primary aspects of its implementation including technical implementation, integration of the technology into the workplace, and quality issues as related to human, physical, and capital resources. Also described are current and future directions for telecommunications as outgrowths of the successes and shortcomings of the original plan. OVERVIEW Emanating from senior management's realization that the attainment of virtually all of its institutional goals was dependent on an improved technological base, Grambling State University (GSU) set out several years ago to develop and implement a strategic master plan that would serve as the infrastructure for telecommunications, computing, information systems, surveillance, security and energy management. The vision for information resources at GSU was to: * Establish telecommunications as the foundation for information; * Embrace the philosophy of user-driven and distributed computing; * Increase decentralization of access to information processing resources; * Integrate network-based applications, such as voice, data, video, energy management, surveillance and security; and * Accommodate new applications such as electronic mail, computer conferencing, bulletin boards, etc. (Lundy, 1986). GSU is now in its fifth year of implementation of the strategic plan for information resources. After a brief recap of the original plan, this paper sets forth the primary aspects of its implementation. It includes discussions about the technical implementation, integration of technology into the workplace, and quality issues as related to human, physical, and capital resources. Further, the paper describes current and future directions for telecommunications as outgrowths of the successes and shortcomings of the original plan. The theoretical model adopted as the foundation for the strategic plan was McKinsey's 7-S Framework. This planning paradigm has the appearance of an atom with seven factors, all beginning with the letter "S": (1) superordinate goals or shared values, (2) strategy, (3) structure, (4) systems, (5) staff, (6) skills, and (7) style (Peters & Waterman, 1982). Using the seven elements of the 7-S Framework, the university assessed current computing and communications resources and determined needs and desired outcomes. All goals and objectives were couched in this theoretical model. The primary goals developed to help achieve the desired linkage and integration of computing resources were as follows: * Install an outside cable plant using fiber optic technology; * Implement an integrated voice, data, and video local area network (LAN); * Upgrade existing computing hardware and software by acquiring and linking (clustering) a VAX 8350 (upgraded to the VAX 9000) computer with other VAX computers ("Vax Family"); * Establish a Computer Information Center to develop and implement a training program in computer literacy for academic and administrative users. (Lundy & Carter, 1988 & 1989). GSU's vision for the future was a totally integrated environment characterized as network-centered, workstation-based, server-enhanced, and software-integrated. THE OUTCOMES In general, the implementation of GSU's strategic plan for information resources has been a tremendous success. The technological environment on campus now is greatly improved over the environment that existed five years ago. But given the ever- evolving state of technology, there will always be room for expansion and improvement. Five years into formal implementation, the milestones point to documentable success. Below is a summary of the major achievements related to each of the four primary goals. Goal 1: Implement Integrated Voice, Data, & Video LAN GSU retained the consulting firm, Network Group, Inc., to assist in the design, procurement, and installation of the campus communications network. The system was designed to integrate all computing, telecommunications, and video transmission systems on the campus and was to use fiber optics as the transmission medium for all three elements of the network--voice, data, and video. Although integration of voice, data, and video was achieved campus wide, it was not achieved using fiber optic technology as was originally planned. Instead, integration was attained by employing two different transmission media--twisted wire pairs and coaxial cable. The explanation for the change in transmission media is presented below in the discussion about the outside cable plant. The integration of capabilities commenced with the acquisition of a new telephone system. Prior to 1984, GSU's voice communication was supplied by an antiquated cable plant and switch that was installed in the 1940's. This outdated technology greatly limited the university's ability to provide basic telephone services. During the time span of 1981-83, a new cable plant was installed and a new telephone exchange building was constructed with funds appropriated by the Legislature (State Project No. 19- 23-00-79-4). In 1984, GSU installed a four-node ROLM VLBX PBX system on campus. This system, which is housed in the Telephone Exchange Building where the cable plant is centralized, did not have data capability. Since the initial PBX installation, there have been some minor upgrades and one major addition--the installation of a fifth node to increase capacity and provide data access. The fifth node provided a 40 percent to 60 percent split between voice and data offerings. Even with these recent upgrades in place, the university is at capacity in terms of its ability to provide basic telephone service. The modified telephone system did, however, set the stage for the initial integration of data with voice communication. The new ROLM telephone system provided the needed capability to connect data lines directly to ports in the telephone switch; thereby giving all users voice and data capabilities. The campus ROLM telephone system supports serial RS-232 data transmission on a limited number of circuits. While this service is too expensive ($1111 per circuit) to be used as a campus-wide network and is less sophisticated (only one device can be used at a time) than the high speed Ethernet TCP/IP network, data transmission through the ROLM system represented a viable alternative to a full-fledged ethernet network node for users in remote locations not connected to the cable and in facilities that required few network connections. In the ROLM system at GSU, data communication takes place between a ROLM Phone with data (at the user end) and a data termination interface (DTI) located at the host computer. In the new network, all DTIs were relocated from the various host computers to a central location in the Telecommunications Central Office. Network terminal servers for both the administrative network and the academic network were located there and were connected to the DTIs. A user of the ROLM Phone with data dials into the campus network by connecting through the ROLM system to a terminal server in the Central Office. From that connection with the terminal server, the user can connect to any host computer or service on the network. In addition to the telephone upgrades, accomplishing the integrated LAN with voice, data, and video required making some changes in the SMATV frequency spectrum plan for the campus SMATV broadband cable transmission system. This involved changing spaces for the exclusive use of different services on campus such as data networking, cable television, security video, and energy management. This needed to be done because the signal channels used for the television channels on the Grambling system conflicted with the data communications channel recommendations given in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Project 802.7 specification, "Broadband Local Area Network Recommended Practices". In order to purchase standardized, off- the-shelf data communications equipment to work with the campus SMATV system, the channel allocations for the SMATV system had to be changed. Also, when the SMATV system was installed, all of the television signals were placed in channels other than those used for VHF television. This made a "cable ready" television or a converter necessary to receive any television signals. Seven of the cable television channels were moved into the broadcast channel 7 through 13 spectrum. This served two purposes; it freed the channels necessary for data communications to meet the IEEE standard, and; it allowed students without "cable ready" televisions or converters to receive at least the three major networks--PBS, the two local programming channels, and one independent channel (BET). Reception of the other six channels still require either a "cable ready" television or a converter. This new frequency spectrum plan allowed for the installation of two data communications network allocations (each requiring 3 video channels). They are the academic communications network and the administrative communications network. Both networks are carried on the broadband SMATV system, but on different assigned channels. The frequency separation between transmit and receive signals for the data communications allocations is 192.25 MHz, as recommended in the IEEE 802.7 specification. The two networks are interconnected using an intelligent bridge and gateway. The intelligent bridge allows authorized users on the academic network to access the resources on the administrative network but restricts certain users from bridging between the two networks and maintains an audit trail of all users working through the bridge. This prevents unauthorized access to the sensitive data stored on the administrative network. A gateway for the AppleTalk local area network was installed and performs three major functions: * The gateway provides connection between the AppleTalk network and the campus Ethernet network. * The gateway translates between AppleTalk protocols and TCP/IP protocols. * The gateway supports simultaneous terminal emulation on the Ethernet TCP/IP network by multiple Macintosh computers on the AppleTalk network. The Macintosh computers are able to access all network computers and services through the gateway. Six broadband ethernet modems support the administrative network and seven support the academic network. Terminal servers are the principal devices providing user connection to the networks. The terminal servers allow multiple terminals, personal computers, or host computer ports to be connected to the networks. The administrative network operates on a transmit frequency band of 35.75 MHz to 53.75 MHz and a receive frequency band of 228.0 to 246.0 MHz. This network allows users access to the services on the Digital Equipment Corporation VAX 9000 (which replaced the VAX 8350 and the VAX 11780), 2 VAX 4300, and the Library VAX 4300 computers located in the new Business/Computing Center Building. The academic network operates on a transmit frequency band of 53.75 MHz to 71.75 MHz and a receive frequency band of 246.0 to 264.0 MHz. This network allows academic users (including students and faculty) access to any of the academic computer systems on campus. Both broadband ethernet networks were connected to the data ports on the ROLM telephone switch, so users in buildings not yet served by the networks can still access network services. In the initial configuration, both networks provided ample terminal connection service with each network functioning as a large distributed data switch. Any user on either network with proper authorization may initiate a connection to any host computer on the network, and thereafter, communicate with that host computer as if the user were a dedicated terminal connected to that computer. Another equally important aspect of the success in establishing an integrated network is the training of personnel. Included in the scope of work of the consulting firm, Network Group, Inc., was the task to train network technicians in theory and operations of the ethernet networks. The training prepared university technicians for both operational responsibility and maintenance of the network system. Specific aspects of the training included: * Ethernet network operation theory and practice; * Terminal Server setup and operation; * Network Control Server setup and operation; * Network security features and practices; * Broadband Ethernet Modem theory and operation; * Broadband Ethernet Network troubleshooting; and * Data communications testing. Goal 2: Install Outside Cable Plant with Fiber Optic Backbone Installation of an outside cable plant provided the data and video link to the integrated network. As previously mentioned, the transmission medium of choice for this outside plant was fiber optics. However, circumstances necessitated that coaxial cable serve as the backbone of the outside cable plant instead of fiber optics. The decision to forego fiber for the immediate future came about as a result of persistent student demand for cable television. Students wanted cable television NOW! They insisted that the university enter into a contract with a local cable company to provide the service. The university acceded to providing cable access in a more timely fashion, but would not concede to making the substantial expenditure of funds to provide cable television only. Students had to be convinced that their demands were shortsighted and that it was necessary for the university to acquire as much as possible for the dollars expended. At a minimum, video and data capabilities had to be purchased. This concession made it possible for students to receive their greatly desired cable television in a timely fashion and afforded the university the opportunity to establish its networked system of communication using two transmission media, twisted wire pairs and coaxial cable, rather than the single fiber optic medium. Thus, coaxial cable, rather than fiber, became the backbone of the integrated network. Goal 3: Upgrade Computing Hardware & Software and Create (Cluster) a VAX Family Another important component in achieving integrated information resources was the clustering of the same types of processors or creating a "VAX Family" (VAX cluster). This clustering together of computer systems and/or devices allows for the sharing of disk resources by processors. Each processor can recognize the devices attached to other processors in a cluster group. Managing a cluster is easier and can be controlled from one designated processor within the cluster. If one processor is not available (down), the remaining clustered processors are still accessible to users. GSU's current VAX cluster includes: 1 VAX 9000 Computer System; 2 VAX 4300 Computer Systems; 11 Disk Drives; 3 Tape Drives; and 3 Line Printers. Goal 4: Establish Computer Information Training Center Recognizing that a state-of-the art technology environment is useless if customers do not or can not use the resources, the university developed a strategy to ensure greater use of the new technology. The strategy was education and training. It was believed that a full-scale, intensive, and comprehensive effort had to be launched to increase the comfort level of faculty, staff, and students with new technology applications. As a result, it was proposed and Title III funds were secured to establish a computer information training center. The Computer Information Center, (CIC) a component of the Information Resource Center, was established to aid in developing a computer-fluent population at GSU. Programs are designed to aid faculty, staff, administrators, and graduate students develop proficiency in the use of computers and the application of computer technology. The Computer Information Center opened in very small quarters on September 15, 1988 and has evolved from a one-trainer, one- assistant, six-microcomputer, two-printer classroom to a spacious, sophisticated laboratory containing eight IBM PS/2 microcomputers, 13 DEC PCs, five Hewlett Packard laserjet printers, one Hewlett Packard Paintjet printer, one Hewlett Packard Paintjet XL300 printer, two IBM 4019 laser printers, one Epson FX-1050 dot matrix printer, one Epson LQ-1170 printer, a Macintosh IIcx scanner and laser printer, a full-page scanner, and a hand-held scanner. The Center also will maintain a twenty-station terminal lab with printers. All instruction is provided in a "hands-on" environment with each participant assigned to a personal computer. The seminars and workshops are video taped and cataloged for future use and transmission on the university's television station. At its inception, the CIC offered four seminars. The number of offerings now exceeds twenty-five seminars including topics such as: Introduction to Microcomputers, DOS Commands, dBase III+, dBase IV, WordPerfect, WordPerfect for Windows, Desktop Publishing, Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word for Windows, Microsoft Excel, PrintMaster Plus, Printshop, Using Quattro Pro, Your PC-Inside and Out, and Harvard Graphics. In addition to the seminars and workshops, the CIC provides various other services to its clientele. It serves as a resource base for users who need help with applications which may include installing and testing new software, performing demonstrations of the software, and setting up some hardware devices. In addition, microcomputing support is provided by assisting users in selecting software to fit individual needs as well as providing vendor and price listings for both software and hardware. Assistance is also provided for those who wish to establish micro-to-mainframe communications. Additionally, the CIC runs a "help desk". Individuals needing assistance call the "help desk". If possible, the problem is resolved over the telephone; if not, someone from the Center goes to the problem site to assess and resolve the problem. The CIC has established its own library. The library houses multiple resource materials including guides to the latest computer technologies and techniques, various periodicals, reference texts, and audio and video tapes. The addition of a VCR and monitor created an alternative method of training for individuals unable to attend regularly scheduled seminars. All materials may be checked out for limited time periods. Two of the more recent additions to the CIC have been the purchase of a Macintosh computer, laser printer and scanner specifically for desktop publishing purposes and the establishment of a demonstration local area network. Since opening, the small CIC staff has trained well over 600 participants from various departments throughout the entire university and at least 100 others from the surrounding communities as a result of the Center's very popular Community Outreach Program. Outreach services have been provided to employees of various city, parish, and state offices and to area retirees. The CIC is also quite popular with graduate students enrolled in the College of Education's doctoral program. Many graduate students spend considerable time in the Center preparing research papers and dissertations. If there is a shortcoming of the Center, it lies in its staffing. In spite of the vastly expanded services, staffing has increased from the original one trainer and one graduate assistant to two trainers and one graduate assistant. Given the quantity and quality of service rendered by this Center, the staffing is sorely lacking; and unfortunately, resource projections do not indicate any immediate relief in this regard. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Though much has been accomplished, as the outcomes have shown, the constantly evolving state of technology requires that information resources be upgraded continuously if the university is to maintain its competitive edge. Thus, future directions are already being charted and strategies developed. Short-term objectives include: (1) Installing and outside cable plant using fiber optic technology to interface with the inside coaxial system; (2) Upgrading existing computing software to take advantage of mainframe speed and flexibility; (3) Expanding the university's computer fluency program to include mainframe training; (4) Developing electronic classrooms in all academic building; (5) Expanding the telephone system to accommodate the increasing demand for on-campus housing; and (6) Implementing energy management and surveillance and security systems. Each of these objectives is discussed in more detail below. Transfer to Fiber Optic Technology As noted earlier, Grambling State's original strategic plan for information resources called for a system with fiber optics as the backbone. However, persistent student demand for immediate access to cable television resulted in a decision being made to forego fiber as the first choice transmission medium and to use coaxial cable instead. As predicted, the utility of coaxial cable has been compromised greatly due to it lack of durability; its difficulty to maintain; and its vulnerability to damage during work on campus construction projects. The goal now is to install an outside cable plant using fiber optic technology to interface with the inside coaxial cable system. This technology is an industry-standard solution for an organization that needs flexible, high performance networks that will increase productivity for entering, transferring, retrieving, and updating information. More than 10,500 linear feet of fiber will be installed to complete the first phase of the campus distribution system. In Phase I, the fiber will be installed in all major academic and administrative buildings currently linked by coaxial cable. The fiber will be installed using single and multi-mode fibers with built-in redundancy capability to prevent interruptions in service to network users. In Phase II, fiber will be installed in the residence halls and new structures. This phase will allow the use of fiber electronic technology and devices to integrate with existing broadband technology creating an easy transition for network users. At the completion of Phases I and II, the network will have full capability to operate with the university's existing 802.3 Broadband Ethernet Network and will accommodate current projections for future expansion. The fiber network will be able to share software and hardware resources, preventing the duplication of resources throughout the university. Fiber optic technology will allow the university to interface with national and international networks and realize the full benefits of increased speed. The fiber network allows remote log in that provides the ability to access any computer on the network from any campus location; provides remote command execution, giving users the ability to submit jobs at one site for execution at another site; provides closed-circuit high-speed transmission; and, provides the capability to transmit large volumes of data in experimental laboratories in a classroom setting. A major factor involved in moving to a fiber optic transmission medium is the installation of a conduit system. As recommended by Network Group Inc., the university will begin to develop and install a campus-wide system of telecommunications conduits. A small system of conduits and manholes already exits. The system of conduits and manholes will provide: (1) an installation path for a dedicated fiber optic cable link between Woodson Hall (location of the Head End of the SMATV system) and the Security Building, (2) an installation path for telephone cable plant expansion, and (3) will serve as a backbone for future expansion and installation of telephone and data communications cables. Upgrade Existing Computing Software In the near future, GSU plans to upgrade existing computing software to take advantage of mainframe speed and flexibility. Toward this end, GSU will explore data base management systems to achieve full data base integration. Data base management systems allow multiple users to access and share common data; thereby providing a better fit between administrative applications and the software chosen to perform the various functions. If the university is to meet the demands of an information society, GSU must put in place a fully-integrated Relational Data Base Management System (RDBMS) software packet to manage its academic and administrative information. This software will integrate all aspects of enrollment management, records management, student accounts, fiscal management, academic affairs, office automation, and planning and decision making functions. The Relational Data Base Management System, 4GL, and related tools will enhance the university's capabilities by: * Improving decision making, * Increasing production and integrity of information, * Reducing data redundancy, * Reducing application development time, * Enhancing the management of budget/planning units, and * Increasing end-user participation. Expand Computer Fluency Programs Another of Grambling's short-range goals is to expand the university's computer fluency program to include mainframe training. The new information technologies and the creation of a LAN imply that all students, faculty, and staff should acquire certain computing skills. GSU will expand its computer fluency programs to address the increasing need for training. Grambling State's computer fluency module is designed to serve faculty, staff, administrators, and graduate students. The major objectives of the computer-fluency module are to help the user demonstrate an understanding of: (1) Capabilities, applications and implications of computer technology; (2) Computer systems including software development, design, and operation of hardware; (3) Use of computers in problem solving and model simulation; and (4) Use of specialized computer software such as word processing, electronic spreadsheets, data management, and statistical packages for interactive computer applications. The computer fluency program will be enhanced to meet the needs of those persons requiring training and additional support on the PCs as well as training on the mainframe. The Computer Information Center also will expand its computer fluency program to include the students of the university as well. This portion of the training program will consist of broadcasting the videotapes of the microcomputer seminars over the airwaves of the university's television station. Eventually, the Computer Information Center and the computer fluency program will impact the entire Grambling State family. Develop Electronic Classrooms An increased emphasis will be placed on developing electronic classrooms in all academic buildings. Establishment of full function educational telecommunications service units in support of the university's instructional and research program is the intent of this objective. The term "education" telecommunications is used here to describe the programs and services within the video area that operate primarily in support of instruction and public service. The "electronic classroom" concept at GSU is the application of technical solutions to the classroom environment for the purpose of increasing the availability and enhancing the presentation of instructional material. Instructors must be provided access to an array of instructional media, including but not limited to, all varieties of video tape recorders/players, laser disc players, video floppy disc players, 16mm film transoptic projectors, slide transoptic projectors, cd-rom file servers, and all forms of interactive video systems. Thus, GSU seeks to facilitate the development of instructional material, custom designed and integrated with the instructor's normal teaching techniques. The electronic classroom concept centers around the development of an integrated information system in an option-laden environment which would compliment and improve modern teaching methodologies. This system will feature a video/audio switch housed in a control room along with a wide variety of source machines and terminal equipment. The control room will serve as a central distribution point for a multi-media delivery system to classrooms equipped with monitors, local inputs, and control panels providing the instructor with full-function control of source machines and communication with the control room. In its initial design, the system will have the capacity to serve up to five classrooms, multiple source machines, and provide access to satellite facilities and cable systems and audio/video teleconferencing. Instructors will be provided full-function control of multiple source machines simultaneously and instructional material may be custom designed and scheduled for presentation. Classrooms will be equipped with an adequately sized monitor with respect to the number of students, a control panel with remote capabilities, telephone access to the control room, LAN access, and capabilities for local input. Some of the classrooms will be designed specifically and equipped for distant learning applications. Expand the Telephone System Another emphasis of the new planning cycle for information resources will be on expanding the telephone system to accommodate the increasing demand for on-campus housing and to service new buildings scheduled to come online. The minor upgrades that have occurred since 1984 and the more recent installation of a fifth node have served as temporary solutions to serious capacity challenges. Currently, the university population is utilizing all 2750 of its available station lines. The university, at this time, cannot provide telephone service to four new dormitories currently under construction--two of which are expected to go online in January 1994. If the university is to meet the demand for basic telephone service, a new ROLM 9751 Model 50 node needs to be added to the current five-node system. The model 50 will support up to 1100 additional lines and provide the needed capacity to expand service to the new buildings. Acquiring the model 50 will make available ROLM's 9750 series of telecommunications products and will position the university to take full advantage of technological advances not available in the 9000 series. The installation of the 9750 node also will allow the university to install a Voice Response Unit (VRU) to work in conjunction with the VAX 9000 mainframe computer. The VRU will facilitate the automated distribution of selected information via the telephone. Students will be able to call into the system from any touch-tone telephone, enter their social security number, and retrieve selected information stored on the VAX computer. The VRU will provide an excellent avenue for students to obtain the status of their financial aid and can be used in a telephone registration system. In addition to the new node, the university needs to expand the phone-mail, voice-messaging system. Students should be allowed to subscribe to phone-mail on a per-semester basis. Since voice-messaging is password controlled, the student would not have to reside on campus to take advantage of this technology. Multiple phone-mail boxes can be assigned to a single extension. A voice-messaging system for students will greatly enhance students' ability to communicate with parents, friends, and university personnel. Implement Energy Management and Surveillance and Security Systems Although outlined in the original strategic plan for information resources, not much has been done to install university-wide energy management and surveillance and security systems. These projects are, however, still in the plans for the future. The energy management system is intended to allow centralized data collection and control of energy-consuming devices such as chillers, water heaters, furnaces, and lighting systems throughout the university campus. The data collection and control is to take place using dedicated channels on the SMATV system. The design phase of the energy management system is not complete at this time. It is expected that the design will be completed in 1994. The surveillance and security system has been designed. Currently proposed is a dedicated fiber optic link to security. The security surveillance video system will provide video signals to the SMATV System Head End in Woodson Hall from surveillance cameras located throughout the campus. In order for the video to be viewed by the security personnel, it must be transmitted from Woodson Hall to the Security Building. A dedicated fiber optic cable system will be installed to carry the video signals between Woodson Hall and the Security Building. Dedicated facilities are used rather than channels on the SMATV system, as using the SMATV system would allow anyone on campus to view the security video channel. Such a system would not be conducive to good security, as a viewer could tell when a particular camera was not being used and time his actions accordingly. Cost Estimates Below is an estimate of the total costs of the network equipment and services to be acquired in future years. The costs noted are estimates only; the system will be acquired under the state bid system and actual network equipment and service costs will vary. The estimates are: * Network Equipment $140,285 * Test Equipment 23,325 * Conduit System 66,700 * Security Surveillance System 24,150 Per Surveillance Site 4,800 * Telephone Cable Plant Addition 38,850 * Year 2 Cost Totals (excluding energy management system) $389,310 CONCLUSION Given sufficient resources--human, physical, and financial-- GSU should be able to cultivate a technological environment second to none in the state of Louisiana. Successful attainment of the six goals proffered for the next five years is certain to move the university closer to its ultimate goal of creating and achieving excellence in all programs and activities. REFERENCES Lundy, H. W. "Telecommunications as the Foundation for Computing and Communication at GSU." Technical Report No. 045, Office of Administration and Strategic Planning, Grambling State University, Grambling, LA, 1986. Lundy, H. W. and Carter, G. F. "Creating and Achieving Excellence: Laying the Foundation for Successful Recruitment and Retention of Black Students." In Recruitment and Retention of Black Students in Higher Education, J. Neba & R. Norman (eds.). The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education Research Institute. New York: University Press of America, 1989. Lundy, H. W. and Carter, G. F. "Telecommunications as the Umbrella for Managing the Linkage and Integration of Resources: A Practitioner's View." Information Technology: Making It All Fit: Proceedings of the 1988 CAUSE National Conference, November 29 - December 2, 1998, Nashville, Tennessee, 1989. Lundy, H. W. and Carter, G. F. "Creating and Achieving Excellence in Academic Programs and Activities." Featured presentation to the First National Conference on Successful College Administration, Orlando, FL, February 23-26, 1988. Peters, T. J. and Waterman, R. H. In Search of Excellence. New York: Harper and Row, 1982. State Project No. 19-23-00-79-4. "New and Expanded Telephone System." Contract between the State of Louisiana, Division of Administration and Guillot-Vogt Associates, November, 1979.