Information and Communications Technology
This is your gateway to further information on the structure, policy and direction of IT and Information and Communications Technology within the University of Oxford. Please direct any enquiries about the information on this page to: enquiries@odit.ox.ac.uk
IT Services and Support at Oxford University
If you are a student or staff member of the University and would like information about the extensive IT services and support available to you, please go to IT at Oxford University.
Decentralised Structure of IT within the University
The University of Oxford is comprised of the central University and the Colleges. It is a decentralised structure with a federal system which brings together the thirty-eight independent colleges and the central University. The IT structure of the University is therefore decentralised too and every college and department of the University is responsible for its own local IT services.
Centralised Strategic Development within a Decentralised Structure
The University has recognised the need for centralised strategic development within information technology to maximise value for money, give improved energy efficiency and ensure that the IT infrastructure is secure and performs well. In 2007 the University appointed its first Director of IT, this post is able to provide strategic direction for the University's IT needs; to join up the wants and needs of the members of the University to ensure that we make the correct decisions regarding the future of IT.
Director of IT: Professor Paul Jeffreys
Professor Paul Jeffreys was appointed as the University's first Director of IT in 2007; the role includes the following responsibilities:
- Chief Executive Officer for the PRAC ICT sub-committee
- The PRAC ICT Sub-committee is a single point of governance for ICT across the collegiate University and the principal advisory body on all aspects of ICT. As Chief Executive Officer, the Director of IT is able to escalate crucial projects to the University governance agenda and secure funding.
- Head of the Office of the Director of IT
- The only body able to oversee the complete picture of IT services within the University; to provide strategic direction for the University's IT needs; to join up the wants and needs of the members of the University to ensure that we make the correct decisions regarding the future of IT
- Head of Department for OUCS
- Before his appointment to Director of IT, Paul was Director for Oxford University Computing Services (OUCS). The University asked him to retain his responsibilities as OUCS head of department and maintain the important link to the University's supplier of facilities, training and advice in all aspects of academic computing. The University appointed Dr. Stuart Lee as Director, Computing Systems and Support at OUCS. Dr Lee is responsible for the management of this crucial department which is also responsible for the core networks reaching all departments and colleges.
- Head of the ICT Support Team
- The ICT Support Team provides desktop IT support services to University Administration and Services (UAS), Oxford University Library Services (OULS), and Oxford University Computing Services (OUCS).