October 2021

CIO MESSAGE – FALL 2021

UMS Colleagues,

Welcome to this new edition of the UMS IT Connections Newsletter.  In this version, we’ve highlighted a number of new projects, initiatives, and services that have been, or will be, launched to support the entire University of Maine System community.  On the immediate horizon, a significant enhancement to user account security is about to be launched for targeted populations; in order to improve the security of UMS accounts, we will be launching multi-factor authentication (MFA) for select accounts beginning this fall.  To learn more about the benefits of MFA and how it works, please see the ‘Coming Soon’ article listed under the IT Highlights section.

We are also pleased to announce the support of a number of new enhancements available to the UMS community within the Google Workspace.  These enhancements include better integration of Gmail and Chat, scheduled email distribution, meeting RSVP options, and improved time, meeting, and schedule planning tools.  Read more about these enhancements in the ‘What’s New in Google Workspace’ article.  Also, to build on our commitment to ensure accessible information and communication technologies to members of the community, the University has enabled ‘GrackleDocs’ within the Google Workspace environment.  This tool helps users to create and share accessible documents directly within Google Docs.  For more details, please see the article under the IT Highlights section.

Also included in this newsletter are brief updates on two key initiatives affecting the MaineStreet environment used by all members of the University community.  First, the ‘New’ MaineStreet Experience has been launched for all UMS students this Fall.  The updated interface provides greatly improved usability and mobile access to key self-service options for students and feedback received thus far has been overwhelmingly positive.  In addition, a major overhaul of the full MaineStreet ERP platform to better align functionality and service with strategic University and campus goals, including support for Unified Accreditation, is currently underway.  The Repaving MaineStreet initiative will explore strategies for improving efficiency and usability across the Campus Solutions SIS, Budget & Finance, and Human Resources functional areas.  This major initiative is planned to take place over the next 5 years with a projected budget of $16.8M.  Read more about these and other key projects underway under the IT Projects section.

In closing, it is our sincere hope that everyone enjoys a productive, safe and healthy fall semester.

Sincerely,

David M. Demers, Ph.D.,
Chief Information Office