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IT Centralization: Frequently Asked Questions
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This area will be updated as new information is available, and as new feedback and questions are received.
General Overview
IT Centralization is a phased effort to streamline and unify IT support across campus.
Right now, that expertise is spread across many corners of campus — often doing excellent work, but without always being connected to one another.
By unifying shared IT capabilities, we have a real opportunity to connect that expertise and make support more consistent for everyone — all in service of a stronger foundation for UT Knoxville’s mission, not change for its own sake.
The Provost’s Office, Finance and Administration, and OIT are working together to strengthen the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s technology environment to better support our missions of excellence in teaching, research, enrollment management, and student success.
All IT support services provided within academic colleges, administrative units, and research departments at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Institute of Agriculture may be included in the initiative. OIT will work with these areas to clarify what services can be centralized.
The process is expected to span approximately 10-14 months, though this varies based on each area and its individual needs. Some IT staff may be transitioned earlier than others. OIT is approaching this one step at a time to ensure a smooth transition.
Yes, but the impact will vary. Each department will be considered individually and carefully.
People and Roles
No, no layoffs are planned. The goal is to retain and realign existing IT staff. Roles will be evaluated against the Human Resources IT Job Family. Some staff could have an HR reclassification as a result of the assessment.
Yes, the reporting structure for campus technology staff will shift to OIT. Staff will be added to OIT departmental meetings, events, and collaboration tools, and there will be a greater emphasis on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork. Staff may be introduced to new technologies and workflows as part of the alignment. Beyond that, job duties, work schedules, and work locations will not immediately change.
Day-to-day responsibilities for IT professionals will remain the same during the transition.
During this phase of the realignment, leave and time reporting processes remain in place to ensure continuity and clarity. As units transition, affected employees will receive additional instructions.
Not necessarily. Some roles may relocate, while others will remain in place.
Those situations will be reviewed individually. The aim is to find solutions that work for the employee and department.
These cases will also be handled individually, with department input. The focus is on preserving critical research support, not eliminating it.
Technology and Support
Faculty and staff will continue using the same process as they do now. IT professionals will support their service areas during the realignment.
Yes. OIT recognizes that some departments – especially in science and engineering – require specialized support. Whether that support remains in the department, moves to OIT, or adopts a hybrid model depends on needs and discussions.
If needed, yes. OIT is open to creating or adjusting teams to ensure all areas are adequately supported.
OIT will continue to discuss the best path forward for funding and purchases. We will engage colleges and departments to seek input as these conversations unfold.
OIT will continue to discuss the best path forward for the management of software and hardware. We will engage colleges and departments to seek input as these conversations unfold.
Process and Communication
The project will progress department by department. OIT will begin a conversation with college and departmental leadership to discuss current needs, document existing support, and identify the employee(s) impacted by this initiative.
Some services may look different, but the aim is to maintain or enhance support levels.
If these fall within centralization, OIT will support them. Current work is focused on identifying who provides support, what technology is being used, and how it’s currently supported. OIT will engage colleges and departments to seek input as the process moves forward.
Yes, collaboration is key to the success of this project. The feedback option is on the centralization homepage.
OIT is committed to transparency and regular updates to reduce confusion and rumors. This website and OIT’s weekly newsletter will serve as a platform to post updates.