Purpose and Overview
The Institutional Software service at Miami University provides access to standalone applications that support teaching, learning, and administrative functions. These applications are distinct from software that is part of larger service offerings (e.g., Canvas for LMS or Zoom for web conferencing) and are evaluated for accessibility, security, and compliance to meet institutional needs.
View the full list of Conditional Use Applications that have cleared the regulatory hurdles.
Features and Benefits
Features:
- Enterprise Applications: Approved for broad institutional use with central support.
- Conditional Use Applications: Approved for specific use cases with varying levels of support.
- Software Risk Review: Ensures compliance with security, accessibility, and legal standards.
- Purchase and Licensing Support: Assistance with quotes, purchases, and license renewals.
- Support Tiers: Defined support levels ranging from best effort to full IT support.
Benefits:
- Streamlined access to approved software for academic and administrative purposes.
- Reduced risk through compliance with institutional policies.
- Cost-effective licensing options for various user needs.
- Clear guidelines for obtaining and maintaining software.
Service Boundaries and Constraints
- Software availability and support depend on the assigned support tier.
- Some applications require additional approvals before use.
- Licensing costs and funding responsibilities vary by department and software type.
Eligibility and Audience
This service is available to:
- Faculty and Staff: For instructional and operational purposes.
- Departments: Needing software to support academic and business functions.
- Students: When authorized under specific licensing agreements.
Getting Started and Support
- Request Software: Initiate a purchase, request a quote, or request a title be added to the list of conditional use applications pending a review
For assistance, visit miamioh.edu/itchat or contact IT Help at 513-529-7900.
Support Tiers
- Tier 1 - Best Effort: While approved for use there is no institutional support for the application. IT Help would make an effort to assist using general technical knowledge. If unable to do so, the user would need to resolve the issue on their own or contact a commercial vendor for assistance.
- Tier 2 - Sponsor Support: If students were to contact IT Help, they refer the user to an individual sponsor, typically an instructor of a given course. The sponsor would work directly with the vendor on any unresolved issues.
- Tier 3 - Divisional/Departmental Support: Divisional/Departmental Support: Miami IT resources exist to support the faculty within their respective academic divisions. In cases where individual users contact IT Help, they receive best effort support. If unsuccessful, they would refer the user to contact the instructor of their course. Instructors seeking support for unresolved issues would be escalated to their divisional IT team.
- Tier 4 - Central IT Support: Faculty and students who contact support would receive help with escalation to a predefined IT team who provides expert support.