SU Center for Business Information Technologies joins iSchool

SU Center for Business Information Technologies joins iSchoolMarch 25, 2008Margaret Costello Spillettmcostell@syr.edu

The Syracuse University Center for Business Information Technologies (CBIT) will become part of the School of Information Studies as of July 1, University officials announced Monday.

The School of Information Studies (iSchool) is home to the top-ranked program in information systems, and highly ranked programs in digital libraries, library and information science and school media. It offers a B.S. degree in information management and technology, three master’s-level programs and a Ph.D. in information science and technology, as well as several certificates of advanced study.

CBIT provides high-quality, intensive training programs leading to professional certification that meet the competency standards set forth by such professional organizations as the Computer Technology Industry Association, the Network Professionals Association and software company certification programs from Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, Sun and others.

“This merger will strengthen the synergies between the two entities, producing well-rounded information professionals ready to tackle the challenges of a global community increasingly dependent on information systems,” says SU Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina. “We believe that this union will be beneficial for all populations involved — the faculty, staff and students of each organization, as well as the broader Central New York business community.”

CBIT offers a community-based training program for individuals seeking to gain a variety of IT-related certifications through a supportive learning environment. It also creates customized IT training modules for area corporations that need segments of their employees educated on a particular software upgrade, new information system or certification program.

“We are excited about the opportunities presented by this merger, especially in terms of our increased capabilities to reach out to local community members and corporations in the region,” says Elizabeth D. Liddy, dean of the iSchool. “There has always been a strong alliance between the iSchool and CBIT, and the center’s focus on applied technology skills training will dovetail nicely with the iSchool’s strengths in information management, policy development, and strategic level IT planning and implementation.”

The iSchool is one of the lead colleges at SU involved in a 10-year, $30 million partnership with JPMorgan Chase to create a financial services technology and infrastructure curriculum and training program. As part of the iSchool, CBIT faculty and staff can now contribute their expertise in training program development and execution with local companies to issues specific to JPMorgan Chase employees worldwide.

“We see this as a very positive move for both organizations,” says James Shea, director of CBIT. “The iSchool’s courses and internship program will be enhanced through CBIT’s extensive network of Central New York companies, and CBIT will have increased access to the iSchool’s faculty and organizational contacts as well.”

The merger will also increase the iSchool’s resources to engage in Scholarship in Action initiatives with the community. The iSchool and CBIT are already partners on the Salina Networking Academy, a community work force development project based on Syracuse’s South Side.

“By merging with CBIT, we gain capacity to enhance our applied information technology course offerings and strengthen our impact regionally,” says David Molta, the iSchool’s assistant dean for technology, who will oversee CBIT.