There are lots of great IT project ideas on campus, and we can all benefit from knowing about them. OneIT governance improves communication about project ideas, and provides transparency around IT decision-making. It invites the campus to talk about resource allocation and prioritization of IT initiatives.

Most projects that are underway or planned for the future live on the IT roadmaps. The roadmaps ensure that IT is supporting the university’s mission. They are developed by the seven OneIT Councils.

Sometimes great ideas that aren’t on a roadmap come up—an innovation, opportunity, or new need. Here’s how those ideas flow through the process:

• If you have an idea, the first step is to talk with your IT leader.
• The IT leader will assess the idea, considering factors such as complexity, impact on users, resources required, and whether it is tied to university strategic goals.
• Some project ideas are smaller in nature, and only benefit and impact a certain team or unit. All the IT leader needs to do is let others know the project is in the works by filling out a quick Project Initiation Form on the OneIT Intranet. Then the project moves ahead.
• Other project ideas are broader in scope, and need a bit more discussion. Once the Project Initiation Form is filled out, the IT Project Management Office guides the project idea to the relevant IT councils and the Operations Team for discussion and feedback.
• After feedback is incorporated, some project ideas are passed on to the Strategy Team, which considers how the idea should be prioritized compared to other initiatives. If they think the idea is ready for planning to begin, they’ll give it the green light. 
• There are many opportunities for input along the way. Ideas and plans get posted to the OneIT Intranet, and forums called Project Insights are held regularly.

This OneIT governance infographic illustrates how an idea becomes a project.