Margulies says the elimination of the Development Group does not mean UIS is not leading any of its own development projects.

She highlights Project ADAPT, a $50 million technological upgrade to the University's financial administrative systems, as the new model for development work in UIS. The funding and organization for ADAPT were arranged specifically for this project, and staffing is being done on a temporary and as needed basis.

"[Abolishing the development group] was the right thing," says Bradner. "If there's a large scale project like ADAPT, then we can recruit the right staff to do the project."

"The idea of staffing a permanent development group without an ongoing predictable level of work doesn't seem to be a good idea," he says.

Academic Computing

Margulies says she is also responsible for "developing mechanism for collaboration and planning across the University."

In other words, she coordinates academic information technology. However, the central administration is not currently planning any University-wide projects in academic computing, according to Margulies.

In 1993, a University-wide committee on information technology called for "the central coordination of academic [information technology]" out of the provost's office.

As part of the reorganization, UIS was moved into the office of the provost, which is responsible for coordinating inter-faculty initiatives, but no one in the central administration suggests that this type of coordination will occur with information technology.

When asked about her efforts to coordinate academic information technology, Margulies says she and Proyost Albert Carnesale have appointed another University-wide committee. The committee met last month but no details were available at press time.

Earlier this year, President Neil L. Rudenstine said he will emphasize academic information technology in the upcoming year, following on the heels of Project ADAPT, but that his initiative will be individually tailored to each school's needs.

Happier Faculties

Members of the FAS say they are happier with the new model for information technology at Harvard.

"Every Dean is concerned to enjoy the best services at the most economical rate," said Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles. "I believe that the changes in OIT (UIS) are going to do just that."

Martin agrees that the changes are for the better.