Information Technology Practice Center
The Information Technology Practice Center (ITPC) is a specialty center within the Ralph Jaeschke Solutions for Economic Growth (SEG) Center at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The ITPC is a partnership between UW-Parkside and member business organizations. Students involved in the ITPC work on live information technology projects for customers in the region.
The faculty, staff, student, and corporate members of the ITPC are dedicated to supporting the University of Wisconsin System mission “…to extend knowledge and its application beyond the boundaries of its campuses and to serve and stimulate society by developing in students heightened intellectual, cultural and humane sensitivities, scientific, professional and technological expertise and a sense of purpose…” The ITPC also works to support the UW-Parkside mission “…[to be] responsive to its diverse student population and its local, national, and global communities…[and to] provide and share in cultural and intellectual activities in partnership with our local and regional communities.” The ITPC works in partnership with other UW-Parkside organizations to fulfill its community service mission including other specialty centers in the SEG Center, the Center for Community Partnerships, Nonprofit Development, the CATI specialty center, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Members of the ITPC developed the following Vision, Mission and Goals:
Vision
Enabling economic and community growth by linking business and nonprofits with UW-Parkside IT skills.
Mission
Provide an environment that enables students to gain practical IT work experience while serving the community through collaboration on technology related projects.
Goals
Goals are developed for four key stakeholders: Community, Students, Business Partners, and UW-Parkside. See below.
Community
The ITPC will
- Provide resources and talent for IT projects that address the needs of the ITPC partners, and other businesses and nonprofits in the community
- Build bridges between UW-Parkside and the community
- Produce quality IT professionals for the community
- Provide opportunities for participating students to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of community involvement
ITPC Business Partners
The ITPC will
- Identify high potential students that have the skills required to make an immediate contribution to the business
- Deliver IT projects that address needs of the business partners
- Enhance collaboration between ITPC partners, sharing ideas on technology and best practices.
- Influence the IT curricula, technology and leading practices such that they are relevant to the ITPC business partners
Students
The ITPC will
- Increase employment opportunities for participating students
- Enhance the knowledge and skills of participating students through IT projects, access to current technology and exposure to leading practices
- Broaden the professional skills of participating students through interaction with ITPC partners and clients
- Help students gain a greater understanding of the local community
UW-Parkside
The ITPC will
- Enhance the visibility and reputation of the IT programs at UW-Parkside
- Attract high potential students to the IT programs
- Serve as a mentor to other programs that want to utilize project-based learning
- Contribute to the community engagement mission at UW-Parkside
- Provide a vehicle whereby faculty expertise can be leveraged by the community