I am pleased to announce the creation of a new Information Technology (IT)
Security Services organization. This service organization will facilitate
campus-wide IT security efforts and incident response; provide proactive
campus services such as security assessments and consultation, network
scans, education and training; and manage IT security issues at the University
level.

The new IT Security Services Office will collaborate with units to develop
a University-wide security strategy and to implement best practice security
efforts in all areas of the University, including the University Health
System, and the Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses. Towards that end,
I am also pleased to announce that Paul Howell has been selected to serve
as Chief IT Security Officer. Paul will oversee the IT Security Services
Office and will serve on the IT Security Council. Paul brings a wealth
of IT security background to this position from his previous experience
at CAEN, Merit, and MAIS.

Overall governance for the organization is shared by Robert Kelch, Executive
Vice President for Medical Affairs; Paul Courant, Provost and Executive
VP for Academic Affairs; and Tim Slottow, Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer. James Hilton, Associate Provost for Academic,
Instructional and Information Technology Services, and I will provide overall
direction and support for this new security effort, as follows:

1. James will chair the new IT Security Council that will provide leadership
in the development of policy. Representatives on the Security Council
will include Deans, faculty, administrators, and IT systems administrators
from across the University. More information about the Council will be
forthcoming.

2. The new IT Security Services Office will report directly to me.

The establishment of this new organization is the result of various University
units working together through the IT Commons to make this endeavor a reality.
Rarely can such fundamental agreement and cooperation be demonstrated by
such diverse organizations. It is an important step in our continuing
effort to maintain a safe and secure IT environment for teaching, learning,
research, and administrative activities at the University.

James and I will continue to share information with you about the progress,
efforts, and initiatives of the IT Security Services Office and Council.
To learn more about the IT Commons visit: <http://www.umich.edu/itcommons/>