Information Technology Optimized Service Team

Penn State IT is fundamental to every University activity, providing access to education, research and collaboration for faculty, staff and students. The critical work of the OST will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of these operations, improve customer satisfaction of University stakeholders and develop clear and fulfilling career pathways for Penn State’s IT professionals.

 Frequently Asked Questions

As the OST moves into the implementation phase, employees will find answers to common questions regarding the transition and what it means for them. This page will be updated as new information emerges.

What are we doing?

Penn State IT worked closely with unit executives, financial officers, and IT directors to review University IT positions and determine necessary changes in salary reporting lines for FY ‘26, starting July 1, 2025.

Identified personnel with FY ‘26 salary line changes will also now see a change in reporting lines into Penn State IT.  These reporting line changes are happening in two phases:

  • Early Adopters, or those units and personnel who transition into Penn State IT before July 1, 2025
  • Units and personnel who will transition into Penn State IT on July 1.

To assist with these transitions, Penn State IT will be implementing a new temporary organizational structure. This structure will be in place for approximately 18 months (July 1, 2025 – January 2027). During these 18 months, we will continue to review IT positions across the University not originally impacted by the early adopter or July 1 transition phases and expect to identify additional roles that will transition into Penn State IT.

What’s happening with staff transitioning on July 1?

On July 1, positions deemed in scope to have salary lines reporting into PSIT will take place as planned. At the same time, those with salary line changes will also see their reporting lines change.

In preparation for those moves, from March – June, we will need Unit IT Directors to validate their staffing based on the 2024 IT position validation work to determine the salary moves.

How will my unit IT reporting structure change July 1?

Some organizational structure changes will happen, but the goal will be to keep these changes to a minimum. Unit IT Directors will have a reporting line change effective July 1, but we do not anticipate other changes to reporting lines within units transitioning to Penn State IT.

There are currently no planned changes for sponsored research funded positions.

What can I expect after July 1?

Over the 18-month transition period (July 1, 2025 – January 2027), all of IT will undergo an optimization process comprised of the basic elements of:

  • Discovery: Understanding current structures, processes, and needs across IT.
  • Analysis: Evaluating efficiencies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Recommendations: Defining the new IT organization and placing teams into the new operating model.

David Horton and Chris Lucas will work together as co-leads of the IT OST to ensure alignment between all areas of the IT Transformation Office.

Will I lose my job because of these IT OST changes?

There will be opportunities for everyone who is open to growth and change. While roles and responsibilities may evolve over time, those willing to adapt to the new environment will find their place within the integrated team. This transition offers a chance for professional development and new challenges, ensuring that staff who embrace flexibility can continue to contribute meaningfully to the organization.  

Will the IT Strategic Partner role be an IT job family position or could it be a business admin leader?

The IT Strategic Partner (ITSP) role will be in the IT job family.

How do you see the PwC workstreams impacting the transformation?

The PwC workstreams are seen as foundational activities that will help establish future state projections. These areas will be further refined and developed during the transformation phase and as we continue with the future of IT at Penn State.

What is expected of me during this time?

Customer service and continuing our current work will remain important. At the same time, we are undergoing tremendous change within IT and as a university. We need to pull together and navigate through this time of change as we all work towards the future of IT at Penn State. Stay engaged, seek clarity, attend listening sessions and actively participate to help shape the future.

Is there any talk about accelerated attrition program (e.g. retirement buyout/VSIP) at University Park?

None at this time.

Some units have two or more people that supervise IT teams in lieu of a sole IT Director. How will reporting structures be in those scenarios?

For units moving July 1, the goal will be to keep organizational changes to a minimum. We will work with units who may have any outlier situations to determine the best approaches.

How were early adopters chosen?

Leadership in the units that moved or will move into Penn State IT before July 1 reached out to the CIO’s office to begin initial discussions. Different scenarios prompted these inquiries, including IT director vacancies and organizational changes within their units. Discussions with David Horton, Chris Lucas and unit leadership followed to determine the feasibility of early transition plans.

How will the PSIT reporting structure change during the transition period?

Some organizational structure changes will happen, but the goal will be to keep these changes to a minimum.

Direct reports of SLT members taking on new roles as part of the IT Transformation Office (Chris Lucas, Shuchi Nalepa, Dave Gindhart) will experience reporting line changes for the transition period. Workshops will be conducted to collaboratively determine the best path forward during the 18-month transition period.

There are no planned changes for Penn State IT’s Information Security area.

My SLT member has a new role in the IT Transformation Office. What does that mean to me?

Transition Planning (March – June): Directors and some additional direct reports to be identified later will be asked to help build a transition plan. It is anticipated that workshops and other collaborative efforts will be used to help this process.

Continued Leadership: Chris Lucas (University IT), Shuchi Nalepa (College IT), Dave Gindhart (Administrative IT), Kari Williamson (Campus IT) and Mike Stedlin (Research) will continue leading their areas while the transition plan is being determined.

Post-July 1: Chris Lucas, Shuchi Nalepa, and Dave Gindhart will transition to their new roles but will be available to assist as needed.

Will there be more changes?

Yes, more changes will come. Penn State is experiencing a period of significant transformation, not just in IT but across the entire University. While we don’t have all the answers yet, this is an opportunity for us to come together, collaborate, and actively shape the future of IT at Penn State. Your involvement and adaptability will be essential in building an IT organization that is stronger, more efficient, and better aligned with the University’s needs.

I have a question that isn’t addressed above; what do I do?

If your unit leadership cannot answer the question, please feel free to reach out to ITOST@psu.edu for assistance.