CUNY’s Office of Computing and Information Services (CIS) provides central support for the University’s information technology (IT) and telecommunication needs. CIS’ key roles include: supporting the enterprise IT needs of the University; developing new technologies that advance or support the University’s core mission; building, upgrading and maintaining the University’s network; supporting enterprise applications; operating the University Data Center; operating a central help desk to support campus IT operations; developing a University IT Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plan; and leading the development of CUNYFirst.

In 2002, CUNY established the office of Chief Information Officer (CIO) to coordinate the University’s IT and telecommunications efforts. Coordination is assisted by the IT Steering Committee involving the CIOs and Vice Presidents of CUNY’s educational institutions, as well as through other managers’ groups such as Help Desk Managers, Blackboard Administrators, Academic Technology Committee and the Bursar Registrar Council. These groups identify, develop and execute strategic and tactical planning to provide the technological resources to help CUNY achieve its mission of providing students with the highest quality education at the lowest possible cost.