Academic Computing Services

NIU's Computer Services Department was established in 1962 to serve the areas of education, research and administration.  Previously, the university had a tabulating service under the administration of the Business Office.  The Computer Services Department was also part of the Business Office until the late 1960's when it was reorganized as an independent department.  The Director of Computer Services reported to the Vice President and Provost who was advised by a Computer Services Steering Committee. Over the years, the department has undergone a number of structural changes.  In July 1976 the department changed its name from Computer Services to Computing Services.  On February 1, 1979 the department was reorganized as Academic Computing Services under the administration of the Director of Academic Support Services.  The Executive Director of Computing Facilities, aided by the Computer Facilities Advisory Committee, managed three computer centers.  Computing Services became the Academic Computer Center (ACC). The other two centers were the Systems and Operations Center and the newly formed Administrative Computer Center.  Beginning in July 1985 the entire department reorganized: the Executive Director became the Associate Vice President for Systems, the Administrative Computing Center became Administrative Information Services, and the Academic Computing Center (ACC) became Computing Information Center and User Services (CICUS).  Early in 1987 a Director of Computer and Telecommunications Operations was added to the department. In February 1990 the office once again reorganized, and CICUS was renamed Academic Computing Services (ACS).  It was one of four technical divisions in the Computing and Telecommunications Systems Division which, along with a business office, are managed by the Associate Vice President for Systems.  The other technical divisions are: Administrative Information Services, the Computer Center, and the Telecommunications Center.  In August 1999 the Computing and Telecommunications Systems Division changed its name to Information Technology Services.  It is comprised of five departments: Academic Computing Services, Administrative Information Services, Computing Services, Printing Services, and NIUTEL-Telecommunications Services.  In August 2001 the name of Academic Computing Services was changed to Customer Support Services.

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