The INFO College transforms the way individuals, organizations and communities connect with information. Much of that connection relies on technology including the Internet, information systems, multi-media, and mobile computing devices. The college provides access to a technology environment through college facilities, co-located research centers, computer labs, affiliations with other campus research units, and through the campus Office of Information Technology.
Planning, implementation and support of technology at The INFO College is managed by the INFO Technology Office (ITO). Research facilities within the college include both group and individual research space, project rooms equipped with computers and presentation equipment, a student computer lab, a usability lab, formal and informal meeting and collaboration spaces, and Web and technical support through the INFO Technology Office.
Wireless access is available throughout The INFO College. Wired computers, printers, and other networked equipment are also available for use by the INO community. Server space, mobile devices, and software tools are available for faculty-sponsored student use. The College provides additional access to technologies through its research and learning partnerships. The INFO College provides training and development in use of technology through a variety of offerings including student-led training sessions, technology workshops, guest presentations, structured technology trial programs, online tutorials, and individual consultations.
Digital Accessibility 2026
Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University of Maryland (UMD) must meet new technical requirements for digital content by April 24, 2026 to help ensure that public services and information are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. This means that digital content should be formatted in specific ways so that it is “accessible.” For example, captions on videos, alt text on images, and headings on documents. Among other things, this allows accessible technology like screen readers to understand how to read the content.
Instructional Technologies
Support for the following instructional facilities is managed by the INFO IT Services Staff:
- HBK 0215
- HBK 0302H
- HBK 0302J
- HBK 2116
- HBK 2119
- HBK 4113
- HBK 4115
To report technology issues in one of these rooms, please email infotechsupport@umd.edu or call Allan Oliveros (x58179) or Chris Hawley (x51567)
For support, in general purpose classrooms in any other locations around campus, please contact the Division of IT classroom support team at x52500 or email classrooms@umd.edu.
Software Review Process
As this is a new and evolving topic, the
There are two independent but connected steps to USE or purchase ANY software (including free clickthrough agreements) on the UMD campus:
- Software risk review
- Procurement review
How long does it take?
In total, the process may take as long as 3-4 months.
Software risk review takes 3-4 weeks after receipt of all required documents. Procurement review length depends on the terms that may need to be negotiated, and how responsive the company is.
What must be reviewed?
All software used for academic, research, and administrative purposes must be reviewed, even if they’re free.
What is the Campus looking for?
- ADA: Compliance with campus and federal ADA guidelines and regulations, regardless of whether a tool is required for class or departmental work.
- Data Privacy: How the vendor will store and use university data.
- IT Compliance: Whether the third-party providers meet legal requirements, helping the university avoid penalties, audit findings, legal issues and protecting the university reputation.
- Procurement: alignment with UMD purchasing requirements, State of Maryland policies and law, indemnification, and reoccurring procurement terms without review.
Research Support
The INFO IT unit provides a number of research computing services in addition to those offered to the campus as a whole. Because research computing requirements differ greatly among our faculty, we recommend in-person consultation concerning your research needs.
The IT team works closely with INFO business managers to assist with IT purchases using your startup funding as well as grant purchases to ensure that your computing needs are met and that we are able to provide a high level of service.
Additionally, we are happy to provide consultation related to IT requirements on grant proposals. For additional information on any of these services, or to schedule a time to talk with our IT support staff about your research computing needs, please contact Chris Hawley (hawleycd@umd.edu, x51567) directly to schedule a time to discuss your specific needs.
It’s best to contact us in the initial stages of the proposal process so we can help plan for IT needs and address them in the proposal or SOW. Consulting with the IT unit in the proposal stage will help ensure that technology needs are fully accounted for in the proposal. Further, the IT unit can provide information about existing UMD resources and capabilities so that your project can make the best use of available resources.
When budgeting for grants, consider equipment and services that may be required:
- Laptop/equipment for faculty as well as student workers
- Monitors
- AWS hosting / other cloud computing / software / SaaS
- Paid plugins
- Custom web theme development
- Complex web development/hosting needs such as Full-stack web development
INFO Virtual Computer Lab (VCL)
A virtual computer lab service is available for creating Windows/Ubuntu instances using Microsoft Azure Labs. Please make your request at least three weeks before you expect to make use of the virtual machines in your class.
To make the request, or if you would like more information on the virtual computer lab, please contact infotechsupport@umd.edu. INFO IT will submit new requests to UMD’s Division of IT for initial lab environment creation. Afterwards, INFO IT will install and configure the lab machines.
Most free and INFO purchased software can be installed onto the lab computers. Also, many software packages are available through UMD’s Division of IT. A full listing can be accessed at terpware.umd.edu.
ELMS: For support for the UMD online learning environment (ELMS), please contact elms@umd.edu.