As fall term comes to a close, the IT department is advancing several key initiatives focused on enhancing security, improving system performance and building a more reliable technical foundation for the college.
Zero Trust Security Initiative: Strengthening RCC’s Cyber Defense Model
This term, IT began implementing the Zero Trust security framework — an industry-standard model that verifies every user, device and connection before granting access. This approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and lateral movement within the network. Key early steps included tightening identity verification policies, segmenting high-risk systems and expanding multi-factor authentication coverage. These improvements enhance protection for sensitive student and employee data while preparing RCC for evolving security threats.
ERP Process Streamlining: Reducing System Complexity and Improving Workflow Efficiency
IT also focused on simplifying and optimizing critical processes within the ERP. Many existing workflows — particularly those related to enrollment, billing, and registration — contained outdated logic or unnecessary manual steps. This fall, we began mapping these processes, identifying inefficiencies and aligning them with current policy and institutional needs. Streamlining logic inside the ERP reduces errors, speeds up processing and makes the system more maintainable and scalable for future improvements.
Active Directory Modernization: Improving Identity, Access and System Reliability
Modernizing Active Directory (AD) has been another major technical effort this term. IT has begun restructuring AD to remove legacy configurations, update group and permission structures, and establish clearer identity lifecycles for onboarding and offboarding.
These updates reduce authentication issues, strengthen security boundaries and improve system reliability across every application that depends on RCC credentials — from the ERP to classroom technologies. Together, these initiatives reinforce RCC’s digital infrastructure and position the college for improved security, better system performance and more efficient operations as we move into winter term.
For more information, please contact Richard Plott via email or on Teams.