Dan Walters' May 26 column regarding California State University's integrated information technology system relies on the premise advanced by some of my colleagues that the implementation of the new system is a debacle, and doesn't work.

Their solution is to place the oversight under the jurisdiction of the Department of General Services. I disagree. The state auditor reports that poor oversight and administration by the Department of General Services contributed to the problems we identified with departments' purchasing practices. I have a strong interest in this project and am satisfied that it will meet expectations.

The purpose of this system, known as Common Management System, or CMS, is to provide students greater access via the Web to services, information and technology to enhance their educational experience. Without CMS, students would be forced to continue dashing from office to office to fill out paperwork and mail documents for class registration, grade, graduation and financial aid information.

The implementation of CMS is already benefiting students by making these services available online at campuses that have implemented the system. CMS will also allow the university to better gauge its financial and human resources situation across the system's 23 campuses by comparing and analyzing integrated data.

The increased efficiency is a necessity as CSU continues to attract thousands of new students every year while facing increasing pressure to reduce its overall budget. There is no doubt that CMS is a large investment, but the alternative continued reliance on a patchwork of obsolete systems across the university's many campuses would be a disservice to CSU students.

The state auditor raised important questions and criticisms about the university's procurement process. The chancellor has acknowledged that there were several deficiencies. By agreeing to adopt the authors' recommendations and increase the university's reporting requirements for future technology procurements, the chancellor has set in motion appropriate changes.

Their solution is to place the overview under the jurisdiction of the Department of General Services. While this a very important outcome, we should not lose sight of the value this new technology will bring to students and faculty alike.

Rudy Bermudez

Assemblyman

56th District