University of Toronto Mississauga: "the one" project

Two years ago, the University of Toronto (U of T) Mississauga embarked on a project which we dubbed "The One"; one identity, one card, one phone number, and one helpdesk, in response to the Provost's White Paper on Enhancing the Student Experience. U of T Mississauga began implementing and adopting a model to consolidate services to students, staff and faculty. In general, the University of Toronto (which U of T Mississauga is a part of) has a highly de-centralized IT structure. This paper will attempt to encapsulate our experiences and the aches and pains, of implementing "The One" Project. Adopting one identity for all members of the U of T Mississauga community means that our users do not have to remember multiple login ids and passwords. Using one card for food, printing, photocopying, and door access means that users have only one card to carry. Having one phone number that can reach all departments at U of T Mississauga means our constituents only have to remember one number. Having one helpdesk to deal with not just IT issues but facilities as well as utilities means our users have to go to only one location on campus for all of their needs.