Primary speaker:
Vikram Chadalawada, Director, IT Strategy, Innovations and Digital Transformation, Student Life
Additional speakers:
Do Anh Vu, Associate Director, Student Life IT
Gerald Lindo, Portfolio Manager, Student Life IT
Description:
Higher education institutions are navigating an increasingly complex technology landscape where expectations for seamless digital services, operational resilience and responsible innovation continue to grow. Technology leaders must balance operational excellence with the adoption of emerging tools while maintaining strong standards for security, governance, efficiency and performance while continuing to be strongly aligned with institutional digital strategies.
Student Life (within the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students) faced this challenge and initiated a strategic transformation designed to reposition its IT department as a trusted advisor and business partner in delivering student-centred services. It implemented a Digital and Technology Strategy aligned with institutional priorities and supported by 22 departments across Student Life’s four clusters. This session shares the journey of designing and implementing that strategy, focused on three pillars: business value maximization, IT excellence and innovation.
Through the introduction of a modern IT governance structure, improved operational processes and stronger collaboration with campus partners, Student Life IT is shifting from a reactive “firefighter” model toward being a proactive innovation enabler. These efforts support Student Life’s mission of enriching the student experience. The department was able to succeed with complete engagement from all its staff members.
This case-study session highlights how strategic planning, governance frameworks and targeted service improvements can enhance service delivery while maintaining operational excellence. Presenters will share lessons from implementing governance reforms, strengthening IT processes such as change management and infrastructure operations, and launching initiatives that improve end-user satisfaction and data quality.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Identify key elements of successful IT strategic transformation in higher education.
- Apply governance and operational frameworks that support innovation and stability.
- Align technology initiatives with institutional and student experience goals.
- Transition IT teams from reactive support models to strategic partnerships.
- Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies responsibly.
