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Modernizing IT for a better SFU

Kailash Srinivasan

January 15, 2025

Technology continues to shape how we learn, work and connect, and SFU is committed to leveraging it to enhance the university experience for students, faculty and staff. Guided by What’s Next: The SFU Strategy, SFU IT is working to create a more connected, secure, and effective digital environment by driving key initiatives that align with the institution-wide SFU IT Plan.

The IT Plan focuses on three strategic themes—Sustainable Operations, Usable Technology, and Available Data—to ensure a strong and modernized IT infrastructure that meets the needs of our community. Supporting these efforts, the IT Strategies Committee (ITSC) works alongside the SFU Executive team to oversee critical IT investments and ensure they are aligned with institutional goals.

As SFU IT reflects on last year’s progress and prepares for this year’s priorities, here’s an update on  key initiatives to transform the SFU experience.

2024 highlights

Sustainable Operations: Improving core systems, infrastructure, and expertise
Usable Technology: Making technology accessible and easy for everyone to use
  • Classroom technology improvements and upgrades: Standardized technologies in all major theatres at Burnaby, enabling more accessible and reliable tools for teaching and learning.
  • Introducing automation: Partnered with teams to implement efficient solutions for manual-based processes. Learn more: Using automation to drive efficiency and innovation at SFU.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Work is underway on developing an AI strategy to define how AI will shape workflows and work at SFU. Read more: AI town hall summary 
  • Cellular phone plan: Transitioned to a new Rogers mobile phone plan, realizing cost savings for the institution and offering increased data limits and improved roaming at no additional cost.
Available Data: Enhancing access and security
  • Improved awareness of cybersecurity: Several teams and departments across the university have completed the cybersecurity awareness training course, increasing SFU’s individual and institutional ability to manage threats.
  • Data strategy: An institutional data strategy was formulated and approved by ITSC. This will guide data architecture, standardization and integration to facilitate efficient transaction processing, enhanced decision making and the adoption of AI. Learn more. 

2025-26 priorities

Building on the progress made in 2024, the following 2025-26 priorities advance the IT Plan:

Usable Technology 
  • Canvas migration: Starting the transition from the current on-site Canvas system to Canvas Cloud, addressing the current technical challenges with a full rollout expected by 2026.
  • Improved Wi-Fi: Continuing to expand wireless coverage, improving bandwidth, and enhancing Wi-Fi performance across Burnaby and Vancouver campuses.
  • Improving cell service: Collaborating with partners to expand cellular coverage on Burnaby Mountain.
  • Cybersecurity enhancements: Continuing to strengthen and enhance SFU’s defenses against cyber threats.
  • ERP strategy: Developing a governance structure and business case to guide the transformation of SFU’s core Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. These systems support key operations such as finance, human resources, student information, and procurement. The goal is to streamline processes and improve efficiency across the university.   
Sustainable Operations
  • Microsoft Teams phones: Transitioning from desk phones to Teams Phones in early 2025, reducing costs and enhancing collaboration tools. Teams will receive training before the transition.
  • Device standardization: Standardizing equipment will improve compatibility, security, and efficiency while reducing costs. The pilot initiative will begin with the VPFA team, with potential expansion in late 2025.
  • The CEDAR implementation project: Completing upgrades to SFU’s high-performance computing cluster to enhance research capabilities, increase storage, and improve computing performance. Completion is expected in early 2025.
Available Data  
  • Data strategy: Pilot projects are underway to better integrate data across systems, ensuring quality data is retained and managed appropriately.

Technology supports the SFU community’s ability to teach, learn, research and collaborate. SFU IT is committed to delivering tools and systems that continue to enhance the digital experience for students, faculty and staff, while strengthening security and streamlining processes. For more information about our progress and priorities, visit the SFU IT Plan 2024-2027 and the Implementation Plan.