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New committee guides transformative digital changes at SFU

May 18, 2023

SFU is continuously looking at ways to improve the digital experience for our three-campus community. To make a more meaningful impact, SFU has developed a new governance model and cross-university steering committee to support digital transformation.

Improving the digital experience and delivering excellent services to support SFU students, faculty and staff are at the heart of what IT Services (ITS) strives for. 

The IT Strategies Committee (ITSC) has been formed to ensure that digital strategies and initiatives align with SFU’s What’s Next strategy and the greatest needs of our community members are prioritized.

The new IT governance model includes four subcommittees that discuss and decide how to create transformative digital experiences within four key areas: on-campus digital, faculty and staff, research, and students and instructors. 

“With committee members in alignment and on the same page, we’re hoping to take action on a greater number of impactful initiatives that will improve the user experience across SFU,” says Brian Stewart, Chief Information Officer, ITS.

Initiatives like the Classroom Technology Upgrade project will ensure learning spaces have a more consistent experience when it comes to learning and teaching technology tools. More exciting news about this transformation to come in June, as work begins later this summer. 

Ongoing improvements of on-campus WiFi and cellular coverage are well underway as well and the user experience across Burnaby campus has been improving. 

“As both an active researcher and Dean, I am pleased to see that the ITSC has evolved to attend more intensely to the needs of the university community.  IT priorities more clearly align with and are accountable to SFU's academic mission,” says Eugene Fiume, Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences and ITSC member. “The increased focus on improving on-campus WiFi is a great example. Looking forward, I am excited to see that there will be upgrades in classroom technology, which will result in a better experience for students and faculty alike.” 

The ITSC will also have a closer relationship to the SFU Executive Team, ensuring the right IT investments are made at the right time, meaning a more streamlined process that leads to greater benefits across the university. The committee is co-chaired by Martin Pochurko, VP of Finance and Administration and Kevin Oldknow, Senior Advisor, Academic Planning. 

For more information on projects mentioned above, exciting upcoming digital initiatives and the ITSC, please visit the new ITSC website or contact its-pmo@sfu.ca