Consultation Themes
This list is a result of a University-wide consultation about the future of information systems at SFU. These consultations engaged several hundred people from across SFU in over 50 sessions. Several consistent and common themes emerged:
1. Service first
Client service needs to permeate everything we do. We need to create trust, and trust comes from delivering on what we promised to do. We will engage proactively and directly with our clients to understand and support all of their information systems requirements.
2. Security now
Protection and mitigation from cyber security risk and continually improving information security is a matter of survival. We will do our utmost to ensure the online safety and security of SFU.
3. Three campuses; One SFU
Information systems are central to creating seamless integration across all SFU campuses. These systems will enable people at all campuses to seamlessly work, teach, learn, and research together.
4. Integrate Enterprise & Local Information Systems
All information systems staff throughout SFU will work together. We recognise our institution-wide enterprise information systems needs and departmental local information systems needs are mutually dependent. For SFU to succeed we need enterprise and local information systems to work together seamlessly.
5. Focus on Technology Outcomes
Our clients are interested in the outcomes and benefits of information systems; they are not interested in technology. We will leverage information systems to augment human interaction to make it more valuable and productive.
6. Socialize innovations
We will use socialization processes for all information systems changes, projects, and innovations. We will help clients realize the full value of information systems by ensuring they understand and use of all features of their investment.
7. One size fits none
Our desired behaviours should dictate how information systems function. We will ensure business requirements drive software-based processes rather than the other way round.
8. Data are a service
Data, properly managed, are a strategic asset and to support this asset we will deliver and maintain a single integrated source of data for decision-making. A finite set of shared software tools will support the analytical processes for all clients of this data.
9. Adapt to Digital disruption
External change will outpace SFU’s ability to adapt unless our information systems become more agile. We must continuously keep up with innovations in information systems to stay current with changes in the outside world and with the ever-expanding aspirations of our stakeholders.
10. Sustainability is Mandatory
We must balance the demand for information systems with financial sustainability through prioritization and university-wide stewardship. Similarly, we must invest in our people to sustain demands for increasing value from information systems.
11. Change is Enduring
Every process is simply the prologue to the next better process, and we will continuously improve and evolve our processes.
12. Nothing about Information Systems without IT Services
IT Services needs to be engaged in all information systems decisions.