IT Functional Review

IT Functional Review Objectives

In April 2026, the Information Technology (IT) Functional Review started moving into the implementation phase of changes to address the key themes that emerged from the IT Functional Review report.

The IT Realignment initiative addresses these themes by bringing together IT people and services into a shared structure across campus, connecting IT service delivery within a coordinated institutional IT structure capable of supporting the University’s research, teaching, and administrative activities at scale. 

These changes will achieve several important objectives:

  • Reduce duplication of IT services across the institution
  • Create clarity around IT roles and responsibilities, aligned under the enhanced institutional mandate of the Chief Information Officer
  • Improved efficiency, coordination, and standardization of IT processes
  • Streamlined delivery of IT services across the University

IT Realignment Implementation

Implementing a University-wide change to the structure and delivery of IT services will take time and will occur in stages to ensure service continuity, protect critical projects already underway, and carefully manage the amount of change for IT people.

Stage 1 – Reporting Realignment

  1. 2026
    1. May
      1. Academic Support Unit IT

        IT staff within Academic Support Units (ASUs) will transition into Information Systems & Technology (IST) under a new, realigned reporting structure. A Deputy CIO role, and a Director, ASU IT Services (a two-year interim role) will provide leadership during the transition period for staff roles that are realigned. 

    2. Jul
      1. Faculty IT for Arts, Environment, Health, and Science

        IT staff within the Faculties of Arts, Environment, Health and Science will be combined into a new Faculty IT Services group within IST. IT leaders and staff from these four Faculties will now report to the Director, Faculty IT Services in IST. 

    3. Sep
      1. Faculty IT for Engineering and Mathematics

        The Faculties of Engineering and Mathematics will reorganize their IT structures within their Faculties in consideration of the Faculty IT Services group and associated refreshed IT governance mechanisms, bringing a stronger focus on shared IT standards across the institution.

Stage 2 – New IT Operating Model Design and Harmonization of People and Services

Stage 2 will be guided by a new IT Transition Working Group and a Core Committee led by the Chief Information Officer, with continued executive sponsorship from the Vice-President, Academic and Provost and Dean of Engineering, as well as support from external consultants. It will begin in summer 2026 and is expected to take approximately one year to complete.

Key Deliverables

  • The reorganization of the IST department to support a new IT service model—one that enables efficient, effective IT services and project delivery aligned with the University’s core mission.
  • An IT service analysis and subsequent reorganization of IST to streamline IT services and consolidate IT service delivery structures within faculties.
  • Decisions on where embedded models of IT support are most appropriate.
  • A refreshed IT Governance structure to ensure long-term collaborative alignment of IT services across the institution.
  • Updated and consistent IT career paths for all IT roles on campus.

Stage 2 will include significant opportunities for engagement with campus leaders and IT staff. Over the longer term, this multi-year IT transformation is expected to result in greater service harmonization, reduced complexity across the IT environment, and cost savings that will support the University’s return to a balanced budget.