Our Impact by the Numbers
120,000+
conversations across 11 departments and units supported by Vera, the U of A’s generative AI chatbot
20,000+
potential threats detected and triaged by automated tools and cybersecurity analysts
99.5%
uptime for PeopleSoft applications outside of scheduled maintenance windows
327
faculty members using the Research Data Storage Service to house 720+ TB of data
234
researchers used the National Research Computing Infrastructure, saving the university $9M
50,000+
simultaneous wireless connections on average, daily
60,000+
eClass and Canvas users
3M+
malicious email attacks prevented
6,578
wireless access points across campus
Strengthening cyber-resilience
IT Security Policy redevelopment
We have started on the redevelopment of the U of A’s IT security policy framework, ensuring it meets the evolving cybersecurity landscape and regulatory expectations. Originally developed over a decade ago, the existing policies no longer reflect the realities of today’s digital environment, where mobility, remote work and increased cyber threats require a more agile and principle-based approach. To do so, we are shifting to a streamlined framework centred around a parent IT security policy supported by clear procedures and evolving standards.
Community engagement has been at the heart of this redesign. Through consultations and roundtables, faculty, staff, and students provided valuable input, highlighting the need for clear, actionable policies relevant to their day-to-day work. This feedback shapes the new policy framework, ensuring practical and effective security.
As we move forward in the process of consultations and proposed policy approval, IST remains committed to being a trusted partner in safeguarding the university’s digital assets, balancing security with usability and enabling the university community to teach, research and work securely from anywhere.
Enhanced email security and protection
Building on our commitment to a secure digital environment, we’ve proactively enhanced our email security and protection for our UAlberta Google users. Recognizing the limitations of older systems in the current threat landscape, we implemented state-of-the-art platforms designed to combat email-borne threats like phishing and malware automatically. Previously, safeguarding our inboxes required significant manual effort.
Elevating your technology experience
Improving desktop support
Technology is essential to working, teaching and researching at the university. Every interaction with digital tools — logging into a workstation, accessing research data or printing a document — begins with a user device. IST ensures seamless, secure and reliable access to over 12,000 devices across campus. From device purchases to account management and printer support, we keep technology working for you.
IST has also upgraded to Windows 11 ahead of schedule, keeping campus technology ahead of industry changes and standardized device setups, ensuring compatibility and reducing tech disruptions.
We’ve transformed our desktop support process to reduce wait times and improve service.
- Two years ago: 1,500 open support tickets, long wait times and overloaded analysts.
- Today: 500 open tickets, indicating faster resolutions and more personalized support.
Integration services platform
In partnership with the Continuous Administrative Services Improvement Program (CASIP), IST has pursued selecting and implementing an integration services platform (ISP). Through the RFP process, the product we selected to serve as our ISP is MuleSoft.
This platform, a foundational component in modernizing the university’s technology infrastructure, will be instrumental in improving the accuracy and consistency of data shared between systems, minimizing manual data entry, and providing more reliable information for decision-making. This work aligns with IST’s strategic pillar of advancing service excellence in pursuit of an ecosystem that enables productivity through seamless workflows and a simplified user experience. It also supports CASIP’s overall goal of transforming administrative services to better serve the needs of our students, faculty and staff.
Sustainable Infrastructure to Empower Students and Advance Research
Delivering a faster, more reliable campus wireless experience
Reliable wireless access is essential for learning, teaching and research at the U of A. Whether in a classroom, lab, meeting or shared space, staying connected shouldn’t be a challenge. That’s why IST, in collaboration with Facilities, launched the Building Wireless Modernization Project — a campus-wide upgrade designed to enhance connectivity across the university.
The project has upgraded over 1,000 new wireless access points in 19 priority buildings across campus, with work in additional buildings planned to continue into 2026. The upgraded wireless in these buildings allows students, faculty, and staff to enjoy a faster, more reliable and more secure wireless experience.
“Wireless has just worked for me this year. There have been no issues with it. It just works in the classrooms and where I need it. Whatever you did has made it so much better.”
- Faculty of Arts student
Key accomplishments include:
- upgraded coverage in all significant academic and research buildings
- improved connectivity in high-density areas
- transition to the latest 5GHz wireless standard to ensure faster speeds and stronger security
Enhancing digital storage
Under the umbrella of Sustainable Infrastructure, IST has undertaken several key initiatives to modernize and enhance our digital storage capabilities. The Google Workspace Storage Management project addresses the core storage needs of faculty, researchers and staff, ensuring secure, efficient and sustainable storage solutions for everyday data while introducing tools like a new email export solution to improve records management.
This would not have been possible without the considerable time and effort contributed by the university community. We recognize that reviewing storage usage, adapting to new practices, and navigating change required meaningful engagement from faculty, staff, and researchers across all units. While the transition surfaced some challenges and, at times, frustrations, the collaboration and feedback we received were instrumental in shaping a more resilient and sustainable digital storage environment. The collective effort has laid the groundwork for improved data stewardship and long-term efficiencies that will benefit the institution well into the future.
“I really appreciate you taking the time to walk me through the options and steps. You provided the clearest description of the issue and solutions I have seen to date. This will be very helpful in moving forward.”
- Vic Adamowicz, Interim Dean, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences
Complementing the work on Google Workspace, the Research Data Storage Services (RDSS) caters explicitly to our research community's unique and often large-scale storage requirements, providing secure and scalable solutions crucial for innovation and discovery. This service not only addresses current needs but also positions the U of A at the forefront of research data management for the future.
“The RDSS will save a tremendous amount of staff/research time for data management and storage. In addition, it will save us from many piecemeal solutions, which are costly and less efficient. The staff members of the RDSS team I have dealt with are always very responsive and knowledgeable. I have been voicing the need for an institution-wide data storage and management solution for years, and this is finally a dream come true.”
- Xuejun Sun, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
IST is also working on a Sensitive Data Research Environment (SDRE), which aims to establish a high-performance computing solution for the U of A that addresses the needs of sensitive research computing.
Moving forward, IST remains committed to:
- providing clear, tailored storage solutions that match different academic and administrative needs
- enhancing data management practices to support research, teaching, and operations
- continuing engagement with the university community to ensure storage solutions evolve with our needs.
Enhancing Teaching and Cultivating Exceptional Student Experiences
Transforming learning with a modern LMS
IST is committed to enhancing the university's teaching, learning and student experiences. Our new Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas, is more than just a platform change – it’s a transformation that aligns with the university’s strategic vision, academic priorities and commitment to student success.
The LMS is at the heart of digital learning, making it the most widely used academic tool on campus. At its core, it supports diverse teaching methods and student-centred learning, scaling with our academic and technological needs.
The transition to Canvas ensures a more accessible, intuitive and innovative environment, supporting student engagement and instructional excellence. Canvas is built for the long term, designed to evolve with the latest innovations in digital learning. Investing in student-centred technology ensures that the university remains at the forefront of teaching and learning excellence.
Classroom technology upgrades
In support of the university’s growth strategy and commitment to enhancing the learning environment, IST undertook a significant initiative in the 2024-25 fiscal year to modernize numerous learning spaces across the university. A total of 123 classrooms were upgraded across 22 buildings. These upgrades focused on integrating contemporary technology and hybrid capabilities, empowering instructors to connect with remote students and colleagues seamlessly, and providing the flexibility to record and share lectures directly from the classroom.
These improvements foster new avenues for collaboration and distributed learning, extending the reach of our educational offerings. Ultimately, these investments continue to enhance the student experience by ensuring access to reliable and innovative classroom technology that facilitates meaningful connections with instructors and course content, regardless of location.
“I am overwhelmed and very grateful for this level of support, given the commitments of your team. I am sure the instructors will be relieved to have this assistance navigating the new systems as we start the term.”
- Deborah Palmer, Faculty General Manager, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
Other renewal projects undertaken and completed this year include:
- Stollery Executive Development Centre in the School of Business
- Law Centre Moot Courtroom
- University Hall Council Chambers
- University Commons
Looking ahead
The achievements outlined here are not final destinations but foundational milestones in a longer-term vision for the university’s digital future. What we are sharing now represents the beginning of the transformation ahead. With many impactful initiatives already in motion and more on the horizon, IST remains focused on delivering technology with purpose that meets the evolving needs of our community. To explore current projects and what’s coming next, visit the Technology Roadmap web page.
Our commitment goes beyond maintaining systems; it's about unlocking potential. As a strategic partner in the University of Alberta's mission, IST is dedicated to providing powerful, intuitive and secure technologies that empower groundbreaking research, facilitate exceptional learning experiences and support the operational excellence that allows our community to thrive. Together, we are laying the digital foundation for years of innovation to come – and setting the stage for what we’ll proudly share in our next annual report.