We are incredibly excited to announce the finalists for the CUCCIO Awards! This year, we saw a phenomenal 400% increase in nominations, a true testament to the incredible spirit of our community. It's been heartwarming to witness the outpouring of support and recognition for all the amazing individuals and organizations making a difference.

A special thank you goes to our esteemed panel of judges, representing all corners of Canada and the globe. Their dedication and thoughtful consideration were instrumental in selecting this outstanding group of finalists from such a competitive pool. Congratulations to all the finalists – your dedication and passion are truly inspiring

Categories

• Collaboration Award:

• Teamwork wins! This award honours cross-campus, city-wide, or national collaborations achieving results no-one could have alone.

• Innovation Award:

• Setting new IT standards! This award recognizes visionary solutions with practical benefits for staff, faculty, and students nationwide.

• Emerging Leader Award:

• Shaping the future! This award spotlights rising stars with exceptional IT leadership potential.

• CIO of the Year Award:

• Leading by example! This award honours CIOs who champion communication, collaboration, and innovation, reflecting CUCCIO's core values.

Finalists:

Collaboration:

Applications SIG

The Applications SIG hosted a valuable session featuring the University of Ottawa's Enterprise Integration Platform (EIP). This innovative solution sparked discussions and offered a fresh perspective for integrating HECv applications. The SIG's foresight in facilitating this knowledge exchange has the potential to save time and streamline processes for IT teams across Canada.

Canadian Continuous Improvement & Change management conference

Jennifer Ferfolja, Anuja Bajaj, Brian Stewart, Ray Konecsni, and Adrian Lim successfully collaborated to organize the first-ever free Canadian Continuous Improvement & Change Management (CANCICM) online conference. This initiative, spearheaded by the CI / CM SIG, attracted over 260 attendees from 36 Canadian higher education institutions. The conference offered valuable learning opportunities, including presentations from CIOs, practical tools, and relatable content. The overwhelmingly positive feedback (92.7% wanting to attend again) and requests for more information solidify the success of this collaborative effort by these dedicated individuals.

Dalhousie university

The Dal IT team went from wrangling a tech stampede to smoother sailing by implementing Intune, a device management solution. This daunting task, driven by insurance needs, involved mastering new tech and collaborating with internal IT, external consultants, and universities. The payoff? Reduced security risks, faster response to lost/compromised devices, and easier user support through remote management. This isn't just about tech - it's about a whole new era of device control for Dalhousie. This is a giant project that is nearly done in record time!

University of Northern British Columbia

UNBC's IT department (ITS) faced a monster challenge: staff were leaving at an alarming rate. Inspired by role-playing games (RPGs), ITS developed a "Unified Progression Plan" that turned skill development into a rewarding quest. Here's the winning formula:

• The Quest: Three core skills ("Signature Skill," "Skill Points," and "Experience/Education") formed the path to higher pay and better roles. Like in RPGs, the more points employees earned, the higher they leveled up.

• Collaboration is Key: Just like a successful party in an RPG, the plan required teamwork. ITS joined forces with HR and the union to address concerns and ensure fairness (it took over 2.5 years!).

• The Reward: Since implementing the plan, employee retention has skyrocketed to nearly 100%! Compared to the industry average of 14-30% turnover, UNBC's IT department is a model of success.

This gamified approach to professional development isn't just saving UNBC money on hiring and training, it's fostering a stronger relationship between ITS, HR, and the union. The win-win here is clear: happy, skilled employees and a thriving IT department. Now, that's an epic win!

New Brunswick / Prince Edward Island EducationAL Computer Network

Nine universities and colleges from the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Educational Computer Network (NB/PEI ECN) are teaming up to fight cybercrime – and they're not clocking out at 5 pm! Here's why they deserve the finalist nod for collaboration:

• Night Watch: These institutions joined forces to create an after-hours Security Operations Center (SOC) – basically, an all-night cybersecurity team – powered by Stratejm Inc.'s Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service. This means they have real-time threat detection and response, 24/7.

• Strength in Numbers: Sharing the cost and expertise of this SOC allows all members to benefit from top-notch cybersecurity without breaking the bank. It's like a superhero team – everyone brings their strengths to the table.

• Rapid Response: A cyberattack is like a villain trying to sneak in – this collaborative SOC spots them faster and throws them out quicker. This minimizes data breaches and keeps everyone's information safe.

By working together, these universities and colleges are proving that collaboration is the ultimate weapon against cybercrime. They've built a powerful defense system that protects their entire community, making them true cybersecurity champions!

Innovation

Algoma University

Algoma University ditches the old for a cloud-based student system (SIS) – a game-changer for this small school! This award-worthy move brings:

• Savings: Reduced costs free up resources for students, not hardware upkeep.

• Flexibility: Accessible anywhere, anytime for on-the-go studying & remote faculty.

• Scalable: SIS adapts to student body fluctuations without infrastructure headaches.

• Streamlined: Automated tasks and central data make everything run smoother.

• Data-Driven: Valuable insights improve student performance and the learning environment.

Algoma's success story inspires others to embrace the cloud and unlock a world of possibilities!

Carleton University

Carleton University is taking a proactive stance against climate change and its impact on technology. Here's how their IT department (ITS) is ensuring a smooth ride even during power outages:

• Double the Power, Double the Protection: UPS upgrades in both their Pigiarvik (PKDC) and MacOdrum (MLDC) data centers provide backup power and minimize service disruptions.

• Virtual Powerhouse: A revamped virtualization environment lets them seamlessly switch services between data centers in case of emergencies.

• Lessons Learned, Resilience Gained: Carleton meticulously planned and executed these upgrades, ensuring minimal downtime and maximizing future preparedness.

Carleton's commitment to a robust and adaptable IT infrastructure makes them a true leader in higher education. They're not just keeping the lights on – they're building a brighter future for technology at Carleton!

Nipissing University

Nipissing University ditches plastic for the future with digital student IDs!

• Eco-Friendly & Streamlined: No more forever waste – digital IDs are better for the environment and way more convenient.

• FreedCamp to the Rescue: Smooth transition with clear phases managed by project management software.

• A Blueprint for Change: Nipissing's roadmap helps other universities go digital:

  • Phased Approach

  • Dedicated Team

  • Focus on Needs

  • Clear Communication

  • Stakeholder Input

  • Self-Serve & Personal Support

  • Automation is Key

  • Strong Vendor Relationship

Nipissing University is a leader in digital IDs, showing the endless possibilities for a more streamlined campus experience. This is just the beginning!

The University of British Columbia

Imagine searching through thousands of UBC courses to find the perfect fit for your learning style. Struggle no more! UBC's new AI tool uses fancy tech (machine learning, natural language processing) to analyze course syllabi and tell you all about:

• Flexibility: Does the course offer make-up exams, recorded lectures, or multiple assignment attempts? Find out in seconds!

• Easy Course Comparison: No more syllabus swamp – compare courses across campuses, subjects, and levels effortlessly.

• Data-Driven Decisions: UBC can identify trends and improve course offerings to better serve students.

This open-source tool is a game-changer for both students and institutions. Students can find their ideal course with ease, and UBC can ensure they're offering the best possible educational experience. This is just the beginning – the tool can be adapted to analyze other aspects of courses, making UBC a leader in using AI to improve education!

University of Northern British Columbia

UNBC's IT department took a wrecking ball to traditional hierarchies! Their secret weapon? A matrix reporting structure, powered by a project management tool called TeamDynamix. This innovative combo brings:

• Cross-Departmental Dream Team: No more silos! This structure breaks down walls, fostering collaboration across departments.

• Project Powerhouse: TeamDynamix keeps projects on track and everyone on the same page.

• Replicable Rocket Fuel: This framework is easy for other institutions to adopt, driving a shift towards more collaborative IT across higher education.

UNBC's success story is a blueprint for a more agile, transparent, and efficient future for IT departments everywhere!

University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan is throwing out the old IT rulebook and putting users first! Their innovative approach is a recipe for success:

• People Power: University of Saskatchewan ditches the "one-size-fits-all" approach and listens to the needs of students, faculty, and staff. Their focus? Solving real problems, not chasing trends.

• Collaboration is Key: Silos are out! Departments work together to create a seamless user experience, breaking down barriers and fostering a "we" mentality.

• Long-Term Vision: Forget flashy headlines – University of Saskatchewan builds a user-friendly system that grows with the university, ensuring a strong foundation for the future.

University of Saskatchewan is showing how IT can be a game-changer in higher education. By putting users at the heart of everything they do, they're building a system that works for everyone – now and in the future. This isn't just about technology – it's about building a better learning environment for the entire community.

Emerging leader

David Saunders, University of Lethbridge

David's impressive journey from a small manager of a systems team to Director of Infrastructure highlights his strong leadership skills.

Faced with a workload-strained team and tight budgets, David prioritized tasks, protected his team from external pressures, and implemented creative solutions. A prime example is his successful establishment of a co-op program, overcoming HR hurdles to create a valuable resource for the department.

David fosters a collaborative spirit by actively encouraging his team to connect with colleagues across Canada through SIGs, online communities, and in-person meetings.

David is selfless and purpose-driven, he inspires his team by never losing sight of the bigger picture and the positive impact of their work. His strong work ethic and dedication make him a valuable asset to our university and the IT community.

Laleh Mosadegh, the University of British Columbia

Laleh Mosadegh, a rising star at UBCIT, has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Emerging Leader award. Her transformative leadership has not only enhanced UBC's IT infrastructure but also set new standards for operational efficiency and technological advancement in Canadian Higher Education IT. From spearheading major technology integrations to inspiring growth and innovation within her teams, Laleh's contributions have propelled UBC to the forefront of AI-driven innovation. Her dedication to staff development and fostering a culture of continuous improvement exemplifies the perfect blend of technical acumen and empathetic leadership. Let's celebrate Laleh's remarkable journey towards becoming an exemplary emerging leader in higher education IT!

Lauren di Mambro, Toronto Metropolitan University

Lauren's reignited the tech experience at Canada's biggest business school. Sure, faculty still get top-notch support, but now students are empowered too. No more software access struggles - a virtual lab environment swoops in to save the day. Financial roadblocks? A laptop lending program bridges the gap. Need help? The walk-in helpdesk, with hours mirroring faculty support, is there.

But Lauren's impact is more than just programs. They've built a collaborative, approachable IT team, transforming them from "cringe" to champions. Students feel empowered to ask questions, fostering trust and open communication. This goldmine of insights fuels Lauren's data-driven decisions, ensuring educational technology truly serves students. Lauren's a superhero for student success, and their innovative spirit is taking the business school by storm.

Manjula Devaraj, Dalhousie University

Manjula's leadership journey at Dalhousie is inspiring. She's grown from managing a team in Computer Science to leading the Service Delivery team within ITS. But her impact goes beyond her role.

Manjula spearheaded a collaborative effort to enroll all ITS teams in Intune device management services. This wasn't easy – it required interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve the university's security goals. Manjula's work exemplifies how universities can innovate in device management, proving that cutting-edge security and technology go hand-in-hand at Dalhousie.

Mike Patterson, University of Waterloo

Mike's quick thinking and decisive action during a major attempted ransomware attack helped Waterloo achieve a swift recovery. His calm demeanour under pressure inspires trust within the university community.

Mike plays a central role in developing Waterloo's first cybersecurity strategy and spearheaded the successful rollout of a new Endpoint Detection and Response tool, navigating internal discussions with a thoughtful leadership style.

Mike actively participates in the ISLDP program and co-chairs the SIG on Cybersecurity. A regular at CanSSOC events, Mike is a champion for collaboration and information sharing within the cybersecurity community.

Mike's dedication and leadership make him a valuable asset to Waterloo and Canada's cybersecurity landscape.

Scott Wilson, Dalhousie University

Scott Wilson's more than just managing IT, he's a visionary leader shaping the institution's tech strategy. He collaborates with stakeholders to deliver, and his growing influence is clear from his expanding responsibilities.

A true leader, Scott inspires his team and fosters a collaborative environment. He spearheaded a project to overhaul security policies, implementing robust measures like multi-factor authentication. But his impact goes beyond his institution. Scott champions collaboration, creating shared resources with other universities. His focus on remote learning accessibility has set a standard for Canadian higher education.

Sohaib Anwar, Capilano University

Sohaib's impressive journey at CapU showcases his leadership potential. He excelled from service desk analyst to manager, leveraging his technical skills and strong work ethic. Sohaib's a proactive leader, constantly innovating and driving positive change. His role as technical lead on the Hyflex project exemplifies his commitment to a modern learning experience. Sohaib is a valuable asset to CapU, leading his team through digital transformation with thoughtful guidance.

CIO of the Year

Bo Wandschneider, University of Toronto

Bo transcends the typical CIO role. He's a visionary leader, igniting a collaborative revolution in cybersecurity. From co-founding CanSSOC to his relentless work with ON-CHEC, Bo has championed a shared approach to cyber defense, raising the bar for the entire education sector. But his influence goes far beyond security.

Bo fosters a thriving departmental culture at U of T, mentoring future leaders and bridging the gap between IT and Research Data Management (RDM). His unwavering support for best practices in Digital Research Infrastructure, especially RDM, has empowered Canadian researchers. A respected voice, Bo influences positive change in research conduct and management across the nation.

What truly sets Bo apart is his ability to connect. His roots in serving researchers instilled a deep service ethic that fuels his collaborative spirit. He fosters relationships across the DRI ecosystem, creating a win-win environment. Bo's commitment to higher education and CUCCIO is evident in everything he does. He's a past CUCCIO and ORION board member, a vocal advocate for the "by us, for us" model, and a tireless contributor at conferences. Bo is a true leader, and his dedication to collaboration and innovation makes him the perfect candidate for CIO of the Year!

Jody Couch, Dalhousie University

Jody shatters the mold of a typical CIO. In just two years, she's become the architect of Dalhousie's digital revolution, leading not just within the university but also on the national stage through active CUCCIO and CIO discussions.

Jody spearheaded the Digital Strategy, a cornerstone of Dalhousie's Third Century Promise. This ambitious vision guides a university-wide digital transformation, including data governance reform. With her technical expertise and leadership, Jody prioritized high-impact changes:

• Implementing multi-factor authentication (once unthinkable at Dalhousie)

• Upgrading to VoIP phones

• Developing a new information security policy

• Migrating from an on-premise data center to a secure colocation model

• Initiating plans to replace the legacy ERP system with a modern cloud solution

But transformation wasn't just about technology. Jody meticulously transformed the IT department structure. Through a year of listening, assessing, and restructuring, outdated services were retired, key roles were empowered, and a new, modern ITS organization emerged. Now, technology and personnel are perfectly aligned to deliver these transformative initiatives.

Jody fosters a collaborative environment through open communication, earning respect across Dalhousie. Her experience as both a technologist and a leader allows her to seamlessly collaborate with diverse stakeholders. An active CUCCIO member, Jody is passionate about giving back. She's heavily involved in planning the upcoming CANHEIT conference for CUCCIO members, mentors tirelessly, participates in discussions, and represents higher education IT nationally. Jody's dedication, experience, and collaborative spirit make her a shining example for the entire Canadian higher education IT community.