ACM SIGUCCS 2025 Conference

Conference opening event with SIGUCCS and Conference welcome and celebrating the annual SIGUCCS Awards.

In today’s rapidly evolving Higher Education environment, IT professionals of all types face a unique set of challenges that require constant adaptation and innovation. Navigating these challenges alone is not only daunting but can limit both personal and institutional growth. This is where communities of practice, like SIGUCCS, become invaluable. These communities offer a supportive network where professionals can share experiences, solve problems collaboratively, and develop new skills. More than just a professional network, SIGUCCS is a space where IT professionals can thrive together by leveraging collective knowledge and shared resources.
This session is designed to set the tone for the next three days of the conference by highlighting the critical role that communities of practice play in the professional development of Higher Ed IT professionals. Participants will be introduced to the concept of leveraging communities like SIGUCCS to not only address current challenges but also to foster long-term success and innovation in their institutions. Through real-world examples and personal anecdotes from SIGUCCS members, we will explore how these networks have contributed to problem-solving, professional growth, and the development of lasting relationships that transcend individual roles and campuses.
The session will feature interactive activities, including group activities foster immediate connections and shared insights. These discussions will allow participants to reflect on how being part of a community has helped them overcome professional challenges and develop innovative solutions in their roles.
By the end of this session, participants will have a clearer understanding of the value of communities like SIGUCCS in shaping their professional journeys. They will also be energized and ready to fully engage with the conference, making the most of the networking, learning, and sharing opportunities available. Whether you are a new member or a seasoned SIGUCCS participant, this session will help you tap into the collaborative spirit of the community and leave you poised to make the most of the next three days.

Despite significant advancements in technology, the gender gap in the IT industry remains a pressing issue. This panel aims to shed light on the challenges women face in tech, explore the underlying causes of gender disparity, and discuss actionable strategies to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment. Join us for an engaging discussion as we navigate the complexities of achieving gender equality in IT and share insights on how to create a supportive and diverse workplace.

Our mission: Unify a university IT environment by consolidating over 600 IT staff utilizing more than eight work management systems onto a single platform. The goal was to harmonize these systems, standardize our metrics, and establish consistent processes to enhance the support we provide to over 40,000 customers.

The success of any IT team is dependent on having the right people who meet the team's needs and who can work together to accomplish the team's goals. The unique challenges of IT work in a higher education environment, such as evolving workloads, diverse user needs, and budgetary constraints often require novel solutions when trying to find the right people and build an effective team. In this presentation, we will explore the strategies we use at the University of Hawaii to build a resilient and adaptable IT team. We'll discuss our recruitment and selection processes, including leveraging student employment to identify and cultivate emerging talent. Furthermore, we'll share some of our training and development approaches designed to equip employees with the tools they need to succeed.