A five-year initiative to modernize the university's digital infrastructure
This time last year, a power outage caused by a severe windstorm took down VIU’s phone system. This was the final nail in the coffin for a system held together for years by scrounged parts and duct tape.
To prevent future technology failures that threaten business operations, VIU is launching a Technology Renewal Program (TRP). This five-year initiative will modernize the university’s digital infrastructure so it can better support learning, teaching, research and work. The program introduces a planned, ongoing cycle for upgrading key technologies. This includes classroom technology, computers, servers, network and core IT services. This ensures our campus community has access to modern, secure and reliable tools today – and well into the future.
A critical need
The phone system was not our only technology in need of replacement. About 30% of VIU’s technology infrastructure is considered obsolete and that number increases to 40% by next year if we don’t take action.
Next fall, you’ll start to see the benefits, including:
- More classrooms with collaborative technology.
- Faster and more consistent internet.
- Students training on the same technology they can expect to see in the workforce.
At the end of the day, the bottom line is this: We need to be able to replace equipment on a regular basis so the technology we rely on to work and learn doesn’t become so outdated that it no longer works.
You can learn more by going to the Technology Renewal Program website. We will also be sending out regular updates as the program progresses. If you have any questions, please reach out to trp@viu.ca.
Sincerely,
Emily Huner
Strategic Transformation Advisor and Chief Financial Officer
Terri Wolfe
Acting VP Administration and Strategic Advisor, Facilities Management and Development
Dave Lampron
Chief Information Officer