Shows
Behind the Screens: IT@NDAdvent Kisses, Christmas Skits, and Holiday Havoc: IT at ND Shares Its TraditionsThis special holiday episode of Behind the Screens IT at ND features hosts Diana (IT support technician) and Scooter (Director of Information Technology for the College of Arts and Letters), along with producer Andy (IT Partnerships Manager), as they reflect on their favorite Christmas stories and traditions.Scooter shares a funny, self-deprecating memory from when he first started dating his wife, mistaking purple-wrapped dark chocolate Hershey Kisses for "Advent kisses". Diana recounts realizing that Santa’s bite marks on her Oreos looked exactly like her dad's, while Andy shares fond memories of family gatherings in Florida during th...
2025-12-1931 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDData Storage Stewardship and the Future of Cloud CollaborationIn this episode of "Behind the Screens IT at ND," hosts Diana and Scooter delve into the crucial strategic initiative of Data Storage Stewardship at the University of Notre Dame. They are joined by Cloud Collaboration Services team members Qi Wu, Lisa Torbin, and Jeff Crithlow, who offer an in-depth look at the upcoming changes to the university's online storage options.The core of the stewardship project is establishing sustainable, secure, and cost-effective practices for managing the university’s growing data footprint. The goal is to define use cases and standardize storage options, encapsulated in the concept of "best fi...
2025-12-0853 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDOne Password to Rule Them All: Essential Tips for Cyber Security Awareness at NDIn this episode of Behind the Screens, the hosts Scooter and Diana welcome guests Lauren Freda and Guadalupe Cisneros Ortega, who share their experiences in information security at the University of Notre Dame. They discuss the importance of cybersecurity awareness, the challenges faced in the field, and the initiatives taken during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The conversation also covers the transition into cybersecurity roles, the significance of risk management, and the collaborative culture within the IT Fellows Program. Listeners gain insights into common cybersecurity threats, the role of personal devices, and the future of technology in the field.Takeaways
2025-11-0457 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDFrom Analog Drawings to Digital Plotters: Supporting Architecture TechIn this episode of Behind the Screens: IT at ND, host Scooter, Director of IT for the College of Arts and Letters, speaks with ArchIT team members Amelia Brubaker and Brock Burden about the unique challenges of providing embedded tech support within the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture. They discuss supporting students through their analog-to-digital workflows, managing complex large-format printing needs both on campus and abroad in Rome, and emphasizing proactive planning, robust documentation, and equipment redundancy to prevent issues before they arise. The team also recounts handling a high-stakes security incident, shares their consultancy philosophy ro...
2025-10-201h 08Behind the Screens: IT@NDStudent Affairs IT: Beth and Neil's Mission to Make Technology Work for StaffIn this episode of Behind the Screens: IT at ND, Diana and Scooter sit down with campus tech superheroes Beth Padgett and Neil Kovatch — the dynamic duo powering the tech behind Student Affairs at Notre Dame. With nearly 200 staff across 40+ buildings, Beth and Neil manage everything from the expected (laptops and logins) to the completely unexpected (X-ray machines and Peloton bikes 😮). From spinning up networks for Rec Sports to tackling high-stakes laundry drama (yes, really), they’re the hidden force keeping student life connected. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to support tech ac...
2025-10-0639 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDThe October 1st Deadline: Understanding the New Adobe Licensing Structure🎙️ Behind the Screens is back—and this time, we’re getting creative with Adobe! Join hosts Scooter and Diana as they chat with tech-savvy guests Steve Varela and Crystal DeJaegher from Notre Dame’s Teaching and Learning Technologies team.They’re diving into the big changes coming to Adobe licenses on campus: ✨ what’s new (hello, Adobe Express!), what’s changing for faculty, staff, and students, and how these tools can level up your teaching and learning game.But wait—there’s more! You’ll also hear about the behind-the-scenes support that makes it all work and why user education is the...
2025-09-2254 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDOne Big Team: The Collaborative Spirit of Back to SchoolSummaryIn this episode of Behind the Screens, the team takes you inside the hustle and excitement of Notre Dame’s back-to-school season. From tackling service desk challenges to celebrating big wins, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to keep campus running smoothly during one of the busiest times of the year. You’ll hear eye-opening metrics from the reimagined service desk, discover the unique role of Hall Walkers, and learn how upgrades in classroom technology are shaping the student and faculty experience. It’s a conversation packed with stories of preparation, teamwork, and innovation—all with...
2025-09-081h 06Behind the Screens: IT@NDThe Next Exciting Challenge: Notre Dame's Enterprise CRM VisionThis episode of "Behind the Screens IT@ND" features a conversation with Tracy Weber, Assistant VP of Enterprise Solutions and Delivery, and Jami Radcliffe, Enterprise CRM Administrator, both from the University of Notre Dame's Office of Information Technologies (OIT). The discussion focuses on the implementation and strategic importance of an enterprise-wide Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, specifically Salesforce, at the university. They explore what CRM is, how it's currently used by various departments to manage relationships with constituents like students and alumni, and the benefits of a centralized platform. The speakers also address challenges such as stale data, the...
2025-08-261h 06Behind the Screens: IT@NDBehind the Breakthroughs: The Essential Role of IT Consulting in Notre Dame's Science & EngineeringIn this episode of Behind the Screens, the hosts Scott and Diana engage with Clay Berkley and Gwen Hagey-Shirk, senior IT solutions specialists at Notre Dame. They discuss their extensive experience in IT, the structure of their team, and the diverse challenges they face in supporting faculty, staff, and students. The conversation delves into the dynamics of IT consultancy, the tools they use, and the unique support issues they encounter, including working with outdated technology and specialized research equipment. They also share insights into their daily routines, seasonal variations in workload, and the importance of collaboration with vendors and...
2025-08-1144 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDBehind the Alumni Network: Mark Schult's Role in Connecting Notre Dame's CommunityIn this episode of 'Behind the Screens,' we delve into the world of IT consultancy at Notre Dame with Mark Schult. Mark shares his journey from technician to consultant, highlighting the importance of collaboration within his small team that supports over 160,000 alumni. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced in alumni support, the innovative solutions implemented for events, and the significance of project management in consultancy. Mark also discusses his involvement with the Project Management Institute and the community of practice that fosters collaboration among IT professionals on campus. In this engaging conversation, Mark Schult shares his insights...
2025-07-281h 07Behind the Screens: IT@NDSupporting Relationships & Data: Notre Dame's Development Office IT Team"Behind the Screens IT at ND: Episode 16" features hosts Diana and Scooter, who welcome Rose Michalski, IT Support Services Associate Program Director, and Andrew Yocum, Associate Director of Integration Services, from the University of Notre Dame's Development Office IT and Services Team. This episode delves into the unique IT landscape of the Development Office, which supports over 400 employees across 58 teams and operates as a large IT organization distinct from central OIT. Rose, celebrating 41 years at Notre Dame and retiring soon, oversees end-user support, hardware/software provisioning, AV technology, and daily operational IT needs, including the complex process of CWP...
2025-07-1443 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDBuilding Trust: The People-First Approach in IT with Jane LivingstonThis podcast episode features an interview with Jane Livingston, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the University of Notre Dame, discussing her leadership philosophy of "people first, technology second." She reflects on fostering trust and a collaborative culture within Notre Dame's IT community, contrasting it with a prior "command and control" approach. Livingston emphasizes empowering staff through "headroom" for innovation and accountability, highlighting the importance of front-line IT consultants in identifying solutions and the need for continued learning in a rapidly changing technological landscape, particularly concerning AI. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions about Livingston's personal preferences and...
2025-06-3052 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDPassing the Mic: Diana Takes the Helm as Krista Embraces a New PassionIn this episode of Behind the Screens, the team welcomes Diana Garcia, a new IT support technician, who shares her journey from studying neuroscience to working in IT. The conversation explores her experiences at the service desk, the confidence she has gained in her new role, and her advice for students considering career pivots. Krista announces her transition to co-leading an employee resource group, while reflecting on the relationships built during the podcast's first season. Diana expresses her excitement about becoming a co-host and the opportunity to connect with more people in the IT community at Notre Dame. In...
2025-06-1541 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDInside the Campus Workstation Program: Insights from Jennifer ParkerIn this episode of Behind the Screens IT at ND, hosts Scooter and Krista welcome Jennifer Parker, a Senior CWP Specialist, to discuss the Campus Workstation Program (CWP) at the University of Notre Dame. Jennifer shares insights into her role, the program's eligibility criteria, and the importance of technology in enhancing productivity and security. The conversation delves into team dynamics, daily operations, inventory management, and the challenges faced in maintaining effective communication and relationships across various departments. Additionally, they explore the evolution of policies based on feedback and the strategic partnerships that support the program's success. In this conversation...
2025-06-0255 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDLondon Calling: IT at the ND Global GatewayBehind the Screens: IT@ND welcomes Abdikhaaliq Osman, IT Solutions Coordinator for the University of Notre Dame London campus. Osman provides insights into his role supporting the London location, which he describes as equivalent to second-line support with additional coordination and local vendor management responsibilities. He discusses the small team size in London and the goal for full staffing.Learn about the challenges of supporting a global gateway across time zones, including the ongoing effort to integrate with the service desk and utilize ticketing via ServiceNow. Discover the unique dynamic of supporting a revolving door of visiting...
2025-05-1636 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDBuilding IT Partnerships: A Conversation with LeeSonn SmithIn this episode of Behind the Screens: IT@ND, we sit down with LeeSonn Smith, an IT Solutions Consultant from OIT’s Enhanced Technology Partnerships (ETP) group. LeeSonn shares his inspiring journey—from early influences by his father and experiences at the Apple Store to joining Notre Dame five and a half years ago and advancing into his current role two years ago.As an IT Partnerships - Gold team member, LeeSonn and a team of 8 support 16 departments, including Enrollment, the Graduate School, and campus museums, serving as a “one-stop shop” for IT needs. His work ranges from day-to-d...
2025-05-0448 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDSecuring ND: Lauren Ajamie on 1Password and Trusted AccessIn this episode of Behind the Screens: IT at ND, hosts Krista and Scooter sit down with Lauren Ajamie, a Senior Identity and Access Management Solutions Analyst, to explore her unique career path—from studying Greek, Latin, and library science to becoming a key player in Notre Dame’s cybersecurity landscape.After a quick update for the IT Consultancy Community of Practice, the conversation dives into the world of secure access. Lauren unpacks the power of One Password, the campus-wide password manager, spotlighting its secure storage, autofill features, breach alerts, MFA support, and shared vaults for teams and fami...
2025-04-1544 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDTeamwork and Tech Solutions at the Keough School of Global AffairsThis episode of Behind the Screens IT at ND welcomes Sergio Cerda, IT solutions specialist team lead for the Keough School of Global Affairs. The conversation explores Sergio's journey into IT consultancy at the University of Notre Dame, contrasting his experiences in the private sector with Notre Dame's mission-driven environment. The episode delves into the structure of the IT team at the Keough School and Sergio's role as team lead, including the team-centric approach. A key topic discussed is the Help Desk Dispatch pilot program and its impact on their work. The hosts and Sergio also discuss the composition a...
2025-04-0432 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDFrom Help Desk to Service Desk: Transforming IT Support at Notre DameThe "Behind the Screens IT at ND" podcast episode features a conversation with Chris Gillis, director of the service desk at the University of Notre Dame. The discussion explores the service desk's evolution from the traditional help desk, including its rebranding and expansion of services. The aim is to move beyond reactive help to a more proactive, ITIL service desk model. Key topics include combining teams, offering an "Apple store experience" for computer selection, enhancing technology partnerships, and improving computer security through health checks. The service desk plays a crucial role in resolving a high percentage of incidents without...
2025-03-1638 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDInside Mendoza IT: Supporting Faculty, Staff, and Grad Students"Behind the Screens IT at ND" is a podcast from the University of Notre Dame exploring the world of IT solutions consultants. The episode features Hank G., an IT consultant from the Mendoza College of Business, who discusses his team's structure, responsibilities, and the support they provide to faculty, staff, and graduate students. Hank highlights the importance of cross-training, leveraging campus partnerships, and the white-glove service they aim to provide. He shares an example of a project integrating Google Calendar, Sheets, and Qualtrics to enhance the business honors program and mentions using monday.com for work management. The podcast...
2025-03-0328 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDAI at Notre Dame: Live from the IT@ND RetreatThis episode from "Behind the Screens: IT at ND features a discussion on the integration of AI at the University of Notre Dame. Alexi Orchard, Brandon Rich, and Steve Cohen share their experiences and perspectives on AI's current and future applications. The conversation highlights both the excitement and apprehension surrounding AI, exploring its potential benefits and ethical concerns. Specific use cases in HR, teaching, and IT are examined, along with the importance of responsible AI implementation and the need for AI literacy. The episode also touches upon the environmental impact of AI and its potential effects on the job...
2025-02-0546 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDFrom Game Day to Graduation: The Technology Powering Notre Dame's Biggest EventsThis podcast episode features an interview with Shawn Deweerd, a video engineer at Notre Dame, who discusses his work supporting live broadcasts of various university events, primarily athletic competitions. He details the complexities of his role, including managing a vast network of equipment and fiber connections and troubleshooting technical issues. The conversation also explores the increasing use of AI in broadcast technology and the challenges of adapting to ever-evolving IP video standards. Additionally, Deweerd highlights opportunities for student involvement and the potential for expanding services to other campus departments. Finally, he offers some helpful technical resources for aspiring video...
2025-01-0647 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDBuilding the Bench: IT Fellows, IT Skills Assessment, and Professional DevelopmentThis podcast episode of "Behind the Screens: IT@ND" features interviews with two University of Notre Dame IT professionals, Elizabeth Zickgraf and Tracy Fronk. Elizabeth discusses her career progression, the university's IT fellows program designed to address workforce aging and attract new talent, and OIT's initiatives to foster employee engagement and professional development. Tracy shares her experience transitioning roles within the university, highlighting the importance of identifying and proposing solutions to unmet needs. The episode also includes tech tips on cybersecurity and avoiding online scams.About this podcast:Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast...
2024-12-1243 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDAthletics IT: Game Day, Mobile Tickets, and a run in with Coach FreemanEver wondered what it takes to keep IT running smoothly across Notre Dame’s athletics programs? Join hosts Krista and Scooter as they dive into the dynamic world of Athletics IT with Tracy Fronk, IT Solutions Specialist. Tracy reveals the inner workings of supporting 26 varsity sports, from managing game-day tech and mobile ticketing to providing critical support for sports performance and sports medicine. With hundreds of applications and ever-evolving tech needs, Tracy shares insights on the challenges, key tools, and unique projects that keep the department moving. Plus, stick around for “Consultant Quirks” to learn a few fun facts about Tracy...
2024-11-0539 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDWireless First, WebEx Calling, and Woody with Special Guest John BuysseWelcome to Behind the Screens: IT@ND, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the IT solutions consultants at the University of Notre Dame. Hosted by Krista, Manager of IT Marketing & Communications in OIT, and Scooter, Director of Information Technology for the College of Arts & Letters, we explore the challenges faced by IT teams, the innovative solutions they create, and practical tech tips to help you make the most of your technology.In this episode, we talk with John Buysse, Senior Director of University Network & Telephony Services, about Notre Dame’s Wireless First initiative. We dive in...
2024-10-0148 minBehind the Screens: IT@NDNavigating IT Solutions: The Role of Consultants at Notre DameIn this debut episode of Behind the Screens: IT@ND, hosts Krista and Scooter sit down with Andy and Dan. They discuss the critical role of IT consultancy at Notre Dame, revealing how consultants serve as trusted advisors to various campus departments. Andy shares insights into IT consultants' everyday challenges, innovative problem-solving techniques, and how consulting ties into the university’s broader IT strategy. Dan gives us a glimpse into his unique path to consultancy and shares practical solutions to recent IT challenges. Plus, don’t miss their fun rapid-fire round, where the guests reveal their quirkiest consultant trait...
2024-09-0548 min