February 2026 CIO Update
As winter (hopefully) dies down and we approach Spring Break, I want to share some updates on various projects and initiatives underway in Technology Services.
Upgrading Campus Infrastructure, Hosting, and Cloud
A major deliverable of our Enterprise IT Risk Project is transitioning “housed” servers to a centralized hosted environment. Discussions are currently underway with units to review what servers can transition, and to create timelines for migration to the new model. Alongside our hosting transitions, Information Security has officially completed the build-out of our new AWS cloud environment, which is currently awaiting the provisioning of its first domain controller. To support this shift to the cloud, our SPP site will be updated with the new AWS offering, and officially retire the old “housed” server option. We are also exploring an Azure High-Performance Computing (HPC) setup in partnership with OVPRI. On the physical infrastructure side, fiber relocation will be moving forward for the new 700 W. Grace Residence Hall, with a purchase order and city construction permits recently issued. Construction of the new duct bank and cutover of fiber will be occuring in the coming weeks.
Campus Spaces and the Mobile ID Rollout
A massive campus-wide initiative is underway to transition to the Atrium card management system and roll out Digital and Mobile IDs. Our teams are officially adopting a “mobile-first” strategy for university credentials. While physical IDs will continue to be available for some use cases, digital credentials on a mobile device will be supported for buliding access, campus dining, and many other services. The project kicked off in January, and data integrations are actively being worked on to support this exciting modernization.
Additionally, classroom and event spaces are getting major upgrades. The team is currently coordinating a mocked-up system setup for the Oliver Hall 4084B HyFlex/Hybrid Showcase Classroom, which will feature an advanced Zoom Room PC. Our Media Support Services team has also officially added the Cary & Belvidere Events Space to the IT Project Portfolio; this renovation of the former Chili’s restaurant will serve as the new home for VCU Catering and also feature a new event and conferencing center for multiple events.
Transforming Telecommunications and Print
The Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) project is entering a crucial vebdor evaluation phase. As we review top contenders, the project team is setting up testing sandboxes and conducting deep-dive meetings with key constituent groups including the VCU Health Systems Patient Assistance Center and our own IT Support Center to fully develop the integrations needed to deliver new call center functionality that will help to drive efficiencies and improve the customer service experience.
For our campus printing needs, the Managed Print committee has successfully selected Canon as our managed print vendor with 100% consensus. The team is currently drafting a bridge agreement and reviewing new device pricing to ensure a seamless transition for the university.
Security and Vulnerability Management
Keeping our university network safe remains a top priority. The Information Security Office is actively driving a comprehensive Vulnerability Management Program. The team has successfully prioritized network vulnerabilities and is currently in the active remediation phase. This includes working closely with units to resolve outdated system vulnerabilities, with a targeted resolution expected by the end of Spring.
Streamlining Administrative Systems and AI
Our Collaboration Services team has successfully completed the decommission of the legacy Google Mymail.vcu.edu environment and upgraded our Tableau Server environments to the latest release. Looking ahead, the search is officially on for a replacement of the EMS event scheduling tool, with requirements surveys going out this month and a goal to have a new tool selected by March. Finally, our AI initiatives are rapidly expanding. Alongside our AI literacy video campaign, custom AI bot development is actively underway for the Development and Alumni Relations, Procurement, and School of Pharmacy.
Stay tuned for more updates on these and other projects and initiatives, and as always, thanks to the entire Technology Services team!