News

In a world where transactions are increasingly carried out online and experiences take place in the digital realm, user experience has never been more important. At the University of Ottawa, the student user experience is at the heart of the institution and Digital Campus Transformation Plan.

Get to know Jeffrey Lanthier, Senior Manager Telfer IT Services 

Last year after a month of remote working, Chief Information Officer Martin Bernier realized that the hours of his workday would fly by in online meetings, without a break. Knowing others were likely in a similar situation, he started scheduling virtual coffee breaks with his team. In celebration of one year of virtual coffee breaks with over 150 staff and students, we are sharing reasons why we think you need to schedule a virtual coffee break now. 

This Women's week, let’s explore how “Better Together” can drive towards a more diverse and inclusive society. We often come across examples of women supporting women throughout their careers, but having the same support from our men as allies is also very powerful in creating and promoting opportunities for women.

More connected with our community! Earlier this fall, the University launched Easy Virtual Fair, a virtual tradeshow and fair platform. Given that the pandemic is expected to continue in 2021, this solution will facilitate hosting of online trade shows and job fairs. Tradeshows are already scheduled weekly up into May!

Get to know Troy MacFarlane, Solution Architect in the Office of the CIO.

With the help of Executive Assistant Diana Wittman, Taha Zarrug decided to take on a new kind of fundraiser to aid the Ottawa Food Bank – a recipe booklet composed of recipes contributed by members of Information Technology was created and sold. All profits made from the sales of the booklets were donated to the organization to aid those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales made from the book totalled $1795, the equivalent of $8975 in buying power, which will help provide 747 meals to hungry families, or 2991 healthy meals to hungry children. 

On November 2020, the Canadian Network for the Advancement of Research Industry and Education (CANARIE)announced that the University of Ottawa is one of six universities selected for its Research Software funding call for local research software support. This funding has opened the paths for new possibilities in research software development and has led to establishing a new Research Software Development Team (RSDT). 

Whether you’ve received a University laptop in the last year, assistance with hardware or software, or obtained basic computer training, you’ve likely been in contact with an analyst from our second-level support team. It’s been a hectic year for them, but they have been agile in ensuring employees and academics get the technology and support they need to work remotely. “The technicians are knowledgeable, courteous, and very prompt in responding and in resolving IT issues.  This has helped enormously staff who are now working from home and using new digital platforms and tools,” explained Terry Campbell, Executive Director of Research Operations and Strategies.

Amélie Leroux is a third-year student studying Business Technology Management at the University of Ottawa. She began her third work placement with Information Technology in January 2021. Last August, Amélie was appointed to a new Student Coordinator position to improve the engagement and experience of students working in Information Technology and studying at the University.