As part of our commitment to deliver transformative teaching and learning experiences and to support excellence and innovation in research, Macquarie University is focused on constantly improving the way it operates and delivers services.

Underpinning all our work on a day-to-day basis are our information technology systems and processes. An extensive review process has highlighted the need for us to effect a step change to enable us to build and enhance our capability in this area. This is necessary in order to match the needs of a fast-paced and ever-changing teaching, learning and research environment that serves a diverse range of digitally informed audiences with an ‘anytime anywhere any device’ expectation of technology.

Last week a workplace change proposal was sent to impacted parties, proposing a new structure for IT that is designed to build and enhance our capability. The proposed change looks at shifting from a product-oriented focus to one that is service-oriented and better leveraging cloud to replace ageing technology. The change does not propose a reduction in investment, in recognition of the vital role effective, efficient and agile IT support plays in any large and growing organisation.

At the heart of the proposed change is a new organisational structure that addresses functionality gaps and reorientates the IT Department towards meeting the University’s technology demands and service requirements while supporting the achievement of its strategic goals. It highlights the need to adopt new models of service delivery in context of new and developing technologies such as mobile, cloud and virtualisation.

Consultation on these proposed changes with centralised IT teams is currently underway (faculties and entities are out of scope). An implementation plan is expected to be released from 16 May, subject to feedback. Updates will be provided in the coming weeks.