IITS charts the future of technology services at Concordia
Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging information technologies are reshaping higher education, creating both new challenges and new opportunities. Concordia is responding by establishing a clear vision for how technology can support students, faculty, researchers and staff, while enabling innovation and strengthening the university’s mission.
The new Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, now, outlines a shared roadmap for the future of the university’s IT services. The new Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) 2026–2031 Strategic Plan sets out a shared roadmap for the future of the university’s IT services. A summary of the plan is now available online, highlighting its key directions and priorities.
“The university of 2030 will be defined by what its people imagine and build,” says Philippe Delisle, associate vice-president of IITS and chief information officer. “Our role is to make sure technology never limits that ambition — and often expands it.”
Four key pillars
The five-year strategy is built around four strategic orientations, including 13 priorities and 49 milestones that will guide IITS’s work.
The first orientation is about building the expertise, culture and operating model needed for IITS to be a trusted advisor. The second will make technology services easier to access while helping the Concordia community build digital confidence and make the most of emerging tools. The third will strengthen the user experience and technology support for research, teaching, learning and administrative services. The fourth will position IT to create greater institutional value through stronger collaboration and closer integration with academic and operational planning.
The strategic plan will be implemented through a phased approach and supported by an emphasis on strong governance, university-wide partnerships, continuous improvement and transparent reporting.
A design residency led by IITS and District 3 offers an example of this new way of working. IITS staff and colleagues from across the university came together during the residency and used hands-on, collaborative problem-solving to tackle institutional challenges and develop practical solutions. Three task forces are exploring opportunities to improve the online learning experience, strengthen IT support for researchers and help new technology ideas move from concept to reality more quickly. The initiative reflects the plan’s emphasis on agility, innovation, user experience and collaboration, while drawing on expertise from across Concordia to address shared challenges.
Built by collaboration
The strategic planning process, which took place throughout 2025–2026, brought together voices from across the university to help define IITS’s future direction.
The process included senior university leadership, as well as deans, faculty and key researchers. Focus groups with IT teams and students, faculty members, researchers and administrators rounded out the dialogue.
"Technology's role in research keeps growing, from meeting massive computational demands to keeping sensitive data secure," says Tim Evans, vice-president of research, innovation and impact, who participated in the strategic planning process.
"I look forward to continuing our partnership with IITS to make sure Concordia researchers have what they need to tackle local, national and global challenges."
IITS also looked beyond Concordia, conducting an external benchmarking process with other universities.
Looking ahead
The IITS 2026–2031 Strategic Plan represents a long-term commitment to collaboration, innovation and service excellence, explains Michael di Grappa, vice-president of services and sustainability.
“Technology is an essential partner in advancing Concordia’s priorities and delivering an excellent experience for our community,” he says.
As implementation progresses, IITS will continue working with partners across Concordia to ensure technology services and capabilities remain aligned with institutional priorities and support the community’s evolving needs.
Learn more about Concordia's IITS 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.