Concordia IT
2026–2031 strategic plan
Our 2026–2031 Strategic Plan establishes a shared direction for how IITS will evolve over the next five years. It outlines our vision, strategic priorities, and implementation roadmap to strengthen technology services, enhance how we deliver and support IT services, and increase IT's contribution to Concordia University's mission. Developed through extensive consultation with the university community, the plan reflects a shared vision for the future of IT at Concordia.
Our ambition
To be a trusted partner that delivers human-centred experiences through collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
Building the strategy together
The strategy was developed in 2025–2026, through an inclusive process bringing together voices from across the university:
- Individual interviews with senior university leaders, deans, faculty and research leaders, and IT leadership
- Six focus groups engaging IT teams and representatives of the Student, Faculty & Research, Administrative Services, and Teaching & Learning ecosystems
- A three-part external benchmark of best practices at leading universities
- Three co-development workshops with the IT team to shape the ambition, priorities, operating model, and roadmap
From discovery to direction: a roadmap for transformation
The IITS strategic planning process moved through five key phases: diagnosing our current environment, benchmarking against leading practices, co-developing solutions, and defining a roadmap for action.
Diagnostic & Consultations
Benchmark
Co-development Workshops
Roadmap
4 Orientations
13 Priorities
49 Milestones
Our strategy at a glance
Four strategic orientations set the direction for IITS over the next five years. Under each orientation are a set of strategic priorities that translate this direction into specific areas of focus. Together, these 13 priorities will guide how IITS evolves its people, services, technology and partnerships to better support Concordia’s students, faculty, staff and researchers.
1.1 IT workforce has clear roles and responsibilities, and talent is focused on high-value, impactful work.
1.2 Strategic planning is business-driven, integrated and guides IT decisions.
1.3 Organizational culture is customer-centric, innovation-oriented and adaptable to change.
1.4 Operating model enables alignment, agility and sustained long-term value.
2.1 IT services and support are easy to identify, understand and access.
2.2 IT team enables digital literacy and builds client confidence.
2.3 Organizational capacity allows innovation and capitalizes on emerging technological trends.
3.1 User insights and UX principles are rooted in delivering a seamless experience.
3.2 Researchers are supported by advanced technologies, strong capacity and robust IT services that strengthen research leadership.
3.3 Learning is globally accessible and flexible while maintaining academic excellence and integrity.
3.4 Administrative services are better supported, enabling more efficient and effective work.
4.1 IT has a clear positioning that reinforces collaboration and leverages collective strengths.
4.2 Expertise is embedded in academic and operational planning, accelerating institutional goals and collaboration.
How we'll deliver
The strategy will be delivered through a phased implementation roadmap consisting of 13 priorities and 49 strategic milestones over five years.
Implementation will be guided by:
- Strong governance
- Strategic partnerships
- Continuous improvement
- Performance measurement
- Transparent reporting
What success will look like
- More streamlined ways of working will enable IITS to respond faster and provide more strategic support across the university, with teams focused on where their expertise can have the greatest impact.
- Stronger research partnerships will provide researchers with responsive, secure and trusted technology services that support their work and help advance research at Concordia.
- Modern teaching and learning experiences will give students and instructors access to technology-enabled tools and services that are accessible, effective and easy to use.
- Greater administrative efficiency will come from scaled use of data-driven tools, AI and automation, helping simplify processes, improve decision-making and support more effective work.
Looking ahead
The IITS 2026–2031 strategic plan represents a long-term commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration. As implementation progresses, IITS will continue working with partners across the university to ensure technology investments, services, and capabilities remain aligned with institutional priorities and deliver meaningful value.