As universities continue to embrace digital technologies, community building software has become an increasingly important tool to support campus engagement – It serves as a virtual hub for students, faculty, and staff to connect, communicate, and collaborate on various university initiatives. Yet, selecting the right software can be a daunting task. That’s where the Chief Information Officer (CIO) comes in.
Vetting new campus software
The CIO plays a crucial role in ensuring that any new software implemented on campus meets the unique requirements of the institution. As the use of digital technologies to support holistic engagement, communication, and collaboration expands across higher ed, it’s up to the CIO to ensure the campus’ digital infrastructure is secure.
Explore the top 4 CIO strategies & concerns when implementing a new software on campus:
1 – Security – Security is always a top priority. Any software that is implemented must adhere to the highest security standards to ensure that sensitive personal and institutional data remains protected.
Conduct a thorough security assessment of the software before purchasing it. This should include an evaluation of the software’s security features, as well as an assessment of any potential vulnerabilities.
2 – Integrability – Compatibility with the existing technology infrastructure is also critical.
The software must integrate seamlessly with other existing systems and security protocols in use at the university to avoid potential glitches, incompatibilities or vulnerabilities.
3 – Accessibility – The ease of use for different user groups is another important consideration.
The software must be accessible and user-friendly for everyone from students to faculty to staff, which requires careful consideration of features such as navigation, interface design, and user support.
4 – Scalability – Another important consideration is scalability.
The software must be capable of growth and expansion as the needs of the institution evolve over time. CIOs must ensure that the software has robust support mechanisms in place and that the software vendor has a strong commitment to ongoing development and updates.
Ultimately, a CIO must balance the ongoing needs of the university with the pressing demands of technology development, deployment, and maintenance. By keeping these key considerations in mind, CIOs can help ensure that the implementation of community building software is successful and leads to stronger, more engaged campus communities.