OIT Culture
An Organization Built on Positive Culture
A collaborative, positive culture is the foundation of how the Office of Information Technology (OIT) works together to achieve our goals and serve as a strategic partner to the University of Notre Dame. Our culture shapes how we make decisions, how we support one another, and how we engage with campus partners in advancing the University’s mission.
Each year, OIT leadership and staff align around a focused set of strategic priorities and objectives (OKRs) that support the broader goals of the University. These priorities reflect our shared commitment to excellence and demonstrate how deeply we value partnerships across campus and within our own IT@ND community. By working collaboratively and transparently, we ensure that our efforts remain mission-centered and outcomes-driven.
IT as a Strategic Partner
In 2023, OIT restructured its governance and IT stewardship processes to strengthen our role as a strategic partner to the University. In a complex academic environment spanning research, teaching, and administration, greater transparency and collaboration ensure that technology-enabled initiatives move in alignment toward shared institutional goals. Governance now guides our priorities, clarifies decision-making, and defines what success looks like as we look toward the University’s future.
A more mature governance model has improved efficiency by reducing duplication, aligning investments, and incorporating best practices in higher education IT. Executive oversight of portfolios and technology investments ensures that decisions reflect institutional strategy, not isolated needs. This structure provides clearer accountability and positions OIT not simply as a service provider, but as a trusted partner shaping enterprise-wide outcomes.
Effective IT governance is more than process. It is the mechanism that transforms individual technology efforts into coordinated institutional impact. By aligning projects to mission and academic priorities, governance ensures that technology investments deliver measurable value and advance the University’s strategic direction.
At the center of this transformation is our commitment to partnership. Reliable service is foundational, but our aspiration extends further. We seek to collaborate proactively with campus leaders, contribute strategic insight, and help the University pursue excellence in a way that reflects its mission to be a force for good in the world.
Looking Ahead: 2026–2030
As OIT looks toward the next five years, this vision is designed to provide both strategic direction and flexibility. Technology, higher education, and leadership priorities will continue to evolve, and this framework is intended to support continuity while remaining adaptable to emerging opportunities and future leadership perspectives.
As emerging technologies reshape research, learning, and administrative operations, we will focus on strengthening cross-functional collaboration, accelerating responsible innovation, and ensuring that technology investments are transparent, measurable, and mission-aligned. Our goal is not simply to implement systems, but to help shape an institution that is agile, data-informed, and prepared for the opportunities and complexities ahead. By deepening our partnerships across campus, we will continue to position OIT as a strategic advisor and trusted collaborator in advancing the University’s academic excellence and long-term vision.
Our OIT Culture Foundations
Collectively, our Culture Foundations represent who we are today and who we strive to become as we support the University’s mission.
Our Story
At Notre Dame OIT, we believe technology is a bridge to discovery, a tool for education, and a catalyst for innovation.
We are proud to manage the digital infrastructure that keeps the University connected while acting as trusted advisors for faculty, students, and staff. Whether we are securing our data, providing the gold standard (or Golden Dome Standard) of support, or developing custom solutions for complex research, we are driven by one goal: empowering the Notre Dame community to fulfill its mission.
How Our Culture Advances Our Strategy
Every aspect of our culture supports one of the University's strategic technology priorities.
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Strategic Goal |
Culture Connection |
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People & Talent |
Learning, mentoring, professional development, belonging |
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Partnerships |
Trusted advisors, governance, collaboration |
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Innovation & Change |
Curiosity, experimentation, AI, continuous improvement |
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Security |
Stewardship, trust, shared responsibility |
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Technology Experience |
Service excellence, accessibility, user-centered design |
Our Pillars (What we’re known for)
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Trusted Partnerships
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Build lasting relationships through collaboration, stewardship, and shared success.
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Innovation with Purpose
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Embrace emerging technologies while ensuring thoughtful adoption.
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Exceptional Experiences
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Deliver technology that is intuitive, accessible, secure, and people-centered.
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Growing Our People
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Invest in continuous learning, leadership, and professional growth.
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Responsible Stewardship
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Protect University resources through cybersecurity, governance, and ethical decision-making.
Team Tenets (What we stand for)
Through listening sessions, surveys, and ongoing dialogue, OIT has developed a set of guiding tenets that articulate who we are, how we work, and how we serve the Notre Dame family. These tenets reflect our dedication to trust, accountability, innovation, and service, anchoring our work as both technologists and stewards of a thriving institutional culture.
Inclusivity & Respect
Emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with dignity and creating an environment that is welcoming to all, regardless of background or perspective.
Collaboration & Teamwork
Fostering a culture of teamwork, breaking down silos, and encouraging cooperative efforts among team members and with external partners.
Open Communication & Transparency
Facilitating open, honest communication and transparency in decision-making processes and actions.
Adaptability & Open-Mindedness
Being adaptable to change, open to new ideas, and flexible in approach, especially in a field that constantly evolves like technology.
Our most significant investment lies in the growth of our people. By fostering a culture of mentorship, leadership cultivation, and ongoing professional development, we empower our team to navigate and support the University's shifting technological landscape through collective knowledge and diverse growth opportunities.
Our strategy defines where we're going. Our culture determines how we'll get there. By investing in our people, building trusted partnerships, embracing thoughtful innovation, protecting the University, and delivering exceptional technology experiences, we're helping Notre Dame achieve its bold aspirations.