Campus IT Continuity to Campus Coordination: The Evolution of Collaboration

Five years ago, Campus Coordination (CC) meetings were born. A lot has changed between then and now, even down to the name. As we celebrate this anniversary, it’s helpful to understand the history of these meetings, the strategic evolution, and what lies ahead. 

What began as a means to maintain connection during the pandemic has transformed into something far greater—an essential hub of collaboration between UITS and campus partners. Initially under the leadership of Tom Bourgeois, former Executive Director of Campus IT Partnerships, CC, once called Campus Continuity meetings, were created as an operation center for all of campus IT units to meet daily to discuss the support and logistics of moving all of the University’s employees’ and students’ needs to work remotely in March 2020. The meeting was organized in Zoom, and this platform has continued to sustain communication during the uncertain times of the pandemic and cemented the platform as a vital tool for transparency and coordination today.  Tim Nitz, Assistant Director of Campus IT Partnerships and co-lead of Campus Coordination meetings remembers this time well. “These meetings started as an emergency response. It was about keeping the lights on and making sure the university could continue to operate.”

When Maysoon Eshelman joined UITS as the Executive Director of Campus IT Partnerships in 2021, she continued the work initiated by Bourgeois. She brought a renewed emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and access to leadership—transforming these meetings into a cornerstone of campus alignment. What once averaged 63 attendees has now grown to an engaged audience of 190, demonstrating employees’ eagerness to connect, be heard, and tackle challenges with collective support. Recognizing this surge in participation and the depth of discussions, Eshelman adjusted the frequency, expanded the length while decreasing the number of meetings. These newly established twice weekly gatherings began creating more space for meaningful conversations, stronger connections, and collaborative problem-solving.

“We are a community of nearly a thousand,” said Eshelman. “Providing the UITS community and our campus partners with direct access to core leadership is truly unique.” When compared to other universities, the inclusion of the unit’s leaders is an innovative approach. “Our Deputy Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and other key leaders join these meetings to listen, respond, and turn the issues raised into real priorities.”

Initially focused on operations, CC has grown to embrace a more human element—a community. “Early on, I encouraged anyone in IT to join and participate. As more people got involved, a real sense of community developed, which is essential for a Division.”

At their core, CC meetings are about connection. While the discussions center on addressing timely matters and aligning on priorities, a touch of lightheartedness helps remind everyone that behind the work, they’re all human. “These meetings start at 9:05,” Nitz explained. “Many of us join the meeting right on the hour, so we use those first few minutes as a kind of virtual watercooler—to check in, share a laugh, and acknowledge that we all have lives beyond our screens. I’m not sure that kind of intentional dedication to connection exists anywhere else.”

The mission of Campus IT Partnerships is clear:

• Empower stakeholders to make the most of UITS services.
• Enhance and improve UITS offerings.
• Foster collaboration across IT teams.

CC meetings may seem like a significant commitment on top of an already busy workload—and according to Lizeth Mora, Senior Director of Information Technology, it is. But it's also time well spent.

“It’s an investment, and that time commitment is worth it,” Mora said “The sharing of information and resources could save you hours of work each week,” explained Mora. “These collaborative conversations help people cut down time spent on trying to research who to connect with for different projects and information. Participants get real-time information and answers to their questions.” 

Whether participants have updates to share or simply listen in, the value remains the same. “Some participants keep the meetings running in the background, almost like a podcast,” Mora shared. “When they hear something relevant or of interest, they tune in and gain valuable insights.”

In just five years, CC has become a vital force within UITS and its campus partners—fostering open dialogue, problem-solving, and meaningful connections. As the future shines even brighter, those who have yet to join are encouraged to take part, contribute, and experience the impact of this thriving community.