From AI to Real-World Wins: My Top Goals for EDUCAUSE 2025 Reading time: 4 Minutes Every year, EDUCAUSE brings together the brightest minds in higher education technology, along with plenty of coffee-fueled conversations. This year feels especially exciting. With AI adoption moving into practical applications, data integrations reshaping decision-making, and partnerships driving innovation faster than ever, EDUCAUSE 2025 promises more than informative sessions and a tote bag of giveaways. It is an opportunity to experience the future of campus IT up close. As I prepare for the event, I have been building my personal “must-see” list. It covers the big technology trends, the real-world strategies, and the kinds of hallway conversations that can spark game-changing ideas. Here are six reasons I am genuinely looking forward to EDUCAUSE 2025 and why I believe these topics matter for every higher education leader focused on technology, learning, and growth. 1. Seeing AI in Action for Higher Education Artificial intelligence has moved beyond being a buzzword and is now proving its value in everyday campus operations. I am eager to see how institutions are using AI to improve both efficiency and outcomes, from automating routine IT tasks to helping admissions teams identify students who may need additional support. I am equally interested in how campuses are ensuring AI remains ethical, transparent, and aligned with institutional values. 2. Unlocking the Power of Data Insights and Integrations Data becomes more valuable when it is connected, accessible, and put to work in meaningful ways. EDUCAUSE offers a chance to explore how campuses are integrating data across academic, administrative, and financial systems to make decisions faster and with greater accuracy. When institutions connect their data effectively, they gain the ability to act with confidence and agility. One example is Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which partnered with OculusIT to transition from Tableau to PowerBI. By integrating dashboards, providing on-demand support, and training users, WPI was able to accelerate adoption and ensure smoother decision-making through connected data. 3. Learning from Innovative Partnerships Many of the most impactful changes in higher education happen through strong partnerships that combine campus expertise with the right technology. I look forward to seeing examples where these collaborations have improved access to resources, accelerated modernization, and delivered measurable results without creating additional administrative complexity. At OculusIT, we have more than 20+ CIOs and certified CISOs on staff who bring forward looking leadership and guidance to modernize technology and improve student success, making partnerships not just about implementation but about long-term strategy. 4. Exploring Campus Cybersecurity in the Age of AI Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly complex as both threats and defenses evolve with AI capabilities. I want to learn more about how institutions are using AI to detect and prevent attacks before they disrupt operations, and how they are making security measures both stronger and easier for users to navigate. 5. Bridging the Gap Between IT Strategy and Academic Goals A strong technology strategy should work hand in hand with an institution’s academic mission. I am hoping to hear stories of campuses where IT and academic leaders collaborate from the earliest planning stages, ensuring that technology investments directly enhance teaching, learning, and research outcomes. 6. Building Real-World Connections Some of the most valuable moments at EDUCAUSE happen in informal settings, where attendees share challenges, trade solutions, and realize that many institutions are navigating similar issues. These conversations often lead to partnerships and initiatives that create lasting impact long after the event ends. Why This Matters Beyond the Conference EDUCAUSE is not just another industry gathering. It is where the ideas, relationships, and strategies that will shape the future of higher education IT begin to take form. I am attending with an open mind, ready to learn from peers, share insights, and return with approaches that can be applied immediately to strengthen the institutions we serve. If you are attending EDUCAUSE 2025, let’s connect and explore how we can collaborate to drive innovation and improve outcomes for your institution.

How can Higher Ed Institutions Effectively Evaluate HECVAT? March 10th, 2025 Higher education institutions must balance the drive for innovation with the need for strong security measures. As reliance on external vendors increases, establishing a structured method for evaluating these partnerships becomes essential. The Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT) offers a proven framework for assessing vendor security and compliance. In this blog, we explore practical strategies for effectively leveraging HECVAT to strengthen your institution’s risk management and IT operations. Understanding HECVAT Developed collaboratively by the higher education community, HECVAT is designed to streamline and standardize the assessment of third-party vendors’ information security controls. It ensures that vendors meet the rigorous security and compliance requirements unique to educational institutions. The latest iteration, HECVAT 4, introduces significant enhancements to address emerging challenges in vendor assessments. Key Enhancements in HECVAT 4 Comprehensive Question Sets: HECVAT 4 incorporates new and updated questions, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and privacy practices. This addition allows institutions to evaluate vendors’ AI usage and adherence to privacy regulations more effectively. Unified Assessment Tool: By consolidating previous versions (Full, Lite, and On-Prem) into a single, flexible tool, HECVAT 4 simplifies the assessment process. Vendors can now complete one comprehensive assessment annually, which institutions can tailor to their specific requirements. Enhanced Training Resources: The updated HECVAT website offers improved training materials for both institutions and vendors, facilitating a better understanding of the assessment process and expectations. Effective Strategies for Evaluating HECVAT To maximize the benefits of HECVAT, higher education institutions should consider the following strategies: Establish a Cross-Functional Evaluation Team: Assemble a team comprising members from information security, legal, procurement, and relevant academic departments. This diverse group ensures a holistic evaluation of vendors, addressing technical, legal, and operational considerations. Prioritize Vendor Assessments: Categorize vendors based on the sensitivity of the data they will access or process. This prioritization allows institutions to focus resources on assessing vendors that pose higher risks. Leverage HECVAT’s Customization Features: Utilize HECVAT 4’s flexibility to tailor assessments to your institution’s unique requirements. For instance, you can select specific categories to include in a vendor’s score and mark critical items as “non-negotiable” for focused evaluation. Engage in Continuous Dialogue with Vendors: Maintain open communication with vendors throughout the assessment process. Encourage them to provide comprehensive responses and clarify any ambiguities. This collaborative approach fosters transparency and strengthens partnerships. Incorporate HECVAT into Contractual Agreements: Ensure that the security requirements identified through HECVAT assessments are embedded into vendor contracts. This integration holds vendors accountable and provides legal recourse in case of non-compliance. Stay Informed and Adaptable: Regularly review and update your assessment criteria to align with evolving security threats and regulatory changes. Participate in community forums and training sessions to stay abreast of best practices. Address GLBA Requirements for Service Provider Management: In addition to HECVAT, consider the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) requirements, which mandate that service providers implement effective safeguards to protect sensitive consumer data. Evaluating vendors for GLBA compliance ensures that they have the necessary measures to secure financial and personal information—a critical aspect when managing third-party risk in higher education. Conclusion Evaluating third-party vendors is no longer a checkbox exercise—it’s a strategic imperative for maintaining a secure, resilient digital ecosystem. By leveraging HECVAT’s structured framework, higher education institutions can not only mitigate risks but also drive informed, forward-thinking decisions that align with their strategic goals. With tailored evaluation strategies in place, your institution can confidently navigate the complexities of vendor management while safeguarding its most critical assets. OculusIT is dedicated to empowering institutions with comprehensive CIO/CISO services that enhance your security posture and operational excellence. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey.

Technology Debt in Higher Education: The Cost Too Many Institutions Overlook Reading time: 4 Minutes Every higher ed leader has felt the frustration of projects running late, systems crashing under pressure, and teams spending more time fixing problems than creating progress. This reality has a name: technology debt. It is the build-up of outdated systems, rushed implementations, and temporary fixes that quietly drain budgets, slow innovation, and put the student experience at risk. Unlike financial debt, technology debt does not send a monthly statement. Yet left unmanaged, it compounds quickly. For institutions already managing tight budgets, staff shortages, and increasing expectations, it becomes an invisible tax on agility, competitiveness, and long-term growth. When Technology Debt Hides in Plain Sight When a system integration takes months longer than promised, or when a small upgrade creates unexpected problems across multiple functions, the issue is often labeled an “IT problem.” In reality, these are institutional decisions that reflect trade-offs made over years of delaying upgrades, stretching resources, or patching infrastructure. Just as financial debt brings interest, technology debt carries hidden costs. Every work-around is time lost, every outdated system is risk added, and every delayed investment is an opportunity missed. The impact ripples well beyond the IT office. Presidents, provosts, CFOs, enrollment leaders, and deans all see it in delayed processes, frustrated faculty, and retention challenges. Why It’s Hard for Leadership to Spot the Problem Campus IT professionals know exactly where technology debt exists. They live with fragile systems, manual workarounds, and the constant threat that one fix may break something else. What is harder is translating this into language that resonates with leadership. When an IT leader says, “We need to replace our ERP support model,” the executive team may hear, “We want a costly delay with no visible return.” What they miss are the downstream consequences: slower financial aid processing, advising bottlenecks, and downtime that frustrates students and faculty. This lack of shared language creates a cycle. Leaders grow frustrated with rising costs and missed deadlines, while IT staff feel unheard when they raise concerns. In the meantime, the technology debt compounds, making both problems worse. From Small Fixes to Campus-Wide Roadblocks Most institutions think of technology debt as a manageable hill that IT can climb during slower periods. In truth, it is closer to a mountain range. Across departments, one team’s shortcuts often create another team’s headaches. The financial system’s outdated code slows enrollment reporting. Infrastructure fragility pulls resources from academic technology. Manual processes in one office create delays across campus. Individually, each burden may look manageable. Together, they form a structural challenge that can only be addressed when seen as an interconnected whole. How Institutions Can Measure the Real Impact The most effective higher ed leaders approach technology debt with the same rigor they apply to finances. It must be measured, tracked, and managed. This begins with collecting objective data from those closest to the systems: IT staff and functional users. Anonymous surveys and system audits can provide leadership with the first campus-wide view of how much time is spent on maintenance versus innovation, which systems create the most friction, and what business objectives are being blocked by outdated technology. The real value comes in translation. Instead of vague recommendations like “refactor the student information system,” the conversation becomes, “investing in this upgrade will reduce reporting delays by 40 percent and free staff hours equal to $X in annual value.” Turning Awareness into Campus Strategy When leadership sees technology debt as a measurable, campus-wide issue, the conversation changes. It is no longer a technical problem for the CIO to solve alone. It becomes a strategic investment in resilience, growth, and student success. Decisions to delay infrastructure, defer upgrades, or stretch teams can now be understood in financial and operational terms. Leaders can weigh trade-offs with clarity: investing to reduce technology debt not because IT asked, but because the business case is undeniable. A Playbook for Tackling Technology Debt Even without massive investments, institutions can begin managing technology debt more strategically: Establish a baseline: Collect input from IT and functional staff about time spent, recurring issues, and risks. Translate into business terms: Work with leadership to quantify impacts on enrollment, retention, compliance, and financial performance. Prioritize high-impact areas: Focus on technology debt that affects multiple departments, delays mission-critical processes or creates recurring costs. Integrate into planning: Make technology debt a regular part of budget and strategy discussions, not a hidden IT issue. Why Campuses Can’t Afford to Wait Technology debt will never disappear. But in an era of shrinking budgets, rising cybersecurity risks, and growing competition for students, it is no longer something higher ed institutions can afford to ignore. Colleges and universities that take control of technology debt will move faster, innovate more easily, and create better experiences for students and faculty. Those that do not will find themselves stuck, paying a compounding cost that only grows heavier over time. Investing in Student Success by Reducing Technology Debt Technology debt is not just an IT challenge, it is an institutional challenge. The campuses that address it now will be the ones best prepared to grow, compete, and deliver on their mission. If you are ready to turn hidden technology debt into measurable progress for your campus, OculusIT can help make it happen. Let’s connect.

Opportunities and Challenges for Higher Ed’s Tech Leaders March 17th, 2025 In today’s higher education landscape, technology is no longer just a support function, it’s a strategic asset. As colleges and universities strive to meet the demands of digital transformation, tech leaders face a complex array of challenges and opportunities. From managing tightening budgets to navigating cybersecurity threats, today’s IT leaders are at the forefront of driving innovation and operational excellence. Navigating the Changing Higher Ed Technology Landscape Higher education institutions are experiencing unprecedented change. Increasing demands for online learning, data-driven decision making, and improved student engagement have amplified the role of technology. This evolution has also expanded the responsibilities of tech leaders, who must not only maintain existing systems but also drive digital transformation initiatives. Key Challenges Facing Tech Leaders Tech leaders in higher education are tasked with addressing multiple, sometimes conflicting, priorities. Some of the most significant challenges include: Budget Constraints: Funding limitations often restrict the ability to invest in new technologies or upgrade outdated systems. Leaders must find creative ways to do more with less. Cybersecurity Threats: With increasing reliance on digital tools comes the heightened risk of cyberattacks. Ensuring the protection of sensitive data is a constant priority. Integration and Interoperability: Many institutions rely on a patchwork of legacy systems and new technologies. Achieving seamless integration across platforms remains a critical hurdle. Change Management: Driving digital transformation requires a cultural shift. Tech leaders must foster an environment that embraces change while ensuring that staff are adequately trained to adopt new solutions. Data-Driven Decision Making: As institutions collect more data, the challenge lies in harnessing it effectively to inform strategic decisions without compromising on privacy or compliance. Emerging Opportunities for Innovation Despite these challenges, opportunities are plentiful for tech leaders willing to embrace innovation. The dynamic nature of higher ed technology presents several avenues for growth: Enhanced Student Engagement: Leveraging advanced analytics and AI-driven insights, institutions can tailor educational experiences to individual student needs, leading to improved retention and success. Operational Efficiency: Automating routine processes and optimizing IT infrastructure not only cuts costs but also frees up resources to focus on strategic initiatives. Collaborative Partnerships: By forging partnerships with technology providers and tapping into the broader edtech community, leaders can access new tools and insights that drive institutional improvement. Scalable Solutions: Cloud-based platforms and modular technology architectures offer the flexibility to scale solutions in line with evolving institutional needs. Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, offer novel approaches to immersive learning that can revolutionize the educational experience.  The Strategic Role of IT Leadership Services Given the complexities of managing technology in higher education, many institutions are turning to specialized IT leadership services. At OculusIT, our IT solutions are designed to empower higher ed tech leaders to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. Here’s how our services make a difference: Proactive IT Strategy: We work with institutions to develop forward-thinking IT strategies that align with their long-term goals, ensuring that technology investments drive meaningful outcomes. Enhanced Cybersecurity: With a focus on protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance, our cybersecurity services help safeguard your institution against evolving threats. Efficient Resource Management: Our managed services help optimize IT operations, enabling institutions to deliver better support while reducing operational costs. Expert Guidance: Through our vCIO and vCISO services, we provide strategic oversight and guidance, helping tech leaders navigate the complexities of digital transformation. The right partner brings not just technical expertise, but a deep understanding of the unique needs and opportunities within higher education. Conclusion The journey toward digital transformation in higher education is filled with both challenges and opportunities. As tech leaders navigate budget constraints, cybersecurity risks, and the need for integration, they also unlock pathways to enhanced student experiences and operational efficiency. Strategic IT leadership services play a pivotal role in guiding institutions through these complexities, ensuring that technology is a catalyst for innovation rather than a barrier. Ready to transform your IT leadership? Contact us to learn more about our IT Leadership Services and how we can help your institution stay ahead of the curve.

From Enrollment to Finance: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Campus ERP Reading time: 5 Minutes Higher education institutions invest heavily in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems expecting to streamline operations across campus. Yet many campuses still find themselves buried in spreadsheets, working around outdated processes, and missing opportunities to use their ERP to its full advantage. The paradox is that while ERPs are designed to be the backbone of the institution, they often end up underutilized, creating inefficiencies that directly impact students, staff, and budgets. In 2025, with tighter resources and growing student expectations, institutions cannot afford to leave ERP value on the table. The problem is not the software itself. It is how campuses approach ERP usage, optimization, and support after implementation. Where ERPs Are Falling Short in Higher Ed Across the country, colleges and universities are facing the same set of ERP challenges: Underused modules: Admissions and financial aid tools often remain idle while staff continue using manual workarounds. Delayed upgrades: Institutions postpone system updates, creating compliance risks and compatibility issues. Fragmented reporting: Departments struggle to get a single view of data, limiting the ability to make timely, informed decisions. Overburdened IT teams: Internal staff spend more time troubleshooting than unlocking new capabilities. The result is an ERP system that was designed to unify campus operations but ends up functioning as a series of disconnected tools. The Student Impact ERP underutilization is not just an IT concern. It directly affects student experiences: Enrollment delays: Admissions modules that are not fully configured slow down application review and student onboarding. Financial aid disruptions: Manual processes create bottlenecks in disbursements, frustrating students who rely on timely aid. Faculty inefficiencies: Clunky workflows reduce time faculty could spend focusing on teaching and research. Every inefficiency behind the scenes eventually shows up in how students interact with the institution, shaping their perception of value and service. ERP as the Institutional Backbone At its best, an ERP system connects every part of the institution, from enrollment and finance to HR and academic planning. With the right integrations, it can serve as a real-time hub that drives smarter decision-making. When fully optimized, ERPs enable: Predictive insights into enrollment and retention trends. Automated workflows that reduce manual intervention. Seamless connections between SIS, LMS, CRM, and finance systems. Improved compliance with financial aid and data security requirements. In other words, ERP is not just a system of record. It can become a strategic engine for growth and operational excellence. Why Campuses Leave Value on the Table Despite the potential, most institutions are not maximizing ERP investments. Common reasons include: Stretched IT resources: Staff are focused on maintenance instead of optimization. Limited training: Departments never fully adopt modules or features. Minimal vendor support: After go-live, many institutions are left without the expertise needed to keep evolving. These gaps are not signs of ERP failure. They are signs of under-support. Without continuous attention, even the most advanced system becomes outdated and misaligned with institutional needs. Unlocking Full Value: A Roadmap for Institutions To move beyond basic ERP functionality, institutions should: Audit current usage: Identify which modules are underutilized and where manual workarounds remain. Re-align ERP with goals: Ensure modules directly support enrollment, student success, compliance, and financial performance. Invest in integrations: Connect ERP with key systems to eliminate data silos and create a single source of truth. Treat ERP as ongoing: View ERP not as a one-time implementation but as a system that evolves with the institution. How OculusIT Helps Institutions Unlock ERP Potential OculusIT partners with colleges and universities to ensure ERP systems deliver the outcomes they were designed for. Our services include: Managed ERP support: Covering both technical and functional needs across enrollment, finance, HR, and academic planning. Optimization services: Enabling underused modules, reducing inefficiencies, and aligning ERP features with campus goals. Cross-platform expertise: Supporting multiple ERP environments with timely upgrades, compliance updates, and integrations. 24×7 support model: Freeing internal teams to focus on strategic initiatives instead of repetitive troubleshooting. By working with a trusted partner, institutions can move from simply maintaining ERP to truly leveraging it as a driver of growth and student success. Why 2025 Is the Right Time to Act The pressures facing higher education today make ERP optimization urgent: Budget constraints make hidden inefficiencies impossible to ignore. Compliance requirements demand timely upgrades and reporting accuracy. Student expectations for seamless digital experiences are higher than ever. Institutions that rethink ERP usage now will be better positioned to adapt, grow, and compete in the years ahead. Unlocking ERP Potential for Student and Institutional Success Most campuses use only a fraction of what their ERP can do. By optimizing underutilized modules and aligning systems with institutional priorities, higher ed leaders can deliver better outcomes for students and staff. OculusIT helps institutions nationwide turn ERP into a true driver of efficiency and innovation. Let’s connect to explore what that could mean for your campus.

What Happens When Students Bring Malware to Campus? March 24th, 2025 Imagine walking through a thriving campus where technology fuels learning, collaboration, and innovation. Now, picture a single malicious file, inadvertently shared by a well-meaning student, that cascades into a campus-wide cybersecurity crisis. This isn’t a scene from a thriller, it’s a very real risk in today’s digital learning environments. As higher education becomes ever more dependent on digital tools, even a small vulnerability can have far-reaching consequences. The Hidden Threat on Campus Campuses are a melting pot of diverse devices, open networks, and high-speed connectivity. While this connectivity fosters academic excellence, it also creates fertile ground for malware infections. When students bring malware onto campus, whether through infected devices, downloads, or compromised emails, the consequences can be severe: Network Disruption: Malware can infiltrate campus networks, leading to slowdowns or even shutdowns of critical systems. Data Breaches: Sensitive information, from student records to research data, becomes vulnerable. Operational Downtime: The recovery process can be lengthy, affecting classes, research, and administrative functions. Reputational Damage: A significant security incident can tarnish an institution’s reputation, impacting student trust and stakeholder confidence. Why It Happens Several factors contribute to the susceptibility of campuses: Open Networks: Campuses often have open or semi-open networks to support learning, which can inadvertently facilitate the spread of malware. BYOD Culture: Bring Your Own Device policies are common, but they also mean a wider variety of devices, with varying security postures, connect to the network. Digital Transformation: The rapid integration of new technologies sometimes outpaces the institution’s ability to secure them adequately. The Broader Implications Beyond the immediate operational disruptions, malware incidents highlight a broader challenge balancing accessibility with security. Educational institutions are tasked with providing an open, innovative environment while ensuring that security measures keep pace with emerging threats. The goal is not to shut down creativity or access, but to build a resilient digital infrastructure that can absorb shocks and continue to support the institution’s mission. Proactive Steps for Cyber Resilience To navigate these challenges, campuses must adopt a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity that goes beyond traditional defenses. Here’s where OculusIT’s managed security services come into play: Continuous Monitoring: With 24/7 threat monitoring and advanced security analytics, potential issues are identified and neutralized before they escalate. Rapid Response: A dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) ensures that any intrusion is promptly investigated and contained. Strategic Oversight: Services such as vCISO provide expert guidance, aligning cybersecurity efforts with broader institutional goals. Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Ongoing assessments help campuses meet regulatory standards and minimize vulnerabilities in an ever-evolving threat landscape. The Path Forward In an era where digital innovation is integral to academic success, managing cybersecurity risks is not optional. Institutions that proactively address these challenges not only protect their data and operations but also foster a culture of resilience and trust among students, faculty, and stakeholders. By partnering with experts who understand the unique dynamics of higher education, institutions can ensure that even when malware strikes, the impact is minimized and operations remain secure. Ready to fortify your campus? Explore how OculusIT’s Managed Security Services can safeguard your institution from the digital threats of tomorrow. Contact us today to learn more.