IT community ethos

The IT Community Ethos was developed collaboratively by IT leaders in the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), colleges, and divisions. It is rooted in the university’s strategic framework. These strategic principles for information technology provide a directional compass for the IT enterprise at UW–Madison. They provide a context for IT Priorities—the projects, actions and investments that are essential to enable the university to achieve its aspirations.

Strategic principles

Enable the Wisconsin Idea

Information and technologies are essential to the university in all its activities and aspirations, across learning, student and community engagement, research and discovery, and operations. We will innovate in the design and delivery of information technology to enable the entire university to deliver its benefits to every corner of the state.

Build upon a firm foundation

IT services are built upon a modern, reliable, secure and scalable foundation of essential IT infrastructure. We will move away from historic siloes and complexities to embrace a cohesive and contemporary approach.

Follow a university-wide collaborative approach

The community of IT professionals will work together in partnership and mutual support to enable the university to achieve our goals for education, research and community engagement. Innovation in the colleges, research centers and divisions is a hallmark of the university’s continued excellence and is best achieved through common IT foundations and practices.

Embrace a culture of excellence

We will successfully deliver valued technology and services through professional excellence, continually evolving to remain relevant. Further, we will embrace a culture of change to ensure alignment with the university’s needs and aspirations.

Attract and maintain a skilled, diverse and inclusive workforce

Technology services are delivered by people. We recognize that it is essential to recruit, hire and retain qualified staff with diverse talents and life experiences to enable the university to fully achieve its mission to serve the citizens of Wisconsin and the world.

Scale economy through partnerships

We will actively partner with peers in higher education and beyond to solve contemporary problems and achieve innovation at scale, while maintaining effective fiscal stewardship.