IT News
News from the IT beat

Virtual Office Hours with CIO Didier Contis
Fridays, 9:15am via Zoom. Unscripted conversations with our Chief Information Officer.
March 5, 2026
From data to teaching and learning impact: How i2i empowers instructors to elevate learning
The Insight to Impact (i2i) Program will start taking applications soon for the 2026-2027 season. Learn more about this important program and how it can impact your work in higher education.
March 4, 2026
Finding ‘Meaning in the Metrics’
The 7th annual Data Science Research Bazaar is for everyone — whether you’re a seasoned data scientist or just starting your journey. Can’t make the Mar 19 bazaar? Additional events take place throughout March and April.
March 3, 2026
Help Desk hours for spring break
The DoIT Help Desk has reduced hours over UW–Madison’s spring recess. Please make note of these changes — and enjoy your break!
March 3, 2026
Learn@UW Newsletter, week of Feb 27
What’s happening Canvas – Emerging AI features You may be hearing about new Canvas features released under the umbrella name IgniteAI. IgniteAI is a new Canvas feature line from Instructure that groups together AI‑driven functionality. …
February 27, 2026
Device compliance data update: what we’re seeing in VPN Audit Mode
Read time: 3–4 minutes Earlier this year, Smart Access shared that we would begin reviewing VPN device data to better understand the security posture of devices connecting to university resources. That work is now producing …
February 25, 2026
Register now for the 2026 IT Support Symposium
Build the connections that make your work easier at our annual half-day event for staff in IT support roles. Registration closes Mar 20 and space is limited, so grab your spot today!
February 25, 2026
Learn how to use Microsoft Copilot & Google Gemini
Get AI basics with Learn@UW in these one-hour virtual workshops: Feb 24, Mar 24, Apr 16 & Apr 30.
February 18, 2026
Honor a colleague who raises the bar
Do you know someone who continually goes above and beyond in the intelligent use of technology in higher education? Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize changemakers in the 2026 EDUCAUSE Awards. Nomination deadline: Mar 27.
February 18, 2026
FREE webinars from EDUCAUSE
Upcoming higher ed and technology topics include building a personal brand, collaborative cybersecurity, and strategies to foster cooperation: “People Usually Don’t Get Along, and What IT Leaders Can Do About It.”
February 18, 2026
Submit your proposal for the 2026 IT Professionals Conference
Have you solved a tricky problem with a creative solution? Implemented an innovative new tool or process? Share your insights with colleagues across campus. Deadline: Mar 27 at 5pm.
February 17, 2026
Enhancing Online Education: designing assessments & fostering community
Do you teach online or hybrid courses? Learn how to accurately measure course learning outcomes, and adopt strategies to create relationships in course learning communities. Webinars: Feb 20 & Mar 13.
February 17, 2026
How to clear your cache & cookies
Does the sunshine and unseasonable temps put you in the mood for a little spring cleaning? Clearing your cache and cookies from time to time is good “tech hygiene.” And it can also help you troubleshoot when your device is running slowly or you’re having trouble with an app.
February 17, 2026
Learn@UW Newsletter, week of Feb 13
What’s happening Honorlock – Update, February 17 On Tuesday, February 17, Honorlock will release an update for web application (10.45.0) and the extension (6.68.0). The process will start at 7:00 a.m. (CT), and is expected …
February 16, 2026
New tools to support course accessibility
Three new tools have been integrated into Canvas and help make teaching and learning easier and more accessible. Learn more about these tools — and how to harness their powers to break accessibility barriers in your courses.
February 16, 2026- More IT News posts
From the CIO
The CIO’s presentations, articles and thought leadership

Cultivating resilience: Reflections on tending our IT garden
A message from Chief Information Officer Didier Contis: Many of us in IT are shaped and strengthened by the stress of the job. But the most resilient teams are not forged with hammer and tongs — they are nurtured and grown through mindfulness, care and intentionality.
December 8, 2025
Connections are the heart of our work
A message from Chief Information Officer Didier Contis: My first 4 months at UW–Madison have reinforced something important: People need connections to do their best work. And those connections can come from unexpected places.
November 17, 2025
A month of listening, learning & ice cream
A message from Chief Information Officer Didier Contis: As I pass my 1-month mark at UW–Madison, I've been reflecting on what I've discovered about our IT community. And I'm excited to share info about our upcoming listening sessions this fall.
August 15, 2025- More Notes from the CIO posts

















