IT Service Status

Leadership Communications

Hot-Desking Need-to-Know Information and Today’s Virtual Town Hall

January 27, 2025 | Northwestern IT Senior Leadership Team

Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 28, is our first official day of hot-desking in 1800 Sherman. There are several important details to know, and below, you will find the information needed to prepare for your days in the office. Please also remember we are hosting an optional virtual town hall this afternoon at 1:30 p.m., and all Northwestern IT staff are welcome to attend. We will cover many items and answer your questions. Read the full "Hot-Desking Need-to-Know Information and Today’s Virtual Town Hall" message.

Affirming Support for Training and Staff

January 2, 2025 | Northwestern IT Senior Leadership Team

Welcome back—we hope you had a restful winter break. We are writing today to affirm the importance of completing the University's required training on discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct in a timely manner. You should have received multiple emails—one from the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance on December 17 and another from myHR Learn on December 18. This annual training is not just a requirement but a crucial step in ensuring that we all understand and uphold the values of respect and dignity in our workplace. Read the full "Affirming Support for Training and Staff" message.

Leadership Communications Archive

2024

Action Needed: Second Floor Opens; New Plan to Vacate Six by December 18

December 4, 2024 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

After passing the necessary inspections this week in 1800 Sherman, we are pleased to share that our space developments are advancing. Please see below for several important announcements and critical dates that impact everyone in Northwestern IT, specifically those on the sixth floor, as we are asking all staff in that area to finish their clean-up effort and vacate the floor by the end of the day on Wednesday, December 18. Read the full "Action Needed: Second Floor Opens; New Plan to Vacate Six by December 18" message.

Joe Paris Appointed Associate Vice President of IT Services and Support

October 28, 2024 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

I am pleased to announce that Joe Paris has been appointed Northwestern IT’s new Associate Vice President of IT Services and Support. Those who know Joe know his commitment to Northwestern IT, as he has spent nearly 20 years here engaging in strategy development, operational leadership, and delivering technology services and user support to researchers, students, faculty, staff, and our many technology partners. Read the full "Joe Paris Appointed Associate Vice President of IT Services and Support" message.

Nominate a Colleague for the 2024 Employee Excellence Award

October 23, 2024 | Steve Beck, Director, Administration and Finance

The nomination window for Northwestern IT’s annual Employee Excellence Award is now open. This award recognizes an individual staff member within our organization who has made remarkable contributions during the past calendar year and consistently demonstrated a superior performance level. Read the full "Nominate a Colleague for the 2024 Employee Excellence Award" message.

Flexibility to Vote on Election Day

October 14, 2024 | Northwestern IT Senior Leadership Team

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, and as we did four years ago, we are writing about the importance of providing time and flexibility so that you can visit your polling place and cast your ballot. On Election Day, Northwestern provides all staff members two hours of paid time off to support the time needed to vote. Additionally, we do not plan to schedule non-essential meetings and encourage all Northwestern IT staff to follow this guidance. Read the full "Flexibility to Vote on Election Day" message.

Register for Effective Communicator Trainings

September 10, 2024 | Northwestern IT Senior Leadership Team

Northwestern IT is formalizing a program to deliver Unconscious Bias, Effective Communicator, and Building Inclusive Teams trainings across our organization over the next two years. The goal is to ensure every member of Northwestern IT participates in Unconscious Bias and Effective Communicator sessions and that all individuals responsible for leading teams participate in the Building Inclusive Teams training. Read the full "Register for Effective Communicator Trainings" message.

Organizational Update: Amy Engstler Departure and Interim Administrative Systems Reorganization

August 23, 2024 | Kris O’Brien, Associate Vice President, Administrative Systems

On Wednesday, August 28, Amy Engstler will be moving on to the next chapter of her career journey, leaving Northwestern. Please join me in thanking her for all her contributions and wishing her well in her next opportunity. Read the full "Organizational Update: Amy Engstler Departure and Interim Administrative Systems Reorganization" message.

Follow Up to University Message on the DNC

August 14, 2024 | Northwestern IT Senior Leadership Team

We are writing to follow up on the University’s message regarding the impact of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) during the week of August 19. It notes that offering remote work accommodations is at the discretion of the individual schools and units. Within Northwestern IT, if your role allows for remote work and the DNC events impact your ability to commute to campus—both Evanston and Chicago—please connect with your manager and teammates to share your plans for next week. Read the full "Follow Up to University Message on the DNC" message.

1800 Sherman Exterior Improvements

August 13, 2024 | Steve Beck, Director, Administration and Finance

We received notice from Facilities that there will be exterior construction at 1800 Sherman from Monday, August 19, to Friday, September 13. This work is unrelated to interior space renovations being planned for floors one and two. This exterior work will not impact our daily operations at 1800 Sherman. Read the full "1800 Sherman Exterior Improvements" message.

1800 Sherman Evacuation Exercise

July 15, 2024 | Steve Beck, Director, Administration and Finance

We received advance notice that Facilities will soon be conducting an evacuation exercise (aka, fire drill) at 1800 Sherman. This is a routine safety measure to ensure our preparedness. While they did not disclose the exact date, we expect it to happen sometime during the latter half of July. Read the full "1800 Sherman Evacuation Exercise" message.

Space Planning Update

June 5, 2024 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback following our initial note in May regarding ongoing efforts to improve our current workplace environment while optimizing our space use on campus and further formalizing our hybrid work environment. I am writing to update you on recent planning ahead of next week’s Extended Staff Meeting, during which we will further outline our work. Read the full "Space Planning Update" message.

Space Planning Initiative in Northwestern IT

May 1, 2024 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

I am writing to introduce an initiative that will further define our hybrid work environment, increase meaningful interaction in person, and optimize our space on campus by consolidating Northwestern IT’s office space footprint. Read the full "Space Planning Initiative in Northwestern IT" message.

New Year, Renewed Commitment to Continuous Collaboration and Change

January 31, 2024 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

The Northwestern IT DEI Committee is pleased to share that 2024 will usher in exciting changes. In the coming year, we are continuing the monthly dialogue series and adding events alternating between Wednesday and Thursday lunch hours to accommodate more schedules. We are collaborating with IT Communications to expand the DEI presence on the IT website and bring more information together in a centralized location. Read the full "New Year, Renewed Commitment to Continuous Collaboration and Change" message.

2023

This Year, Next Year, and the Future of DEI Programming is Yours

December 19, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

As 2023 comes to a close, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous strides this year and drum up some excitement for the year ahead. This year, we made significant progress toward fulfilling goals established in 2022, following an examination of responses to the 2021 climate survey. We made space to gather for open, frank, inclusive conversations and came together to learn about and celebrate special holidays. Read the full "This Year, Next Year, and the Future of DEI Programming is Yours" message.

Organizational Update: Allison Porterfield-Woods Departure and Interim Administrative Systems Reorganization

November 1, 2023 | Kris O’Brien, Associate Vice President, Administrative Systems

On Friday, November 17, Allison Porterfield-Woods will leave Northwestern for a new role as Chief Information Officer at the College of Lake County. Please join me in congratulating Allison on this new leadership opportunity. Read the full "Organizational Update: Allison Porterfield-Woods Departure and Interim Administrative Systems Reorganization" message.

Continuing to Give Our Best, Together

October 26, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

Northwestern IT is neither immune to nor unaware of the turmoil and conflict happening across the globe. As a committee, we are dedicated to serving as a conduit for staff to acknowledge the ways in which our identities impact every aspect of our lives. We all continue to contribute our best efforts at work while grappling with grief, fear, outrage, and a host of other intense emotions. Please know that we see you, we hear you, and we are here for you. Read the full "Continuing to Give Our Best, Together" message.

Nominate a Colleague for the 2023 Employee Excellence Award

October 19, 2023 | Steve Beck, Director, Administration and Finance

RSVP for October and November DEI Dialogue Series Sessions

October 4, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

Welcome to the new fall semester! We hope you are doing well and looking forward to the exciting challenges (not too challenging) and opportunities ahead. Read the full "RSVP for October and November DEI Dialogue Series Sessions" message.

RSVP for the Upcoming DEI Dialogue Series

September 5, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

We hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend and feel refreshed and energized. We are writing to invite you to join us for a DEI conversation next Wednesday, September 13, from noon to 1 p.m. Read the full "RSVP for the Upcoming DEI Dialogue Series" message.

Staff Responses to DEI Poll and Requested Initiatives

July 31, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

Thank you to everyone who participated in our poll during and after the Extended Staff Meeting. Each person responded anonymously, yet the similarity of responses was pretty remarkable. Read the full "Staff Responses to DEI Poll and Requested Initiatives" message.

Announcing the Retirement of Suzanne Auburn

July 21, 2023 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

As I shared at the recent Extended Staff Meeting, Suzanne Auburn, executive assistant to the CIO, is retiring on September 1, 2023, after more than 21 years of service to Northwestern. Read the full "Announcing the Retirement of Suzanne Auburn" message.

DEI Committee Invites More of Your Ideas and Participation

June 30, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

Thank you to all who participated in our poll during and after the Extended Staff Meeting. Every person who responded shared thoughtful and authentic replies to the questions about what you would like to learn and what you have to share. We will continue to review responses and will share them with Northwestern IT leadership. Read the full "DEI Committee Invites More of Your Ideas and Participation" message.

Northwestern’s Investment in Data Science

June 7, 2023 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

The University’s ambitions for maintaining and enhancing its position as a global leader in research necessitate a robust research enterprise and essential campus partners to support the effort. Today’s research support includes data science and visualization, computing, and data management expertise. The continued expansion of data science methods in research across all disciplines requires increased capacity beyond what has existed to date. Read the full "Northwestern’s Investment in Data Science" message.

Renewed Call for Participation and Making DEI Meaningful to You

May 31, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

What matters to you in your workplace experience? What makes you feel like you belong? Each of us deserves to be able to answer these questions and know the answers are heard, valued, and respected. Our committee exists to actualize that reality. The work is intended to benefit everyone, and success takes collective participation. Read the full "Renewed Call for Participation and Making DEI Meaningful to You" message.

New DEI Co-Chair and Upcoming Programming

April 28, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

In addition to sharing programming updates, we are excited to announce that Serena Simpson, communications specialist in IT Communications, will join Ken Panko, director of Media and Technology Innovation, as co-chair of the Northwestern IT DEI Steering Committee, effective May 1. Read the full "New DEI Co-Chair and Upcoming Programming" message.

Update on Pay Ranges in Northwestern IT

April 27, 2023 | Steve Beck, Director, Administration and Finance

Each year the University completes a benchmarking and market analysis as part of its annual salary planning process. The outcome of this year’s analysis is that an adjustment to pay ranges is needed to maintain alignment with the market. Read the full "Update on Pay Ranges in Northwestern IT" message.

Participation in Inauguration Activities

April 18, 2023 | Northwestern IT Senior Leadership Team

The inauguration of Michael H. Schill, Northwestern’s 17th president, is Friday, June 2, on the Evanston campus. This University-wide celebration is an opportunity to gather with students, faculty, and staff across Northwestern. There are numerous ways to engage with the community, and we are writing to encourage you and your teams to participate in the festivities. Read the full "Participation in Inauguration Activities" message.

Announcing the Retirement of Harry Samuels

March 31, 2023 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

With mixed emotions, I announce the retirement of Harry Samuels, director for IT special projects, after 18 years of service to Northwestern IT and 24 years overall to Northwestern University. Harry’s last day is June 2, 2023. Read the full "Announcing the Retirement of Harry Samuels" message.

RSVP for April Dialogue Session, Working Group Recruitment, and More

March 24, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

At the February Extended Staff meeting, you heard an update from Betsy Watkins on behalf of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. We hope you took away from that update that there is a lot in motion following the climate survey, specifically the ongoing efforts of the working groups focused on hiring, performance excellence, programming, and communications. Read the full "RSVP for April Dialogue Session, Working Group Recruitment, and More" message.

Guidance on Digital Accessibility of Purchased Software

March 13, 2023 | Steve Beck, Director, Administration and Finance

In recent years, the University has made an effort to improve its digital accessibility so that all users can benefit from all aspects of Northwestern’s digital community. Despite this effort, digital accessibility of purchased software and other digital content remains an area that needs more attention. With the IT Senior Leadership Team’s support, we are writing to offer guidance on this important topic with regard to software purchases managed and paid for by Northwestern IT. Read the full "Guidance on Digital Accessibility of Purchased Software" message.

Invitation: Participate in a DEI Training Pilot

February 21, 2023 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and Northwestern IT leadership invite you to participate in a pilot of a new training program, Active Inclusion, intended to build upon the topics covered in the University’s Unconscious Bias training. The training will extend from a baseline of learning into a deeper understanding and engaged application of intentional practices with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read the full "Invitation: Participate in a DEI Training Pilot" message.

2022

End of Year Thanks and Winter Break Coverage Update

December 15, 2022 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

With the holidays fast approaching, I want to express my gratitude and share an operational update before we all pause for another well-earned Winter Break. While each year presents unique circumstances, opportunities, and challenges, one reliable constant is the positive impact of your work on Northwestern’s initiatives and the student, faculty, and staff experience. Read the full "End of Year Thanks and Winter Break Coverage Update" message.

Evolving Our Leadership Teams and Meetings in Northwestern IT

December 5, 2022 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

I am writing to update you on changes involving leadership teams and meetings within Northwestern IT. The changes, which are effective immediately, reimagine the IT Leadership Team and introduce more frequent and direct communication with directors and individuals responsible for project portfolios. Read the full "Evolving Our Leadership Teams and Meetings in Northwestern IT" message.

DE&I Climate Survey: Survey Report and Action Items

November 11, 2022 | Northwestern IT Leadership Team and Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee

As a follow-up to Thursday’s Extended Staff Meeting presentation, we are writing to share the results of the Northwestern IT Diversity and Equity Climate Survey and action items that address the findings. If you could not participate in the meeting, you can watch Thursday’s presentation on the findings, which begins around the 43:20 mark. Read the full "DE&I Climate Survey: Survey Report and Action Items" message.

Nominate a Colleague for the 2022 Employee Excellence Award

October 21, 2022 | Steve Beck, Director, Administration and Finance

Opportunities to Engage with One Book One Northwestern Program

September 22, 2022 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

We are writing today with an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to get more involved with University-wide and Northwestern IT diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts. We are partnering with One Book One Northwestern and have secured an exclusive fireside chat for Northwestern IT staff with Leslie Harris, the program’s faculty chair, on October 20. Read the full "Opportunities to Engage with One Book One Northwestern Program" message.

Register for Additional Effective Communicator Trainings

August 5, 2022 | Northwestern IT Leadership Team

We are excited to partner with Manager Tools to provide two additional Effective Communicator (DiSC) training sessions in August and September. Due to varying levels of comfort and to accommodate schedules, both in-person and virtual sessions are available. Read the full "Register for Additional Effective Communicator Trainings" message.

New Timekeeping System Coming August 8; Attend a Training Session

August 1, 2022 | Steve Beck, Director, Administration and Finance

The Workforce Software (WFS) Timekeeping will officially replace Kronos on Monday, August 8. You are invited—and encouraged—to attend one of the training sessions that are available now through the end of August. Read the full "New Timekeeping System Coming August 8; Attend a Training Session" message.

Follow Up to University Message on Alternative Work Strategies

July 19, 2022 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

I am writing to follow up on the University’s Alternative Work Strategies update and offer details on what it means for Northwestern IT. Beginning September 1, 2022—and in line with the University’s announced approach—Northwestern IT staff will generally be expected to be on campus at least three days per week moving forward. Read the full "Follow Up to University Message on Alternative Work Strategies" message.

Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series, Part 5

May 24, 2022 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

We are pleased to share that registration for the fifth and final section of Northwestern IT’s Anti-Racism in Academia (ARiA) dialogue series is now available. Part 5 will now focus on Act, as the Persist sessions were moved to May. Read the full "Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series, Part 5" message.

Reminder: Openings Remain for Professional Development Opportunities in May

May 2, 2022 | Northwestern IT Leadership Team

We are writing to share that openings remain for the professional development opportunities with Manager Tools in May. The sessions are highly interactive, allow attendees to practice skills in their cohort, and will take place in person and virtually. Each cohort can accommodate 30 individuals, and sessions are open to all staff. Read the full "Reminder: Openings Remain for Professional Development Opportunities in May" message.

Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series, Part 4

April 29, 2022 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

We are pleased to share that registration for Part 4 of Northwestern IT’s Anti-Racism in Academia (ARiA) dialogue series is now available. Part 4 will focus on the topic: Act. Read the full "Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series, Part 4" message.

Effective Manager Training Now Open to All Northwestern IT Staff

April 20, 2022 | Northwestern IT Leadership Team

We are writing today to share that the Effective Manager Training is now open to anyone in Northwestern IT interested in learning more about the topics above or building their managerial skills to prepare for future leadership opportunities. Read the full "Effective Manager Training Now Open to All Northwestern IT Staff" message.

Professional Development Opportunities in April and May

April 7, 2022 | Northwestern IT Leadership Team

We are excited to share that Northwestern IT is partnering with Manager Tools to provide professional development opportunities for our staff. To allow staff to continue building essential skills alongside colleagues, we are offering training in communication and interview skills in April and May. Read the full "Professional Development Opportunities in April and May" message.

Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series, Part 3

March 31, 2022 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

We are pleased to share that registration for Part 3 of Northwestern IT’s Anti-Racism in Academia (ARiA) dialogue series is now available. Part 3 will focus on the topic: Learn. Read the full "Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series, Part 3" message.

Join the Northwestern IT DE&I Steering Committee

March 11, 2022 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) committee seeks to add new voices to our ongoing efforts as current steering committee members’ time with the group concludes. Read the full "Join the Northwestern IT DE&I Steering Committee" message.

Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series, Part 2

March 1, 2022 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

We are pleased to share that registration for Part 2 of Northwestern IT’s Anti-Racism in Academia (ARiA) dialogue series is now available. Part 2 will focus on the topic: Listen. Read the full "Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series, Part 2" message.

Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series

February 15, 2022 | Northwestern IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

As previously announced, Northwestern senior leaders across units and schools have attended or will attend anti-racism learning and education. To broaden the conversation and learning among staff, Northwestern IT is hosting a dialogue series to explore understanding and appropriate effective action that we all can take in our anti-racism efforts. Read the full "Register for the Anti-Racism Dialogue Series" message.

Return to Campus Requirements and Guidance

January 27, 2022 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

I am writing to confirm that we will resume our in-person A/B block schedule on Tuesday, February 1. As an organization, we owe it to each other to comply with the University’s requirements and guidance to ensure our workplace remains a safe place for all of us. Read the full "Return to Campus Requirements and Guidance" message.

Remote Work Extended Through January 2022

January 13, 2022 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Late Wednesday, I received an update from the Provost and Executive Vice President that we will continue the current remote work flexibility—afforded during the Wildcat Wellness period—through the end of January 2022. While in-person classes will resume on January 18 as planned, Northwestern IT will continue to offer additional flexibility to staff whose role does not require them to be on campus. Read the full "Remote Work Extended Through January 2022" message.

Organizational Update: Identity Services Transitioning to Information Security Office

January 5, 2022 | Sean Reynolds, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

On Tuesday, February 1, the Identity Services team will transition from Administrative Systems to the Information Security Office within Northwestern IT. Read the full "Organizational Update: Identity Services Transitioning to Information Security Office" message.