エピソード

  • Advent Kisses, Christmas Skits, and Holiday Havoc: IT at ND Shares Its Traditions

    Advent Kisses, Christmas Skits, and Holiday Havoc: IT at ND Shares Its Traditions
    2025/12/19
    This special holiday episode of Behind the Screens IT at ND features hosts Diana (IT support technician) and Scooter (Director of Information Technology for the College of Arts and Letters), along with producer Andy (IT Partnerships Manager), as they reflect on their favorite Christmas stories and traditions.

    Scooter shares a funny, self-deprecating memory from when he first started dating his wife, mistaking purple-wrapped dark chocolate Hershey Kisses for "Advent kisses". Diana recounts realizing that Santa’s bite marks on her Oreos looked exactly like her dad's, while Andy shares fond memories of family gatherings in Florida during the holidays. The episode also highlights a diverse array of unique traditions shared by staff across OIT and the University:

    • German Christmas: A Christmas Eve dinner featuring schnitzel and sauerkraut (which the grandkids usually skip).

    • Festive Havoc: Lighting the old Christmas tree on fire in the yard after Christmas, and the tradition of "dog pile on the rabbit," where everyone jumps on the last person out of bed.

    • Christmas Skits: An annual, highly orchestrated event where characters are assigned, and the quality of your character decreases if you miss a Christmas.

    • Infiltration: The story of a young son who somehow bypassed jingle bells and tinsel to sneak into the living room and open presents like "Christmas Ethan Hunt".

    • Cultural Practices: The Polish tradition of using the Oplatek wafer on Christmas Eve to exchange wishes for peace, bury grievances, and ask for forgiveness.

    • Cautionary Tales: A warning for young listeners about the dangers of wiring a battery-operated BB gun shooting gallery to a 120-volt AC household outlet.

    Finally, the hosts share their current plans: Scooter will be playing handbells at his church's Christmas Eve service, Andy is preparing for a combined holiday as he blends his families, and Diana looks forward to spending two weeks back home in sunny Arizona. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Behind the Screens IT at ND.


    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    31 分
  • Data Storage Stewardship and the Future of Cloud Collaboration

    Data Storage Stewardship and the Future of Cloud Collaboration
    2025/12/08
    In this episode of "Behind the Screens IT at ND," hosts Diana and Scooter delve into the crucial strategic initiative of Data Storage Stewardship at the University of Notre Dame. They are joined by Cloud Collaboration Services team members Qi Wu, Lisa Torbin, and Jeff Crithlow, who offer an in-depth look at the upcoming changes to the university's online storage options.The core of the stewardship project is establishing sustainable, secure, and cost-effective practices for managing the university’s growing data footprint. The goal is to define use cases and standardize storage options, encapsulated in the concept of "best fit storage". Guests explain that this shift is driven not only by vendors starting to charge for storage but also by the need to operate comfortably within dual ecosystems—Google Workspace remains the primary platform for daily collaboration and email, but M365 is essential for partnerships with Microsoft-centric organizations, research consortia, and government agencies.

    Key Takeaways and Upcoming Changes Discussed:
    • Box Retirement Timeline: The decision has been made to retire the Box environment by July 1, 2027. The team plans to provide published steps to minimize impact and help the 14,000 current users transition their data to either Google or Microsoft 365.
    • Google Storage Caps and Chargebacks: In response to Google ending free unlimited storage, new accounts and shared drives now have set allocations (100 GB for My Drive, 250 GB for Shared Drives). Starting July 1, 2026, OIT will implement a chargeback model for allocations greater than 5 terabytes. Guests note that currently, fewer than 100 Google user accounts and Shared Drives exceed this threshold.
    • Data Security and Cleanup: The team emphasizes that "unattended data is not secure data". Efforts are underway to clean up stale data, reduce the number of provisioned accounts (the Box footprint has been reduced from 32,000 to 14,000), and address "orphaned shared drives" that lack managers or creators.


    Defining Best Fit Storage:
    • Google Drive/Shared Drives are recommended for active, frequently accessed data and collaboration. Guests detail the uses of My Drive (personal storage, subject to account lifecycle management) and Shared Drives (departmental/project storage).
    • Highly Sensitive Information (HSI), such as social security numbers or credit card data, should be stored in specialized HSI Shared Drives in Google, which cannot be shared externally and must be approved and governed by InfoSec and an access group.
    • Microsoft 365 (M365) is best for departments requiring strong integration with Microsoft Office formats, PowerBI, and specific external collaboration needs. Teams will be used as the M365 answer to Google Shared Drives, with plans for automating creation, governance, and life cycle management.


    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    54 分
  • One Password to Rule Them All: Essential Tips for Cyber Security Awareness at ND

    One Password to Rule Them All: Essential Tips for Cyber Security Awareness at ND
    2025/11/04
    In this episode of Behind the Screens, the hosts Scooter and Diana welcome guests Lauren Freda and Guadalupe Cisneros Ortega, who share their experiences in information security at the University of Notre Dame. They discuss the importance of cybersecurity awareness, the challenges faced in the field, and the initiatives taken during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The conversation also covers the transition into cybersecurity roles, the significance of risk management, and the collaborative culture within the IT Fellows Program. Listeners gain insights into common cybersecurity threats, the role of personal devices, and the future of technology in the field.
    Takeaways
    • Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility among all staff.
    • The IT Fellows Program welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds.
    • Effective communication is crucial in cybersecurity roles.
    • Cybersecurity threats are evolving and increasing in frequency.
    • Utilizing tools like OnePassword can enhance data security.
    • Awareness and training are key to preventing security breaches.
    • Personal devices must be kept updated to ensure security.
    • The risk school program helps manage and assess cybersecurity risks.
    • Collaboration within the IT team fosters a supportive environment.
    • AI presents both opportunities and challenges in cybersecurity.


    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    57 分
  • Student Affairs IT: Beth and Neil's Mission to Make Technology Work for Staff

    Student Affairs IT: Beth and Neil's Mission to Make Technology Work for Staff
    2025/10/06
    In this episode of Behind the Screens: IT at ND, Diana and Scooter sit down with campus tech superheroes Beth Padgett and Neil Kovatch — the dynamic duo powering the tech behind Student Affairs at Notre Dame. With nearly 200 staff across 40+ buildings, Beth and Neil manage everything from the expected (laptops and logins) to the completely unexpected (X-ray machines and Peloton bikes 😮). From spinning up networks for Rec Sports to tackling high-stakes laundry drama (yes, really), they’re the hidden force keeping student life connected. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to support tech across residence halls, Campus Ministry, Career Development, Health & Wellness, and beyond. Spoiler alert: washers and dryers are way more complicated than you think.
    In this episode, you will hear about:

    • Massive Installations: Neil details his coordination of 112 CWP (Computer Workstation Program) installs/swaps over a six-month period, representing about half of their fleet.

    • Enterprise Systems: The team discusses supporting niche, large-scale applications such as Starz (the housing management system), Handshake (career development), Fusion (Rec Sports), and various case management systems like AccessD and Titanium.

    • Innovative Projects: Beth explains their involvement in high-level projects, including helping the Student Government investigate the use of AI for accessing club data, working on a technology roadmap to consolidate niche tools, and the implementation of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for student digital IDs used for access and payment.

    • The IT Pitch: Beth describes Student Affairs as being "at the heartbeat of the university" and emphasizes that their role is "to make technology work for you". Neil highlights the importance of pursuing good relationships with all the staff they support.

    • Consultant Quirks: Learn why Beth identifies with Thelma from Scooby-Doo and how her family history connects directly to the famous "Play Like a Champion Today" sign in the stadium. Plus, find out what job Neil would pursue if he left IT (hint: it involves making ramen and Thai food).


    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    40 分
  • The October 1st Deadline: Understanding the New Adobe Licensing Structure

    The October 1st Deadline: Understanding the New Adobe Licensing Structure
    2025/09/22
    🎙️ Behind the Screens is back—and this time, we’re getting creative with Adobe! Join hosts Scooter and Diana as they chat with tech-savvy guests Steve Varela and Crystal DeJaegher from Notre Dame’s Teaching and Learning Technologies team.
    They’re diving into the big changes coming to Adobe licenses on campus: ✨ what’s new (hello, Adobe Express!), what’s changing for faculty, staff, and students, and how these tools can level up your teaching and learning game.
    But wait—there’s more! You’ll also hear about the behind-the-scenes support that makes it all work and why user education is the real MVP. Whether you’re a digital creator or just trying to figure out where to click next, this episode is packed with practical tips, good laughs, and a whole lot of Adobe talk.

    Takeaways
    • Adobe Express is a user-friendly design tool for all.
    • The transition to new Adobe licenses aims to enhance accessibility.
    • User education is crucial for effective technology use.
    • Faculty and staff can access Adobe products at no additional cost.
    • Students will have improved access to Adobe Express.
    • Shared device licenses are available for computer labs.
    • The importance of backing up data outside of Adobe's cloud.
    • Eligibility for Adobe products is based on employment classification.
    • The service desk is the first point of contact for support.
    • Collaboration and communication are key to successful technology integration.


    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    54 分
  • One Big Team: The Collaborative Spirit of Back to School

    One Big Team: The Collaborative Spirit of Back to School
    2025/09/08
    Summary
    In this episode of Behind the Screens, the team takes you inside the hustle and excitement of Notre Dame’s back-to-school season. From tackling service desk challenges to celebrating big wins, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to keep campus running smoothly during one of the busiest times of the year. You’ll hear eye-opening metrics from the reimagined service desk, discover the unique role of Hall Walkers, and learn how upgrades in classroom technology are shaping the student and faculty experience. It’s a conversation packed with stories of preparation, teamwork, and innovation—all with a touch of behind-the-scenes fun. To top it off, the episode wraps with a lively round of rapid-fire questions that showcase the personalities of the guests in a way you won’t want to miss!
    Takeaways
    • The back-to-school season is a busy and exciting time for IT teams.
    • Metrics showed a significant increase in incidents handled this year compared to last year.
    • Hall Walkers provided essential support and positive interactions during the transition.
    • The reimagined service desk has improved efficiency and teamwork.
    • Preparation and training were key to a smooth back-to-school experience.
    • The AVET team played a crucial role in classroom technology upgrades.
    • International campuses also received support during the back-to-school rush.
    • Communication between teams has improved significantly with tools like Slack.
    • Feedback from faculty and TAs on new technology is essential for future improvements.
    • The camaraderie among the IT staff enhances the work environment.


    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 6 分
  • The Next Exciting Challenge: Notre Dame's Enterprise CRM Vision

    The Next Exciting Challenge: Notre Dame's Enterprise CRM Vision
    2025/08/26
    This episode of "Behind the Screens IT@ND" features a conversation with Tracy Weber, Assistant VP of Enterprise Solutions and Delivery, and Jami Radcliffe, Enterprise CRM Administrator, both from the University of Notre Dame's Office of Information Technologies (OIT). The discussion focuses on the implementation and strategic importance of an enterprise-wide Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, specifically Salesforce, at the university. They explore what CRM is, how it's currently used by various departments to manage relationships with constituents like students and alumni, and the benefits of a centralized platform. The speakers also address challenges such as stale data, the need for data governance, and the cultural shift required for widespread data sharing, outlining plans for future enhancements, training, and support to scale the CRM initiative across the campus.


    Takeaways
    • CRM stands for Constituent Relationship Management, crucial for managing relationships with
    • various stakeholders.
    • Notre Dame uses Salesforce as its CRM platform to enhance communication and collaboration across departments.
    • The Enterprise CRM initiative aligns with the university's strategic goals to improve data sharing and reduce silos.
    • Centralizing CRM efforts aims to address inefficiencies and improve user experience across campus.
    • Data quality and management are significant challenges that need to be addressed for effective CRM implementation.
    • Stakeholder engagement is vital, and understanding their concerns helps in the planning phase of CRM.
    • Different departments have varying needs, and the CRM solution must be flexible to accommodate these.
    • Cultural shifts towards data sharing are necessary for the success of the CRM initiative.
    • Training and support will be provided to ensure users are comfortable with the new system.
    • A toolkit will be developed to help departments prepare for CRM implementation.


    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 7 分
  • Behind the Breakthroughs: The Essential Role of IT Consulting in Notre Dame's Science & Engineering

    Behind the Breakthroughs: The Essential Role of IT Consulting in Notre Dame's Science & Engineering
    2025/08/11
    In this episode of Behind the Screens, the hosts Scott and Diana engage with Clay Berkley and Gwen Hagey-Shirk, senior IT solutions specialists at Notre Dame. They discuss their extensive experience in IT, the structure of their team, and the diverse challenges they face in supporting faculty, staff, and students. The conversation delves into the dynamics of IT consultancy, the tools they use, and the unique support issues they encounter, including working with outdated technology and specialized research equipment. They also share insights into their daily routines, seasonal variations in workload, and the importance of collaboration with vendors and other departments. The episode concludes with a light-hearted segment featuring fun questions about their experiences and preferences in the IT field.
    Takeaways

    • Gwen has been with Notre Dame for 25 years, while Clay has been there for 27 years.
    • The team is divided into Client Support Services and DevOps.
    • They handle a wide range of requests from first-level support to complex consulting.
    • Faculty needs vary from research support to teaching assistance.
    • They often help faculty find cost-effective technology solutions.
    • The summer is busier due to faculty addressing issues from the academic year.
    • They use tools like Beyond Trust and ServiceNow for support.
    • Linux support is minimal, with most work focused on Windows and Mac.
    • They have autonomy in their roles, allowing for varied daily tasks.
    • Supporting important research gives them a sense of pride.
    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.

    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) give you a behind-the-scenes look at what IT consultancy is all about. Whether you're deep in the IT world or just curious about how technology powers a university, this podcast is for you.

    Each episode gives insight into Information Technology at Notre Dame — with focus on how IT consultants support the University, breaking down the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they create. From interviews with experts driving key campus projects to practical tips for making the most of your tech, this podcast explains how IT teams work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly across campus.

    With this podcast, not only will you learn how technology professionals at Notre Dame help shape and support the future of the University, but you'll also get helpful insights and strategies to help you stay ahead.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    44 分