Episodes

  • London Calling: IT at the ND Global Gateway

    London Calling: IT at the ND Global Gateway
    May 16 2025
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND welcomes Abdikhaaliq Osman, IT Solutions Coordinator for the University of Notre Dame London campus. Osman provides insights into his role supporting the London location, which he describes as equivalent to second-line support with additional coordination and local vendor management responsibilities. He discusses the small team size in London and the goal for full staffing.

    Learn about the challenges of supporting a global gateway across time zones, including the ongoing effort to integrate with the service desk and utilize ticketing via ServiceNow. Discover the unique dynamic of supporting a revolving door of visiting faculty, staff, and students, alongside permanent residents like the law school faculty. Osman shares details about daily IT support, including proactive maintenance checks, and supporting classrooms and events on the campus's four floors.

    Hear about the tools and systems used, noting the local differences in printing services (PaperCut) and the network setup. Find out how preparation and planning help Osman avoid burnout in his busy, single-threaded role. Get a glimpse into the local flavor of central London.

    Plus, enjoy some fun facts as Osman talks about his interest in psychology, recommends a book ("The Midnight Library"), discusses a past career as a pharmacist, and shares a dream job swap. Stick around for the new "Did You Know Tech Edition" trivia segment.

    Notes: Video mentioned in the episode for student orientation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15VjyQRJUHi0Xopsl0xRkAzQjqwzAIpJ8/view?ts=68276c55

    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame podcast where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Krista Moats (Manager, IT Communications and Marketing: Office of Information Technology) 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.
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    37 mins
  • Building IT Partnerships: A Conversation with LeeSonn Smith

    Building IT Partnerships: A Conversation with LeeSonn Smith
    May 4 2025
    In this episode of Behind the Screens: IT@ND, we sit down with LeeSonn Smith, an IT Solutions Consultant from OIT’s Enhanced Technology Partnerships (ETP) group. LeeSonn shares his inspiring journey—from early influences by his father and experiences at the Apple Store to joining Notre Dame five and a half years ago and advancing into his current role two years ago.
    As an IT Partnerships - Gold team member, LeeSonn and a team of 8 support 16 departments, including Enrollment, the Graduate School, and campus museums, serving as a “one-stop shop” for IT needs. His work ranges from day-to-day support to major initiatives like deploying iPads for campus tours. LeeSonn offers a glimpse into how he manages time effectively across departments using office hours, ServiceNow, MECM, Jamf Pro, and the new Flow Code platform.
    We also dive into the launch of the new IT Consultancy Community of Practice—a collaborative effort designed to define the consultant role and create a space for sharing strategies and best practices, with the inaugural meeting on May 8th spotlighting budget considerations.
    Beyond IT, LeeSonn reveals his musical roots, with a background in music education and a passion for playing the flute. Tune in to hear how his diverse skills and experiences continue to shape his approach to IT consulting at Notre Dame.

    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame podcast where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Krista Moats (Manager, IT Communications and Marketing: Office of Information Technology) 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.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Securing ND: Lauren Ajamie on 1Password and Trusted Access

    Securing ND: Lauren Ajamie on 1Password and Trusted Access
    Apr 15 2025
    In this episode of Behind the Screens: IT at ND, hosts Krista and Scooter sit down with Lauren Ajamie, a Senior Identity and Access Management Solutions Analyst, to explore her unique career path—from studying Greek, Latin, and library science to becoming a key player in Notre Dame’s cybersecurity landscape.
    After a quick update for the IT Consultancy Community of Practice, the conversation dives into the world of secure access. Lauren unpacks the power of One Password, the campus-wide password manager, spotlighting its secure storage, autofill features, breach alerts, MFA support, and shared vaults for teams and families. The crew also tackles the growing need to ditch SMS-based multifactor authentication in favor of stronger options like Okta Verify and the seamless, passwordless experience of Okta FastPass.
    Lauren demystifies the broader field of Identity and Access Management (IAM), explaining how authentication, authorization, and provisioning work together behind the scenes. She also previews what’s coming next through the Trusted Access initiative—ND’s approach to smarter, more dynamic security.
    Wrapping up on a personal note, the episode closes with “Consultant Quirks,” where Lauren shares book recommendations and a few of her favorite things beyond the screen.

    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame podcast where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Krista Moats (Manager, IT Communications and Marketing: Office of Information Technology) 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.
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Teamwork and Tech Solutions at the Keough School of Global Affairs

    Teamwork and Tech Solutions at the Keough School of Global Affairs
    Apr 3 2025
    This episode of Behind the Screens IT at ND welcomes Sergio Cerda, IT solutions specialist team lead for the Keough School of Global Affairs. The conversation explores Sergio's journey into IT consultancy at the University of Notre Dame, contrasting his experiences in the private sector with Notre Dame's mission-driven environment. The episode delves into the structure of the IT team at the Keough School and Sergio's role as team lead, including the team-centric approach. A key topic discussed is the Help Desk Dispatch pilot program and its impact on their work. The hosts and Sergio also discuss the composition and mission of the Keough School of Global Affairs and how IT consultancy there has evolved beyond essential break-fix support to include more proactive and strategic initiatives. The conversation highlights innovative projects such as using VR for immersive student experiences and leveraging AI to streamline information sharing. The episode also touches upon the tools they utilize, including Service Now and unique challenges like event support and their approach to internal communications.


    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame podcast where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Krista Moats (Manager, IT Communications and Marketing: Office of Information Technology) 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.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • From Help Desk to Service Desk: Transforming IT Support at Notre Dame

    From Help Desk to Service Desk: Transforming IT Support at Notre Dame
    Mar 16 2025
    The "Behind the Screens IT at ND" podcast episode features a conversation with Chris Gillis, director of the service desk at the University of Notre Dame. The discussion explores the service desk's evolution from the traditional help desk, including its rebranding and expansion of services. The aim is to move beyond reactive help to a more proactive, ITIL service desk model. Key topics include combining teams, offering an "Apple store experience" for computer selection, enhancing technology partnerships, and improving computer security through health checks. The service desk plays a crucial role in resolving a high percentage of incidents without escalation and offering a loaner program. The discussion also highlights how the service desk is working to provide foundational skills for new IT professionals.
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    38 mins
  • Inside Mendoza IT: Supporting Faculty, Staff, and Grad Students

    Inside Mendoza IT: Supporting Faculty, Staff, and Grad Students
    Mar 3 2025
    "Behind the Screens IT at ND" is a podcast from the University of Notre Dame exploring the world of IT solutions consultants. The episode features Hank G., an IT consultant from the Mendoza College of Business, who discusses his team's structure, responsibilities, and the support they provide to faculty, staff, and graduate students. Hank highlights the importance of cross-training, leveraging campus partnerships, and the white-glove service they aim to provide. He shares an example of a project integrating Google Calendar, Sheets, and Qualtrics to enhance the business honors program and mentions using monday.com for work management. The podcast also touches upon the evolving IT landscape at Notre Dame and includes quick consultant questions and tech tips such as using ChatGpt.

    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame podcast where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Krista Moats (Manager, IT Communications and Marketing: Office of Information Technology) 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.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • AI at Notre Dame: Live from the IT@ND Retreat

    AI at Notre Dame: Live from the IT@ND Retreat
    Feb 5 2025
    This episode from "Behind the Screens: IT at ND features a discussion on the integration of AI at the University of Notre Dame. Alexi Orchard, Brandon Rich, and Steve Cohen share their experiences and perspectives on AI's current and future applications. The conversation highlights both the excitement and apprehension surrounding AI, exploring its potential benefits and ethical concerns. Specific use cases in HR, teaching, and IT are examined, along with the importance of responsible AI implementation and the need for AI literacy. The episode also touches upon the environmental impact of AI and its potential effects on the job market.

    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame podcast where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Krista Moats (Manager, IT Communications and Marketing: Office of Information Technology) 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.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • From Game Day to Graduation: The Technology Powering Notre Dame's Biggest Events

    From Game Day to Graduation: The Technology Powering Notre Dame's Biggest Events
    Jan 6 2025
    This podcast episode features an interview with Shawn Deweerd, a video engineer at Notre Dame, who discusses his work supporting live broadcasts of various university events, primarily athletic competitions. He details the complexities of his role, including managing a vast network of equipment and fiber connections and troubleshooting technical issues. The conversation also explores the increasing use of AI in broadcast technology and the challenges of adapting to ever-evolving IP video standards. Additionally, Deweerd highlights opportunities for student involvement and the potential for expanding services to other campus departments. Finally, he offers some helpful technical resources for aspiring video engineers.

    Shawn’s Time-Lapses: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s_G8dNZslrbAS6UF1-Em6ODC-eoSMLCa?usp=sharing

    About this podcast:
    Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame podcast where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Krista Moats (Manager, IT Communications and Marketing: Office of Information Technology) 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.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins