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A technology governance process ensures that technology investments align with the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s priorities and mission, helping us focus on the most impactful initiatives. Our governance model provides the leadership, processes and structures needed to support informed decision-making. It brings together existing leadership and operational groups, defines key decisions and responsibilities, and the processes guiding them.

How technology decisions are made

Technology governance at the U of A operates through a structured framework to ensure technology initiatives align with institutional strategies and effectively manage risks. This framework consists of three levels:

The first level sets the direction for technology governance:

• President’s Executive Committee (PEC‑S/PEC‑O): plays a key role in guiding technology strategy, receives input from governance bodies and acts as the decision-making body for Technology with Purpose.
• Technology Strategy Oversight Committee (TSOC): provides strategic recommendations to PEC-S and PEC-O regarding university-wide information and IT systems. TSOC ensures that IT decisions support the university’s broader mission while maintaining the integrity and security of information systems.

The second level focuses on setting priorities within the Technology with Purpose pillars:

• steering committees: made up of representatives from colleges, standalone faculties and university-wide services units, steering committees identify opportunities for improvement, assess risks and develop business cases for IT investments. They make recommendations on project prioritization and submit proposals to executive leadership for final approval.

The third level of technology governance focuses on executing approved technology initiatives:

• Change Advisory Boards (CABs) and Functional Advisory Boards (FABs): oversee the implementation of investment decisions, manage change processes and ensure that IT operations align with university priorities.

Technology intake process

Technology requests fall into two distinct streams based on scope and funding requirements among other factors:

Institutional investment requests, meaning large technology initiatives that require significant funding and institutional investment, will be assessed as part of the university’s annual budget process. This stream is designed for large-scale initiatives that impact multiple faculties, departments, or administrative units. The timeline and intake process for these requests will be shared as development progresses.

Smaller-scale requests, meaning technology proposals that do not require institutional investment as part of the annual budget process, will follow a separate intake process. University units, faculties, colleges and administrative departments needing technology solutions can submit proposals through the . To be considered, proposals must have the support of a senior leader (e.g., dean, director, chair) and must align with institutional priorities and strategies.

For large technology initiatives requiring review and budget approval, the intake process will be shared as development progresses.

Proposal reviews

Once submitted, proposals are reviewed by the Solution Advisory Committee in IST and, if needed, routed to the appropriate steering committee, which evaluates which evaluates their alignment with the university’s priorities, value and potential impact. This review ensures that resources are allocated effectively and all projects are scheduled appropriately. Approved projects move forward for planning and scheduling.

Benefits to the intake process

This intake process creates a transparent and efficient approach to managing technology opportunities while reducing risks associated with scheduling delays, increased costs etc. It also allows the university to allocate resources to initiatives that best support its mission and long-term strategic objectives.

Visit the Technology Roadmap web page to stay informed on governance decisions and upcoming technology initiatives.