In the information technology industry, the “soft skills” involved in communication can be just as important as “hard skills.” UITS technologies improve productivity and efficiency in the University’s administrative offices, research labs and classrooms, but technology changes can complicate the University community’s workflows. New or updated technologies require a carefully thought-out communication strategy that includes campus leadership, service stakeholders and campus IT professionals, as well as end users.

It’s especially important to share technical information in a way that’s easy for others to understand, especially when introducing something new, present proposals for innovative ideas and project or explain the workings of a new system or program to a general audience. Communication skills also play an important part in collaborating with peers or reporting to administration.

The UITS Communications & Marketing team works closely with project teams to strategize and implement communications plans around new or changing systems. This can include crafting and sending emails and announcements, writing articles, preparing presentations, developing website content, and creating marketing materials when needed.

The team focuses on writing clearly and concisely, centering the point of view of the audience. Messages need to clearly engage the community with an understanding of who should read the content and why, what steps they may need to take, and where they can go for more information or support.

The Communication & Marketing team’s communication skills are not only beneficial for written materials but also come in handy for presentations. In situations where it’s crucial to convey information clearly and captivate an audience, such as in presentations to peers or external departments, the team focuses on emphasizing key details and presenting them in an engaging manner.

Within the IT community, the CIO Division gives technology professionals an opportunity to share their talent and projects at the IT Summit. Communications & Marketing provides event planning, volunteer coordination, creative design, attendee engagement and, most importantly, solid marketing and messaging.

The IT Summit resumed full in-person attendance in 2023 with over 400 IT professional attendees from across the university. The summit featured many sessions and a keynote panel discussion led by the University’s Chief Technology Officer, Darcy Van Patten, on “ChatGPT: Developing AI Literacy and Harnessing Human-AI Interactions for Positive Impact.”

The team supports internal communications, as well. From helping to distribute information to all areas of the division to supporting employee engagement, Communications & Marketing is part of providing a positive culture for division employees.

In FY22, with the help of the Communications & Marketing team, the CIO Division sponsored two community service projects. The first, in support of the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Days of Caring: a playground beautification project at Laguna Elementary School.

Shortly after that event, the CIO Division sponsored an American Red Cross blood drive on the University of Arizona’s main campus.

Todd Merritt, an information technology manager in Research & Discovery, was one of the first donors to arrive. “Donating blood made me feel like I was helping out someone in need and made me feel connected to my community. On top of that, it was quick and virtually painless!”