CIT Annual Conference 2023

Catch up with colleagues over a light breakfast in the SFHB Atrium area (basement level).

FEATURED SESSION: Power Your People: An Empathetic Approach, 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (SFHB 139)

The session will offer a pathway to empower our future leaders and colleagues to build a culture with empathy at the heart. I will be outlining the characteristics of an Empathetic leader. What you should and should not do. How to apply a unique approach to all situations to continually build trust and confidence. Tools to use to keep an open relationship with individuals by strengthening connections and elevating others to do the same.

Session Recording

• Alyssa Crull
  General Manager
  Tesla Inc. Bloomington, IL
  Alyssa entered the workforce at 14, ready to start making a life on her own. She progressed from sales in a salon to hostess and then hourly manager in a restaurant, and then to business marketing and salaried manager; always focused on taking a personal interest in people and building trust. She then entered the automotive industry with a sales role at the local Mazda dealership, using her instinct to listen and engage with customers. Next, she immersed herself in all aspects of automotive service. Now, at Tesla, Alyssa is using all of the skills from her previous positions on an emerging platform that is transforming the industry. At the base it is still people - taking an interest, recognizing, and appreciating all the differences. Alyssa says that the reason for her success is watering her people.

Maximizing Security and Efficiency: Job Management and Automation, 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m., (SFHB 16D - same room as Secrets Management in a Digital World session)

The Information Security Office (ISO) and Cloud, Compute, and Authentication (CCA) will be presenting a session panel focused on the powerful combination of job management with scripting, playbooks, and automation platforms. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, organizations face increasing pressure to enhance security while streamlining operational processes without increasing staff. Automation offers a compelling solution to achieve both objectives. During this session panel, we will guide participants through an exploration of features, benefits, best practices, and lessons learned through leveraging automation products. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance their unit’s security posture and operational efficiency.

Session Recording

Session Materials (Coming Soon)

• Jim Johnson
  Jim is the Lead Configuration Management Engineer for the Tech Solutions CCA team. He is responsible for designing, configuring, and managing Windows and Linux operating environments, as well as configuration management tools. Jim is an alumnus of ISU and started working at ISU in 2013 in Tech Solutions Endpoint Support. He later transitioned to the Information Security Office before joining the Cloud, Compute, & Authentication (CCA) team last year.

• Matt Lindstrom
  Matt is an accomplished Information Security Operations Manager within the Information Security Office (ISO). With a strong background in cybersecurity, he leads the University's Security Operations Center (SOC) and matures our collective security posture. Matt is tasked with the development, implementation, and maintenance of information security controls, reporting, and solutions in alignment with the institution's Information Security Program.

• Matthew Tunberg
  Matthew is an experienced Cyber Defense Developer in the Information Security Office (ISO). He has expertise in networking and security management, and develops automated solutions and playbooks for the University's Security Operations Center (SOC). With programming skills in Python, Java, and PowerShell, Matthew integrates job management tools with directory and management systems. Beyond work, Matthew enjoys continuing his graduate research with his professors and mentoring aspiring cybersecurity professionals through GenCyber.

Secrets Management in a Digital World, 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., (SFHB 16D - same room as Maximizing Security and Efficiency session)

Come together for an engaging discussion on secrets management, exploring its significance in personal privacy and organizational security. Discover practical strategies and share your insights as we brainstorm innovative ideas to shape the future of secrets management. Together, let's enhance our understanding, educate ourselves, and contribute to the advancement of this essential aspect of our digital age.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Sky Wallace
  Sky is a new system administrator on the Cloud Compute and Authentication team and has been with ISU IT for roughly four years experiencing help desk support, application administration, and system administration.

Break! Take a few minutes to recharge between sessions. Any goodies left over from the Networking Breakfast can be found in the Atrium.

Electronic Signature Use in Digital Processes (SFHB 16D)

This session will provide a foundational background of electronic signature under regulation, including minimum requirements. Example use cases and explicit prohibitions will be provided, followed by open discussion on use cases, solutions, and "digital transformation."

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Dan Taube
  Dan, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Illinois State University since February 2020, is a seasoned expert in information security with an extensive background at the institution spanning various roles since 2008. As CISO, he spearheads the comprehensive Information Security Program and leads both the Information Security Office and the Office of Identity and Access Management, ensuring optimal security operations. Combining a rich blend of practical experience and technical knowledge, Dan is a fervent advocate for cybersecurity and privacy, fostering a culture that empowers others to become proactive digital safety advocates.
  

Modernize"d" IAM (SFHB 139)

We modernized Identity and Access Management at ISU. This session is an update from our presentation in 2021. Since then, we've launched Single Sign On powered by Shibboleth, integrated it with Microsoft MFA, and federated authentication services with InCommon; We've replaced Oracle Identity Manager with InCommon/Internet2's Trusted Access Platform's Grouper & Midpoint applications; shifted from server-based application to container-based immutable "software as code" applications hosted in OpenShift, both on-premises and in the cloud (AWS); introduced a new-to-ISU enterprise-grade database technology: PostgreSQL clusters; shifted our integrations to Debezium queues on top of Kafka which can be paused and replayed; launched a refreshed "Account Self Service" portal based on the university web template and an updated code framework for long-term supportability and security and incorporated additional NIST guidelines through the removal of security questions and implementation of verification codes. Planned live demo: admin/dlid creation showcasing Grouper & Midpoint working together. All told, we've done a lot and we're excited about that. We think you'll be even more excited about what this modernization means for you next: delegated access control via Grouper and automated application-level access provisioning beyond LDAP and AD.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Ian Bruckner
  Ian is a Project Manager and Portfolio Coordinator with the Office of Digital Transformation and Process Improvement within the Office of Technology Solutions. Ian has been managing identity-related projects since 2016 and finally has something to show for it. 

• Jeremiah Haywood
  Jeremiah is an Identity and Access Management (IAM) Administrator in the Office of IAM within the Office of Technology Solutions. Jeremiah bears direct responsibility for the "Midpoint" application and has championed Infrastructure as Code and employed a document-as-you-go style of working that's helped the team recall why decisions were made and to not miss configuring or testing necessary functionality.
• Ben Rappleyea
  Ben is the Manager of the Office of Identity and Access Management within the Office of Technology Solutions. Ben bears direct responsibility for the "Grouper" application and has been trying his darndest to kill off Oracle Identity Manager ever since he met it.

MISO Survey 2023 Results: Measuring User Satisfaction with Our Work (SFHB 147)

2023 is year three for ISU and the MISO IT Customer Satisfaction survey, and the results are in! This session will dig into user feedback on our services, including the answers to such burning questions as:

• Is email still the service with the highest reported satisfaction?
• What new trends have emerged in user comments?
• Where are there differences of opinion among students, faculty and staff on IT services?
• What does ChatGPT have to say about the results?

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Carla Birckelbaw
  Carla is Director of Client Services in the Office of Technology Solutions, responsible for the Technology Support Center and Endpoint Support teams, along with a list of side projects that includes measuring IT customer satisfaction.
  

No One Struggles Alone: How to Level up your Workday so it's More Efficient (and Fun!) (SFHB 145)

Life is hard enough. Work doesn't have to be. As members of the IT community, we're constantly tasked with solving problems and creating better experiences for thousands of people at Illinois State. No one can do this alone (and no one should), but how often have you found yourself struggling with finding a solution to a messy problem, how to respond to a demanding customer, or mustering up the energy to do something you're uncomfortable doing? Blech. We found something that works for us. We'd love to share our experience because, just maybe, it will work for you and your team. In this session, you'll hear from three members of the digital experience team who yelled out into the ether, "No more!" Mary, Becky, and Trey used to work in silos. It was inefficient, lonely, and just plain hard. Now they collaborate (almost) every day and have found ways to lean on each other's strengths, share the heavy cognitive load of project processes, and make decisions together. The natural project struggles remain, but no one struggles alone. The result has been wildly successful not just for the internal team, but campus partners as well.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Becky Barbour
  There are words, and then there are Becky’s hot fire web words. As a content strategist, Becky writes and organizes content like Marie Kondo organizes a closet. Becky’s mission is to eliminate academic jargon and create simple messages that are easy to understand. Her expertise brings the user experience to a whole new level. When she’s not worried about Homo Deus taking over the world or telling people to read Homo Deus, you can find her on the pickleball court looking foolish but having fun.
  

• Mary Ditchen
  Mary is a front end developer. She’s the human behind the HTML and CSS that brings the Illinois State digital experience to life. Fueled by stretchy pants and fun t-shirts, Mary is a powerhouse coder for websites and interfaces across the University. Thanks to Mary’s expertise and talent, ISU’s digital experience looks and functions beautifully. Surprisingly enough, Mary’s home also functions beautifully. Considering she has a zoo of pets and three teenagers, it’s truly a miracle. “Embrace the chaos” – that’s Mary’s MO.
  

• Trey Frank
  Human Resources calls Trey a web designer, but he’s actually more of a digital artist. He’s the brains and wizard behind the visual appearance of our websites and various digital platforms at Illinois State. Though he works out of an apartment that’s constantly too warm for human survival, he somehow persists and creates a digital experience that’s visually pleasing and easy to navigate. Trey’s talents are brought to you by gallons of daily coffee and stop-you-in-your-tracks sarcasm. In his free time, which is typically 4:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., Trey focuses on Pokemon and Dungeons and Dragons.
  

Break! Take a few minutes to recharge between sessions.

AI at ISU (SFHB 147)

This will be an open discussion of potential uses of new AI technology at ISU, and potential pitfalls and dangers that might arise. I will start with a brief overview of the current state of AI tech, and then open the floor for discussion. Some possible areas of further discussion: 

• Use by IT staff to write code, manage servers, detect security vulnerabilities, etc.
• Generating engaging web content from dry academic documents (major program descriptions etc.)
• Use by instructors to assist in grading(!?)

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Nathan Stien
  Nathan is a software developer in Tech Solutions. He's pretty interested in this AI stuff lately.

Effectively Assessing Information Security Gaps and Risks (SFHB 145)

This session will dive into the purpose and function of risk assessments, and grant insight into the framework and resources used by the ISU Information Security Office. A demonstration of the start to finish risk assessment process and how it is used to drive changes will be provided.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Mike Schlemmer
  Mike is a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Analyst in the Information Security Office. Joining the University in February 2022, he brings a nearly two decades of expertise in the fields of information security, system administration, and business analysis. In his role as GRC Analyst, Mike identifies information security gaps, assesses associated risk, and recommends effective controls to reduce that risk. This, in turn, ensures safeguarding of information, compliance with regulatory norms, and adherence to industry best practices. His analytical skills empower the organization to sustain secure environments and realize its mission.

• Dan Taube
  Dan, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Illinois State University since February 2020, is a seasoned expert in information security with an extensive background at the institution spanning various roles since 2008. As CISO, he spearheads the comprehensive Information Security Program and leads both the Information Security Office and the Office of Identity and Access Management, ensuring optimal security operations. Combining a rich blend of practical experience and technical knowledge, Dan is a fervent advocate for cybersecurity and privacy, fostering a culture that empowers others to become proactive digital safety advocates.

Redefining VDI: Transitioning from Citrix (SFHB 16D)

Come check out a new virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) as we explore potentially transitioning from Citrix VDI to Azure Virtual Desktop and Azure Labs. This session features live demonstrations of Virtual Apps and Virtual Desktops in action. Additionally, we will showcase how Azure Labs can replace current physical-to-virtual lab pools for classes. We invite you to share your experiences and feedback to help us tailor these services to best align with your needs.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Sam Dockery 
  Sam started at ISU as a student worker on the College of Education Tech Team in 2012. After graduating from ISU in 2017, he completed a brief stint as an IT Security Analyst at John Deere before returning to ISU in early 2018 to fill the COE Help Desk Manager role. Sam recently transitioned to the Cloud, Compute, & Authentication team in November 2022 as an infrastructure system administrator where he provides support for our VDI stack and other services.

• Jim Johnson
  Jim is the Lead Configuration Management Engineer for the Tech Solutions CCA team. He is responsible for designing, configuring, and managing Windows and Linux operating environments, as well as configuration management tools. Jim is an alumnus of ISU and started working at ISU in 2013 in Tech Solutions Endpoint Support. He later transitioned to the Information Security Office before joining the Cloud, Compute, & Authentication (CCA) team last year.

How Taco Tuesday Created a Next-Gen Town-Gown Collaboration Engine (SFHB 139)

The Bloomington-Normal Innovation Alliance seeks to find ways where technology can address community problems. BNIA brings together industry, local government, and higher education leaders to discuss and plan how this group can produce innovative ideas for the betterment of Mclean County. Technology permeates our lives, and BNIA wants to match resources with challenges to the benefit of residents. Current efforts include the Central IL Cybersecurity Summit, addressing housing needs of residents with vacancies, and enhancing broadband access to all in the county. Please join us to learn about how BNIA is working on local issues and the hope for the future – autonomous vehicles, smart lighting, and workforce development. 

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Craig McBeath 
  Craig is the Director of Information Technology at the City of Bloomington, where he has worked since 1997. He has provided excellent IT service as PC Support Specialist, moving into being the Webmaster, a Senior Business Analyst, and now the Director of IT for the city. He is 1 of 4 Craigs on the Bloomington-Normal Innovation Alliance.

• Leon Lewis, Jr
  Leon is the CIO of Illinois Wesleyan University, with over 30 years of experience developing and implementing IT strategics and programs that benefit his organizations. Leon has developed interesting student employment programs that provide workforce development ideas for high school students. 
• Mark DeKeersgieter
  Mark is the Executive Director of CIRBN, an ISP that provides high-speed internet and intranet access over their fiber network throughout Central Illinois. Created with a grant in 2009, CIRBN has been providing community-based fiber to support education and promote economic development, and they are a great partner to ISU. He is a graduate of Truman State University. 

Pick up your Avanti's lunch outside the Caterpillar Auditorium and then join your colleagues in the basement Atrium. Vegetarian choices will be available, and gluten-free options are available as well.

GENERAL SESSION: Generative AI: Exploring the Landscape (SFHB 139)

"Generative AI: Exploring the Landscape" is an exploration of AI's impact on higher education. Covering use cases in and outside of academia, it delves into the potentials and challenges of AI, touching on privacy, security, and compliance concerns. Attendees will gain insight into responsible AI use in their institutions.  

Session Recording

• David Bruce
  Executive Partner
  Gartner
  David joined Gartner in 2021 and focuses on higher education. In this role, David provides expert advice and recommendations to Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and other C-Suite Administrators across the United States. David has had an extensive career in higher education technology spanning over 20 years. Prior to Gartner, he was a CIO at Cleveland State University and had various IT leadership roles at the University of Arkansas.  

IT News (SFHB 139)

IT News features the latest announcements and news from campus technology leaders.
The annual CIT MVP Award recipient will also be announced during IT News. This award recognizes a full-time IT staff member who has made outstanding contributions to the support of faculty, staff, students, and operations over the previous fiscal year.  

Session Recording

Session Materials

Break

Cookies in the SFHB Atrium!

Information Security Program Status, Strategy, and Roadmap (SFHB 139)

We'll explore the scope, purpose, and status of the university Information Security Program in this session, including insight into the strategy that informs the design and implementation of the program. A roadmap of how the program will develop and mature in the coming years will also be provided.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Dan Taube
  Dan, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Illinois State University since February 2020, is a seasoned expert in information security with an extensive background at the institution spanning various roles since 2008. As CISO, he spearheads the comprehensive Information Security Program and leads both the Information Security Office and the Office of Identity and Access Management, ensuring optimal security operations. Combining a rich blend of practical experience and technical knowledge, Dan is a fervent advocate for cybersecurity and privacy, fostering a culture that empowers others to become proactive digital safety advocates.

Ansible 101: Introduction to Ansible Playbooks and the Ansible Automation Platform (SFHB 16D)

Kickstart your journey into automation with this introduction to Ansible. This session will guide you through the process of crafting your first Ansible playbook, diving into its components, and demonstrating how to automate OS configurations. Then we will explore ideas on how to scale your efforts using the Ansible Automation Platform.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Jim Johnson
  Jim is the Lead Configuration Management Engineer for the Tech Solutions CCA team. He is responsible for designing, configuring, and managing Windows and Linux operating environments, as well as configuration management tools. Jim is an alumnus of ISU and started working at ISU in 2013 in Tech Solutions Endpoint Support. He later transitioned to the Information Security Office before joining the Cloud, Compute, & Authentication (CCA) team last year.
  

Wrestling with the AI Revolution (SFHB 145)

There have been calls from multiple thought leaders to halt the development of AI before we lose the ability to influence it. We will discuss four major issues surrounding AI, and debate how we as individuals/local communities can adapt to it. The four topics that will be covered are: thinking machines that may not think like us, AI changing the way we work, the social dilemma of personal AIs, and doomsday predictions.

Session Recording

Session Materials

• Ben Bricker
  Ben has worked as an IT Communication Specialist in the Office of Technology Solutions since 2017. He is a passionate advocate for university technology users. His primary responsibility has been to craft communications (typically graphics or presentations) that raise awareness and help the ISU community utilize the services of the Office of Technology Solutions. He has also served with the Web Team on various website creation projects.
  

Endpoint Reporting with Power BI (SFHB 147)

A look at how VPSA Endpoint uses Power BI to report on our devices.

Session Recording

• Tyler Hoobler
  Tyler is a Team Lead on the VPSA Endpoint Support team

• Nate Waters
  Nate is part of the VPSA Endpoint Support team

Join us at the Pub II to reflect on what you learned at the conference and keep connecting with colleagues! Cheese balls highly recommended, but optional.