Inside Georgia Tech’s OneIT Symposium: Building a Stronger Campus Tech Community

Georgia Tech’s OneIT Symposium: A New Era for Campus IT Collaboration

The 2026 OneIT Spring Symposium at Georgia Tech was more than just a networking event—it was a pivotal gathering for IT professionals determined to reshape the university’s technological future. Hosted at the Ferst Center for the Arts, this all-day event united IT leaders and staff from every corner of campus to share ideas, tackle challenges, and create a more connected tech community.

Why the OneIT Symposium Matters

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into every aspect of campus life, collaboration among IT professionals is crucial. The OneIT Symposium is designed to break down silos, encouraging open communication and the development of standardized practices and solutions. This spirit of unity was clear from the start, with breakfast meetups and small-group working sessions setting the tone for a day built on engagement and collective progress.

Keynote Insights: Securing the Hive

Joe Lewis, Georgia Tech’s Associate Vice President for IT and Chief Information Security Officer, delivered a keynote speech titled “Securing the Hive.” Drawing on the theme of collective intelligence, Lewis stressed that cybersecurity is not just an individual responsibility but a community effort. "I want to build, with each of you, a cyber program that operates as a service to the Institute – not a checkpoint," he said, emphasizing the importance of every IT professional’s vigilance and expertise in protecting the campus ecosystem.

Technology for Student Engagement and Well-Being

Loulou Hong, Vice President for Student Engagement and Well-Being, offered a unique perspective on how technology can foster not just efficiency, but also a sense of belonging and wellness for students and staff. Her address highlighted the growing intersection of digital tools with campus life and why IT teams must consider the human element in every solution they deliver.

Breakout Sessions: Exploring Today’s IT Priorities

The symposium featured parallel-track sessions in the afternoon, allowing attendees to dive into specialized topics shaping Georgia Tech's IT landscape:

• Cybersecurity Endpoint Implementations: Updates from the Office of Information Technology (OIT) on new strategies to secure devices and data across campus.
• Advanced Computing Services: Insights into resources available through the Partnership for an Advanced Computing Environment, empowering research and innovation.
• Democratization of Data: Exploring new tools and methodologies to make institutional data more accessible and actionable for everyone.
• Onboarding and Off-boarding Improvements: Streamlining processes to boost operational efficiency and fortify cybersecurity as people join or leave the university.

Highlight: The Shield Research Enclave

One of the event’s standout moments was the update on the new Shield research enclave, a secure computing environment designed to help Georgia Tech researchers meet regulatory and compliance requirements. This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to supporting advanced research while maintaining the highest standards of data security.

What This Means for Beginners and Aspiring IT Professionals

If you’re just starting out in tech or considering a career in campus IT, Georgia Tech’s approach offers valuable lessons. The focus on collaboration over isolation, the emphasis on community-driven cybersecurity, and the integration of technology with student well-being all point to a future where technical skills and people skills go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re interested in infrastructure, security, data analytics, or user support, there’s a growing need for professionals who can bridge technical know-how with strategic thinking and empathy.

How to Get Involved or Learn These Skills

Want to contribute to similar initiatives or prepare for a role in higher ed IT?

• Network with Campus IT Communities: Join or create groups where you can share experiences and learn with others.
• Focus on Cybersecurity Basics: Understanding endpoint protection, compliance, and secure environments is now essential for every IT role.
• Embrace Data Literacy: Learn how to access, interpret, and leverage institutional data responsibly to improve decision-making and outcomes.
• Prioritize User Experience: Remember that technology is ultimately about serving people—consider the impact of your work on students, staff, and faculty.

3 Practical Takeaways from the OneIT Symposium

• Collaboration is Key: Building connections across departments leads to more effective, secure, and innovative technology solutions.
• Cybersecurity Requires a Team Effort: Everyone in IT plays a role in protecting campus assets—don’t underestimate your impact.
• Keep Learning: Stay current with new tools, best practices, and emerging trends to remain adaptable in an evolving field.