One Big Team: The Collaborative Spirit of Back to School

Summary
In this episode of Behind the Screens, the team takes you inside the hustle and excitement of Notre Dame’s back-to-school season. From tackling service desk challenges to celebrating big wins, they pull back the curtain on what it takes to keep campus running smoothly during one of the busiest times of the year. You’ll hear eye-opening metrics from the reimagined service desk, discover the unique role of Hall Walkers, and learn how upgrades in classroom technology are shaping the student and faculty experience. It’s a conversation packed with stories of preparation, teamwork, and innovation—all with a touch of behind-the-scenes fun. To top it off, the episode wraps with a lively round of rapid-fire questions that showcase the personalities of the guests in a way you won’t want to miss!
Takeaways

• The back-to-school season is a busy and exciting time for IT teams.
• Metrics showed a significant increase in incidents handled this year compared to last year.
• Hall Walkers provided essential support and positive interactions during the transition.
• The reimagined service desk has improved efficiency and teamwork.
• Preparation and training were key to a smooth back-to-school experience.
• The AVET team played a crucial role in classroom technology upgrades.
• International campuses also received support during the back-to-school rush.
• Communication between teams has improved significantly with tools like Slack.
• Feedback from faculty and TAs on new technology is essential for future improvements.
• The camaraderie among the IT staff enhances the work environment.

About this podcast:
Behind the Screens: IT@ND is a podcast based out of the University of Notre Dame, where hosts Scott Russell (IT Director for the College of Arts & Letters) and Diana Garcia (IT Support Technician: Service Desk) 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.