Presenters - IT@UofT Conference 2025

The IT@UofT 2025 conference theme is Metamorphosis: Transforming Tomorrow. The proposal submission period is now closed and we thank all candidates who submitted a presentation proposal. Successful candidates have been notified, and our official conference schedule is now live. Conference presentations will fall under one of five streams.

Conference streams:

Technical innovations

What’s required to navigate the evolving tech landscape in postsecondary education? How can we enhance service delivery and sustain operational excellence while staying abreast of cutting-edge innovations in IT? How are new tools reshaping teaching, learning, research and IT infrastructure at U of T? This stream will examine new IT services, supports and resources as well as best practices for assessing and implementing them with ethics, security, efficiency, standardization and performance top of mind.

Leadership

What does it mean to be a leader in the technical space today? As all types of work increasingly rely on technological tools and resources, how can leadership encourage collaboration, operational efficiency, safety, inclusivity, change management, creativity, professional development and more? Explore the key role of leadership in successful partnerships, teams and large-scale IT projects across the University.

The future of work (research, teaching and administration)

How is the world of work changing in a rapidly evolving technological landscape? New technologies like data-driven prediction, cloud computing and automation require integration in academic and administrative workflows, as well as IT support for initiatives such as hybrid work, cyber security and equitable access to digital resources. This stream will offer crucial insights into work for staff of all levels, leaders, faculty and policymakers.

Information security

The security of information is paramount—particularly in public sector organizations that work with high-value data while operating under increasingly constrained resources. This stream will explore topics including data storage, retention, protection and deletion; data governance policies and procurement practices; risks associated with cyber threats, irresponsible use and malicious actors; and the ways in which a culture of learning, teamwork and creativity can keep our information safe and secure across the University and beyond.

Artificial intelligence

We all know that AI is everywhere. This stream will explore the promises and perils of AI systems in the postsecondary education sector and beyond. Whether it’s the use of AI in student admissions and staff hiring or the evolution of University-wide guidance on AI in teaching and learning, we’ll dive into the depths of AI in our work, our studies and our lives. Let’s explore the benefits of AI tools in automating work, streamlining tasks and solving problems while also critically examining the risks of over-reliance and misuse. Together, we’ll emerge with new insights on the place of AI in the IT@UofT community, the University and the world at large.

Presenter resources

If you’re presenting at one of the breakout sessions at the IT@UofT 2025 conference, please visit this page on the U of T Learning Space Management website for instructions on operating the teaching stations in your presentation room (e.g., projector, podium, touchscreen, input jacks, room PCs, etc.)

FAQs

1. Do presenters need to register for the conference?jtong2025-02-18T17:38:01-05:00

1. Do presenters need to register for the conference?

Yes, all selected presenters must register for IT@UofT 2025. If your presentation proposal is accepted and you have missed the registration deadline, don’t worry. You will still be given the opportunity to register for the conference.

2. Are all breakout sessions presented in person?jtong2025-02-18T17:48:11-05:00

2. Are all breakout sessions presented in person?

Yes, all breakout session presenters are required to present in person.

3. How long should the presentations be?jtong2025-02-19T08:52:55-05:00

3. How long should the presentations be?

Presentations should last no longer than 50 minutes, including engagement elements such Q&A sessions. Please review the program submission guidelines for more information.

4. Will there be a moderator assigned to my presentation? jtong2025-02-19T08:53:27-05:00

4. Will there be a moderator assigned to my presentation?

Yes, a couple of weeks before the conference, you will receive information on the moderator assigned to your room/presentation. Based on your preference, the moderator can be responsible for introducing you and moderating your Q&A session. They will also act as timekeepers to keep you on schedule.