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EdgeCon Autumn 2024

October 10, 2024 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Date: October 10, 2024
Location: Kean University
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Attendee Ticket: $49

EdgeCon Autumn 2024 Keynote Panel

Blueprints for Success: Uniting Strategy and Innovation in Higher Education

This keynote panel discussion delves into how higher education institutions, from research-intensive universities to community colleges, can achieve sustained success by uniting strategy and innovation through enterprise architecture. Regardless of your institution’s unique challenges—whether it’s optimizing operational efficiency, enhancing student success, or aligning resources with strategic priorities—collaboration across the entire institution is key. Our panel of experts will demonstrate how a well-integrated approach to technology and strategic planning can align every facet of your institution, from leadership to front-line staff, driving progress toward your institutional mission. Discover how to leverage enterprise architecture to foster a culture of collaboration, streamline operations, and propel your institution toward enduring excellence in a dynamic educational landscape.

Moderator:

Ed Wozencroft, Vice President for Digital Strategy, Chief Digital Officer, and CIO, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Panelists

Henry Pruitt, Enterprise Architect, NYU
Christopher Markham, Executive Vice President, Edge
Mark Sedlock, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Rowan University

Read the Event Recap

Timed Agenda

8:30 am — Check In & Vendor Tables
8:30 - 9:30 am — Breakfast & Exhibitor Networking
9:35 - 10:15 am — Breakout Sessions - 1
10:25 - 11:05 am — Breakout Sessions - 2
11:15 - 11:55 am — Breakout Sessions - 3
11:55 am - 1:10 pm — Lunch & Exhibitor Networking
1:20 - 2:30 pm — General Session—Awards & Keynote Panel
2:40 - 3:20 pm — Breakout Sessions - 4
3:30 - 4:10 pm — Breakout Sessions - 5

Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions (1) – 9:35 - 10:15 am

Generative AI Literacy for Everyone!

Room: 6th Floor A

The centerpiece of William Paterson University’s AI Strategy is Generative AI Literacy for our students, faculty, and staff. The University is currently developing two Gen AI policies, one for Academic Affairs and the other for the operational and support divisions. Literacy plays a large role in these policies. We are also incorporating Gen AI Literacy into University Core Curriculum courses so that students will start gaining experience during their first semester. Faculty Development has been underway across campus since 2023. A number of faculty members have been engaged in learning about Gen AI Literacy for themselves and their students, and many staff members participated in an introductory session on Gen AI over the summer. This session will include a description of our Gen AI Literacy programming for students, faculty, and staff and an overview of our policies in progress.

Presenters:

Gamin Bartle, CIO, William Paterson University

Enhancing Student Success through AI-Powered Applications

Room: 6th Floor B

This traditional presentation will demonstrate how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can significantly enhance student and faculty success in higher education. I will introduce a Python programming language-based application that integrates with ChatGPT to handle natural language queries related to courses, schedules, and seat availability. Students and faculty can ask simple questions through the application, and the background process will provide appropriate solutions based on the database information stored.

The application securely retrieves data from a database and the Banner system, ensuring that ChatGPT does not directly access the database. With JWT-secured API endpoints, the solution guarantees data security while maintaining flexibility and requiring minimal setup. The application is cost-effective, scalable, and easily adaptable to various use cases, significantly improving access to critical information for students and faculty while enhancing administrative efficiency.

I will also showcase examples in the context of Section Tally, demonstrating the application's real-time response capabilities. The presentation will highlight the benefits of this AI-powered approach, emphasizing its potential to transform the higher education landscape by providing timely and accurate information to users, ultimately contributing to their success and satisfaction.

Presenter:

Sahana Varadaraju, Senior Cloud Application Developer, Rowan University

EdgeNet Updates: Empowering Your Network for Education and Innovation

Room: STEM 501

Join us for an in-depth update on EdgeNet, where we'll explore how we're modernizing and simplifying networking to deliver exceptional value to our members. Discover how our innovative network design reduces power consumption while ensuring a superior quality of service. Learn about our commitment to keeping you at the forefront of modern technology, including advance line monitoring to improve dark fiber visibility, and support for campus managed optical fiber and high-speed transport for colocation. We’ll also review how Edge Cloud Connect is enabling seamless multi-cloud adoption for critical applications.

The session will also include an attendee roundtable to discuss the following with peers and the Edge network team:

How are you managing guest network services?
How are you enabling network segmentation?
How are you operating residence hall networks?

Presenters:

Jim Stankiewicz, Principal Network Architect, Edge
Bruce Tyrrell, AVP, Programs and Services, Edge

Breakout Sessions (2) – 10:25 - 11:05 am

Revolutionizing Campus Networks: Transitioning to an Automated, Zero-Trust Network-as-a-Service Model

Room: 6th Floor A

Join Shaliesh Shenory, Assistant Dean of IT at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine, as he takes you on a transformative journey from a traditional campus network to a cutting-edge, automated Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model. This session will explore the strategic decisions and key benefits behind this transition, focusing on how the new approach has enhanced security, operational efficiency, and user experience across the college.

One of the session's highlights will be the implementation of zero-trust access capabilities within the new network architecture. Shaliesh will delve into the critical role this feature plays in securing legacy devices, ensuring that essential research tools remain accessible to the college's researchers while being shielded from potential network threats.

Whether you’re an IT professional, a network architect, or an academic administrator, this session will provide actionable insights into how automation and zero-trust principles can revolutionize your institution’s network infrastructure.

Presenters:

Shaliesh Shenoy, Assistant Dean for Information Technology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Austin Hawthorne, VP Solution Architecture, Nile

The Vessel of Esports - Implementing an Esports Hub at Your Institution

Room: 6th Floor B

Are you interested in bringing the excitement and potential of esports to your college campus? This workshop is designed for educators, administrators, and leaders eager to establish or enhance an esports hub at their institution. Esports is rapidly growing in popularity among students, offering unique opportunities for engagement, community building, and career development.

In this interactive session, participants will explore the key components of building a successful esports program, from securing institutional support to creating inclusive spaces for competitive and casual gamers alike. We will cover the essentials of setting up infrastructure, such as gaming arenas and online platforms, and discuss strategies for recruiting and retaining a diverse group of participants. Additionally, the workshop will address how to integrate esports into the broader campus community through academic programs, student organizations, and partnerships with industry professionals.

By the end of the workshop, you will have a clear roadmap for launching or expanding an esports hub at your college, along with practical tools and resources to support your efforts.

Presenters:

David Bruno, Associate Dean, Educational Programming and External Relations, Camden County College
Sean Dwyer, Esports Director, Camden County College
Joshua Kell, CEO, Horizon AVL Esports Integration

Enhancing Data Governance and Literacy with Modern Technologies at Rowan University

Room: STEM 501

In the pursuit of efficient data management, Rowan University is embracing modern technologies and methodologies to establish a robust data governance framework and promote data literacy across the university community. By fostering data literacy, we are promoting informed decision-making, driving innovation, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of our institution.

As part of this endeavor, we are leveraging Informatica’s Cloud Data Governance and Catalog (CDGC) to develop a comprehensive Data Catalog, visualize data lineage, and apply data quality rules to critical data elements. Our approach encompasses the following key components:

Comprehensive Data Catalog: With CDGC, we are developing a centralized Data Catalog that provides a holistic view of our data landscape. It will facilitate informed decision-making and promote collaboration among departments, allowing stakeholders to easily discover, understand, and access critical data elements.
Data Lineage Visualization: Leveraging CDGC's advanced capabilities enables us to visualize data lineage, tracking data sources, transformations, and movements. This enhances transparency and accountability in data management practices.
Data Quality Rules Enforcement: Informatica enables us to define and enforce data quality rules to ensure the integrity and reliability of critical data elements. By applying these rules, we uphold data standards and mitigate the risk of discrepancies, enhancing trust in data-driven decisions.

Through the integration of Informatica’s CDGC, Rowan University is poised to promote data governance and empower its community with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world. This presentation will delve into the latest trends in data governance and the practical benefits of modern data technologies.

Presenters:

Shante Walker, Institutional Research Analyst, Rowan University

Breakout Sessions (3) – 11:15 - 11:55 am

From Policy to Practice: Crafting a Cybersecurity Blueprint That Everyone Owns and Governs

Room: 6th Floor A

In this session, we will explore the journey of transforming cybersecurity policies into actionable practices that involve participation and governance at all levels of an institution. Our focus will be on developing a cybersecurity blueprint that not only adheres to the highest standards of security and regulatory mandates but is also embraced and implemented by everyone within the organization, from IT staff to administrative leaders to faculty and students.

Presenters:

Dr. Dawn Dunkerley, Lead Virtual Chief Information Security Officer, Edge
Moe Rahman, Chief Information Officer, Rider University

GenAI Resources: A Review of the Top 100 Public Universities' Websites

Room: 6th Floor B

This session presents findings from a review of the top 100 non-profit U.S. universities with online bachelor programs, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report 2024. By analyzing the range of Generative AI resources across these institutions, we identify key themes and best practices that institutions should consider when developing their AI-related support systems.

Participants will gain insights into the current landscape of Generative AI resources in higher education, including common themes and gaps. This session is designed to guide university leaders, educators, and support staff in enhancing their institutional resources to better prepare for the ongoing integration of AI in academia.

Presenters:

Jake Martar, eLearning Coordinator, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Selecting Technology to Realize Institutional Goals

Room: STEM 501

At most institutions, the search for a new technology solution involves responding to institutional initiatives, contending with flat or shrinking technology budgets, or addressing specific pain points. A growing number of higher education leaders, however, are balancing these considerations with a solution’s fit within an ecosystem or with broader organizational goals. This approach is what we call a strategic view. In this workshop, we will explore how these institutions are ensuring fit and identify the decision points for technology acquisition to increase the chance of alignment between technology and institutional goals. After attending the session, participants will be able to identify how to evaluate technology solutions to determine how they might support institutional goals.

Who Should Attend: Institutional leaders interested in how to evaluate technology to align with and support institutional goals and vendors who would like to know more about how they might position their products to support institutional goals.

Presenters:

Justin Menard, CEO, ListEdTech
James Wiley, VP of Product and Research, ListEdTech

Breakout Sessions (4) – 2:40 - 3:20 pm

Empowering Institutions and Learners While Taking Back Control of Generative AI

Room: Auditorium

Discover how Google AI for Campus is revolutionizing the way institutions manage and leverage generative AI tools. Learn how this platform provides a centralized hub for over 200 generative AI tools and Large Language Models, including Gemini, Claude, Copilot, GPT-4o and more, while granting institutions granular control over user access and permissions. Explore the benefits of streamlined management, enhanced security, and the potential for innovative applications across various academic domains.

Additionally, we'll hear from the team at Rutgers Business School as they roll Google AI for Campus out to students, faculty, and staff. RBS will share valuable insights into why they decided to centralize management of generative AI platforms, their experience in early-phase deployment, and how they plan to leverage the platform moving forward.

Presenters:

Shevon Jackson, Senior Director of Information Technology, Rutgers Business School
Adam Deer, Industry Executive for Public Sector, EDU, Google

Using the Cloud to Enhance Agility, Security, and Collaboration

Room: STEM 501

In an era of rapid technological advancement, universities must adopt forward-thinking IT strategies to remain competitive and responsive to the needs of students, faculty, and researchers. This presentation will explore the comprehensive cloud strategy implemented at Seton Hall University, designed to enhance institutional agility, security, and collaboration.

We will discuss the strategic shift that began more than 10 years ago, from on-premises infrastructure to a cloud-first approach, driven by the need for scalability, cost-efficiency, and improved service delivery. The presentation will highlight how this strategy has enabled the university to streamline operations, foster innovative teaching and research, and respond swiftly to evolving challenges, such as the sudden transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key elements of the strategy, including cloud governance, security measures, and partnerships with leading cloud providers, will be examined. We will also share insights on the cultural and organizational changes required to support cloud adoption and the impact on IT staff roles and responsibilities.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge on developing and executing a cloud strategy in higher education, ensuring it aligns with institutional goals while addressing the unique challenges of academia.

Presenter:

Paul Fisher, Chief Information Officer, Seton Hall University
Matthew J Stevenson, Executive Director – IT, Seton Hall University

Building Student-Led SOCs in Higher Education

Room: STEM 401

Higher Education Security Teams are often understaffed and underfunded and are at greater risk for cybersecurity threats. While many schools recognize the potential of student internships in their Cybersecurity programs, they often struggle with the management and training required to integrate these students into their Security Teams.

Our session will showcase how LSU formalized its Student Led SOC program to create a framework that trains students to become productive members of a real-world Security Team alongside partner TekStream Solutions. In addition to LSU’s benefits, you'll learn how the university-built partnerships with peer institutions and the State of Louisiana to support its cybersecurity initiatives and cultivate a skilled workforce in the state. Lastly, we’ll also present on how this model is currently rolling out in New Jersey and ways to participate if your school is interested.

Presenters:

Ed Wozencroft, Vice President for Digital Strategy, Chief Digital Officer, and CIO, NJIT
Matt Clemmons, Managing Director, Splunk Services, TekStream

myEdison Experience - Success with the Student Experience

Room: 6th Floor A

Come hear how Thomas Edison moved from the original Ellucian Portal to the new myEdison Experience! This new technology provides a SSO approach to all student systems, moves the students to a more mobile-friendly option, and allows each student to set up a personal dashboard that is right for them. We will talk about how we set up the system, some of our customized cards, our launch of Experience this past June, and our plans for governance as we roll it out to additional constituencies.

Presenters:

August "Chip" Stoll, Senior Director, Enterprise Applications, Thomas Edison State University
Christine Carter, Director of Graduate Admissions, Recruitment, and Enrollment Technology, Thomas Edison State University

Breakout Sessions (5) – 3:30 - 4:10 pm

Modernize the Student Experience

Room: 6th Floor A

Embark on a transformative journey as we reimagine the student experience! Join us as we delve into improving your on-campus processes so you can focus on student retention and engagement.

Discover cutting-edge technologies, proven methodologies, and best practices tailored to the unique needs of today's learners.

Whether you're spearheading digital transformation efforts or seeking to stay ahead of the curve in higher education innovation, this session is your opportunity to be part of a dynamic conversation and shape the future of education.

Presenter:

Nishika Gupta, Assistant Vice President, IT, Bergen Community College
Patricia Clay, Associate Vice President & CIO, Hudson County Community College

Elevating the Institution’s Global Profile Through Student Support Applications and OIT Support

Room: STEM 501

In an increasingly competitive global educational landscape, institutions must leverage technology to enhance student support and engagement. This session highlights the critical role of student support applications and the Office of Information Technology in advancing a university's global profile. By adopting and optimizing these technologies, universities can enhance student satisfaction, academic performance, and institutional reputation on the global stage.

Presenter:

Angela Sen, Developer/Analyst I, Software and Application Services, Office of Information Technology, Princeton University

Innovation in Procurement: The EdgeMarket Higher Ed Ecosystem RFP

Room: STEM 401

Discover how EdgeMarket is changing the game for higher education procurement with our innovative new Higher Education Ecosystem RFP for academic and administrative software systems. Join us to learn how our strategic approach is designed to simplify the procurement process, foster collaboration between members and solution providers, and drive better outcomes for institutions.

In this session, we will:

Introduce the EdgeMarket Higher Education Ecosystem RFP: Explore the key features and benefits of our new RFP framework.
Explain our rationale and strategy: Understand why we've developed this innovative approach to software system procurement.
Introduce the Business Capability Model: Learn how this model aligns solution portfolios with the operational needs of higher education institutions.
Introduce the Business Outcomes Framework: Discover how this framework connects solution investments to tangible business results.

By leveraging these powerful tools, we're creating a streamlined procurement pathway that empowers institutions to make more informed and effective system selections. Join us to learn how this innovative approach can benefit your institution.

Presenter: