June roundup
June was another busy month for IT Services, as we celebrated colleagues winning awards and the team resolving 4,229 support queries.
1. Summer Graduation 2026
Along with many other colleagues from across the University, many members of the IT Services team were part of delivering a successful Graduation week for the Class of 2026! We ensure the live stream allows loved ones to watch on proudly from wherever they are in the world. This year, over 1,700 people joined our live streams of graduations over the 5 days and we have had a further 20,700 views of the streams since they were published on our YouTube channel.
This summer’s graduation was also particularly momentous as those who joined our live stream of the afternoon graduation on Wednesday 1 July also had the opportunity to witness the historic milestone of Dame Anne Pringle being installed as Chancellor of the University and becoming the first woman to hold the office in over 600 years.
2. Technology upgrades in teaching and event spaces
Alongside supporting the graduation ceremonies, preparations for the start of term are well underway. Over the summer, we are delivering a programme of technology upgrades across a number of teaching and key event spaces, including Physics Lecture Theatre A, Purdie Lecture Theatre B, and Gateway Lecture Rooms 3 and 4. In addition to these room enhancements, we are deploying almost 500 new classroom PCs, including the Maths PC Classroom, Irvine PC Classroom, and the Main Library.
These investments ensure our staff and students have access to the latest technology, helping to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and deliver a high-quality learning and teaching experience throughout the academic year.
3. Welcoming European University Partners to St Andrews: Professional Staff Week
The University of St Andrews welcomed Professional Services staff members from our European strategic partner universities, the University of Bonn (Germany), University of Padua (Italy) and Charles University (Czechia). The activities are aimed to develop their understanding of St Andrews and enable us to share best practice and discuss common challenges.
IT Services were delighted to be involved in their visit, organising a tour to the School of Computer Science and Walter Bower House, as well as lead a roundtable discussion around Professional Services and AI.
Daniele Marino, Director of IT Support for Facilities at the University of Padua said “during the staff week, we greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet the IT Services team at the University of St Andrews. The visit offered valuable insights and a meaningful exchange on shared challenges in university IT.”
4. Erin Niven recognised with UCISA Rising Star Award
We are delighted that Erin Niven, Senior IT/AV Technician, won the UCISA Rising Star Award at the Support Services Group Conference last month in Leeds.
In summarising Erin’s award nomination, the judges said:
“Erin demonstrates the full spectrum of the Rising Star criteria – she has clear professional growth from apprentice to a senior technical role and has taken on cross disciplinary project from BMS (Building Management Systems) to a Sustainability proof of concept with HP, that she shared with us earlier today. She has measurable impact and influence in investment decisions and presenting to senior leaders. Erin also mentor’s apprentices and acts as an apprentice ambassador, showing sustained collaboration and leadership potential. That combined, she shows strong promise, leadership potential and growth.”
During the conference, Erin also gave a presentation to around 150 UCISA members on “Smarter Device Support at Scale: Using Data and Automation to improve productivity, user satisfaction and sustainability ambitions”.
5. Patrick Green named among top 100 Future Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Patrick Green, Associate Chief Information Officer (Cyber Security and Resilience), has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Future CISOs by Hot Topics.
The HotTopics Future CISO 100 Awards, hosted in partnership with Thales, recognise the rising security leaders shaping the future of cyber defence, resilience and trust. These individuals are already influencing strategy, strengthening security posture and driving meaningful change across their organisations.
6. One Minute Survey Winner
Congratulations to Gayle from Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs who won our July One Minute Survey prize draw.
To take part next month, simply complete the feedback form sent by the IT Service Desk after they resolve your query. Everyone who submits feedback will be entered automatically for a chance to win a £15 St Andrews voucher.