Our Projects

Technology doesn’t stand still and neither do we. We’re always planning new developments to keep Durham University at the forefront of digital services and innovation. It’s all part of our commitment to you and what you can achieve at Durham with the right technology and tools.

Here’s just a few of our current projects:

To support students, staff, and research:

• A new Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard Learn Ultra
• Oracle Learning, including maximising the application for student training 
• Worktribe research administration to support research facilitation 
• Microsoft 365 rollout, supporting a new operating model and working practices  
• New internet platform, supporting Marketing and Communication and Intranet 
• New Community platform, improving security and functionality of specialist outreach 
• Our first AI assistant, Holly, to support prospective students 24/7/365 
• New Library Management System  
• Digital skills training and Digital Champions Network 
• Considerable improvements to the Student Information System: Banner 
• Burst telephone capacity for clearing and online open day service  
• Launched a new student case management system 

Operations:  

• A new HR and payroll system 

• A new ecommerce platform, protecting £97m in payments every year 

• Reduction in IT technical debt, including new Wi-Fi coverage and servers 

• Substantial upgrade to the finance and procurement system: Oracle Fusion  

• A new online open day service 

Delivery:  

• Began to introduce Agile ways of working across CIS and other areas  

• Developed a cyber security strategy and supporting delivery capability 

• Launched the CIS “Rising Stars” Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, as part of our response to the ongoing tech recruitment challenge. Also, welcomed 7 T-Level Placement Students from 2 local FE colleges  

• Developed and introduced the Distribution IT Operating Model, DITO