Allan Chen
VP for IT,
California Institute of the Arts
Designing for the Student, Not the System: Building an Integrated Campus Tech Experience
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 2:15PM–3:00PM CT | Meeting Room 208 A, Level 2
Session Type:
Breakout Session
Delivery Format:
Presentation/Panel Session
Today’s students interact with dozens of digital systems—learning platforms, advising tools, communication portals, mobile apps, and more throughout their academic journeys. But while industries like retail and banking deliver seamless, integrated digital experiences, higher ed often presents a fragmented landscape, leaving students frustrated and disengaged. This panel brings together institutions that are rethinking their digital ecosystems with a "student-first" mindset— moving beyond siloed systems to build unified, intuitive experiences mirroring the expectations set by consumer brands. Panelists will share how they engaged cross-campus stakeholders, navigated governance and integration challenges, and put the student experience at the center of transformation efforts. Attendees will learn what higher ed can borrow from leading consumer brands, how to get cross-functional teams sitting at the same table, and why real transformation requires more than just the IT department. Whether early in the journey or deep into redesign, you’ll leave with practical insights and replicable strategies.
