Alia Lancaster
Research & Analytics Manager,
University of Maryland
Humanizing IT: Amplifying Student Voices to Build Trust and Connection
Thursday, October 01, 2026 | 3:15PM–4:15PM MT
Session Type:
Poster Session
Delivery Format:
Poster Session
How can institutions move beyond traditional communication approaches to better engage students where they are? This session shares how a series of video projects evolved into a scalable, multichannel communication model that strengthens student engagement, awareness, and connection. Using the same core footage, we produce tailored outputs across platforms, including 3-minute YouTube videos, 1-minute social media posts, and 15-second digital signage. This approach enables IT teams to efficiently scale communication while meeting students across multiple channels. Through informal student interviews, we capture authentic perspectives that complement traditional data, helping to humanize IT services and strengthen connections with students. This strategy supports initiatives such as Student IT Advisory Committee (ITAC) engagement and residence hall outreach by increasing awareness, improving IT proficiency, and positioning IT as an approachable, trusted resource. Attendees will learn how to implement a scalable video communication model, apply student voice to inform IT strategy, and enhance engagement through human-centered storytelling. This approach enhances student engagement, increases awareness of available IT services, and supports student success by making IT resources more visible, accessible, and approachable.
