The Art of the Essential: Reclaiming Sanity through Strategic System Consolidation

Friday, October 02, 2026 | 8:00AM–8:45AM MT
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Presentation
In an era of relentless digital sprawl, small and midsize institutions are finding that more tools often lead to more friction rather than better service. This session explores how resource-constrained teams at CalArts and other schools combat tool fatigue by intentionally shrinking their digital footprint. Leaders will share a pragmatic roadmap for radical consolidation, moving from fragmented ecosystems to unified platforms that restore budget sustainability and staff sanity. Attendees will learn how to trade the complexity of dozens of niche integrations for a cohesive, mission-focused enterprise layer.

Presenters

  • Allan Chen

    VP for IT, California Institute of the Arts

  • Eric Hazen

    Director of Marketing, Ferris State University

  • Dan Watkins

    Associate Vice Chancellor, IT, Ventura County Community College District