UVA ITS Team Culture Recipe
A strong, shared culture is essential to how Information Technology Services works together to achieve its goals and serve as a strategic partner to the University of Virginia.
The development of the ITS Strategic Plan laid the groundwork for this shared direction. In the first months of 2024, ITS leadership came together to learn about the plan and share ideas for bringing it to life. These conversations demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration and underscored how deeply we value our partnerships, both across Grounds and within our own community, as One ITS.
Building on that momentum, the teammate-led ITS Culture Project captured the collective voices and perspectives of ITS staff through surveys, listening sessions, and engagement with Culture Ambassadors. The result was the creation of the ITS Culture Foundations, a clear set of principles that reflect who we are and how we work together.
In 2025 and beyond, ITS will focus on putting these Foundations into practice by integrating them into daily work, decisions, and interactions to strengthen collaboration and connection across the University.
Our Strategic Plan
The ITS Strategic Plan, ITS As A Strategic Partner, was developed to provide a clear and shared path forward. With work that spans many areas, the plan helps ensure everyone is moving in the same direction toward common goals. It guides priorities, brings clarity to decision-making, and defines what success looks like over the next three to five years.
At the center of the plan is our commitment to being a strategic partner. Providing excellent service is central to the ITS mission, and the plan reinforces the belief that ITS can best serve the University when we are engaged as an active collaborator.
The plan reflects the input and enthusiasm of the ITS community, whose ideas and engagement have shaped both its development and implementation. It embodies the spirit of One ITS — a unified team working toward a shared vision for the future.
Capture Your Culture Baseline
Our Survey Prompts (Likert scale)
I am proud to work for UVA ITS.
I feel my work is meaningful.
I would recommend UVA ITS as a great place to work.
I see myself still working at UVA ITS in two years' time.
UVA ITS leaders demonstrate that people are important to the success of our department.
The mission, vision, and values of UVA ITS are clear to me.
I understand how my work contributes to the strategy and goal of UVA ITS.
Communication at UVA ITS is effective, open, and honest.
I feel that there is a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration among colleagues.
My work environment allows me to be productive.
I feel appreciated for the work I do.
I have a good balance between my work and personal life.
I feel connected to others at UVA ITS outside of my immediate team.
I can describe the culture of UVA ITS to a friend.
I feel like I belong at UVA ITS.
Our ITS Culture Foundations
Collectively, our Culture Foundations represent who we are, who we want to become, and how we will work together to achieve the goals in our ITS Strategic Plan.
Our Story
At UVA ITS, we believe technology is a catalyst for achievement, innovation, and transformation.
We’re proud to manage vital infrastructure and services while acting as strategic partners for the entire UVA community. Whether we’re keeping systems secure, offering hands-on support, or developing purposeful innovations, we are driven by one goal: creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential.
Through leading expertise and a proactive approach, we work with different groups within the University and beyond to deliver powerful solutions to complex challenges. No matter what we’re working on, our team is committed to being responsive and collaborative. We strive to provide our partners with the information, resources, and help they need to focus on what matters most.
UVA ITS does more than support the UVA community—we empower and move it forward. With every partnership and every solution, we are shaping a culture and ecosystem where learning and discovery thrive.
Our Purpose (why we exist)
Empowering our community to achieve, innovate, and shape the future through technology.
Our Vision (the future we see)
A connected culture and technology ecosystem for UVA where learning and discovery thrive.
Our Pillars (what we're known for)
Leading Expertise
Our deep expertise spans many disciplines, enabling us to address a wide range of challenges — delivering practical solutions while staying abreast of emerging technology trends. To help everyone succeed, we share our knowledge broadly across UVA.
Power Solutions
Technology is an essential component of life at UVA, and we are committed to delivering systems and services that are secure, efficient, and reliable. We evolve to keep pace with changing trends and the needs of the University while remaining prepared for the unexpected.
Trusted Partners
We forge strong, meaningful partnerships across the University, serving as trusted advisors and strategic allies. UVA ITS stays ahead of the curve, offering expert guidance and proactive support, collaborating to ensure our partners can focus on achieving their goals.
Strategic Approach
We take a holistic view of the technology needs at UVA and the goals of ITS. When evaluating decisions, we consider all the implications and ensure solutions are scalable, sustainable, and secure. By prioritizing long-term success in our execution, we drive progress for the entire community.
Continuous Innovation
We drive innovation by collaborating, experimenting, and creating a safe space to learn. When approaching a project or challenge, we ask “what’s possible” and work to make it happen. At ITS, embracing change is essential for growth, delivering meaningful impact and lasting change.
Our Values
Build Connections
We believe strong relationships are the foundation for great work.
- Take the time to learn about people, starting with kindness and respect.
- Understand people's unique needs and support them to succeed.
- Collaborate to solve challenges and achieve collective goals.
- Recognize and celebrate all contributions.
Deliver Excellence
We believe integrity, accountability, and quality are essential.
- Do the right thing, especially when it’s hard.
- Take initiative and own your contribution.
- Face challenges with optimism and honesty.
- Adapt and be nimble to ensure the best outcome for the greater good.
Pursue Progress
We believe lifelong learning and consistent innovation amplify our impact.
- Embrace a mindset of curiosity and humility.
- Challenge conventional thinking and strive for continuous improvement.
- Experiment by doing and learn from mistakes.
- Share your ideas and encourage different perspectives.
Drive Clarity
We believe transparent communication empowers everyone.
- Be clear about expectations and candid with feedback.
- Share the 'why' behind decisions and actions.
- Explain complex ideas in a way that everyone understands.
- Encourage questions and ensure people feel heard.