# IT Academy # IT Academy Programs & initiatives ![2019 Harvard University IT Summit](/sites/g/files/omnuum10811/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-05/2019%20IT%20Summit%20-%20Photo%20by%20Michelle%20Jay.jpeg?itok=EF0wQ5U3) ## Contents - [Overview](#overview) - [IT Academy courses](#courses) - [Become an IT Academy facilitator](#facilitator) - [Tech Talks series](#talks-block) - [Past Tech Talks](#talks-block) The IT Academy offers Harvard IT staff the opportunity to participate in instructor-led courses, self-paced activities, and the Tech Talk series that will deepen subject matter expertise and broaden knowledge of Harvard's unique technology landscape. The IT Academy is built on the model of the "T-shaped professional,” who are characterized by their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines ([the horizontal](#essential)), and their deep technical expertise ([the vertical](#career)). These professionals are in high demand in today’s workforce. [Browse and register for IT Academy courses](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/dashboard) ![T shape with Essential Skills on top and IT Career Skills down](/sites/g/files/omnuum10811/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-08/IT%20Academy%20-%20T%20Shape%20-%20Updated%202025.07%20-%20just%20shape%20V2.png?itok=k9mQAwbT) ## IT Academy courses The horizontal of the T, **Essential skills**, represents the skills identified by the Harvard IT community and approved by the CIO Council as essential for all Harvard IT staff. The vertical of the T, **IT career skills**, represents the technical skills specific to each Harvard IT job family. We have cultivated training content along with resources to help you apply new skills, recommended by Harvard IT staff from across the university. ### Essential skills expand\_more - [**Service Mindset**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fcategorydetail%2Fcateg000000000002846%2Ftrue%3Fst$search-result-custom-fields-filter$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$search-result-facet-filters$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$learningBrowse$*BL*%3Dtrue&st$search-filter-selected-picker-value$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$showBackLinkOnBrowse$*BL*%3Dfalse&st$search-result-facet-condition-types$*MP*%3D*OPCRL*delivery_id$*ST**EQ*kOr,%20resource_type$*ST**EQ*kAnd,%20all_category_id) IT Professionals learn how to demonstrate a Service Mindset through accountability, collaborative partnerships, and empathy to provide the IT support needed to further Harvard’s mission. - [**Trusted Advisor**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fcategorydetail%2Fcateg000000000002849%2Ftrue%3Fst$search-result-custom-fields-filter$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$search-result-facet-filters$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$learningBrowse$*BL*%3Dtrue&st$search-filter-selected-picker-value$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$showBackLinkOnBrowse$*BL*%3Dfalse&st$search-result-facet-condition-types$*MP*%3D*OPCRL*delivery_id$*ST**EQ*kOr,%20resource_type$*ST**EQ*kAnd,%20all_category_id) IT Professionals learn how to communicate, connect, and engage with users and colleagues to build trusting and productive relationships to effectively provide IT solutions. - [**IT Methodologies**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/me/learningeventdetail/cours000000000021621?returnurl=common%2Fsearchresults%2Fit%20methodologies%2FALL) IT Professionals learn how to discover the ITIL, Project Management, and Agile methodologies and how they work together to provide IT services for all of Harvard’s technology users. - [**Digital Accessibility**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fcategorydetail%2Fcateg000000000007261%2Ftrue%2Fxxemptyxx%2FLEARNINGEVENT,OFFERINGTEMPLATE,CERTIFICATION,CURRICULUM,OFFERING,PACKAGE,LXPCONTENT,LEARNINGPATHWAY%3Fst$search-result-custom-fields-filter$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$search-result-facet-filters$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$learningBrowse$*BL*%3Dtrue&st$search-filter-selected-picker-value$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$showBackLinkOnBrowse$*BL*%3Dfalse&st$search-r) IT Professionals learn how to leverage tools and resources to ensure all online and electronic sites and documents are accessible to all of Harvard’s community. - [**Privacy Principles**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/common/ledetail/ITA-SVM900) IT Professionals learn how to integrate security into your role and function to ensure that Harvard is protected from security breaches. - [**User Experience**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fcategorydetail%2Fcateg000000000005241%2Ftrue%3Fst$search-result-custom-fields-filter$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$search-result-facet-filters$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$learningBrowse$*BL*%3Dtrue&st$search-filter-selected-picker-value$*MP*%3D*OPCRL**CLCRL*&st$showBackLinkOnBrowse$*BL*%3Dfalse&st$search-result-facet-condition-types$*MP*%3D*OPCRL*resource_type$*ST**EQ*kAnd,%20all_category_id$*ST**EQ*kOr,%20location_id) IT Professionals learn how to incorporate user experience into any IT service you provide to ensure that they are easily usable for all. ### IT career skills expand\_more - [**Applications**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.APPLICATIONS.TECH%2FALL) Develop skills to perform or manage one of more IT applications/web areas (development, engineering, architecture). - [**Artificial Intelligence**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/catalog/search?searchText=ita.ai.tech) Develop skills on how to use and support AI technology. - [**Business Analysis**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.BUSINESSANALYSIS.TECH%2FALL) Develop skills to perform or manage the identification, articulation, definition, facilitation, and implementation of programs and projects in support of continuous improvement in technology and business processes and services. - [**Data Management**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.DATAMANAGEMENT.TECH%2FALL) Develop skills to perform or manage processes that include acquiring, validating, storing, protecting, and processing data to ensure the accessibility, reliability, and timeliness of the data for its users to inform business decisions and gain deep insights into trends and opportunities. - [**Infrastructure**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.INFRASTRUCTURE.TECH%2FALL) Develop skills to perform or manage a range of responsibilities within the infrastructure technology stack for a school or university-wide, including Network, DevOps, Platform, Storage, Data Center, or Operational Technology. - [**IT Project Management**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.PROJECTMANAGEMENT.TECH%2FALL) Develop skills to perform or manage a range of activities related to the design, planning, execution, facilitation, implementation, and completion of information technology projects, according to strict deadlines and within budget, including team and vendor management. - [**IT Security**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.SECURITY.TECH%2FALL) Develop skills to perform or manage a range of activities related to the design and implementation of information security and identity and access procedures, controls, and programs. - [**Manager and Leadership**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/catalog/search?searchText=ITA_MGR_LEAD) Develop skills necessary to effectively manage teams and lead people and initiatives. This catalog includes learning opportunities for managers of existing teams (like retaining employees, performance conversations, and developing teams) to develop the necessary skills to manage, and opportunities for individual contributors who want to move into a manager role or take on a leadership role within their team (like change management, coaching, and navigating difficult conversations). - [**Multimedia**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.MULTIMEDIA.TECH%2FALL) Perform or manage a range of activities related to the design, planning, execution, facilitation, implementation, and effective delivery of digital content in traditional and emerging areas; support and manage multimedia platforms, products, and services in support of academic programs, professional education, and business units in learning spaces. Duties may entail one or more specialties including audio, audiovisual, video services (including live streaming and capture), AV over IP, and all aspects of assistive technology. - [**Research Computing**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.RESEARCHCOMPUTING.TECH%2FALL) Develop skills to perform or manage leading-edge technology services that support the advancement of research—intended for roles responsible for software data, facilitation, and systems services in partnership with researchers. - [**User Support**](https://trainingportal.harvard.edu/Saba/Web_spf/NA1PRD0068/app/shared;spf-url=common%2Fsearchresults%2FITA.USERSUPPORT.TECH%2FALL) Develop skills to perform or manage customer service including provision of technical assistance and services, training, support for endpoint systems (including mobile devices), and accessibility. ### Course levels expand\_more The IT Academy offers courses in essential (the horizontal) and technical (the vertical) skills at 2 levels. - **Level 1 (Learn)** courses combine the definition of a common language at Harvard, an introduction of tools and techniques needed to successfully implement the new skill, and a foundational overview of key concepts. - **Level 2 (Apply)** courses provide you with the opportunity to receive additional resources and support from both peers and Harvard subject matter experts to apply the foundational skills learned in Level 1 to your role and work situations. The forum is open to all Harvard staff, faculty, and researchers who support, have responsibility for, or are interested in technology-related topics and use cases on campus. The forum is held virtually over Zoom and meets quarterly for one and a half hours. ## Become an IT Academy facilitator Looking for some professional development and to enhance your career? Become an IT Academy Facilitator! **As an IT Academy facilitator, you will:** - Facilitate IT Academy created courses with a co-facilitator (class duration varies from 3 – 9 hours, depending on class you facilitate) - Participants are IT staff across Harvard - Build a network of IT Professionals across all schools and units at Harvard - Be viewed as an expert in your subject matter by your peers - Have the opportunity to network with the CIO Council and other senior leadership - Gain valuable facilitation and public speaking skills and training - Be an integral contributor to an important Harvard-wide initiative - Contribute to enhancing the IT Academy’s course offerings - Have fun! **What are the requirements?** - Participate in a train the trainer session to get certified (these sessions are 1 – 3 full days depending on the certification requirements. Please email the IT Academy for specifics) - Commit to facilitating 1-2 classes per quarter. The IT Academy will work with you and your availability to schedule these classes with a co-facilitator to share the course content. Our classes range from one ½ day to two full days - Meet with your co-facilitator in advance of your class for 1-2 hours to prepare and practice - Participate in quarterly Facilitator Forum with other IT Academy facilitators to share your feedback and help us enhance the IT Academy facilitator experience - Approval from your manager - Contribute to course enhancements (optional, but appreciated) - Be open to feedback and have a Service Mindset ## Tech Talks series Launched in February 2024, the Tech Talks series is a space for Harvard staff to share and learn about Harvard's use of AI technology and how they can incorporate these use cases into practice. With AI Technology rapidly changing and advancing, the Tech Talks create more frequent learning opportunities to stay current as the landscape evolves. ## Upcoming Tech Talks New Tech Talks to be scheduled soon! ### Past Tech Talks [Access presentation materials from past Tech Talks](https://hu.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/HUITlearndev/IgAE17Z2WZ_PTZ-I2OohgTpoAcfPhpO-myMYQJ6ym-aazIc?e=VFswXH) [View a playlist of past recorded Tech Talks on YouTube](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0bhSvL88O-nwPRgr_WBgqhZ74FSQCv1l&si=JgfFNHuJMt3M0QhJ) [### Tech Talk Wrap-Up: Communications in the Age of AI ](/news/2026/04/tech-talk-wrap-communications-age-ai) April 15, 2026 Thank you to everyone who joined us at our April 15 Tech Talk. This session featured a presentation on the use of AI in Communications, led by members of the HUIT Communications team. View the presentation materials here. For more information on upcoming...