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Powering the Shift: Inside ITS’ Role with eCampus

As George Mason University transitions its course materials operation to eCampus, much of the work is happening behind the scenes in Information Technology Services (ITS). Conversations with project leaders show that what may appear to be a bookstore transition is also a larger technology effort to build the infrastructure supporting the future of course materials at George Mason. Daffeyo Tubman, Operational Finance & Enterprise Governance (OFEG) Project Manager, and Mary Lulis,… Continue reading

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Operational Updates

July 2026
- Microsoft Azure Migrations: ITS is modernizing its enterprise systems this summer by transitioning our on‑campus data center infrastructure to Microsoft Azure, a cloud-based platform. This initiative provides a more reliable and flexible environment that enhances system stability and supports long-term operational efficiency. To track the server migrations, see the Azure Migrations Dashboard (accessible via the George Mason VPN). This is a live dashboard that updates in real-time to reflect the most current maintenance status. Users are welcome to monitor the dashboard for updates.
- Pinnacle Retirement: After more than 20 years with our current billing system, Pinnacle, ITS is moving to PCR360, a platform widely used by higher ed institutions that will support key functions of our telecom services, billing, and inventory. This change will help ITS deliver better service, improve accuracy, and streamline processes. The transition is expected to be complete by December 2026, with training and resources provided to all telecom coordinators over the coming months. For related questions, please contact [email protected].
- TDX Update: ITS has designated TeamDynamix (TDX) as the official system of record for all ITS work, including incidents, service requests, projects, operational activities, service improvements, and change management. This standardized approach will improve visibility, accountability, reporting, resource planning, and service delivery across the organization. In addition, ITS is enhancing its tiered support model to provide faster and more effective assistance. When questions cannot be resolved through an initial phone call or chat, they will be escalated to an expanded Tier 2 support team that includes ITS staff who specialize in the university’s most critical applications. This realignment will help reduce response times, improve access to technical expertise, and allow other ITS teams to focus on strategic projects and new initiatives that benefit the university community. ITS will continue to grow and revise within TDX and our internal processes and procedures to fully leverage its capabilities.
- Azure AI Foundry Coming Soon: ITS is working swiftly to enable Azure AI Foundry, George Mason’s secure, governed AI platform that gives researchers, faculty, and staff access to thousands of AI models and tools for building, testing, and deploying AI solutions while maintaining compliance and cost transparency. The new university-managed AI platform is scheduled to launch in late August 2026. It will provide secure, self-service access to thousands of AI models for faculty, researchers, staff, and approved student teams. Researchers with immediate AI needs are encouraged to connect with ITS before launch. Key benefits include:
  - Advanced Research Support
    - Enables data analysis, content generation, software development, and discipline-specific AI research.
    - Provides access to 1,800+ large language models (LLMs) through a single enterprise platform.
  - End-to-End AI Development
    - Supports the full AI lifecycle, including developing, testing, and deploying AI-powered applications, agents, and research solutions.
  - Built-In Governance and Security
    - Uses university-approved controls, monitoring, identity management, DNS integration, and baseline security measures.
    - Designed to maintain institutional security, governance, and compliance standards.
  - Cost Transparency
    - Features automated pay-as-you-go billing based on actual usage.
    - Gives university units predictable budget visibility and reduces manual reconciliation.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Expansion: George Mason is gradually expanding Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneDrive. The goal is to help faculty and staff improve productivity, streamline routine tasks, access information more easily, and enhance content creation and communication. Copilot is being rolled out in the following phases
  - Wave 1: Included 124 ITS staff and university leaders. This phase established governance, training, support, and operational practices for broader adoption.
  - Wave 2: Expands access to approximately 400 faculty and staff across different roles and departments. The focus is on gathering feedback, evaluating user experiences, and identifying practical use cases in teaching, research, administration, and operations.
  - Wave 3: Will introduce a formal request process for faculty and staff to obtain Copilot access, along with structured training, onboarding, and ongoing support.