Annual Report 2025 ‑ 2026

Facts & Figures

Projects

• 3D Printing for Faculty & Student Success

  IT's commitment to supporting faculty innovation reached an exciting new milestone through a collaboration with Dr. Olof Nilsson in Microbiology. The partnership explored how 3D printing could help students better understand one of the more challenging concepts in immunology (MICR 3254). 

  To make the complex process of identifying immune cell smore accessible, the CATS team designed and 3D-printed a custom, hands-on modeling kit from the ground up. Because many immune cells appear nearly identical under a microscope, scientists use a sophisticated process called flow cytometry to distinguish them based on molecules found on their surfaces.

  The custom kits allow students to physically manipulate and assemble models representing immune cells, surface molecules, antibodies, and fluorophore dyes. By transforming an abstract scientific process into a tangible, interactive learning experience, the project gives students another way to visualize relationships, engage with course concepts, and strengthen their understanding.

  The initiative is also creating momentum beyond a single course. Building on the success of this collaboration, the CATS team is partnering with additional faculty members interested in using custom 3D-printing solutions to enhance teaching and learning across their own disciplines.

  Business Impact: Advanced faculty innovation and student learning through custom 3D-printing solutions, transformed complex academic concepts into interactive learning experiences, expanded opportunities for hands-on instruction, and created a scalable model for supporting innovative teaching across disciplines.

• Disability Services Accommodate Integration

  IT partnered with Disability Services to enhance student support by upgrading the Accommodate platform and integrating it with the university's Banner student information system. The project included implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) for a secure, seamless user experience and developing two automated data feeds to provide Accommodate with the student and academic information needed by Disability Services.

  By replacing manual data entry with automated system integrations, the project improves data accuracy, reduces administrative effort, and provides Disability Services with more timely access to critical information. The integration also strengthens system security and creates a more efficient experience for both students and staff.

  Business Impact: Streamlined the administration of student accommodations through automated data integration, improved data accuracy and system security, and enabled Disability Services to provide more efficient and timely support to students.

  

   

  The Banner integration has been a valuable enhancement to our office’s existing processes. The automated data feeds keep student information current, while expanded self-service features allow students to access accommodation information and services more efficiently and independently. The integration has reduced administrative steps and supported more streamlined tracking of accommodation requests.

  - Sarah Doying,
  Interim Director of Disability Services

• Expanding Campus Storytelling Through Innovation

  This year, the CATS team expanded the ways Weber State captures and shares campus experiences, using new technology to strengthen school spirit, celebrate university traditions, and support campus initiatives.

  A major highlight was partnering with university administration to promote and feature the historic Light the W campaign. Through video production and visual storytelling, CATS helped showcase generations of Wildcat pride while supporting efforts to raise awareness and funding for the new permanent, solar-powered "W" monument on Mt. Ogden.

  CATS also reached an exciting milestone by introducing drone coverage at home football games for the first time. Aerial footage brought a new perspective to gameday productions, with dynamic campus and stadium views displayed live on the video board and incorporated into ESPN+ broadcasts.

  Beyond athletics, drone technology expanded CATS' ability to support the university in many new ways. The team enhanced Weber State's campus stock media library, captured behind-the-scenes footage of the new WSU-branded parachute team, and collaborated with campus police to provide aerial support for security planning and operations surrounding the Lindquist fireworks and pop concert.

  By expanding its production capabilities, CATS is creating new opportunities to tell Weber State's story, support campus partners, and showcase the university from an entirely new perspective.

  Business Impact: Expanded production capabilities through innovative use of drone technology, strengthened university storytelling and school spirit, enhanced athletics and promotional content, supported campus safety initiatives, and increased Weber State's visibility and engagement across multiple audiences.

• Early College Application Automation

  IT modernized the student application process by replacing a time-intensive manual workflow with a more efficient automated solution. The project included designing and deploying a new application to streamline the processing of Early College applicants, with the potential to incorporate an electronic Parent Consent Form into the workflow.

  The project also introduced a new collaborative development model for the Enterprise Applications Student Team. Rather than assigning the full development lifecycle to a single student developer, team members worked together across planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. this hybrid approach allowed students to contribute their individual strengths while building shared knowledge, strengthening teamwork, and gaining valuable real-world experience in collaborative software development.

  By automating key steps in the application process, the new solution reduces manual effort, improves consistency and accuracy, and creates a more efficient experience for both applicants and administrative staff. The automation significantly reduces manual processing, enabling staff to focus on higher-value work while improving the efficiency and timeliness of application processing.

  Business Impact: Streamlined the Early College application process through automation, reduced manual processing, improved consistency and the applicant experience, and provided Enterprise Student Applications employees with meaningful experience working in a collaborative software development approach.

  

   

  The creation of the Early College application system by the Enterprise Student Applications Team has been instrumental in streamlining what was once a complicated multi-system process. Having a single application that incorporates all processes into a single platform eliminated barriers for both students and Weber State Early College advisors. Truly, the quality of work has increased in the Early College program because of this.

  - Richard Leary,
  Director of Advising & Outreach

• Graduate Programs Website Redesign

  As part of a multi-year initiative to strengthen Weber State University's digital presence, the Website Design & Development team partnered with Marketing and Communications and academic stakeholders to redesign and launch modern websites for the university's graduate programs. The initiative focused on creating a more consistent, accessible, and user-centered experience that better supports prospective graduate students throughout their decision-making journey.

  During the 2025-2026 academic year, the Website Design & Development team launched redesigned websites for the following programs:

  • Master of Science in Athletic Training
  • Master of Science in Data Science
  • Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences
  • Master of Health Administration
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice

  The redesigned websites feature improved navigation, streamlined content, responsive design, and alignment with university branding and accessibility standards. By making program information easier to find and understand, the new sites help prospective students explore graduate education opportunities, compare programs, and connect with the resources needed to take the next step in their academic journey.

  Business impact: Enhanced the online experience for prospective graduate students, improved consistency across graduate program websites, strengthened recruitment efforts, and reinforced Weber State University's digital brand and accessibility.

• Supporting Recruitment & Future Wildcats

  This past year, the CATS team used its production expertise and emerging media technologies to support university recruitment and inspire future Wildcats.

  During numerous high school field trips, CATS provided hands-on demonstrations featuring drone and Steadicam technology, giving students an opportunity to experience how creative storytelling, media productions, and STEM intersect. These demonstrations introduced prospective students to innovative technologies while helping them envision the academic and career opportunities available through higher education.

  CATS also collaborated with campus partners to create engaging recruitment and outreach content supporting dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment (including Health Professions), the Hispanic Student Immersive Experience, Orientation, and NUAHEC initiatives. Specialized media, including aerial campus tours and promotional videos, helped extend the reach and visibility of these programs.

  Through creative media production, hands-on technology experiences, and cross-campus collaboration, CATS helped strengthen Weber State's regional presence, connect with prospective students, and support the university's broader recruitment and enrollment efforts.

  Business Impact: Expanded recruitment and outreach efforts through innovative media production, strengthened engagement with prospective students, supported key enrollment initiatives, and increased Weber State's visibility across the region.

• Nursing Program Website Redesign

  The Nursing Program Website Redesign was one of the Website Design & Development team's largest and most comprehensive digital initiatives. In close partnership with Marketing and Communications and Nursing Program stakeholders, the team completely redeveloped the website to better serve prospective students, current Wildcats, faculty, staff, and the broader Weber State community.

  The project focused on delivering a modern, accessible, and user-centered digital experience with improved navigation, streamlined content, and clearer access to academic programs, resources, and student information. The redesigned site also aligns with university branding and digital accessibility standards, creating a more consistent and engaging experience across devices.

  Through extensive cross-campus collaboration, the Website Design & Development team delivered a digital experience that supports the Nursing Program's recruitment, communication, and student success goals while making it easier for users to find the information and resources they need.

  Business Impact: Modernized one of Weber State's largest academic program websites, improved accessibility and usability, strengthened recruitment and communication efforts, and created a cohesive digital experience that better supports prospective students, current students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders.

• WSU Homepage Redesign

  The WSU Homepage Redesign was a major collaborative initiative led by the Web Development, Marketing and Communications, and Website Design & Development teams to reimagine Weber State University's primary web presence. The project included a complete redesign of the university's homepage, along with updated template headers and footers implemented across the Weber State's broader web environment.

  The redesigned homepage provides a modern, intuitive, and accessible user experience while strengthening the university's brand identity and supporting strategic communication goals. Through close collaboration across multiple departments, the project created a more cohesive digital experience for prospective students, current Wildcats, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community.

  Improvements to navigation, usability, accessibility, and visual consistency make it easier for visitors to find information, explore university resources, and connect with Weber State. The redesigned homepage also provides a stronger digital foundation for recruitment, student engagement, and institutional communication.

  Business Impact: Modernized Weber State's primary web presence, improved navigation and accessibility, strengthened brand consistency across the university website, and created a more engaging digital experience that supports recruitment, student success, and institutional engagement.

Did You Know?

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