Join us for this multi-part learning series where you’ll explore key aspects of digital fluency, guided by experts from across our community.

Select the sessions that are right for you. Each topic will include preliminary materials to prompt reflection in advance, followed by a 60 – 90 minute live online session with a Subject-Matter Expert for you to ask questions and gain deeper insight.

All learning experiences will be recorded and will be hosted on this site – so check back in the future! Please discuss with your supervisor before signing up.

Microsoft 365 is more than just email and file storage, it’s a powerful, AI-enhanced platform that constantly transforms how we can collaborate, manage information, and innovate across the university. Whether you’re leading a team, supporting operations, conducting research, or teaching, this session will help you unlock more digital efficiency in your role.

Join us for a flexible learning experience – 30, 60, or 90 minutes – to explore how M365 apps and services, now enhanced with powerful AI and automation capabilities, can streamline your workflows, boost productivity, and support secure, modern work practices.

Session Format:

The session is divided into three 30-minute blocks. You’re welcome to join for one, two, or all three:

1. Save time, troubleshoot, & learn with Copilot. (30min)

We’ll demo how to use Copilot to learn how to manage your data effectively in Outlook.

2. Learn how to leverage AI and automation features across M365 apps. (30min)

We’ll showcase what is possible and share steps on how to start leveraging these features.

3. Streamline collaboration with Teams, Loop, Planner, and Lists. (30min)

We’ll share examples and good practices for seamless collaboration.

Have a specific question or suggestion for this M365 learning session?

Contact Christa Morrison at morric17@mcmaster.ca to share it ahead of the session.

Speaker: Christa Morrison, Business Systems Specialist, UTS

This session aims to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate the data landscape at McMaster University. Attendees will explore the fundamentals of data literacy— data storytelling, data visualization, data tools, data structure, and data management —and delve into the principles of data governance that ensure data is accurate, secure, and used ethically. The workshop fosters a holistic understanding of how reliable data fuels better decision-making and institutional accountability.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Articulate the meaning of data literacy and why it’s critical for all roles at McMaster
• Identify key components of McMaster’s data governance framework—people, processes, technology
• Learn how to find and use McMaster’s approved and recommended data related policies and tools
• Understand how to structure and model data for analysis
• Understand the difference between data visualization and infographics and which visualizations to use for what purpose
• Learn the differences between descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analyses
• Learn to be more comfortable with ambiguity in supporting business problems by creating a framework for developing exploratory analyses
• Better support strategic decision making by learning techniques for communicating data insights effectively to diverse audiences

Speakers:

Chris Ferguson, Senior Project Manager, IRA

Katie Millar, Manager People Analytics, HR Services

Paola Morrone, Strategic Project Manager, Financial Affairs

Hamza Olabi, Data Governance Project Analyst, IRA

This session empowers members of the McMaster community to better understand and protect themselves against cybersecurity threats. We’ll explore the University’s overarching cybersecurity challenges and introduce the wide range of resources available to employees. Through a combination of technology, services, education, and interactive activities, participants will gain a well-rounded perspective on how we safeguard data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Better support informed risk discussions and contribute to information security planning
• Identify and access cybersecurity training opportunities suitable for all skill levels
• Describe McMaster’s approach to defending against common threats, including the roles of various teams involved in cybersecurity
• Recognize cybersecurity tools and technologies available to everyday users
• Conduct basic self-assessments and stay up to date on threats

Speaker: Greg Atkinson, Senior Manager Cyber Security Systems and Information Security Officer, UTS

Generative AI is reshaping how we work, learn, and create at McMaster. As these technologies become more integrated into our daily activities, it’s essential to develop a foundational understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and implications. This session will introduce key concepts of generative AI, highlight how it is being used across campus, and support participants in building confidence to make informed, responsible choices in their roles. Participants will also be guided to relevant McMaster resources and contacts for further exploration.

This session will include:

• Key concepts and terminology for understanding generative AI
• Common applications of AI in academic and operational contexts
• Practical considerations for responsible and effective use
• Tools and resources to support digital fluency at McMaster

Speaker: Stephanie Verkoeyen, Special Advisor on AI to the Provost

Privacy, confidentiality and records management are critical to the work at McMaster and supports trusted relationships across the community.  There have been changes to the compliance landscape, and this session will include important updates to help community members avoid unintentionally exposing sensitive data, compliance violations and security breaches. This session will also guide participants to useful internal resources to help guide their work, and partners to collaboratively resolve challenges. This session will include:

• Best practices to incorporate privacy compliance in records management
• Privacy-minded use of technology, including email and AI technology
• Privacy Incident Management as strategic challenge
• How McMaster is fostering a culture of trust and privacy awareness

Contact privacy@mcmaster.ca if you have a question that you would like to discuss during the session!

Speaker: Trudi Wright, Privacy and Records Management Specialist, Privacy Office, University Secretariat

AI was used in the development of this website.