Body
Evaluation Process
As part of Pillar 5, E-4 the U of I went through an evaluation of collaborative work management tools. We believe great projects are built on collaboration, transparency, and continuous growth. And having an institutional tool to document our goals, track our progress, and show our growth helps us succeed as a university.
Full Report information can be found on the OIT-Intranet site.
Why We Chose ClickUp
We chose ClickUp as the University’s primary, enterprise-supported project management platform because it best balances three needs: reduce tool sprawl and improve cross-unit coordination, support diverse work styles without forcing one workflow, and enable OIT to deliver secure integrations, templates, and training that make project work easier.
Key decision factors
- Flexibility for different teams: Configurable statuses, workflows, and views support both lightweight coordination and structured delivery.
- Strong capability with fewer add-ons: Robust views, templates, forms, automation, and Agile support—plus options like time tracking and capacity planning.
- Integration and enterprise supportability: A solid foundation for single sign-on, security controls, and Microsoft/University integrations—backed by OIT templates and guidance.
- Visibility at multiple levels: Hierarchy and reporting provide leader oversight with team-level drilldown.
- Practical alignment with current work: Already supports strategic plan–aligned AI work at U of I, making it the most scalable choice.
What we heard—and how we will address it
We heard two key risks: ClickUp can feel overwhelming for less technical teams, and adoption fails if it adds reporting burden or forces a disruptive migration. To address this, OIT will lead with a simple University baseline, ready-to-use templates, and short guidance so teams can start small and expand over time.
This does not mean every team must use ClickUp the same way. Planner remains available for simple task tracking, and units with specialized needs may purchase Wrike (single sign-on available; no new enterprise integrations or OIT training). The goal is fewer unmanaged tools while preserving flexibility through a limited, supported set of options.
What this means for campus teams
- Primary enterprise-supported option: OIT will configure and support the U of I ClickUp environment (single sign-on, baseline security, governance).
- Phased adoption: Teams can move when it fits their work; we will prioritize continuity and avoid disruptive one-time migrations.
- Support aimed at ease of use: Templates, dashboards, and documentation will reduce manual overhead.
- Licensing remains a unit decision: Units purchase licenses through OIT Procurement; departments cover the cost.
How to Order licenses of ClickUp
Licenses for ClickUp can be purchased through OIT Procurement. Use this form to place your order.