New Blackboard Support Model!

UNC Instructional Designers and Technical Support Center (TSC) have formed a team to take care of Blackboard support needs at UNC. Calls for Blackboard support to the TSC (970-351-4357) will be recorded and immediately triaged to the best resource to resolve the issue. Beginning September 28th for a two to three week period, Instructional Designers (ID) will rotate into the Technical Support Center to respond to Blackboard calls. When an ID is not physically in the Center, one will be “on call” and readily available to assist with BB support during normal working hours. This support model will be monitored and evaluated for its performance and faculty satisfaction along the way. With time this model will become the long-term solution for Blackboard support; making it a more robust and reliable resource for UNC faculty and staff.

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month, and October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

We are currently in September, which is National Campus Safety Awareness month. The main goal of NCSA month is to create awareness on campus about how to make sure that its students, faculty, and staff exist in a safe environment. NCSA month emphasizes that the best way to create awareness for campus safety is through collaboration; between the different campus populations of faculty, staff, and students. For more information, please visit www.ncsam.org. October is upcoming, which is National Cyber Security Awareness month. One main element that is being emphasized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this year is that file-sharing can be dangerous. For example, when you are connected to file-sharing programs (e.g. sharing music, games, or software) you may unknowingly allow others to copy private files; even give them access to private folders. File-sharing can be an excellent method for viruses to infect your computer. This information and more about file-sharing is contained on table tents and post cards that will be deployed around campus. For more about cyber security, please visit UNC’s cyber security website.

Academic Alert, Which Helps Faculty Alert Advisors of Struggling Students, is now Live!

Currently, a new software program went live this past week that will assist faculty and advisors with struggling students. From the 3rd week through the end of the 4th week of the semester, the faculty will be able to use this reporting tool to help them identify struggling students to academic advisors. Academic Alert is a new program that can be found under the “Faculty” tab in URSA. When faculty open the Academic Alert channel, they will see all of their classes listed. Under each class, certain students will already be identified for the faculty as potentially “at-risk” students. This will be based on their enrollment status (e.g. first-time students, student athletes, and students already on academic probation). Faculty can then specify what is going on, if anything, with a brief synopsis under the students’ name. Academic Support & Advising runs a report frequently that will show which students were identified by faculty through this program, and then intervene appropriately. This new tool should be a helpful way to identify and reach out to students whom may need help to realize academic success. Please see above for screen shots of what you will see once inside Academic Alert.

Improvements in the New Version of Grader!

There is a new version of Grader that will be piloted soon. A few new features are available in this new version. The first new feature is called single sign on functionality; which means that once you have signed into Ursa, you do not need to sign in again to Grader; simply click the Grader tab to gain access. Another feature includes being able to look at previous semesters of Grader materials as they accumulate; you will be able to look at the four most recent semesters. The upgrade also advances the help that you receive when you are in the Grader application; help documentation is integrated into the application to better assist you with questions you may have. Finally, navigating the Grader tab has never been easier; many steps have been taken so that this upgrade delivers an improvement in finding what you need in Grader! If you are interested in being a member of the pilot group and helping determine the go-live date for the new version of Grader, please contact Bret Naber, the director of Applications Development and Database Support, at Bret.naber@unco.edu.

Attention Mac Users!

There have been a few changes that have been made through Information Technology to accommodate Macintosh users around campus. Information Technology deployed servers to enhance the support of our Apple computer environment. Beginning this fall, IT is performing automated security updates to the Apple computers. These updates will be implemented conveniently from servers to your Apple computer; you will likely not even know when the updates have occurred. Additionally, the login page will look slightly different due to a couple of changes. The “computer use policy”, is now on the same screen as the login window. Also, the way you login will be simplified. All you need is your PDID (first.lastname) to login, which is the same login information as you would use to access your email, or your Ursa account. It is the goal to be able to access all of your important UNC accounts through this one user name; this is another step toward that goal. Another goal of IT is to create a common configuration within campus computer labs. Common configuration is important because the most frequently used software is installed within each computer lab. This way, you will not have to go across campus to use a certain application such as Quark, Photoshop, Google Sketch Up, or InDesign. The look of the content on the computers will appear similar too; in order to simplify the navigation and use from computer to computer; whether it be in the University Center, Frasier, or Candelaria.

Check Out the New and Improved Information Technology Cyber Security Website!

This is just a quick reminder that there is a major resource for information that is meant to help protect you and your identity. Information Technology has a webpage that specializes in cyber security education and awareness www.unco.edu/cybersecurity . This webpage has information for students, faculty, and staff on how to help protect you against identity theft, viruses, and improve your cyber security knowledge. The webpage has been updated with more information, more topics, and has been reformatted with a different layout; which will make navigation easier. For training on cyber security you can contact the Technical Support Center (351-HELP), to take an online course. This online training offers more on how to protect you, by using helpful informative documents, and visual aids which include short videos on common information security precautions and common computing threats. If you would rather receive information in person, please call the Technical Support Center (351-HELP), and they will arrange for a certified Information Technology security analyst to come out to you. Have a wonderful first week of classes!

Get the Most Out of Your Smart Classroom Experience!

Technicians from Information Technology have tested projectors, speakers, doc cameras, and DVD players within each smart classroom on campus over the last couple of weeks making sure they are fully operational for the upcoming Fall semester. To get the most out of your smart classroom experience, Information Technology recommends that you visit the classroom that you will be teaching in and familiarize yourself with all of the controls on the podium. Another way to learn about your classroom and about smart classrooms in general is by visiting this link, which is on the Information Technology website. This page will give you information on technologies which are included in your smart classroom, as well as direct you to smart classroom training, and smart classroom support. As a reminder, support is always available to you. From Monday through Thursday 7am-7pm and Friday 7am-5pm, you will have access to onsite support; this means that you simply need to pick up the phone located on podium (which will automatically dial the Technical Support Center) and inform the representative of your problem and they will dispatch a technician immediately. Smart classrooms calls are top priority for the Technical Support Center. Outside the aforementioned hours, support will still be available to you. Simply pick up the same phone at the podium, and a representative will assist you over the phone. Please use this resource for any problems that might occur with the equipment. For training on how to use the equipment in these rooms, please refer to the smart classroom link, or contact CETL to schedule a training session. For more information about the types of smart classrooms please visit the link or visit the most recent newsletter and visit the article titled, “More Smart Classrooms Being Added”. Have a wonderful week!

Symantec Antivirus Is In the Process of Being Upgraded

Information Technology is in the process of upgrading the campus antivirus and firewall desktop application. The previous version, Symantec Antivirus (SAV), consisted of antivirus software and a firewall. However, the antivirus and firewall had to be run separately. With the new version of Symantec, Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP), there are many more features. SEP is equipped with antivirus, an integrated firewall, network threat protection, and zero day protection, which are centrally managed for you. In order to install SEP on each computer on campus, Information Technology will be physically visiting each computer to do the upgrade. This process has been underway for the past couple of months. So far, the upgrades have been nearly completed for Central Campus. Following Central Campus will be West Campus. The target date for the completion of all upgrades is December 31st, 2009. Above is the icon that will appear on you bottom toolbar after SEP is installed, next to the time display. Please post comments and let me know if this blog was helpful! Have a great week!

There Is Now an Easier Way to Access BearDrive for Faculty and Staff!

There is now an easier way for faculty and staff to access their BearDrive. This convenient way is referred to as BearDrive Desktop. BearDrive Desktop is an application that allows you to access BearDrive from your desktop instead of having to log onto the website. This application makes accessing and saving documents easier. To install this application simply click here for instructions. After you have completed the installation, you will see an icon at the toolbar in the bottom right hand of your screen (Seen in the picture at the right). To then access BearDrive from the icon just right-click and choose “Connect”. Now you can save files like you would normally if you were saving them to your “My Documents” or “My Desktop”; however, instead when you go to “Save As” you will save them to the “BearDrive Home” in “My Computer”. After you have saved in BearDrive Desktop, it is automatically uploaded to your BearDrive, with no additional steps! Another convenient feature is that you can install this application on your work and home computers. This application is only supported by Windows machines at this point. For more information about BearDrive, please visit SupportU or the BearDrive FAQ page. For training on how to use BearDrive, please visit the Center for the Enhancement for Teaching and Learning (CETL). Have a great week!

Faculty Staff Account Activation Coming Soon!

A new tool will be available soon for new Faculty and Staff. This tool is known as the Faculty Staff Account Activation. It is a way for faculty and staff to establish their network password by using some of their own personal identifying information (e.g. SSN, DOB, and Bear number). Faculty Staff Account Activation will help expedite the setup and access to network resources for new faculty and staff without needing to call the Technical Support Center (351-HELP). To quickly and conveniently access the Faculty Staff Account Activation, new faculty and staff will simply need to click on the link on the URSA login page. It will be located under the “New Students Start Here” section on the left hand side of the page. Please comment on this blog and let us know if you found this tool useful.

UNC is Helping You Keep Your Identity Safe

In compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s new regulation “Identity Theft Red Flags”, UNC, as a financial institution, will be implementing a “Red Flag” notification system in URSA. This rule requires financial institutions and creditors to develop and implement written “identity theft prevention programs”. The purpose of the URSA notification is to alert any UNC student or employee immediately after any of their personal information is changed; personal information such as; address, phone number, or bank account. This is to ensure that you are informed of any and all changes made to your personal information and to help protect your identity. This system is similar to what banks use to notify you if any information has changed from their database; they will send you a notification via email immediately following. The concept is the same, except the notification will come through your URSA home tab instead. This application will go live August 1^st.

Searching UNC’s Website Has Become More Efficient With the Installation of Google!

UNC's search engine has recently been dramatically improved with the installation of Google UNC Google Mini! Google Mini offers all the query power of Google, but exclusively for UNC's website. The search window (on the homepage) has not changed its appearance; the only change is in the efficacy of the search. This new and improved search engine will be implemented this week. Check it out, and happy hunting (not that you will need it!). Web authors - want to improve the search results for your pages? Check out the information on optimizing your pages for searches.

Cisco VOIP Phones to be Placed in All Residence Halls

There will be an upgrade to all the phones in the residence halls taking place this summer. After piloting the use of VOIP phones in several residence halls last academic year, the decision was made to install these phones in every residence. These phones are identical to the Cisco VOIP phones in the offices and departments around campus. One main feature that students gave positive feedback on was a calendar of events that is accessible from the display on the IP phone; they really appreciated this avenue of communication about events/activities around campus. Another feature these phones have is to be able to alert students of an emergency through the emergency alert system. If there is an emergency alert, there will be a message sent out and displayed on each phone. The emergency alert system is the same that is used for the emergency text alert (for more information on this feature, please visit the Spring newsletter http://www.unco.edu/it/ITNewsletters/Spring2009.pdf ). This summer IT is installing approximately 1,250 additional phones; one per suite. In addition to the physical installation of these phones, IT is performing a series of upgrades on the different components of the phone system this summer. Cisco’s latest version of VOIP not only provides the latest features of functionality but also simplifies the compatibility of the different components that make up a campus VOIP system.

Banner 8 Update

Currently, the IT department is building the infrastructure (services, storage, backup, structure, and security) for Banner 8. The operating system and database software are in the process of being implemented. There will be more information on end-user (person using the computer) testing available in mid to late July 2009. This information and end-user feedback will come from a “Test Environment” that will be developed to help ensure that Banner 8 will run smoothly and with as little hiccups as possible. The test environment will invite members from the functional units to test compatibility strengths and weaknesses associated with Banner 8. For more about how Banner will improve when upgraded to version 8, please visit this link to the Spring 2009 newsletter, http://www.unco.edu/it/ITNewsletters/Spring2009.pdf. In consultation with the functional departments, October 2009 has been chosen as the target date to go live with the new version of Banner, Banner 8.

SSL-VPN In Pilot Stage

SSL-VPN is the newest version of the Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN’s purpose is to give you access to UNC network resources (OWA, shared files, and other files stored on the network) when you are not physically on campus. The upgrade to the VPN deals with a new and improved way to log onto the VPN. This new upgrade is called SSL-VPN. The new version of VPN increases compatibility with different kinds of computers (PC, MAC); as well as cuts out installation requirements. Previously, one would have to search for the software and download the version compatible with their computer. Now, all you have to do is log onto a website https://remote.unco.edu/unco, and you are hosted by the network from there; safely and securely. There is currently a pilot group that is testing this new version. Reports are that the new version is progressing well and with good feedback, minor changes are being made accordingly. Please note that the previous version of VPN is still available, but will be disabled December 31st, 2009. This means that SSL-VPN will be the exclusive version starting January 1st, 2010. For more information on SSL-VPN please follow the link to the Spring 2009 newsletter and look for “Upgrading the Virtual Private Network” on Page 1, http://www.unco.edu/it/ITNewsletters/Spring2009.pdf. Please post a comment if you have any questions or comments about any of these postings. Have a wonderful week!!

Improved Way to Publish Your Webpage Will Add More Security!

Beginning June 22nd, there will be a new process to publish a webpage. The process has been simplified via the way you log onto your website. The process calls for you to use your first.lastname information. Please note that this new process on how to log onto your website will not disrupt or change any of the content you have already created for your site. Also, the process change will take a couple days, June 20th and June 21st, so please refrain from publishing anything on your website until the change is complete. Ronna Johnston has drafted an informative document with more details. The document will be available via UNC Today and email; I will also post it below. Have a great week!!

Hello,
There are upcoming improvements to the process used to publish web pages to www.unco.edu. When logging on to update your Website, you are currently asked to enter a username beginning with WFUNCO\ . On June 22th 2009, this process will change and you will no longer have to remember a separate Web logon. You will instead need to enter UNCO1\ followed by your (Personal Digital Identity) firstname.lastname account and current password. This is the same logon and password you use to log on to your PC or Ursa. When your network password changes, you will also need to change the password of your Web software, such as Dreamweaver, to match.
The purpose of this change is also to enhance the security of the Web environment. Beginning June 22, you will need to always log on to the VPN site, http://remote.unco.edu, to publish Web pages. Once this log on has occurred, pages can be published using an FTP or Web authoring software, such as Dreamweaver. This VPN site can also be used for off campus Web publishing.
This change will NOT impact the current Web content you have created, it will only change the way you log on. Please visit http://www.unco.edu/websupport/webauthors/logging-on/ for instructions or contact the Technical Support Center @ (970) 351-4357 for any questions, comments or concerns regarding these changes.
To accommodate these changes to the Web server, Web authors are asked not to publish information to the UNC Web server beginning Saturday, June 20 through Sunday, June 21. This will allow time to move the current content to the new Web server environment. Any changes to Web sites made during this time period will potentially be lost.
Thank you for your cooperation in this change.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Information Technology at UNC Blog! My name is Chris Cobb and I am the graduate assistant for Information Technology. It is my job to help communicate current and future IT initiatives to the UNC campus. The IT department is committed to communicating these initiatives to the campus in the most effective manner. It is the purpose of the “Technically Speaking” newsletters (fall and spring), and this new blog to help facilitate communication. This blog will be updated each week with information on new IT initiatives, and updates to current ones (e.g. Banner 8). I strive to make this blog an informative and interactive resource to improve IT/campus communication. I encourage you to post comments on each posting giving feedback, suggestions, or sharing reactions. Thank you!