News & Events

This message was originally shared to all faculty and staff via email on January 15, 2024.

At a Glance Link

Pressed for time? Information Technology Services (ITS) has you covered. Here are this edition’s topics:

• Save the Date: AI at Work Series
• Blackboard AI Day
• AI Insights
• Digital Accessibility Tip: Use MS Accessibility Checker
• Information Security Tip: Beware Phishing Attack
• MakerSpace and Service Center Relocate
• Tech Tips ChatGPT Video
• Automatic Email Forwarding Ends in March 2025

Save the Date: AI at Work Series Link

Join us at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the K.G. Tan Auditorium in the National Veterans Resource Center or via Microsoft Teams for the second session in the AI at Work Series. Building on our first event in October, this session will dive deeper into the transformative potential of generative AI tools in the office. All faculty and staff are welcome!

Blackboard AI Day Link

Faculty and staff are invited to AI Day with Blackboard on Friday, Jan. 31, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The session will begin with a panel about the use of artificial intelligence among faculty, followed by breakout sessions about Blackboard Ultra’s AI Assistant tool. Register here.

AI Insights Link

ITS is excited to introduce AI Insights, a newsletter for all things artificial intelligence. Designed for the Orange community, it features tips, insights and the latest AI news. Each issue includes updates, a weekly AI tip and prompt and helpful resources to explore. Subscribe.

Digital Accessibility Tip: Use MS Accessibility Checker Link

Before sending an Outlook email or sharing a Word doc, Excel sheet or PowerPoint deck, run the Accessibility Checker located in the Review tab of your Microsoft application. The checker identifies issues that could pose barriers to certain users and provides instructions on how to correct these issues.

Information Security Tip: Beware of Phishing Attacks Link

Watch out for an increase in phishing emails targeting the University community. These attacks often appear to come from trusted sources and aim to steal your credentials. Be cautious of unexpected emails with links, validate suspicious requests by phone and never share MFA codes sent via email or text.

MakerSpace and Service Center Relocate Link

The ITS MakerSpace and Service Center have moved to new locations on campus. The MakerSpace will reopen in the former fitness space at Marshall Square Mall on Jan. 21. The ITS Service Center has relocated to the Women’s Building lobby.

Tech Tips Video: Chat GPT Link

Check out our Tech Tips video on how ChatGPT can be used in professional settings to boost productivity, streamline tasks and support decision-making processes. The video emphasizes practical applications of integrating AI tools at work. Video.

Automatic Email Forwarding Ends in March 2025 Link

As part of the University’s ongoing efforts to maintain and secure our email services, the ability to automatically redirect emails from University accounts will end in March 2025. At that time, any redirect rules set up in a mailbox will be deleted, and emails sent to an @syr.edu address will no longer be automatically forwarded to other email accounts. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at help@syr.edu or 315.443.2677.

Helpful Resources Link

ITS and the campuswide information technology community are available year-round to help with your tech questions. Resources include:

• Academic and administrative IT staff
• Classroom Resource Guide
• The ITS Service Center
• The Self-Serv NetID and password management portal

Thank you for reading. Go Orange!

The Information Security team within Information Technology Services has detected an increase in sophisticated phishing attacks targeting the University community. These phishing emails look real and often originate from compromised accounts at other universities. Attackers exploit recipients’ trust and use convincing tactics to steal account credentials.

Here is how these attacks typically work and how you can protect yourself. Continue Reading

TL;DR

• ITS MakerSpace reopening in the Marshall Square Mall in January 2025.

• ITS Service Center reopening in the Women’s Building in January 2025.

As 2024 draws to a close, the ITS MakerSpace and Service Center are packing up and relocating on campus to bring new opportunities and enhanced services for students, faculty and staff.

The MakerSpace closed its doors at Kimmel on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and will reopen early in the spring semester at its temporary home in the former fitness space in the Marshall Square Mall. Information about the MakerSpace’s hours of operation will be available when it reopens. Access will continue to require an I.D. card swipe.

In parallel with the MakerSpace move, the ITS Service Center will also relocate. During the break, the Service Center will move from the Center for Science and Technology to the lobby of the Women’s Building. The Service Center is tentatively set to reopen on Jan. 10, 2025.

For those needing assistance during this transition, the Service Center staff is available at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu. Check the ITS Service Center page for updates and hours of operation as the move progresses.