Tech Tips: November 2026 Faculty/Staff Newsletter

This message was originally shared to all faculty and staff via email on November 5, 2026.

At a Glance

Each month, Information Technology Services provides tech tips for the Orange community. Pressed for time? Here are this edition’s topics:

AI at Work: When AI Can, Should We?

Just because AI can do something, should it? At our next AI at Work session on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 3 p.m., Pun To “Doug” Yung, a Meredith Professor Faculty Fellow in biomedical and chemical engineering, will use virtue ethics to explore what’s worth handing off—and what’s worth keeping human. Register today for this conversation, presented in partnership with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence.

Claude 101

New to Claude? Claude 101 is your on-ramp, with live demos on the interface, memory, projects, skills and Microsoft 365. Catch up with the session recordings with Shannon Glennon putting Cowork to work on files, calendars and email—then join us on Microsoft Teams Nov. 19 or Dec. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. Register.

Which Model Do I Pick?

Claude just got three upgrades—Opus 5.5, Sonnet 5.5 and Haiku 5.5—and each one fits a different kind of task. In a new guide, Shannon Glennon, AI technology transformation specialist, breaks down when to reach for each model and how to switch between them. Find your best fit before you start your next chat. Read Guide.

Grade Finals with Gradescope

Finals are almost here. Gradescope, integrated with Blackboard, helps instructors and TAs grade exams, homework and programming projects faster—with AI-assisted answer grouping, shared rubrics and built-in stats. Get Started.

Course Feedback Survey Help

End-of-semester course feedback is coming soon. In the Course Feedback System, instructors can add course-specific questions with Custom Question Surveys and view results on screen with the new View (eye) icon. Survey Resources.

Digital Accessibility Tip: Fix Your Content Day

Join ITS for Fix Your Content Day on November 10! Review and address key accessibility issues flagged in your Blackboard courses. Discover quick fixes, drop in for support, and help reduce barriers to student learning. Event Details.

Information Security Tip: Use Claude Safely

Claude can connect to your email and files, browse websites and work in folders on your computer, so using it safely matters. A few simple habits go a long way: sign in with your NetID and double-check Claude’s work. Read Tips.

AI Insights

Explore the latest in artificial intelligence with AI Insights. Whether you’re looking to enhance your work with smart tools or simply stay informed, each issue brings you news from higher ed and the tech world and weekly tips. Newsletter. 

Tech Tips Weekly

Stay connected and ahead with Tech Tips Weekly—for quick, practical advice to make the most of campus technology. Each week, our TLDR newsletter delivers easy-to-follow how-tos, service updates and insider looks at tools and resources. Subscribe.

Helpful Resources

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

• ITS Service Center

• Self-Serv NetID and password management portal

Thank you for reading. Go Orange!