This message was originally shared to all faculty and staff via email on August 8, 2024.

 Tech Tips At a Glance

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


Blackboard Ultra Course View Transition

Beginning Fall 2024, all University Blackboard courses will be offered in Ultra Course View. The ITS Online Learning Services team will continue to provide a diverse set of resources during the transition, including synchronous training opportunities and asynchronous materials.

Get Started with Gradescope

Join the “Get Started with Gradescope” workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 1-2 p.m. Learn to integrate Gradescope with Blackboard, set up assignments, grade efficiently and use analytics. Register online or watch the recording later. For details, visit Syracuse University’s Gradescope webpage.

Computing 101 Workshop

The Open-Source Program Office will host an in-person Computing 101 Workshop Aug. 12-15, covering computing basics and Python with lectures and labs. Open to students, faculty and staff.

Answers Moves to Cloud

Answers has migrated to the cloud, providing improved collaboration, new features and enhanced knowledge management. ITS has compiled a list of frequently asked questions for your reference.

AirOrangeX Upgrade

AirOrangeX’s upgrade eliminates login requirements, combining with the largest private network in higher education to make Syracuse University the most connected campus nationwide, offering seamless wireless access.

Google Shared Drives

Faculty or staff may now create shared drives in Google Workspace by request for academic purposes only. Students are no longer able to create Google shared drives. To request a new shared drive, please submit an Orange Tracker form.

Aira Visual Interpreting Service

ITS is a new access partner with Aira Visual Interpreting Service. This means anyone—including students, faculty, staff, families and other visitors who are blind or have low vision—can use the Aira Explorer mobile app’s on-demand visual interpreting service to navigate the campus environment.

Information Security Tip: MFA

To maintain secure access to your University accounts (email, Microsoft applications, etc.), ITS recommends setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA). Download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device for enhanced security.

Digital Map

Explore our digital maps at maps.syracuse.edu, where you can sort locations by type (buildings, parking, etc.). Click “Wayfinding” and select “Show Only Wheelchair Accessible Routes” to find wheelchair-friendly paths.

System Alerts & Statuses

If you have trouble connecting to a campus website or system, the System Status page on the ITS website can help you determine whether there is an issue with your computer or something else.

University Directory Information in Outlook

Do you need to find contact information for someone at the University? You can use Outlook’s “Search” feature to find contact information for faculty, staff and students.

Helpful Resources

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

Thank you for reading. Go Orange!