Tech Tips: Wi-Fi Upgrade, Artificial Intelligence Deep Dive and More

This message was originally shared to all faculty and staff via email on July 11, 2024.

AirOrangeX Wi-Fi Upgrade

On July 9, the AirOrangeX wireless network transitioned to a new model that does not require users to log in. Combined with the largest private wireless network in higher education, providing Wi-Fi free of authentication makes Syracuse University the most connected campus in the country.

Behind the Monitor with Adam Peruta

The latest “Behind the Monitor” podcast guest is Newhouse School of Public Communications Advanced Media Management Program Director Adam Peruta, who discusses various forms of artificial intelligence.

New Libraries Search Platform

The Libraries has upgraded to a new cloud-based library services platform. The previous user search interface, Classic Catalog and Summon, were replaced with a newer, unified Libraries Search.

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.

Information Security Tip: MFA

Be on the lookout for an email about why we use multi-factor authentication (MFA) at Syracuse University. The message is part of an ongoing awareness program conducted by the ITS Information Security team.

Blackboard Ultra Course View Transition

Beginning Fall 2024, all University Blackboard courses will be in Ultra Course View. The ITS Online Learning Services team is providing a diverse set of resources, including a variety of synchronous training opportunities and asynchronous materials.

Digital Accessibility Tip: SharePoint

The Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) team is in the process of moving resources for internal consumption to SharePoint. This includes information about the procurement of accessible ICT, the Digital Accessibility Liaison network and our DAS virtual office hours.

MakerSpace Summer Hours

Located in Kimmel Computer Lab, the ITS MakerSpace houses a variety of tools and equipment that are free of charge for all faculty, staff and students. Schedule information is available on the MakerSpace website.

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.

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!

Continue Reading

AirOrangeX Upgrade: Wi-Fi for All

On Tuesday, July 9, the AirOrangeX wireless network will transition to a new model that does not require users to log in with a username and password. In addition to offering the largest private wireless network in higher education, with enhanced connectivity for AT&T and T-Mobile customers, providing Wi-Fi free of authentication will make Syracuse University the most connected campus in the country. Continue Reading

Answers Cloud Migration FAQ

On June 21, Information Technology Services (ITS) moved the Answers knowledge base to the cloud, providing improved collaboration, new features and enhanced knowledge management and distribution. In advance of the migration, ITS compiled the following list of frequently asked questions for your reference. Continue Reading

Orange Online: May 2024 Student Newsletter

This message was originally shared to all students via email on May 1, 2024.

Tech To-Dos Before Graduation

Congratulations to all of our soon-to-be-graduates! On Answers, you can find a list of information technology resources (e.g., email, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Cloud and more) and how long you will retain access to them following graduation. It also is important to migrate your University Google Drive data, as well as transfer ownership of any surveys you created in Qualtrics for faculty or staff who will need to use them in the future. To transfer ownership of a Qualtrics survey, send an email from your @syr.edu address to qualtrics@ot.syr.edu and name the specific survey(s) to be transferred and the new owner(s).

Aira Visual Interpreting Service Available Soon

Information Technology Services (ITS) has announced a new partnership to make the Aira Visual Interpreting Service available to the campus community at no cost, effective Friday, May 3. The University’s designation as an Aira Access Partner means that 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 campus and complete a variety of tasks.

End-of-Semester Travel Tip: Configure Your Multi-Factor Authentication

If you have not already done so, please remember to configure your multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods before you leave campus to ensure you retain access to your University accounts (email, Microsoft applications, etc.). ITS recommends you download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on the mobile device you will take with you. You can learn more about MFA on Answers.

Assistive Technology Solutions Available for the Campus Community

ITS makes several assistive technology (AT) solutions available to the campus community. For example, community members can download a free version of JAWS screen reader and ZoomText screen magnification software from Freedom Scientific on their personal Windows machine using their @syr.edu email address. Visit the ITS Digital Accessibility Services Assistive Technology Solutions page for more information, including a complete list of campus-wide AT solutions.

MakerSpace Summer Hours

The MakerSpace will still be open to students, faculty and staff over the summer. Schedule information is available on the MakerSpace website. Located in Kimmel Computer Lab, the ITS MakerSpace houses a fabrication lab with a variety of tools and equipment that are free of charge for all students. All majors, minors and experience levels are welcome!

Phishing Alerts on the ITS Instagram Account

Criminals use malicious email to try to trick you into revealing your password or other sensitive information or to infect your computer with malware. These phishers sometimes try to make their emails look real by using companies’ or institutions’ logos, fonts and colors. Urgent demands also are common (for example, “Reply with your password within 24 hours or your account will be closed!”). In addition to the ITS Phish Bowl, ITS shares examples of phishing emails on Instagram to increase awareness of common scams.

SpectrumU on Campus

Do you need a break from studying? When you connect to a campus network, you can watch your favorite movies and shows by downloading the SpectrumU app or by visiting watch.spectrum.net through your browser.

System Alerts

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. The System Status page includes notifications for scheduled downtimes and alerts for unscheduled downtimes or outages. You also can sign up to receive notifications and alerts by email.

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!

Tech Tips: May 2024 Faculty and Staff Newsletter

This message was originally shared to all faculty and staff via email on May. 1, 2024.

Aira Visual Interpreting Service Available Soon

Information Technology Services (ITS) has announced a new partnership to make the Aira Visual Interpreting Service available to the campus community at no cost, effective Friday, May 3. The University’s designation as an Aira Access Partner means that 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 and complete a variety of tasks.

Summer Travel Tip: Configure Your Multi-Factor Authentication

If you will travel this summer, please remember to configure your multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods before you leave campus, if you have not already done so, to ensure you retain access to your University accounts (email, Microsoft applications, etc.). ITS recommends you download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on the mobile device you will take with you. You can learn more about MFA on answers.

Blackboard Ultra Course View Transition

Beginning with the Fall 2024 term, all University Blackboard courses will be offered in Ultra Course View. The ITS Online Learning Services (OLS) team is committed to providing a diverse set of resources during the transition, including a variety of synchronous training opportunities and asynchronous materials available at any time.

Tech To-Dos Before Leaving the University

Whether you are retiring, a student-worker is graduating or a co-worker will soon leave the University, it’s important to know how long you will have access to various technology resources, including documents you have shared or that have been shared with you. On Answers, you can find a list of information technology resources (e.g., Microsoft 365 resources including your email, OneDrive, and Teams; Google Workspace; Qualtrics; etc.) and how long access is available after departure. Consider including a review of digital assets as part of the exit procedure for anyone leaving a department or the University.

MakerSpace Summer Hours

Located in Kimmel Computer Lab, the ITS MakerSpace houses a fabrication lab with a variety of tools and equipment that are free of charge for all faculty, staff and students. The MakerSpace will still be open over the summer. Schedule information is available on the MakerSpace website.

System Alerts

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. The System Status page includes notifications for scheduled downtimes and alerts for unscheduled downtimes or outages. You also can sign up to receive notifications and alerts by email.

Assistive Technology Solutions Available for the Campus Community

ITS makes several assistive technology (AT) solutions available to the campus community. For example, community members can download a free version of JAWS screen reader and ZoomText screen magnification software from Freedom Scientific on their personal Windows machine using their @syr.edu email address. Visit the ITS Digital Accessibility Services Assistive Technology Solutions page for more information, including a complete list of campus-wide AT solutions.

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!