Tech Tips: January 2024 Newsletter

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

At a Glance

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

Save the Date: AI at Work Series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!