Tech Tips: March Faculty/Staff Newsletters

This message was originally shared to all faculty and staff via email on March 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:

Information Security Awareness

Phishing is often the security threat people know best, but it’s not the only risk facing our campus community. Our latest Information Security Awareness articles highlight other important topics you should understand:

  • Doxxing: Learn what it is, why the public exposure of private information is a serious threat and simple steps you can take to protect yourself online.
  • FERPA and Student Privacy: Even a casual conversation about a student’s grades can violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Understand your responsibilities and how to safeguard student information.
  • Device Theft and Loss: A lost or stolen device doesn’t have to become a data breach. Discover how encryption protects sensitive university data and what steps you should take now.
  • Notes from the CISO’s Desk: Not all AI tools offer the same protections. Learn why using Syracuse’s approved AI services is essential for protecting university and student data.

Review these articles to better understand your responsibilities and reduce potential risks.

    Claude Success Stories

    We’re looking for faculty and staff to share how they’re using Claude in their day-to-day work at Syracuse University. Join AI at Work: Claude Success Stories on March 25 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. (216 Marley and Teams). Interested? Email itscomm@syr.edu — your example could inspire others on campus. Participate.

      Upcoming Events

      Join us for two upcoming events! Tech Topics: Digital Accessibility 101 on March 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. (Microsoft Teams) offers a practical introduction to creating accessible digital content. Then, attend AI at Work on April 15 from 2 to 3:15 p.m. (216 Marley and Teams) to explore how AI can support your work. Register.

      Adobe Tools for Faculty and Staff

      As an Adobe Creative Campus, Syracuse University offers faculty and staff access to Adobe Express, Adobe Sign and Adobe Acrobat, which offer the following features:

      • Adobe Express: Web and mobile design tool for creating social media graphics, videos, webpages and marketing materials using templates and simple editing tools.
      • Adobe Sign: Electronic signature solution for sending, signing, tracking and managing document agreements digitally. If you have not already done so, you can request Sign through the Microsoft Access Package portal.
      • Adobe Acrobat: PDF software for creating, editing, converting and managing PDF documents, including form creation and annotation tools.

      Faculty and staff who currently use the Adobe Creative Cloud should re-install it on their device through the Microsoft Access Package portal to ensure continued access. Starting March 9, 2026, the Adobe Creative Cloud will only be available by requesting it through the Microsoft Access Package portal.

      Spring Break Travel Tip

      If you will travel for spring break, it’s a good idea to configure your multifactor authentication (MFA) methods to ensure you retain access to your University accounts wherever you go. ITS recommends you download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on the mobile device you will take with you. MFA.

      Digital Accessibility Tip

      To ensure an accessible conversion from a Microsoft file (e.g., Word or PowerPoint) to PDF, go to File, then Save As (or Export) and select PDF from the dropdown menu options. Avoid all other PDF conversion methods when saving. For detailed guidance, visit our Saving as an Accessible PDF page. Office Hours.

      Claude Resources

      We have a growing collection of resources to help you get more out of Claude—and now’s a great time to explore them. Visit Anthropic’s Claude for Work learning hub for practical guides and use cases, review The Complete Guide to Building Skills for Claude[pdf] to create reusable instruction sets, brush up on the difference between Projects and Skills and watch the recording of our AI at Work: Claude Skills session to see how Syracuse University teams are putting these tools into practice.

      AI Insights

      Explore the latest in artificial intelligence with AI Insights, the newsletter for all things AI. 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 AI 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 new newsletter delivers easy-to-follow how-tos, timely service updates and insider looks at the newest features, 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!