The inaugural GV Technology Summit is almost here! Join us Thursday, October 2, from 12–5 p.m. at DCIH for this exciting, free event—open to all GVSU students, faculty, and staff. Hurry—registration closes September 19!
The Summit offers a packed schedule full of opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired, including:
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Keynote address by Meagan Luttenton-Knoll
- Roundtables and breakout sessions
- Poster presentations
- Women in Technology panel discussion
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Tours, networking with technology partners, raffle prizes, and more
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| Assessment of Google and Microsoft Productivity Tools Coming Soon |
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Information Technology, in collaboration with Academic Affairs and stakeholders across campus, will assess the university’s productivity toolsets - Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace - beginning this fall and continuing through the academic year. This effort is part of standard due diligence and enterprise contract review.
There are no proposed changes to product or service offerings at this time. Faculty, staff, and students will continue to have access to both platforms as they do today. If any changes were to occur, they would follow a lengthy, transparent process with coordinated communication and support.
Why this assessment is happening:
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- Microsoft 365 is GVSU’s official platform for productivity and collaboration. Enterprise storage, backup, and security are tightly integrated across Windows and Mac devices, and throughout Teams and OneDrive.
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Google Workspace, which was once provided to universities at no cost, has transitioned to a paid storage model, introducing significant new costs. Our current Google storage contract is up for renewal. We will continue renewing it while the assessment is underway.
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Many faculty, staff, and students use both Google and Microsoft 365 for academic, operational, and collaborative work. We want to better understand how each tool is being used to guide future planning.
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Continued access to Google and Microsoft tools - access to both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 will remain unchanged throughout the assessment period.
- Google storage caps are currently in place but affect only a small number of users. IT will continue to communicate directly with those impacted.
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Listening sessions will begin later this fall to gather input from shared governance partners, faculty, staff, and students. Sessions will include in-person and online options; dates will be shared shortly with all community members. Sign up here to be notified directly when those are posted.
- No current plan to move away from either platform—this is a proactive step to ensure the university’s tools meet long-term needs in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
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Get Ready for macOS Tahoe:
Upgrade Begins October 1, 2025 |
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Apple released macOS Tahoe on September 15. This update introduces a refreshed design, smarter Spotlight search, tighter iPhone integration, and new productivity tools.
To ensure a smooth experience, IT is postponing the upgrade on university-managed Macs until October 1, 2025..
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- Current macOS versions will continue receiving Apple security updates.
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IT is testing campus software and preparing support resources.
- Tahoe is the final major update for most Intel-based Macs.
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No action is required. Beginning October 1, 2025, the upgrade option will appear when full support is available. Discover the benefits of macOS Tahoe on Apple’s webpage.
Please contact IT Services at (616) 331-2101 or it@gvsu.edu with any questions or feedback.
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This fall, join us for Digital Literacy Fridays, a new professional development series open to all faculty and staff. Sponsored by the Digital Literacy Initiative, Pew FTLC, and the IT eLearning Technologies team, each session highlights faculty and staff experts who share strategies, lead hands-on learning, and spark cross-disciplinary conversations on digital literacy.
Sessions take place on Fridays from 11 a.m.–12 p.m., rotating between the Valley Campus, City Campus, and Zoom. View the full schedule and register on the Digital Literacy Fridays website.
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| Tech Week is Here—Catch These Events! |
Tech Week 2025 is in full swing—and there’s still time to check out events showcasing the innovative, transformative work happening across West Michigan!
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Engineering the Blue Dot from Ideation to Implementation: Unveiling of GVSU's Padnos College of Engineering new innovative sandbox partnership program. September 17, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Connecting Research and Industry to Fuel Tech Growth: GVSU’s College of Computing hosts panels on cutting-edge research, AI, XR, and strategies to support small businesses. September 18, 1:30 p.m.
Tech Talks: AI and Human-Centered Design: Innovators share how AI enhances—rather than replaces—human potential in this Grand Valley State University and Acrisure event, part of Tech Week Grand Rapids. September 18, 5:00 p.m.
Tech for Impact: Stories from the Field: A panel discussion with stories from the field, refreshments, and conversation on how businesses, nonprofits, and community members can collaborate through Tech Collaborative to grow local talent and strengthen Grand Rapids. September 19, 9:30 a.m.
Confluence 2025: This event brings together innovation, creativity, and technology, with GVSU’s College of Computing and Engineering, the Regional Math and Science Center, and the Laker Esports team highlighting STEAM activities. September 20, 10:00 a.m.
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| Meet Jim Egan
IT Services Manager (Field Services)
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Jim Egan joined GVSU IT two months ago as IT Services Manager for Field Services. His team provides on-site technical support to students, faculty, and staff, assisting with hardware and software needs in classrooms, offices, and labs. For Jim, the best part of his role is working alongside a team that’s both dynamic and full of energy.
He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine, an M.S. in Software Engineering from George Mason University, and an M.S. in Information Systems Management from Ferris State University.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys cultivating his extensive bonsai tree collection.
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Need IT Assistance?
Phone: (616) 331-2101 Email: it@gvsu.edu Service Portal: services.gvsu.edu
To report issues with classroom computers or audio-visual equipment or if the issue is urgent call 616-331-2101.
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1 Campus Drive
4490 KHS
Allendale, MI 49401
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