Dear Patriots,
Autumn is just around the corner, and while nature prepares for a rest, we are just getting into the swing of another academic year. As George Mason University navigates the months ahead, it's important for us to stop and look around at the people we are privileged to serve. Whether it's students, faculty, researchers, staff, or the broader community, every one of us plays a part in shaping our shared mission. Together, we help turn aspirations into achievements—whether it's earning a world-class education, igniting passion for a subject, making groundbreaking discoveries, or pursuing countless other goals.
This is what continues to draw me to higher education, and (perhaps paradoxically) this is what Cybersecurity is about as well. We don't just protect to keep the bad things from happening, we protect to make space for the great things to happen. If we don't keep this in mind, we are bound to stop the good from happening while we try to stop the bad.
Part of how we do that is to understand the relationships people have with George Mason, whether it's as an alumnus, a current student, a staff member, or all three at the same time, our systems should embrace the multifaceted lives of people and the richness of their connection to our community. With this in mind, we are embarking on an Identity and Access Management program that will help reflect these priorities and make it easier for people to access the right resources, at the right time, from the right place.
As we move forward, let's remember that our work in Cybersecurity, in IT, and in higher education as a whole, is ultimately about enabling possibility. By building systems that reflect the complexity and richness of the George Mason community, we're not just solving technical problems; we're creating space for learning, discovery, and connection to thrive. This Identity and Access Management is one of the steps in that journey. What steps are in front of you?
Together -
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Matthew Dalton
Chief Information Security Officer
Information Technology Services
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Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff, your actions help protect the university community. Do your part. Be cyber smart. Stay safe online.
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Scaling the Future: Patriot Web Upgrade
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ITS recently announced an update to Patriot Web that includes a new modern interface with improved navigation and capabilities, that will lay the foundation for future enhancements.
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Empowering George Mason with Azure
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ITS is preparing to transition away from the traditional data center model and embrace the power and flexibility of Microsoft Azure for more agile, cost-effective, and secure operations.
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Patriot Web Upgrade: Patriot Web, George Mason University’s self-service site for managing personal, administrative, and academic information, is being upgraded this month to a new, modern interface with improved navigation. A soft launch of the new environment was made available for use on Monday, September 1. Users can access the update via the Patriot Web login page. Any actions taken in the new environment will be reflected in the current version of Patriot Web, which will be disabled on Tuesday, September 30.
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M365 Storage Update: ITS is continuing to implement new storage quotas to manage growth within our Microsoft 365 (M365) environment. The next phases include administering new quotas in Exchange (email and calendar), creating a MyHub request process for more MS Teams and SharePoint space, investigating M365 retention policies, and refining the account lifecycle process. For quota information and updated project details, see the M365 Storage Roadmap.
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- Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Every October, ITS observes Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM) sponsored by the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Check out our events for 2025.
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- Managed Operating System Updates
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macOS: On Monday, September 15, Apple released the newest version of macOS. To ensure all George Mason software and services can be supported, ITS will prevent upgrades on managed systems to this new version for 30 days. Once confirmed, all systems that support macOS 26 Tahoe will be upgraded. Systems that do not support macOS 26 Tahoe will be upgraded to its highest possible macOS version. As a result of these changes, Apple is ending support of macOS 13 Ventura. Systems still running macOS 13 Ventura after the release of macOS 26 Tahoe will be removed from the George Mason network.
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Windows 11: Microsoft will end support of Windows 10 this fall on Tuesday, October 14. In anticipation, ITS has been gradually upgrading managed Windows 10 systems to Windows 11. As a reminder, users can self-upgrade their systems at any time through their device’s Software Center. If your system does not support Windows 11, please coordinate with your department to receive a new device. Systems still running Windows 10 after end of support are subject to removal from the George Mason network. For more information, see the Windows 11 Roadmap.
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AI Toolkit and Prompt-A-Thon: On Tuesday, September 9, ITS hosted the inaugural Copilot Chat Prompt-A-Thon, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for an engaging introduction to Copilot Chat. Microsoft experts were on hand to guide participants through interactive demos and real-time exploration of this powerful generative AI technology. This event marked the beginning of a series of AI-focused workshops and training sessions that will be offered throughout the academic year. To explore university-supported AI tools and discover how to integrate AI into your work or classroom, visit the AI Toolkit.
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AI in Autumn: Training Sessions
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New CISO Protects Keys to the Kingdom
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Matthew Dalton joined ITS as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in May, bringing more than 25 years of experience as a cybersecurity leader at R1 institutions. Learn about his role and strategy.
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Staff Senate: President Washington is the October Staff Senate guest speaker. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. Constituents are encouraged to attend in person in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or join the meeting via Zoom.
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Fall Vaccine Clinics: Protect yourself and your community from seasonal flu by getting your 2025 influenza vaccine at George Mason. Clinics will be held on multiple campuses throughout October. Find details and register.
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Midcycle Check-in: The Midcycle Check-in is coming on October 1, offering a great opportunity for employees to reflect on progress, celebrate successes, and plan for continued growth. To prepare for a productive discussion, visit the HR website.
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