College of Natural Sciences Office of Information Technology
This email is an operational update from College of Natural Sciences Offices of Information Technology and Research & Facilities regarding a new process for enrolling all computers on our network this year, a new system for room reservations and planned rolling network outages this Sunday and next.
Enrollment Underway for Networked Computing Technology
At the direction of the President of The University of Texas at Austin, the Executive Vice President and Provost and the Information Security Office, CNS IT is required to enroll networked computers in a centrally managed system that will enable all networked computers to receive security updates.

Why is this enrollment process happening?
The purpose of this project is to collect information so computers can be identified as to where they are located physically and with whom they are associated. This is a campus-wide priority, stemming from findings by UT System security audits regarding our vulnerabilities.

What is being inventoried and enrolled?
All computers, whether department- or grant-funded, that connect wired or wirelessly to the university network. Because this is about devices, the inventory involves only physical computers that connect to the network. (There is no review of software, files, directories, content, etc.) It also does not include cellular devices and personal computers that are not used for university business. Departments not managed by CNS Office of IT are not in scope for this project (e.g., Wildflower Center, Texas Natural History and Science Museum, UTMSI, Department of Computer Science, UTeach and McDonald Observatory in West Texas).

Is this new?
The process has been going on for about two years, and we are in the final year of the effort. We are now focusing on lab computers and other systems that have not been previously identified and enrolled.

When is this happening, and what’s expected of me?
A notification will be sent to building managers informing them that a team will visit labs and offices during a defined time window to inventory how devices are utilized. This inventory will enable a second team to enroll devices. We will send targeted messages to PIs and will post notices on lab/hall bulletin boards and lab doors. We expect to be finished with this process by the end of the Fall 2024 semester.

What is the benefit?
Enrollment will enable you to meet security expectations, required by granting agencies and state and federal law, and ensures access to your device is not hindered. Your ability to work is our top priority, and this allows for prompt response to security vulnerabilities and compromises, so you have the least amount of downtime or outage from your research and productivity in the event of a hack. Finally, it ensures CNS IT can manage operating system and common software patching with you. Note that the team will work with you to set up an update schedule for devices that can’t normally receive regularly scheduled software changes (e.g., via instrument controllers). If issues arise, you’ll be able to report them to CNS IT to address immediately.

My computer’s old/mostly used for personal business/etc. Can I skip this?
Not if you connect to the network for business. Devices not addressed that are used for university business will result in a device quarantine by the Information Security office, which is able to determine what you log into and when. Your best option for devices that are sensitive to regular updates is to remove them from the network. CNS IT can work with you to determine the best option for your networked computers. Note that new campus policy highly discourages the use of personal devices for university work. Anyone needing guidance or assistance with this should contact CNS IT at help@cns.utexas.edu.
Momentus Room Reservation System Is Now Live
The new Momentus Reservation System for reserving rooms on campus in the College of Natural Sciences is now live. The previous EMS Reservation System has been retired. To make room reservations moving forward, please visit the Room Reservations page on the college website. Contact Hunter Banda with questions.
Rolling Network Outages Planned the Next Two Sundays
On all of campus on two upcoming Sundays there will be planned network outages. These will happen on:
  • Sunday, May 12, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Sunday May 19, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
Mark McFarland | Executive Director for Information Technology
College of Natural Sciences | The University of Texas at Austin | cns.utexas.edu
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The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | 78712 US