Upcoming Windows 11 Changes, Panopto Policy, Submit Software Requests

Starting in January 2025, Information Technology (IT) will begin migrating all university-managed computers to Microsoft Windows 11, with the full transition scheduled for completion by August 2025. This upgrade is critical, as Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will no longer provide updates or security patches. Moving to Windows 11 ensures that GVSU can maintain secure and reliable systems for students, faculty, and staff.

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s newest operating system offering several new features and improvements, including a new updated and modern user interface, accessibility enhancements, improved security features, built-in AI functionality, and better performance.

This upgrade, happening in phases, is part of IT’s commitment to providing the latest technology for enhanced productivity and efficiency. Faculty and staff will have the option to initiate the transition at a time that best fits their schedules or wait for their assigned upgrade date.

We understand you may have questions about this transition. Additional information including specific timelines, training opportunities and other resources will be shared in the IT December newsletter and through direct email communication to the university community throughout the project.

Given this change, it may be beneficial to delay new equipment purchases until January, if feasible. This timing will help ensure that any new devices are fully compatible with Windows 11, minimizing the need for immediate upgrades or adjustments.

IT understands the challenges this change may present and is committed to supporting the university community through this transition. For any immediate questions, you are invited to contact IT through the Service Portal or at it@gvsu.edu.

To adhere to our new license agreement, support storage management, and ensure access to important content, GVSU is implementing the Panopto Content Retention Policy in two phases.

Policy Timeline:
Phase One – Archiving Unwatched Videos
Starting January 1, 2025, any Panopto videos not viewed in the last 13 months will be archived. If needed, archived videos can still be restored, but the process can take up to 48 hours before the video is viewable. Archived videos will remain in Blackboard Ultra.

Phase Two – Deleting Unwatched Videos
Beginning February 1, 2026, videos that haven’t been viewed for 3 years will be permanently deleted, helping keep the system clutter-free and efficient.

This policy was developed with guidance and input from faculty through the University Technology Council.

Please view your Panopto video content between now and January 1, 2025. It is recommended that you archive or delete content that is no longer relevant or useful.

If you have special circumstances requiring video exemptions from the policy, please submit a Panopto help request to work directly with our Panopto administrators. For more details, visit our Panopto Policy FAQ or submit questions through the GVSU Service Portal.

As you prepare for the upcoming Winter semester, remember to submit any lab or classroom software requests you may need to support your courses, research, or projects. Submitting these requests early ensures that your software will be available and ready when the semester begins. You can easily submit your requests through the Service Portal.

With questions, please contact Academic Research Computing at arcit@gvsu.edu.

Cybersecurity often brings to mind concepts like firewalls, encryption, and password policies. While these are crucial, the first line of defense against cyber threats is often rooted in physical security practices. For faculty and staff at Grand Valley State University, understanding how physical security intersects with cyber safety can significantly reduce our vulnerability to cyber threats.

Earlier this fall, GVSU partnered with The Right Place and Confluence to spotlight TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION, and the FUTURE of education at Tech Week Grand Rapids and the Confluence Festival.

During Tech Week, the Information Technology Division’s Innovation + Research (I+R) team brought the future of technology to life. At GVSU’s Blue Dot Experience, they showcased a cutting-edge volumetric video and interactive 3D direct view LED visualization of the upcoming Blue Dot Lab at the Eberhard Center. Innovator in Residence Joseph Van Harken presented 'Deep Fakes for Good' at a Tech Talk, highlighting his work in AI-assisted video content creation. Emerging Technologies Developer Hunter Bridwell provided hands-on experiences in makerspace and extended reality, including a 360° courtroom and VR occupational therapy simulation. Hunter also led an immersive gaming experience at the Confluence Festival, where participants could soar through a virtual downtown with Louie the Laker, providing gamers with a glimpse of the future Blue Dot Lab.

Several team members from Information Technology will participate in a Leadership Roundtable event on December 3, focusing on Innovation and Creativity in Leadership at GVSU. Panelists Hunter Bridwell, Kim Kenward, and Luke DeMott will share their unique perspectives and experiences on how they incorporate innovation into their daily work to help advance Grand Valley’s mission and support students. The event will be held in person on the Allendale campus and online from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

L serves as an IT Operations Clerk on the Technology Acquisition team. In this role, she is responsible for approving, invoicing, coordinating, and physical fulfillment of technology orders in TeamDynamix, Workday and our inventory software IT Purchasing. She also handles shipping inquiries, general troubleshooting, and maintains a visual dashboard of technology sales.

When asked what she finds most rewarding about her job, L shared that she appreciates the opportunity to see new and emerging technologies firsthand, from virtual reality headsets to Alienware devices and the latest Apple products. She added, “I value working with people from various departments, both academic and non-academic, and assisting them in any way I can. Interacting with students across multiple departments is also a highlight of my role.”

L's IT journey began as a student employee in 2021, when she worked as an AV Student Technician. In June 2023, she transitioned to a full-time IT Operations role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Mathematics and is now entering her final year of a Master’s in Applied Computer Science. She is also pursuing a Data Engineering certification through IBM.

When she’s not working or studying, L loves scuba diving in the Great Lakes during the warmer months. She also plays Dungeons and Dragons with IT colleagues.

Thanks, L, for all you do for GVSU IT!