Welcome to the fall 2026 semester. Technology Solutions, UIC’s central IT department, would like to share important campus technology news, along with information about valuable tech services, resources and support available to you.
Whether you’re beginning your first semester at UIC or returning for another year, we hope this newsletter helps you start the semester with confidence and provides practical tips you can use long after the first week of classes.
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IT@UIC website
Browse the IT resources available to students, including technology and desktop support, IT services and resources, and campus tech news on the IT@UIC Services page. Find information on UIC email, Duo 2FA, printing, equipment lending and more.
UIC Tech Quick Guide
To find all the Technology Solutions tools and resources available to you, download or bookmark the UIC Tech Quick Guide (PDF).
Are you a new student? Review the New Student Checklist.
AI resources
Explore the AI resources available at UIC, including the newly available Google Gemini and Gemini Notebook. Whether you're enhancing your coursework, conducting research or building new skills, UIC provides tools and guidance to help you use AI thoughtfully, ethically and effectively.
Stay informed with UIC service status
Visit status.uic.edu to view reported outages, service impacts, scheduled maintenance and real-time updates for UIC IT services. You can also subscribe to receive notifications for the services you use most.
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At the beginning of a semester, it can feel like there’s a new tool, platform or app connected to every course. It’s easy to think success in a digital learning environment depends on learning how to use them all. In reality, success often comes from something much simpler: developing a few consistent habits that help you stay organized, ask questions when you need support and make thoughtful decisions about how you learn.
Don't take off yet: Your UIC pre-flight check for the new semester (student editorial)
A little preparation can go a long way toward helping you start the semester on the right track. Using a pilot’s pre-flight routine as a guide, this article walks you through a few simple steps to take before classes begin, from checking your UIC email and course platforms to setting up notifications and knowing where to go for help. Take a few minutes to prepare now so you can start the semester cleared for takeoff.
Every click is a choice (staff editorial)
Technology is changing faster than ever, and it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly trying to keep up. This editorial explores a different way of thinking about those changes: Every new technology presents a series of choices about how, when and why you use it. Discover why your choices — not the technology itself — have the greatest impact on your learning.
Tech upgrades: What’s changing on campus this fall
The start of a new semester brings new technology, new tools and new ways to support your learning at UIC. This article explores the technology updates shaping your digital learning experience this semester, including the university’s final transition to Canvas and expanded AI resources. Discover the digital tools, classroom technologies and accessibility improvements available to you — and learn how these updates can help you get the most out of your classes from day one.
Need help using Canvas? Start here
Knowing where to start is often the quickest way to find the help you need. Whether your question is about using Canvas, a specific course or another university service, this article will help you identify the right starting point and connect you with the appropriate resource. Get started with Canvas this semester.
Make Canvas work for you this semester
Canvas is more than a place to check due dates; it can also be one of your best tools for staying organized throughout the semester. This article shares practical strategies for using modules, assignment pages, feedback and a simple daily routine to help you stay on top of your coursework and avoid last-minute surprises. Learn how to make Canvas work for you this semester.
Learning with AI, thinking for yourself
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful learning tool, but the most important thinking should still be yours. This article explores how AI can support you throughout the learning process, from brainstorming and planning to studying and reflecting, while helping you stay at the center of your own learning. Learn three simple questions that can help you use AI with confidence and purpose.
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Authentication changes coming soon
The University of Illinois System will soon transition from Duo to Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication to help provide a secure and streamlined authentication experience across university services.
More detailed information will be shared soon, including the transition timeline and actions you will need to take.
UIC launches Google AI Accelerator for Education
UIC students have free access to Google AI tools through their UIC Google Workspace account, including Gemini for brainstorming and writing support and NotebookLM for organizing and summarizing course materials. Google Career Certificates and short AI training courses will also be available. Learn more about the Google AI Accelerator for Education Program.
Grammarly for Students
UIC students receive free access to Grammarly through their UIC account. Use Grammarly to improve grammar, spelling, clarity and writing across your coursework and email. Before using Grammarly's AI features on assignments, review the Student Guide to Using Grammarly for guidance on responsible use.
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Digital accessibility helps ensure that everyone can access, understand and engage with digital content. As a UIC student, you can help create a more inclusive campus by making accessibility part of the documents, presentations and other digital content you create for your coursework.
Create accessible Google documents with Grackle
UIC provides anyone with a UIC email address (@uic.edu) free access to Grackle, an accessibility add-on for Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. As a UIC student, you can use Grackle to create more accessible documents by checking for common accessibility issues, fixing them with guided assistance and exporting properly tagged PDF documents.
Visit How do I check accessibility in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides using Grackle? for more information.
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Advanced Cyberinfrastructure for Education and Research, part of Technology Solutions, empowers researchers with essential tools and techniques in computational research and data science.
Advanced Cyberinfrastructure for Education and Research hosts informative sessions that cover a wide range of topics relevant to the research community, from introductory programming in R and Python to advanced subjects such as parallel computing and GPU programming. See the fall schedule on the Advanced Cyberinfrastructure for Education and Research website.
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Top 5 cyber threats at UIC |
Awareness can be your best defense. Students should know of the common scams they may encounter online, in their inbox and on their phone:
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Phishing
Malicious emails or texts pretending to be from IT, Human Resources or other service providers with links to fake webpages, hoping you share or enter sensitive information. - Social engineering
Emails or texts from imposters posing UIC staff, officials or other business entities to manipulate you into taking action. - Password reuse
Using the same password for university accounts and personal websites increases the risk of account compromise. - Multi-factor authentication fatigue
Receiving repeated Duo push requests you did not initiate with the intent to trick or annoy you into approving the request. - Using public Wi-Fi
Logging in on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks poses security risks. Always use a VPN when working remotely on public Wi-Fi.
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myUIC Portal
The myUIC Portal provides students with quick access to academic, financial, testing, advising, cultural, wellness and many other essential university services and applications.
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| UIC Handshake
UIC Handshake is the trusted site for connecting students to a wide variety of employers and opportunities. You can find full-time, internship, part-time and on-campus employment listings.
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| UIC Connection
Find and attend events; go to meetings; browse and join over 400 registered student organizations, 50 university departments, 150 community agencies; and so much more on UIC Connection.
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UIC Service
Looking to connect with our community partners, find volunteer opportunities or log your completed hours? Sign up for the UIC Service portal and look for service opportunities.
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| NY Times and WSJ Academic Pass
The UIC Library and the Office of the Provost are pleased to offer an Academic Pass subscription to the NY Times and Wall Street Journal to anyone with a valid UIC email address.
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| U of I WebStore
Download and purchase discounted software through the U of I WebStore.
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© Copyright 2026The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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