|
A Message from Geneva Henry, Vice Provost for Libraries and Information Technology |
|
|
As we finalize preparations for the upcoming fall semester, we invite you to reflect on the past year with the release of the GW IT Annual Report.
Inside, you’ll learn about all of GW IT's initiatives, including how we’ve enhanced foundational systems by migrating key services to the cloud and are working with stakeholders to modernize the Banner system. It also highlights our support of growing research needs with the expansion of the High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources. Additionally, explore GW IT by the Numbers for a snapshot of our impact.
We are excited to continue building on this momentum by delivering more personalized, intelligent, and adaptive digital experiences. Please check out the rest of this newsletter for important information on available classroom training, updates on current initiatives and new tool/feature releases.
|
|
|
|
GWdevice is now available to Faculty & Staff |
GWdevice—our “at-home” style wireless network—is now available to faculty and staff, in addition to students. GWdevice is optimized for connecting smart devices, streaming tools, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices on campus, while eduroam is GW’s primary wireless network for secure access to GW campus as well as academic networks worldwide.
|
|
|
Key Features of GWdevice:
|
- Connect up to five devices using a single Pre-Shared Key (PSK).
- Ideal for smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and other IoT tools.
- Enables seamless communication between devices, similar to a home network.
- Replaces the legacy GWconnect network for media and smart devices.
|
|
|
This expansion supports a more flexible and modern digital experience for the GW community—especially in residence halls, offices, and collaborative spaces.
Not sure which network is right for your device? Check out our quick guide to choosing the right GW network for your needs.
|
|
|
| Auto Upgrades to Windows 11 Ongoing |
GW IT has begun deploying automatic upgrades as part of GW IT’s upgrade program to GW-managed computers that have not yet upgraded to Windows 11. You can still use your self-service process to upgrade now.
|
|
|
Classroom Technology Training |
|
|
|
In May 2025, we reached a key milestone with the launch of Blackboard-to-Banner grade integration, following a successful pilot in Fall 2024. This functionality is now available to faculty to push grades from Blackboard to Banner, streamlining the process of submitting final grades. Please refer to our how-to guides for instructions on pushing grades from Blackboard to Banner.
|
|
|
Looking ahead, we’re actively working to implement additional features ahead of the full transition to Banner SaaS, including:
|
-
Proxy Management: Will allow students to grant secure, view-only access to selected academic or financial information to authorized individuals.
- Anonymous Grading: Aimed at supporting fairness and reducing bias in courses where anonymous assessment is appropriate.
|
Beyond these features, we’ve also made significant progress in areas such as system integrations, reporting, process automation, and workflow improvements—laying the groundwork for a more modern and efficient administrative experience.
We deeply appreciate the engagement and participation from our campus partners in this transformation project. For more details on this ongoing transition or to share feedback, please visit our Banner Modernization page.
|
|
|
|
As part of our adoption of Zoom Workplace as our primary communication platform, we have begun migrating phone services from Cisco to Zoom Phone. This transition aims to enhance our communication capabilities and streamline our services.
We have completed a pilot to develop the migration process and collect feedback, which has helped us prepare to support you during the migration.
|
|
|
- Department Coordination: Migrations are starting, and we’ll be coordinating with departments to ensure a smooth transition.
-
Flexibility and Convenience: Zoom Phone is designed to be used from your computer or mobile device, providing flexibility and convenience. As we migrate phone numbers, we will replace unused physical phones with Zoom Phone to reduce hardware and support costs. If you need a physical phone, you can request it during the migration process.
-
Continued Access: Your GW phone number won’t change and will be available using Zoom Phone after it has been migrated.
- Long-Term Support: This is a multi-year project, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the process.
|
Already Migrated to Zoom Phone? |
|
|
Our goal is to simplify the communication experience without removing any essential services.
|
|
|
| Special Walk-in Support Hours for Back to School |
GW IT is here to help support the campus during the transition from summer to fall semesters with special walk-in support locations and additional hours at our main walk-in location in the campus store.
|
|
|
|
GW IT is working closely with campus partners to explore how Generative AI (Gen AI) can support teaching, research, and administrative work. As AI tools evolve, we’re taking a thoughtful, privacy-conscious approach to evaluating and implementing solutions that align with the university’s mission and values.
As we continue this work, our focus remains on transparency, ethics, and ensuring AI is used in ways that benefit the GW community.
|
|
|
| Adobe Renewals Started This Summer |
Access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Acrobat requires a license that expires annually on June 30th. For continued access, faculty, staff and students must renew their licenses.
GW utilizes the Software Request Portal, provided by Kivuto's OnTheHub, to help manage licenses, compliance, and software distribution
|
|
|
|
Protecting GW Together: A Call to Cyber Awareness |
As cyber threats continue to evolve, protecting our university’s digital environment is a shared responsibility. Higher education remains a top target for phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.
This year, we’re focusing on strengthening our collective cyber hygiene.
|
|
|
Rise in ransomware attacks in education
(Q1 2025)
|
| of victims lost access
to records for 5+ days
|
|
|
- Be cautious with emails – When in doubt, don’t click.
- Report suspicious emails to abuse@gwu.edu
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), also known as Two-Step Authentication (2SA).
- Keep your devices updated to patch security flaws.
-
Report security incidents immediately to GW IT Support
|
We’ll be sharing Cyber Talks, tips, and resources to keep you informed. Your vigilance protects not only your data, but also that of our students and research partners.
|
|
|
Request Classroom Software for Spring by Nov 1 |
Need additional software in your classroom? Submit a software installation request before the semester deadlines:
|
-
Spring semester: November 1
- Summer sessions: February 1
- Fall semester: June 1
|
|
|
|
| GW IT prepares over 500 classroom and lab machines each fall. These deadlines allow us to meet the demand and have things ready for a seamless classroom experience.
|
|
|
GW IT Resources & Support |
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
1918 F Street NW | WASHINGTON, DC 20052 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
| |
|
|
