The GW Information Technology (GW IT) newsletter highlights tools, resources, and updates designed to support your teaching, research, and daily work.
In this edition:
|
-
Strengthen your AI skills
- New Update Cycle for GW-managed devices
- Stay secure everywhere: Live cybersecurity training
- Wait times are short: High Performance Computing (HPC)
- Plan ahead for Fall: Request classroom software by June 1
- Share your feedback with the new Interim CIO
|
|
|
|
| A Message from Anna Vakulick, Interim Vice Provost Information Technology |
|
|
|
For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of serving the GW community, working closely with teams across campus to strengthen the systems you rely on every day. During that time, I had the opportunity to work alongside Geneva Henry, Dean of Libraries and Academic Innovation, whose leadership as Vice Provost for Information Technology helped drive transformative initiatives from modernizing Banner to launching our university‑wide Zoom platform. Her work consistently reflected a belief that technology should enable collaboration, discovery, and access. I am honored to build on that legacy.
As I step into the role of Interim Vice Provost for Information Technology, my focus is clear: ensuring GW’s technology advances our academic and research mission while making daily work easier for our community. IT is not just about platforms or infrastructure. It’s about people. Every system we operate, every tool we deploy, should help you focus more fully on teaching, research, learning, and service.
Where We Go From Here
You deserve technology that works as hard as you do. To support that expectation, our work will be guided by strategic transparency and partnership. We are not simply completing projects; we are building a clear, shared roadmap aligned with the university’s long‑term vision.
For faculty and researchers, this means prioritizing reliable, intuitive tools that remove digital friction and accelerate discovery. For staff, it means improving the clarity, usability, and performance of our administrative systems so less time is spent navigating technology and more time is spent supporting students and advancing GW’s mission.
I expect GW IT to be a trusted partner: listening, collaborating, and adapting to meet the evolving needs of our academic and professional community.
Feedback is a Gift
Leadership transitions are an opportunity to step back, listen carefully, and ask how we can serve you better. I am committed to openness and to learning directly from the people who use our systems every day.
I’d love to hear about the tools or digital experiences that help you do your best work. Feel free to share your thoughts with me as we begin this next chapter together.
|
|
|
|
New Rhythm, Better Performance: Your Annual Windows Update |
|
|
|
|
Keeping your campus tech current is getting easier with our new annual update cycle. Starting this year, we are moving to a consistent yearly schedule to ensure your managed devices stay secure and ready for the academic year ahead. By completing these updates, you’ll gain the latest features and maintain a reliable connection to GW resources. Here is a preview of this year's required updates.
We’ll be sending additional targeted emails with more details soon.
|
|
|
|
-
Upgrade to Windows 11, version 25H2, by October 2026 to keep your system protected with the latest security patches.
- Install Office 2024 today to replace versions that have reached their end-of-support and ensure your productivity tools remain compatible.
- Complete BIOS and SecureBoot updates this Summer to maintain system stability, security, and reliable startup. More information to come as soon as Microsoft makes it available.
|
|
|
|
Embracing this new yearly rhythm during the spring and summer months ensures your device is fully prepared before the busy fall semester begins. If you have feedback or questions, contact GW IT.
|
Securing Collaborative Data Beyond Graduation |
|
|
|
|
As another successful semester draws to a close, you can ensure the continuity of your department's work by managing shared files before our graduating students transition to alumni status. Taking these steps now prevents the loss of critical research and administrative data when alumni accounts eventually lose access to Google Drive.
|
|
|
|
-
Audit your shared folders to identify any essential documents currently owned by graduating student workers or researchers.
- Move collaborative files into a Google Shared Drive, which ensures the department, rather than an individual, retains permanent ownership.
- Request that students transfer ownership of specific documents to you directly if a Shared Drive is not being used.
- Verify access permissions for your team to maintain a steady workflow without interruption during the summer transition.
|
By organizing your digital workspace today, you protect your hard work and keep your projects moving forward.
|
|
|
|
Request Classroom Software for Fall by June 1 |
|
|
|
Need additional software in your classroom? Submit a software installation request before the semester deadlines:
|
Fall semester: June 1st
Spring semester: November 1st
Summer sessions: February 1st
|
|
| |
|
With roughly 250 computers replaced annually, previously installed software is not guaranteed to persist, and software may need to be re‑requested each semester.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Faster Research: Shrinking Wait Times with Trackable Resources |
Whether you’re wrapping up a busy semester or launching a new project, we know your time on the Pegasus HPC cluster is a valuable asset. That’s why we’ve been focused on reducing wait times by improving how resources are managed using Trackable Resources (TRES), a smarter way to allocate compute capacity so your jobs can start sooner and utilize resources more efficiently.
On Pegasus, TRES enables tracking and allocation of CPUs, memory, and GPUs, allowing the system to make better use of available resources and reduce scheduling bottlenecks. This shift results in significantly less time spent waiting in the queue and more time spent moving research forward.
Researchers can enable TRES by updating their SLURM submission scripts, allowing jobs to benefit from improved resource tracking and scheduling.
|
|
|
|
Build Practical AI Skills with LinkedIn Learning |
|
|
|
|
Access a wide range of AI‑focused courses through LinkedIn Learning using your GW account. These courses cover topics such as Microsoft Copilot, prompt design, and foundational concepts in generative AI, with an emphasis on practical applications for administrative and academic work. Whether you are looking to streamline your inbox or learn to automate tasks, these resources are built to fit into your schedule and support your professional growth.
|
|
|
|
AI Classes Available on LinkedIn Learning:
|
For information on GW IT AI initiatives, as well as AI guidance and best practices, visit it.gwu.edu/gen-ai.
|
|
|
|
Preview the Refreshed Zoom Web Experience |
|
|
|
Zoom is making updates in May to the web interface to match the Zoom app, ensuring a consistent experience across all your devices.
|
|
|
|
-
Try the new experience: Toggle the switch at the top of your portal to explore the updated layout at your own pace.
- Be more efficient with the new universal header: It groups your favorite tools into a simplified menu and removes the cluttered side navigation.
-
Preview the new design: During the 90-day introductory period, before it becomes the permanent standard for all users.
|
Exploring these updates now will help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure your digital workspace is ready for your next project.
|
|
|
|
|
If you missed Box on campus, don’t worry, we’ve made sure you can still catch the latest from our partners at Box. You can now watch the session recording to see how Box 101, Box Hubs, Box AI, and advanced collaboration features can simplify your daily file management and project workflows. Seeing these tools in action directly from the experts helps you master the platform and work more efficiently with your team.
|
|
|
|
Chart Your Course: Custom Cybersecurity Training for Your Career |
Level up your technical expertise by joining the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team for an interactive Cyber Talk tailored to your professional goals. We’ll show you how to navigate Talent@GW and KnowBe4 to find curated learning modules, videos, and games that fit your specific role and skill level. You will walk away with a personalized roadmap of prioritized activities designed to sharpen your digital defense skills and strengthen our campus security.
|
|
|
|
Whether traveling domestically or internationally, staying connected means staying secure. Join the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team for a session on protecting your devices, using Wi‑Fi safely, and managing cybersecurity risks while on the go.
|
|
|
|
The Gelman Library Closed for Maintenance this Summer |
Gelman Library will close for the summer on May 9, 2026, and will reopen before the start of the academic year in August 2026. During this time, library services and resources will be available. Visit the library website for information on how to access materials and services.
| |
|
|
Classroom Technology Training |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
