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A Message from Geneva Henry, Vice Provost for Libraries and Information Technology |
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In 2019 GW committed to a strategic plan to implement a 5 year life cycle for maintaining our network infrastructure. This strategic approach allows us to stay updated with network technology advancements, manage costs, and ensure timely hardware replacement to minimize risk or unplanned interruptions. GW IT will complete the first full 5 year lifecycle this summer, with the replacement of our network distribution nodes.
This summer, we have three network initiatives in progress:
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- Distribution Node Replacement
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Distribution nodes are large network devices that serve multiple buildings and support connectivity to devices within each building such as wired and wireless connections. Replacing distribution nodes across campuses will remove aging hardware and make GW networks more reliable and efficient.
- GW Wireless Network Updates
- Streamlining of GW Wireless networks
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To reduce confusion of our multiple networks, GW IT will be reducing the number of network names (SSIDs). The end goal is to have three SSIDs: eduroam, GWdevice, and GWguest. We will be working to update documentation and IT help articles to support the transition.
- More information will be communicated as plans are finalized.
- Announcing a New Wireless Network: “GWdevice” for Internet of Things Devices
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Hardware upgrades, implemented in the summer of 2023, included new features to create networks that use Pre-Shared Keys (PSK) for Wi-Fi access, allowing for a more at-home feel to the network. This will allow internet of things (IoT) devices to better communicate with each other.
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GWdevice was piloted for residents in West Hall during the spring semester and will be available this fall with a focus on residential use. GW IT will also be working with departments to identify and support academic and research use cases.
- Ongoing Replacement of Access Switches
- Access Switches are local devices within buildings that enable network access to wireless access points and your end point devices (e.g. desktop computer, laptop, etc).
- With 1100 Access switches on campus, we have a lifecycle program that replaces approximately 20% of these switches every year. This approach helps to minimize impact, spread investments and ensure stable network services.
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We are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process and will keep you updated on the progress of the network upgrades.
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GW IT announced in January a partnership with Ellucian to modernize Banner (our Student Information System and Human Resource system) by migrating it from on-premise servers to a Software-as-a-Service solution (Banner SaaS). This is a major project that requires engagement from across campus and close collaboration as we establish new standards for the way we work.
It starts with a strong partnership with Ellucian, the vendor for Banner, coupled with incorporating change management practices from the start. This means we are focusing on outreach and communication, capturing the impact of the changes, and providing knowledge transfer and training as we roll out new functionality and processes. While we're excited about the journey, we acknowledge the challenges of change and are committed to addressing concerns through collaboration and transparency. We want to hear your concerns and feedback. For more information on this transition throughout the project, visit our Banner Modernization page.
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| Visit the new Walk-in Support Center in the Campus Store |
A New Walk-in location is now open on the lower level of the new Campus Store. The Information Technology support center is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Come see the new space!
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| | Update: EAS Will Soon Use SSO Authentication |
On May 25, 2024 GW IT will be integrating the Enterprise Accounting System (EAS) with GW Single Sign On (SSO) for authentication. This initiative will make access easier for new users, reduce GW’s cybersecurity risk, and prevent the need for additional login credentials for many EAS users. This change only affects how you login to EAS, no other changes to the system are being made. Please report issues or provide feedback to GW IT.
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New Resources Available to GW Faculty and Staff |
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Zoom AI Companion is now available to all GW Zoom users. Zoom AI Companion is a generative AI digital assistant integrated into the Zoom platform, designed to enhance productivity. When enabled, it can provide meeting summaries, or you can chat with AI Companion about what you missed if you join late. Learn more about Zoom AI Companion.
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Copilot (formerly Bing Chat Enterprise) is now available to GW faculty and staff. Microsoft’s Copilot is a chatbot powered by generative AI, and can be used to find information, research a topic and generate content. GW provides access to Copilot with Data Protection, which offers enhanced security. Copilot data is not saved or shared with Microsoft, and data is not used to train artificial intelligence (AI) models. Learn more about Microsoft Copilot
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| Gelman Library Building Closure - Summer 2024 |
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Classroom Technology Training |
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Software Request for Summer |
Need additional software in your classroom? Submit a software installation request before the semester deadlines:
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- Fall semester: June 1st
- Spring semester: November 1st
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Summer sessions: February 1st
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A new version of MyE911 is now available for download. The current version of MyE911 will expire at the end of April. In an effort to support the safety of the GW community and to remain in compliance with Ray Baum’s Act, the MyE911 client is required when accessing software based phones (soft phones) via Cisco Webex. MyE911 creates a reportable location in the event that a 911 call is made.
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The legacy website hosting service ACAD, also known as home.gwu.edu, will be decommissioned on June 4, 2024 in favor of better solutions that fit personal website needs. This includes decommissioning redirects of old home.gwu.edu URLs. All website owners have been notified with a link to their website files, and all sites have been archived at archive.org.
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