| A Message from Geneva Henry, Vice Provost for Libraries and Information Technology |
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As we continue our initiatives to modernize the GW IT infrastructure and create efficiencies, I am excited to announce that we are investing in Zoom as GW’s primary unified communications platform. This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation, including a university-wide survey, investigation of current usage, and consultations with other universities and industry leaders.
Our survey showed a dominant use of Zoom among faculty, staff, and students, highlighting its popularity and familiarity. We aimed to find a solution that provides a uniform experience across all spaces, from classrooms to administrative offices. Zoom offers high-quality web conferencing and phone and voice services that align with our needs. Choosing Zoom for all of our unified communications will give us access to additional features, reduce the number of applications needed, and provide a more consistent and sustainable platform.
The Zoom transition will be a multi-year project. This will include moving all phone services to Zoom, transitioning conference rooms and classrooms to Zoom, and eventually retiring Webex. Currently, we are in the initial pilot process of the phone and Zoom room transition. Webex meeting is not scheduled to be retired until 2027, but feel free to start moving your meetings to Zoom now. For more information, visit the Zoom transition website.
If you do not have a desk phone, do not use a soft phone, or do not use Webex meetings, then you will not need to transition. All Zoom users will benefit from new Zoom features as the project progresses. We are confident the transition to Zoom will greatly benefit our university community by enhancing our communication capabilities and ensuring a seamless experience for all users.
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| Getting Started with Zoom Workplace |
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| Make the Switch to eduroam before winter break |
Eduroam is now the primary wireless network at GW, establishing GW as part of the worldwide eduroam community, and creating a seamless network experience while traveling between participating institutions.
GW’s eduroam is the same network that has always provided GWireless. It is configured to be a part of the secure, worldwide roaming network developed for the international research and education community. GW is just one of many higher education institutions that has adopted eduroam as their primary network.
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To avoid any network interruptions, please join eduroam before GWireless is retired on January 2, 2025. For the best experience, forget the GWireless network once you join eduroam.
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| Banner Modernization offers Automation of Grades between Blackboard and Banner |
In March 2024, GW kicked off the modernization of Banner (our Student Information System and Human Resource system). This is a major transformation project that requires engagement from across campus and close collaboration as we establish new standards for the way we work.
A big focus of the project is process improvement and improved experience, and the project team has been working diligently on the Banner (GWeb) integration with Blackboard. This integration will allow grades entered in Blackboard to be synced with Banner, eliminating the need for Faculty to log in to Banner to input grades. The Grade functionality will be piloted this semester. Videos and instructions will be available on the Blackboard website, and you can find more information with the Office of the Registrar.
As this project progresses, 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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| Safeguarding personal information and GW data is a key pillar for GW IT. This is a reminder that as a GW community member, you should be familiar with all university policies.
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Skip the Scams this Holiday Season
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The holiday season is always a time when scammers increase their activity, so take a few minutes to learn how to keep you and your family safe.
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WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT: Links in emails, social media posts and texts can be used by cybercriminals to steal your information.
- USE TRUSTED SITES: Don’t follow links in email or texts. Visit vendor sites directly.
- TAKE A BREATH: Scammers rely on you being busy to trick you into clicking fraudulent links to try to steal your information.
- SHOP ONLINE SAFELY:
- PROTECT YOUR $$: Ensure site security is enabled by checking for “https://” in web addresses.
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KEEP CLEAN MACHINES: Before searching for that perfect gift, update all software and apps on your web connected devices to keep them free from malware. This includes PCs, smartphones and tablets.
- CONDUCT RESEARCH: Cyber criminals are trying to trick you with fraudulent websites. Read reviews before shopping on new websites to skip the scam.
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Join us for our Data Days Series |
Classroom Technology Training |
Classroom Software Requests |
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Need additional software in your classroom? Submit a software installation request before the semester deadlines:
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- Spring semester: November 1st
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Summer sessions: February 1st
- Fall semester: June 1st
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Planning to Travel Internationally? |
When you are on the go and constantly connected, cybersecurity needs to be part of your plan. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, it is important to take proactive steps to secure your Internet-enabled devices and protect your accounts.
To better secure your GW account and prevent unauthorized access to your devices and online services, make sure to use strong passwords and enable two-step authentication (2SA).
Traveling abroad or to areas with limited cell service can make email access for two-step verification difficult. GW IT recommends using the Microsoft Authenticator app as your primary method for 2SA to ensure access to GW resources. This app is more secure than SMS text and phone call methods.
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