Welcome to the start of a new academic year!
This note offers updates about some items that we completed over the summer, info about resources for help with technology on campus, and quick tips for keeping your accounts and digital information safe and secure.
Topics in the following include:
- IT in Classrooms, Computer Labs, and Academic Buildings - Ready for Fall 2018
- The Tenzer Technology Center - An Exciting New Partner and Resource
- Cable TV Retirement and Wifi Improvements in Dorms
- Information Security – Watch Out for Phishing!
- Using WiFi – DePauwSecure, DePauwGuest, and VPN
- Keeping in Touch with IT at DePauw
Have a great start of the semester!
– Carol L. Smith, CIO, on behalf of the Information Services Team
www.depauw.edu/it, @DePauwIT
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| Information Services @ DePauw |
1. IT in Classrooms, Computer Labs, and Academic Buildings - Ready for Fall 2018
Several technology classrooms and computer labs were refreshed this summer and are ready for the start of the semester. Highlights include:
Upgraded digital projectors in Julian 201, 249, 260, 315, and 340 and Lilly 2020; new high-definition 1080p projection in Asbury 201, 204, 206, and 220, completing the last phase of the Asbury classroom renovations; new computers in the Julian 108 and 109 and Geoscience computer labs; and upgraded computers in the Roy O. West and Olin labs.
The Green Center for the Performing Arts underwent a complete wifi overhaul, making network improvements in all classrooms, offices and studios, and performance spaces throughout the building.
In the DyKnow “Collaboratory” classroom (Julian 109), the legacy SmartBoard was retired and replaced with an 84" pen-enabled touchscreen and the old digital projector replaced with dual HD 1080p projectors. In addition, the teacher station now sports a raise/lower lectern with a 1080p Wacom tablet/monitor. Rounded out by the new student computers installed in that space, Julian 109 will feel like a whole new classroom this fall.
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| DyKnow “Collaboratory” Classroom (Julian 109) |
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| Olin Auditorium (Olin 105) |
2. The Tenzer Technology Center - An Exciting New Partner and Resource
We’re delighted to welcome Michael Boyles to DePauw as the director of the Tenzer Technology Center. The new Tenzer Technology Center will provide an amazing high-tech space where students from all disciplines can enhance their technology, computing, and visualization skills. You’ll be hearing more from Mike himself with details about events and programming planned for this fall, but in the meantime we’re excited to see Mike and the launch of the Tenzer Center and look forward to our ongoing partnership.
3. Cable TV Retirement and Wifi Improvements in Dorms
As noted in an all-campus email on July 24, campus-wide Cable TV service will no longer be provided to student rooms and elsewhere on campus, including the Greek houses. HBO GO, which was part of the former Cable TV package, will no longer be available either.
Students and others who wish to watch shows with personal devices (e.g., laptop, smart tv, tablet, etc.) can use their own online subscription to an streaming service of their choice, such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sony PlayStation, and others. As well, televisions with TV service for small group viewing will be located in living room areas of many University-owned living units and in various selected public areas, including the Union Building, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), the Library, and the PCCM.
Why are we making this change?
Data shows that students predominantly watch TV online using personal (or shared family) subscriptions to services such as Netflix, Hulu, etc., rather than the campus Cable TV.
By eliminating unnecessary expenses for Cable TV services we can refocus the saved budget dollars toward Wi-Fi improvements in living units and elsewhere on campus. Toward that, Wi-Fi upgrades in Longden, Humbert, Bloomington Street, Hogate, and Bishop Roberts residence halls are being completed this summer, and other areas will be targeted later in the fiscal year.
4. Information Security – Watch Out for Phishing
Phishing is a form of spam that intends to trick you into disclosing personal or confidential information such as a username and password, social security number, date of birth, and/or credit card numbers. Most phishing scams are received through a deceptive email message, but they can also be in the form of a text message or phone call.
How to Recognize Phishing
- The email is unsolicited and asks you to confirm or provide personal information such as password, SSN, date of birth and/or credit card.
- The email has an unusual From: or Reply-To: address.
- The message has grammatical, spelling, or other editing errors.
- The message contains a link to a website that looks real but doesn’t match the name of the organization it is claiming to represent.
- The tone used creates a sense of urgency. For example, the sender may threaten to close your account if you do not respond or lure you with the promise of a large financial reward.
- A file is attached that you are asked to open. Although it might look legitimate, the file may actually a program that installs malware or viruses on your computer.
If you suspect you have received a phishing email, don’t fall for it! Instead, click the “Report spam” button in your email to remove it from your inbox.
5. Using WiFi – DePauwSecure, DePauwGuest, and VPN
WiFi on Campus - There are two wireless networks on campus:
- DePauwGuest is an open network provided for visitors to the University.
- DePauwSecure is a private WiFi network for students, faculty, and staff. It provides enhanced security by encrypting data passed across the network.
Either of these networks will let you to connect to DePauw resources (e.g., printers, network drives, e-Services, Box.com, etc.), but we encourage to you select DePauwSecure when you have the option.
More information is available at Wireless access on-campus and Wireless: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
If you plan to use WiFi heavily in a classroom (e.g., asking students to bring laptops to class, showing video clips from your laptop, etc.), let us know by emailing HelpDesk@depauw.edu and we’ll help you pre-test to ensure you will have optimal coverage and bandwidth in the room.
Public WiFi at coffee shops, airports, hotels, and other places is great, but it’s vulnerable. A hacker sitting in a corner of a coffee shop can easily crack into unprotected public wifi to steal passwords, grab data that is passing over the network, or even break into your laptop or mobile device. To avoid this, we recommend using a VPN when you work using a public WiFi from off-campus or traveling.
Using a VPN (“Virtual Private Network”) when you are on open WiFi will encrypt your network connection to provide the same level of protection and security that DePauwSecure WiFi offers on campus.
Information about using DePauw’s VPN client is available at Network: Learn about the Network.
6. Keeping in touch with IT at DePauw – Connections and Resources
- FITS (Faculty Instructional Technology Support) – FITS provides instructional technology support and for using technology in teaching and research. Visit the FITS center in the lower level of Roy O. West Library. Email or call Veronica Pejril at fits@depauw.edu or x4673.
- Tenzer Technology Center - The Tenzer Technology Center provides workshops, hands-on help and a high-tech space where students can learn their technology, computing, and visualization skills. Email Mike Boyles at tenzercenter@depauw.edu.
- The HelpDesk – The HelpDesk provides technical support services to students, faculty and staff members. Email or call at helpdesk@depauw.edu or 765-658-4294.
@DePauwHelpDesk
- IT KnowledgeBase – The IT KnowledgeBase provides a broad collection of answers, instructions, and downloads focused around DePauw-specific technology (e.g., “How do I change my e-Services password?,” “Where can I download the free antivirus software?,” “How do I connect to wireless?,” etc.)
- IT Status Blog and Hotline – Available 24×7, includes a blog, Twitter feed (@DePauwIT), and phone number (x6666) to provide notices about IT-related service announcements, known system issues, and other useful IT tips.
- University IT Policies – University IT policies and procedures
