We will update this page with new communications throughout the semester.
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We will update this page with new communications throughout the semester.
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Past Updates
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
Tips for Shifting to Online Learning
As announced yesterday, Syracuse University will shift to online learning for the remainder of the semester effective today. With this update in mind, we wanted to remind you of some available resources to ensure you remain connected to your instructors and classmates.
The “Working, Teaching and Learning Remotely” page on Answers includes tips to help you get your technology ready. Some things to consider:
Laptop or desktop computer—A working laptop or desktop computer will be required for most routine academic functions. Please follow safe computing principles available in detail on the “Safe Computing” page.
Microphone and webcam—Many collaboration and remote meeting tools require the use of a microphone and have the option of using a webcam. Many, but not all, personal computers have a built-in microphone and webcam. Users with computers that do not have them, or who are simply looking for an improved experience, might consider external solutions such as USB microphones and webcams.
Internet access—An internet connection is required to access web-based applications and resources, as well as for remote access to University resources.
Also, be sure to maintain regular contact with your instructors, including checking your email and Blackboard often. The best way to clear up questions or concerns regarding deadlines or assignments is to ask. You also might partner with a classmate (or a group of classmates) to confirm information about deadlines, clarify notes and share tips for navigating the Blackboard course site.
Please remember ITS is available year-round to help you with any technology-related issues. You can contact the ITS Service Center at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu. For more information on how to make the best use of technology, you can follow ITS on Instagram and explore the Online Success Toolkit on Answers.
Thank you—and travel safely.
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Have You Configured Your Multi-Factor Authentication?
As you make your to-do list before leaving campus this semester, we have a suggestion: Configure your two-factor authentication. Doing so will ensure you retain access to your University accounts (email, Microsoft applications, etc.) wherever you go.
Two-factor authentication is an added security feature that helps protect your accounts and confidential information by strengthening the sign-in process with an extra verification of identity, in addition to your username and password. If you have not already done so, you can manage your two-factor authentication at netid.syr.edu.
ITS recommends you download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on the mobile device you will take with you. The mobile application does not require an internet connection once configured. Call or text authentication will require your mobile device to have service at your destination.
You can find more information about two-factor authentication on Answers. For additional assistance, you can contact the ITS Help Desk by calling 315.443.2677, emailing help@syr.edu or visiting 1-227 in the Center for Science and Technology (by appointment only).
For more information on how to make the best use of technology, you can follow ITS on Instagram and explore Answers, Syracuse University’s technical knowledge base. Please stay safe, stay healthy and take care of yourself, including taking advantage of the resources available through the Barnes Center.
Thank you—and go Orange!
OCTOBER 27, 2020
Planning for the End of the Semester
Believe it or not, Thanksgiving break is just four weeks away. The in-person portion of the semester concludes Tuesday, Nov. 24. This semester’s review sessions, reading days and final exams will take place virtually.
It’s a good time to start game-planning for the end of your courses if you haven’t already, including where you will study and what technology you will have available. The “Working, Teaching and Learning Remotely” page on Answers includes tips to help you get your technology ready. Some things to consider:
Laptop or desktop computer—A working laptop or desktop computer will be required for most routine academic functions. Please follow safe computing principles available in detail on the “Safe Computing” home page.
Microphone and webcam—Many collaboration and remote meeting tools require the use of a microphone and have the option of using a webcam. Many, but not all, personal computers have a built-in microphone and webcam. Users with computers that do not have them, or who are simply looking for an improved experience, might consider external solutions such as USB microphones and webcams.
Internet access—An internet connection is required to access web-based applications and resources, as well as for remote access to University resources.
For more information on how to make the best use of technology, you can follow ITS on Instagram and explore Answers, Syracuse University’s technical knowledge base. If you have tech-related questions, you also can contact the ITS Help Desk at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu.
The Syracuse University community has done a great job of navigating this challenging semester together. Please continue to stay safe and stay healthy, including taking advantage of the resources available through the Barnes Center.
Thank you—and go Orange!
OCTOBER 20, 2020
Securing Your Zoom Meetings
When your friends and classmates are across campus (or across the world), Zoom is a great option to use for academic collaboration, student activities or informal hangouts. Here are some tips to ensure you do so safely.
While Zoom has updated what features are turned on or off by default to help combat “Zoombombing,” it’s important to review your settings prior to your meetings. Specific meeting settings to protect against malicious activity include:
- Automatically generate a Meeting ID
- Require a meeting password
- Enable the waiting room feature
- Disable “Join Before Host”
- Limit screen sharing to the host
- Lock the meeting
You can learn more about these and other recommendations on the “Securing Zoom Meetings” page on Answers.
Please also remember that Zoom meetings are only as secure as the email or text used to send the invitation. Ask your invitees not to forward links to your meetings. You also might choose to verify (by voice or video) that attendees are who you expect them to be before allowing them to join your meeting.
The Know-How to Know Now
For more information on how to make the best use of technology, be sure to listen to “ITS Behind the Monitor” on Apple Podcasts. On our latest episode, we speak with Ghufran Salih ’20 about the unexpected growth of her TikTok account and how her experience with making videos about data security-related topics has helped her cope with the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. You also can follow ITS on Instagram and explore Answers, Syracuse University’s technical knowledge base.
Go Orange!
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Health and Wellness Resources
The Barnes Center at The Arch features programs, services and offerings that promote health and well-being. Please care for yourself and the University community by taking advantage of the following health and wellness resources.
- COVID-19 Testing Site—Last week, the permanent COVID-19 testing site opened at the University’s stadium. We encourage all members of our community to take advantage of this on-campus testing opportunity, which is available at your convenience Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Flu Shot Clinics—Free flu shots are available for all students at the University’s on-site clinics at the stadium (North Campus) and Skybarn (South Campus). Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To support social distancing and reduced density, appointments are required. Learn more about how to register for an appointment.
- Virtual Barnes Center at The Arch Activities—Until further notice, all in-person student activities, with the exception of classes, associated coursework and intercollegiate athletics, are paused. Many of these activities will transition online for the time being. Be sure to visit the University’s events calendar to identify virtual health and wellness activities. You also can visit the Barnes Center at The Arch Fall 2020 webpage to learn how to access services and resources.
The Know-How to Know Now
For information on how to make the best use of technology, be sure to listen to “ITS Behind the Monitor” on Apple Podcasts. On our latest episode, we speak with Ghufran Salih ’20 about the unexpected growth of her TikTok account and how her experience with making videos about data security-related topics has helped her cope with the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. You also can follow ITS on Instagram and explore Answers, Syracuse University’s technical knowledge base.
Go Orange!
OCTOBER 6, 2020
ITS Service Center
Do you need help with a tech-related issue or a campus account? Located at 1-227 CST in the Life Sciences Complex, the ITS Service Center is here to help. Services offered include:
- Diagnostic service
- Software installation
- Virus removal
- Device configuration and restoration
- Syracuse University NetID, password and email account support
- VPN device configuration
Phone and Email Support—You can email the ITS Service Center at help@syr.edu or call 315.443.2677. The ITS Service Center offers phone and email support from 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
In-Person Support—The ITS Service Center offers in-person support seven days a week by appointment only. To make an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/2CVQQlT or call 315.443.2677 during our phone support hours for more details.
For more information on how to make the best use of technology, you can follow ITS on Instagram and explore Answers, Syracuse University’s technical knowledge base.
Also, be sure to listen to “ITS Behind the Monitor” on Apple Podcasts. The latest episode features a discussion with Cayla Dorsey ’20, who discusses graduating during a pandemic and how her time at Syracuse University prepared her for her job at Microsoft.
Go Orange!
SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
Resources for Mid-Terms
Midterms are just around the corner. A number of services across campus are available to help you succeed in your upcoming assignments and assessments.
- Syracuse University Libraries buildings have reopened for the fall semester through Nov. 24 for people with a valid University I.D. You also can explore Resources for Online and Distance Students so you can access the Libraries away from campus.
- Available online this semester, the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) facilitates academic support services, including one-on-one tutoring, small-group tutoring and workshops, academic coaching, and academic integrity education and training. You can contact CLASS at 315.443.2005 or class@syr.edu for additional information.
- Each year, thousands of students from various academic and cultural backgrounds engage the Writing Center for help with a wide range of writing projects, including academic assignments, internship applications and professional portfolios. Writing consultants will work with you at any stage of your writing process. Please note the Writing Center has moved online this fall.
- This semester, the Math Clinic features asynchronous help in a Q&A format. There also is a synchronous Evening Math Clinic and a Calculus Help Center.
Be sure to listen to “ITS Behind the Monitor” on Apple Podcasts. The latest episode features a discussion with Cayla Dorsey ’20, who discusses graduating during a pandemic and how her time at Syracuse University prepared her for her job at Microsoft.
For more information on how to make the best use of technology, you can follow ITS on Instagram and explore Answers, Syracuse University’s technical knowledge base.
Go Orange!
SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
Accessible Learning Technology
As you might know, the Disability External Review Committee recently presented Phase One Recommendations after an extensive review of the University. The campus teaching and technology community is committed to supporting our disability community, as shown by our focus on providing accessible technology that enables participation by the greatest number of students possible, including those with disabilities.
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Summer sessions offer a great opportunity to boost your grade point average, eliminate credit deficits and remain on track for graduation. As you might know, Syracuse University has moved all residential courses to online delivery for Maymester (May 11-22), Maymester Flex (May 11-open), Summer I (May 18-June 26), Combined Summer Sessions (May 18-Aug. 7) and Summer II (June 29-Aug. 7). Registration for all sessions and for fall 2020 is open in MySlice. If you plan to take summer courses and haven’t already contacted your academic advisor, please schedule an appointment through Orange SUccess or via email.
ITS Service Center
As you work to finish the semester strong, remember the ITS Service Center is available to help with any tech-related issues. Just email help@syr.edu or call 315.443.2677. The Service Center also provides support via live chat available on Blackboard, Answers and the ITS website.
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Wherever you are, we are here for you.
APRIL 7, 2020
We hope this email finds you well. We are proud to serve you and admire your dedication to your coursework and your community. You exemplify what it means to be Orange!
Please continue to review the material available in the Academic Continuity Resources toolkit, which we will update as needed. In addition to our regular communications each Tuesday and Thursday, you can refer to our archive of previous messages and follow ITS on Instagram and Twitter for updates and tips.
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