Showing posts with label strategy. Show all posts

Accessing Campus Software using CIVL

by in , , , , , ,

In an effort to support remote work and learning, Information Technology Services (ITS) continues to offer access to the CI Virtual Lab (CIVL) to staff, faculty, and students.

Also referred to as a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), CIVL offers staff and faculty access to network file-shares (such as the G, S, or Z drives) and most applications and services used by faculty and staff without the need to connect through the GlobalProtect VPN.

Students may also use the CIVL to easily access applications for academic use, such as SPSS, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more.

Click here to launch CIVL in your Web browser.


Please note that accessing CIVL requires no additional action by ITS. CIVL is an entirely self-service process that may be initiated by staff, faculty, or students.
 
ITS continues to recommend that university work be conducted on university-owned and university-issued devices that were previously defined for remote work. Students using CIVL for academic work may utilize their personally owned devices.

If assistance is needed with accessing CIVL, please submit an ITS Service Request, or contact the Solution Center at 805-437-8552.

Monthly Bulletin - January 2021

by Anonymous in ,

Our monthly bulletin provides a summary of activities & accomplishments for the department of Information Technology Services

 User Services

  • Continued monitoring and consultation with Library on meeting student needs for hotspots and loaner laptops.  ITS helped secure another set of 40 hotspots for distribution by the Library.
  • Continued on-site presence to address urgent technology needs and hardware installations.
  • Presented ITS as part of the New Employee Orientation event hosted by Campus Human Resources.
  • Resolved several long-standing door access issues with Facilities Services.
  • Prepared new instructor computers for classrooms.
  • Facilitated several high priority security efforts related to POP/IMAP service, Malware Bytes testing, software updates, etc.
  • Preparing MSFT purchases which included vendor visits and technology comparisons, gathering quotes and requirements.
  • Produced several communications promoting new wifi service at the CI Boating Center.
  • Made new Windows Feature Updates available through SCCM scheduled tasks and user run updates
  • Performed Pharos printer preventative maintenance on student accessible printers as requested by the campus committee on logistics.

Application Services

  • Development, Testing, Quality Assurance, and Move to Production completed or scheduled during January 2021:
    • Web Directory enhancements for Auxiliaries – Principle Development and QA
    • PSAR Automation Enhancements – Principle Development
    • CalState S4 Interface Update Rolling Term Enhancement – Principle Development
    • Engage / CI Sync Corrections - Principle Development and QA
    • Student Records Data Mart MP14 Retrofit – MTP
    • Admission Application Rollover MP14 Retrofit - MTP
    • Transition of Web Applications from Freevo to .Net Core - Principle Development Continues
    • Santa Rosa Island Web Application – Principle Development Continues
    • Creation of 2021 Career & Internship Fair Web Application - Principle Development & MTP
  • Work Continues on mandated CHRS Recruiting Project
  • Database Scripts for the following areas were developed and deployed during January 2021:
    • Student Records (2) – CR / NC Grades, Degree Audit Mapping fix for MP14
    • Admissions (5) – Checklist Due Date, Basis of Admission for 2212 & 2218
  • The Following Maintenance was performed:
    • Maintenance Pack 14.00 was installed in CI Records and CI Personnel
  • The Following Data Warehouse and Institutional Reporting Activity took place during January 2021:
    • CFS Data Warehouse Integration with OneCI Data Warehouse Continues
    • Data warehouse operational work for BFA, Student Affairs, Advancement and Academic Affairs
    • Tableau Server Upgrade Project Continues – Communication and Testing
  • Application Services continued supporting the following operations and projects:
    • 2020 OSHA Report Produced
    • Transact Support for UAS
    • CFS 1099  Coordination for BFA
    • Student Financials 1098T Coordination
    • CSU CMS - AWS Hybrid Cloud Project
    • Identity and Access Management Support
    • CFS Related Support of BFA Operations

Infrastructure

  • Installed cabling and outdoor WiFi access points at Channel Islands Boating Center for the premier implementation of CI Parking Lot WiFi.  
  • Prep work for implementation of CI Parking Lot WiFi at Sage Hall
  • Project Management/Supervision of Contractor for Chancellor’s Office CNI WiFi refresh program that is replacing aging WiFi access points inside of Bell Tower, Aliso Hall and Madera Hall
  • Attended online Fall Protection Training
  • Security issues remediation:  disabled insecure rc4 Kerberos protocols on active directory to combat Kerberoasting attacks
  • Security issues remediation:  disabled imap/pop2 authentication in csuci.edu mailboxes as an extra security measure
  • Started migration G Drive/Google Drive to SharePoint migration for CAPS
  • Enabled single sign-on for PMWeb, Shared Web Services Infrastructure, and CNI Refresh portal (Chancellor’s Office applications)
  • Enforced MFA for O365 browser authentications
  • Upgraded our data integrations server to the latest release and updated all packages running on the server


Information Security

  • Revised SAQ’s were sent to CO Audit to close out CI’s outstanding Information Security Audit items
  • Information Security met with Secureworks to put together a SOW for Information Security assessment review
  • The new Adobe sign VPN Access Request Form has been fully implemented and is available for use.  Request for update of web documentation has been made and a communication via EchoTech and the Information Technology blog are scheduled to be sent out 2/1/2021.
  • Information Security began working with CI’s PMO on capacity planning
  • CI was added as a Data Privacy Day 2021 Champion. https://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-day/all-champions/  Data Privacy Day aims to inspire dialogue, and empower individuals and companies to take action on how their personal information is being used, collected or shared in our digital society.
  • January 12, 2021 - An article on Data Privacy Day was posted on the CI News Center / https://www.csuci.edu/news/releases/data-privacy-day-2021.htm
  • Working with Jamf consultants Information Security staff were able to optimize our CI’s Jamf environment to support remote Mac computers. This includes over 15 changes or recommendations. This has led to a more stable and faster Jamf system, which will benefit our campus Mac users.
  • Mac OS Big Sur (Mac 11.1) was released to campus users and was available to all via software updates on January 1, 2021.
  • January 6, 2021 - Apple loaned CI a M1 - MacBook Air for 2 weeks for testing. The testing revealed campus software will work with some modifications, but our Jamf needs changes to support the new ARM architecture.
  • We held several meetings with the CO and Dell Secureworks regarding securing CI against malicious threat actors.
  • Kenna Security POC was completed and is ready for use by the Infrastructure group
  • Use of LastPass was approved for ITS staff and the quote for was submitted for approval
  • January 14, 2021 – Information Security met with internal stakeholders to improve on the IT procurement process
  • January 22, 2021 - Info Sec and CI PD did a B.E.C. (Business Email Compromise) presentation to HRE’s Res Ed Student Assistant about scams targeting students in the dorms
  • Carlos Miranda assisted BFA with the new Internal Auditor candidate interviews
  • The new image for Windows (20H2) is now completed and being used by USG. The lab image for Windows (20H2) is in the final stages before being released to USG.
  • Continued with scheduled internal quarterly and monthly internal assessments for:
    • CI Records, CI Personnel, and CI Financials
    • Unisys Data Center
    • PeopleSoft Oracle Accounts
    • Segregation of Duties

 

Monthly Bulletin - December 2020

by Anonymous in ,

 User Services

  • Provided technical support for EU Winter Session courses, including Tier 1 response on holiday or vacation days
  • Implemented loaner equipment check-out database, and completed distribution of hotspots for faculty and staff (new hotspots may still be ordered through ITS)
  • Tested improved KVM switch for Sierra Hall computer science networking lab
  • Setup new virtual lab environment for GIS/ESRM Professor Patsch with assistance on VPN access from Infrastructure
  • Prepared and delivered urgently needed computing equipment for new Provost
  • Updated and re-homed some temporary loaner laptops to their appropriate classroom 
  • Routinized specific LabStats and Auxiliary charge-back reports for the CIO
  • Promoted Digital Citizenship efforts related to security vulnerabilities with certain email delivery methods, Windows feature updates, web browsers, and Adobe Flash


Infrastructure

  • Preparation for several infrastructure projects to commence in January:  CNI WiFi refresh in Bell Tower, Aliso Hall and Madera Hall; Sage Hall and CIBC Outdoor WiFi projects
  • MC’ing of BFA Divisional Meeting
  • Work on findings from Network security audit
  • Inventorying of low-cost capital assets in preparation for CNI WiFi refresh
  • Assisted with install of second tier of networking equipment for Police PSAP Cal-OES NextGen 911 project
  • Upgraded OmniVista network tool software
  • Upgraded APC StruxureWare software for UPS Monitoring
  • Setup phone extension for new Provost
  • Upgraded myCI infrastructure to the latest version
  • Migrated ASI and Library departments from Dropbox to OneDrive
  • Integrated our Active Directory and SSO with our Asset Panda management system


Information Security

Month long projects

  • Finishing the new image for Windows (20H2)
  • Seven software vulnerabilities were patched from Advisories from MS-ISAC deemed critical.
  • Mac OS Big Sur (11) was tested and will be available for campus download on 1 Jan. 2021

 

Individual items

  • Info Sec met with the CO’s Auditor G. Dove about the outstanding items from this year’s audit. 1 Dec. 2020
  • Started a P.O.C. with Kenna Security 10 Dec. 2020
  • C. Miranda completed the 1st Cohort of the Lead CI Program that Dr. Beck started, and she selected less than Ten Faculty and Staff Administrators for the program. 14 Dec. 2020
  • C. Miranda was asked to be part of the Internal Auditor search committee. 21 Dec. 2020
  • C. Miranda attended two meetings with Qualys and Palo Alto regarding the SolarWinds breach. 22 Dec. 2020 and 24 Dec. 2020

 

Project Management 

  • Adobe Sign: Continue to complete the requests. Working on finishing request for Application Services and Auxiliary unit with their property forms. Working on Registrar and HR requisition forms.
  • IT governance – January meetings are being scheduled. Voting from the previous sub-committee meetings will be presented in the executive committee will be held in the coming weeks.
  • Meeting ITS leadership team and project managers to review project requests, active projects, and projects on hold to discuss the direction and next steps.
  • Ticketing Systems improvement initiative with the TeamDynamix team – CI team will be going through implementation readiness training offered by the TeamDynamix team.
  • Completed migration for the Division of Student Affairs and the Library. PMO offered two hands-on training sessions and one webinar to all the users who participated in migration.
  • Raiser Edge Integrations project has been initiated and the kick-off meeting will be held in January.
  • Planning and reaching out to procurement stakeholders to provide procurement training and workshops in January/February, 2021.
  • Closed 10 procurement requests.


Web Services

  • Continuing to work with DSA on the migration of http://theisland.csuci.edu content to a new content management infrastructure
  • 7 tickets have been resolved
  • Working with Modo Labs to launch Elevate program to revamp CSUCI mobile app
  • Continuing to work on fixing pdf files and broken links to be accessibility compliant


Monthly Bulletin - November 2020

by Anonymous in ,

Below please find a summary of activities & accomplishments for the department of Information Technology Services over the past month.

User Services

  • Communicated the need for attention to Windows Feature Updates  and worked with users to perform updates for computers on the CI network.
  • Performed additional work with Academic Lab Technicians and Phil Hampton to improve collaborative support for wet labs and instructor workstations.
  • Completed installations of 50 new computers in Sierra Hall 1131 and 1432.
  •  Created a new workflow to address 3rd party patch requests.
  • Provided a list of commonly used campus software, now sortable and with additional detail, including the list of unsupported operating systems.
  • Requested and received proposals and quotes for additional HyFlex rooms.
  • Worked with users and vendor to resolve Troy check printing issues.
  • Resolved 184 work orders.
 

Application Services

  • Development, Testing, Quality Assurance, and Move to Production completed or scheduled during November 2020:
  • Appsian ERP Firewall – Move to Production
  • Engage Interface - Move to Production
  • AIMs Retrofits – Move to Production
  • EAB Enhancements – Unit Testing of Note Uploads, Principal Development of Phone Number Additions 
  • Transition of Web Applications from Freevo to .Net Core - Principle Development Continues
  • Santa Rosa Island Web Application – Principle Development Continues
  • Work Continues on mandated CHRS Recruiting Project
  • The Following Maintenance was performed:
  • Non-Baseline Posting Veteran Benefits Modification was migrated to CI Records Test
  • Maintenance Pack 13.00 installed in CI Records and CI Personnel 
  • Maintenance Pack 13.01 were installed in CI Records
  • Maintenance Pack 13.02 were installed in CI Records Test
  • The Following Data Warehouse and Institutional Reporting Activity took place during November 2020:
  • CFS Data Warehouse Integration with OneCI Data Warehouse Continues
  • Data warehouse operational work for BFA, Student Affairs, Advancement and Academic Affairs 
  • Application Services continued supporting the following operations and projects:
  • CFS MP4.0 Move to Production Coordination for BFA 
  • CFS 1099  Coordination for BFA
  • CSU CMS - AWS Hybrid Cloud Project 
  • Student Financials Fee Configuration
  • Identity and Access Management Support
  • CFS Related Support of BFA Operations 
 

Infrastructure

  • Installed data cables from Sage Hall to Sage Parking lot light poles for Parking Lot WiFi project
  • Worked with campus electricians activating a number of Shark Meters on the network
  • Worked with Digital Energy engineer configuring several Shark Meters for the network
  • Oversaw contractor installing first half of NextGen 911 equipment in rack at Data Center
  • Research for Parking Lot WiFi installations
  • Work on challenging security camera cabling issue
  • Setup preventative measures against Kerberoasting attacks
  • Patched and enabled blocking against Zero logon attacks.
  • Upgrade Microsoft licenses for high risk users for increased protection and security and more features with Microsoft 365. 
  • Shibboleth Upgrade from 3.4.3 -> 4.0.1
  • OneDrive Migration for Student Affairs and Library departments 

Information Security

  • Renewal of Malwarebytes ($7800) was negotiated for a yearly savings of $10k
  • Worked with the Infrastructure Team and the CO’s to resolve a Kerberoasting vulnerability
  • For November we updated eight, 3rd party software updates to our Mac clients
  • Continued work with ITS colleagues on various cross-department projects related to remote device patch management
  • Started working on the Win Desktop image for both labs and clients (Win H2)
  • Started working on an image for Mac OS Big Sur and updates to the current OS Catalina
  • Requested a (M1 chip) laptop from Apple to test compatibility and security. This device will be at no cost for CI.
  • All staff have started taking Power BI training
  • News Center article 23 Nov. / Tips for safe online holiday shopping

Project Management

  • Adobe Sign: Completed four templates and thirteen are in process. There were 1132 agreements sent, 934 completed, 69 in process, and 129 rejected. 
  • Completed and closed online photo submission project. ( MyPhoto product)
  • Completed the first round of IT governance sub-committee meetings. Presented both CARES funding requests and project requests. 
  • Meeting ITS leadership team and project managers to review project requests, active projects, and projects on hold to discuss the direction and next steps
  • Relaunched Ticketing Systems improvement initiative with TDx team. The next meeting will be held during the second week of December 2020.
  • Dropbox to OneDrive migration project is in progress. Planning and training preparation are completed for migration for the Division of Student Affairs and the Library. 
  • Completed IT project portfolio review meetings with Division Project Coordinators for 3 divisions
  • Resolved 25 IT procurement requests
  • Delivered training sessions on Teams, Power BI, Microsoft 365 in partnership with Professional Development Team and Microsoft team
  • Santa Barbara Space Lease project is in progress
 

Web Services

  • Continuing to work with DSA on the migration of http://theisland.csuci.edu content to a new content management infrastructure. Presented Trumba event calendar and will be integrating Trumba on the website.
  • ATI report was completed and submitted, both for CO and President’s report
  • 26 tickets have been resolved
  • Continued research and work on Intranet feasibility study
  • Working with Modo Labs to launch Elevate program to revamp CSUCI mobile app 

Monthly Bulletin - October 2020

by Anonymous in ,

Below please find a summary of activities & accomplishments for the department of Information Technology Services over the past month.

User Services

* Between May and October several User Services employees were reassigned work in other areas of IT to bolster efforts in Security and Project Management.  Current staff members covering User Services tasks and daily operations for the campus are:
    * Dawn Canfield
    * Alfredo Duenas
    * Omar Hernandez
    * Hai Le
    * Chris Murphy
    * Bill Ochs
    * Indy Valencia 

* Coordinated “best practices” demo of Service Now with UCLA.  16 CSUCI IT members attended.
* Presented ITS as part of the New Employee Orientation event hosted by HR
* Submitted the ATI Procurement Report
* Contributed to the Academic Lab Techs group meeting led by Phil Hampton
* Created new analysis reports for Extended University charge-back and promoted mechanism for recording labor charges for EU tickets
* Completed 219 work orders 

 

Application Services

* Development, Testing, Quality Assurance, and Move to Production completed or scheduled during October 2020:
* PMB Interface  - Retrofit Move to Production
* Canvas Interface – Retrofit Move to Production
* Appsain ERP Firewall – User Acceptance Testing and Quality Assurance
* EAB Enhancements – Unit Testing of Image and Note Uploads, Principal Development of Phone Number Additions 
* Transition of Web Applications from Freevo to .Net Core - Principle Development Continues
* Santa Rosa Island Web Application – Principle Development Continues
* Database Scripts for the following areas were developed and deployed during October 2020:
* Student Records (1) – Term Table
* Admissions (5) – Checklist Due Date, Basis of Admission, California Schools
* Mandated CI Records and CI Personnel PeopleTools 8.57 Upgrades Completed.
* Work Began on mandated CHRS Recruiting Project
* The Following Maintenance was performed:
* Non-Baseline Posting Veteran Benefits Modification was migrated to CI Records Test
* Non-Baseline Posting Multi-Factor Admissions Score (MFAS) was migrated to CI Records Test
* CHRS Recruiting PageUP Interfaces were installed in CI Personnel Test
* Maintenance Pack 13.00 installed in CI Records and CI Personnel Test
* Maintenance Pack 13.01 were installed in CI Records Test
* The Following Data Warehouse and Institutional Reporting Activity took place during October 2020:
* CFS Data Warehouse Integration with OneCI Data Warehouse Continues
* Data warehouse operational work for BFA, Student Affairs, Advancement and Academic Affairs 
* Application Services continued supporting the following operations and projects:
* CFS MP4.0 and AP Check Printer Template Coordination for BFA 
* CSU CMS - AWS Hybrid Cloud Project 
* Student Financials Fee Configuration
* Identity and Access Management Support
* CFS Related Support of BFA Operations 

 

Infrastructure

* Assisted with troubleshooting/diagnosis on campus fire alarm system
* Preparation for release of new version of Global Protect VPN client
* Upgraded software on campus firewallS
* Ongoing work on campus EPE (Emergency Preparedness Enhancements) [formerly SAFE] project – camera installs and prep
* Work with CAPS director on phone services and reporting
* Ongoing work on campus wifi refresh and potential parking lot wifi project
* Infrastructure prep and consultation on Police Dept. NextGen 911 upgrade
* Connected Dropbox and Gsuite to Microsoft’s CASB suite for cloud app security. This allows us to see malware that could be found on the platforms as well as other things like failed authentications and impossible travel. 
* Received our Student A3 licenses from SHI / Microsoft. Have only been manually assigning them to students who need access to certain O365 features.
* Ongoing transition of duties for retiring member 

 

Information Security

* In support of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Carlos Miranda coordinated and moderated the Professional Development webinar – “Smart Home - Do you have any of the following smart devices? Cameras, doorbells, smoke detectors, and other internet-enabled devices?” 
* Information Security created a webpage for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month / https://www.csuci.edu/its/security/cybersecurity-awareness.htm
* Met with various Anti-Virus vendors for replacement of Malwarebytes (Carbon Black, Sophos, Bitdefender, ESET)
* All 8 of the 9 Information Security Audit observations have been submitted and recommended for acceptance by CO Audit.  
* Continued work with ITS colleagues on various cross-department projects related to remote device patch management.
* Continued Monthly/Quarterly internal auditing 


Monthly Bulletin - June 2020

by Anonymous in ,

I'm pleased to share the ITS monthly bulletin, which provides a summary of activities & accomplishments for the department of Information Technology Services over the past month. Stay healthy and safe everyone!

User Services

  • In support of virtual instruction, we have received digital recording equipment for testing by faculty.  Any faculty member may borrow a “kit” that includes a camera, tripod, mic and lights.  Please contact Dawn Canfield for more information.
  • In support of virtual learning, we are working with the library to build up an inventory of loaner laptops for students. We are training staff now on how to prepare these computers.  The library will announce this increased inventory of loaners by mid-August.
  • To address the need for recording or streaming video in classrooms we have reached out to vendor partners for quotes or RFPs for the purchase and installation of appropriate equipment.
  • In order to continuously improve abilities for remote technical support we have reevaluated TeamViewer and Dameware remote support tools and included more staff in demonstrations and training on the tools.
  • In partnership with our Professional Development department we have offered additional OneDrive training sessions and created custom training materials and resources for them.
  • We are evaluating and testing patch management software solutions to help keep software installations current and compliant.

Application Services

  • Development, Testing, Quality Assurance, and Move to Production completed or scheduled during June 2020:
    • IVO Completion Interface – Principle Development Completed, End-to-End Testing Started
    • Engage Interface – Principle Development Continues
    • Parchment Upgrade  - Principle Development Completed, End-to-End Testing Started
    • EAB Implementation Support – CO Unit Logic Error Principle Development Started
    • Transition of Web Applications from Freevo to .Net Core - Principle Development
    • Santa Rosa Island Web Application – Requirements Analysis
  • Database Scripts for the following areas were developed and deployed during June 2020:
    • Student Financials – Re-apply payment contracts
  • Work continues on the mandated CI Records, CI Personnel, CI Financials PeopleTools 8.57 Upgrades.
  • The Follow Maintenance was performed:
    • Maintenance pack MP 11.03 was migrated to CI Records
    • Maintenance pack MP 12 was migrated to CI Records and CI Personnel Testing
    • Maintenance pack MP 12.01 was migrated to CI Records Testing
  • The Following Data Warehouse and Institutional Reporting Activity took place during June 2020
    • COVID19 Commencement Survey Analysis Complete
    • Data Warehouse On Premise Migration Testing
    • Data warehouse operational work for BFA, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs
    • Power BI Data Reporting Proof of Concepts Continue
  • Application Services continued supporting the following operations and projects:
    • Year End Support for BFA
    • AWS Hybrid Cloud Project
    • CARES Refunding Process
    • Retention Policy Manager Logic Updates
    • Student Financials Fee Configuration
    • Identity and Access Management Support
    • CFS Related Support of BFA Operations
    • Data Warehouse Operations

Infrastructure

  • Installed new phone system hardware:  2 Cisco servers, 2 Cisco voice routers, 2 Cisco analog voice gateways
  • Configuration of new phone system hardware to match existing setups
  • Migrated off old Cisco VoIP phone system to the new hardware with much newer version of the Call Manager Software
  • Tested all migrated phone system components
  • Installed and did basic configuration on new network border firewall devices
  • Ongoing management of campus SAFE project
  • Provide support to staff, faculty and employees for access to CI resources and applications
  • Involved with other staff in identifying and commencing search for photo submission application – MyPhoto
  • Worked with Advising\Tutoring Centers to update student and course information for import to their department application for summer session

Information Security

  • Continued work on refining scanning process for servers and workstation using Qualys
  • Information Security held training with Police for incoming students this as part of online orientation
  • Audit observation remediation continues
  • Continued with scheduled internal quarterly and monthly internal assessments for:
    • CI Records, CI Personnel, and CI Financials
    • Unisys Data Center
    • PeopleSoft Oracle Accounts
    • Segregation of Duties
  • Monthly CSU ISAC and ISAC EC meetings
  • Resolved 52 work orders

Project Management

  • Adobe Sign: Successfully completed deactivation of CSUCI DocuSign account. Worked on electronic signature authorization approval and review by stakeholders in Business & Financial Affairs. Led Adobe Sign Collaborative working group meeting, and Adobe Sign Office hours session.
  • Completed final report for CSU multi-campus business process automation at scale innovation grant project. More information is available in the CalStateTech Slack channel: https://calstatetech.slack.com/archives/CPNBH816V
  • Closed AWS innovation grant project with Environmental Science and Resource Management (ESRM)
  • Restarting online photo submission project: worked on product evaluation and completed reference interviews for MyPhoto product
  • Completed IT project portfolio review meetings with Division Project Coordinators for 3 divisions
  • Completed testing of TeamDynamix ticket cleanup/reassignment scripts with ITS Infrastructure. 207 tickets were updated in 30 minutes.
  • Work continues in support of Early Childhood Education center proposal, Dropbox to OneDrive migration, Rocket Trubiquity document management system upgrade
  • Resolved 37 IT procurement requests

Web Services

Administration

    • Congratulations to Kiki Patsch and the Environmental Science and Resource Management program, which received Amazon Web Services (AWS) $50,000 in AWS credits from the CSU Chancellors Office and Amazon for their proposal "Leveling the Computing Playing Field" 

    Monthly Bulletin - May 2020

    by Anonymous in ,

    I'm pleased to share our bulletin, which provides a summary of activities & accomplishments for the department of Information Technology Services during May 2020.

    User Services

    • Three staff members were reassigned from User Services to Security and student assistants have been reduced from 6 to 2.  Helped onboard, train, and transfer a student assistant to the Application Services team.
    • In collaboration with the Library, a hotspot loaner program has been developed and the Library will announce its readiness to manage it soon
    • Additional forms have been created in Adobe Sign
    • Additional software has been added to the CIVL Virtual Lab for summer session and in preparation for the Fall term
    • Supported users in migrating their data from Dropbox to OneDrive
    • Encouraged and assisted with Zoom updates for users, which will allow them to take advantage of enhanced security features.  Also encouraged and facilitated Windows OS updates.
    • Continued to provide or exchange loaner laptops for faculty and staff as needed
    • Provided user training or orientation for OneDrive and Teams
    • Participated in ongoing security audit analysis and related process improvement
    • Participated in reviews of necessary patch management software
    • Upgraded AV in several classrooms
    • Worked with facilities to prepare Trinity Hall storage area for use
    • Assisted executives with orientation and use of the CSU’s secure data transfer tool
    • Assisted Auxiliary Services with a review of shared MFPs
    • Contributed to the BFA newsletter, The Companion
    • Provided technical support for the President’s Staff Forum

    Application Services

    • Development, Testing, Quality Assurance, and Move to Production completed or scheduled during April 2020:
      • Duo Interface for Direct Deposit – Move to Production in CI Records
      • Security Navigation Generation - Move to Production in CI Records
      • IVO Completion Interface – Principle Development
      • Engage Interface – Principle Development
      • Parchment Upgrade  - Principle Development
      • EAB Implementation Support – CO Unit Logic Error Analysis
    • Database Scripts for the following areas were developed and deployed during January 2019:
      • Admissions – Academic Plans Codes
      • Student Records – Student Groups Cleanup
      • Student Financials – StarRez Interface Staging Cleanup
    • Work continues on the mandated CI Records, CI Personnel, CI Financials PeopleTools 8.57 Upgrades.
    • The Follow Maintenance was performed:
      • Maintenance pack MP 11.03 was migrated to CI Records Testing
    • The Following Data Warehouse and Institutional Reporting Activity took place during April 2020
      • COVID19 Commencement Survey Analysis Began
      • Admit Hub ChatBot Data Integration into Data Warehouse
      • Data warehouse operational work for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs
      • Sunset of SAAS Analytics Platform
      • Power BI Data Reporting Proof of Concepts Began
    • Application Services continued supporting the following operations and projects:
      • Perceptive Content Retention Policy Manager Vendor Information Sessions
      • CARES Refunding Process
      • Student Financials Fee Configuration
      • Identity and Access Management Support
      • CFS Related Support of BFA Operations
      • Data Warehouse Operations
      • APDB Data Issue Research

    Infrastructure

    • Installed new phone system hardware:  2 Cisco servers, 2 Cisco voice routers, 2 Cisco analog voice gateways
    • Configuration of new phone system hardware to match existing setups
    • Migrated off of old Cisco VoIP phone system to the new hardware with much newer version of the Call Manager Software
    • Tested all migrated phone system components
    • Installed and did basic configuration on new network border firewall devices
    • Ongoing management of campus SAFE project
    • Provided support to staff, faculty and employees for access to CI resources and applications
    • Involved with other staff in identifying and commencing search for photo submission application – MyPhoto
    • Worked with Advising\Tutoring Centers to update student and course information for import to their department application for summer session

    Information Security

    • DUO for Students successfully implemented.
      • CSUCI is now 100% MFA required for myCI applications and the 1st in the CSU to have this required control in place
    • Continued work on refining scanning process for servers and workstation using Qualys
    • Held class through CSUCI’s Professional Development department titled “Computer Security Tips- Working from Home”
    • Submitted articles for the News Center for May
      • May 20, 2020 : Fake jobs offered via Zoom and text message
    • Aruba VPN users all migrated to PAN Global Protect VPN.
    • Resolved 76 work orders
      • 26 Phishing
      • 34 Misc. Information Security Requests
      • 11 PeopleSoft Security
      • 5 MFA
    • Audit observation remediation continues.
      • Successfully completed migrations of the following 3rd party software from JAMF for computers that were connected via VPN:
        • Adobe Flash
        • Zoom updates
        • Google Chrome
        • Firefox
    • Continued with scheduled internal quarterly and monthly internal assessments for:
      • CI Records, CI Personnel, and CI Financials
      • Unisys Data Center
      • PeopleSoft Oracle Accounts
      • Segregation of Duties
    • Assisted Commencement team with security review of StageClip
    • Information Security support and discussion for Adobe Sign project related to PII containing forms
    • Monthly CSU ISAC and ISAC EC meetings

    Project Management

    • On May 11, successfully completed upgrade of TeamDynamix to v11.1. Release notes are available at https://solutions.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1965/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=100106
    • Providing project support for Duo for Students; CARES and Direct Deposit; Early Childhood Education center planning; Emergency Preparedness; Dropbox migration to OneDrive; CI Fileflow retention policy manager implementation
    • Work continues on the BP Logix business process automation proof of concept for the CSU.
    • Project management and support for Fall Planning Task Force (http://www.csuci.edu/fptaskforce)
    • Working on campus authorization for electronic and digital signature, in alignment with CSU policy.
    • Coordinate AWS grant review and submission to the Chancellor’s Office.
    • Resolved 15 IT procurement requests

    Web Services

    • ​Continuing to work with DSA on migration of http://theisland.csuci.edu content to new content management infrastructure and resolution of known issues.
    • Continuing to evaluate SiteImprove, Monsido, and Blackboard Ally in support of accessibility scanning and remediation efforts for non-HTML documents.
    • Resolved 58 service requests

    Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure credits available - apply by 5/22 deadline

    by Anonymous in , , , , , ,

    This message is sent on behalf of Jim August, Chief Information Officer:

    Dear colleagues,

    Once again, Cal State Innovate (http://calstateinnovate.org/) at the CSU Chancellor's Office is pleased to offer cloud credits to support innovation, research and virtualization projects which use Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

    Here are the details:

    • Up to $50,000 per proposal can be funded.
    • A maximum of two proposals per campus will be accepted by the Chancellor's Office. Proposals will be submitted by the Chief Information Officer at each campus, and a maximum of two proposals per campus (1 for AWS, 1 for Azure) can be funded.
    • You can submit your proposal for consideration.
    • Proposal must be submitted using the above link by Friday, May 22 at 5:00PM.
    • Credit recipients will be notified by the CSU Chancellor's Office. 
    • Projects receiving AWS credits must be completed and funds used within 1 date of the campus' receipt of the credits. 
    • Projects receiving Azure credits must be completed and funds used within 90 days of the first usage of the credits.  
    You can find the list of projects previously funded on the Cal State Innovate blog : FY2019 funded projects and FY2018 funded projects.

    Our apologies for the short submission window. Feel free to share this opportunity with any faculty or staff who may be interested. We encourage you to submit a proposal for consideration. Please contact me with any questions, and thanks in advance for sharing your ideas.

    Monthly Bulletin - April 2020

    by Anonymous in ,

    I'm pleased to share our monthly bulletin, which provides a summary of activities & accomplishments for the department of Information Technology Services over the past month. Stay healthy and safe everyone!

    User Services

    • User Services closed ticket summary:
      • February: 347
      • March: 379
      • April: 243
    • The large majority (98%) of our PCs have migrated away from Windows 7 and are now running Windows 10.
    • Created new forms/workflows in Adobe Sign to support the migration from DocuSign to Adobe Sign project.
    • Oversaw the installation of a new AV proof-of-concept room in Bell Tower 1684, which includes an interactive projector and whiteboard, integrated and improved speakers, and new control panel.
    • Deployed wireless display solutions in classrooms using Intel Unite.  This allows some instructors to connect their computers to classroom projectors without needing cables.
    • Prepared training and support materials, videos, or websites for new services like using remote desktop with Windows VDI (CIVL), and Microsoft OneDrive.  There is also a new webpage to help users find commonly needed cables and adapters for their desktop machines.
    • Provided loaner laptops/iPads (about 300) to students, faculty, and staff as needed for remote work during the COVID-19 crisis.
    • ITS acquired and is provisioning Hotspots to departments for faculty and staff as needed for remote work during the COVID-19 crisis.
    • Along with vendors and our Procurement group, expedited ordering and deployment of new computers and iPads urgently needed during the COVID-19 crisis.
    • Worked with Adobe to provide students with free access to Adobe CC during the COVD-19 crisis.

    Application Services

    • Development, Testing, Quality Assurance, and Move to Production completed or scheduled during April 2020:
      • Symplicity Interface Enhancement - Move to Production in CI Records
      • IVO Registration Link Upgrade - Move to Production in CI Records
      • IVO Registration Import Enhancement - Move to Production in CI Records
      • Perceptive Content Retention Policy Manager Population Views  - Move to Production in CI Records
      • ULMS Retrofit to CO Baseline - Move to Production in CI Records
      • Duo Interface for Direct Deposit – Principle Development
      • IVO Completion Interface – Initial Development
      • Engage Interface – Initial Development
    • Database Scripts for the following areas were developed and deployed during January 2019:
      • Student Records – Credit / No Credit Enable Option for COVID-19
      • Student Financials – Third Party Contracts
      • Admissions – Test Scores, Checklist Due Dates
    • Work continues on the mandated CI Records, CI Personnel, CI Financials PeopleTools 8.57 Upgrades.
    • The Following Maintenance was performed:
      • Maintenance pack MP 11.01 was migrated to CI Records
      • Maintenance pack MP 11.02 was migrated to CI Personnel
      • CARES Non-baseline Financial Aid modification in CI Records Quality Assurance
    • The Following Data Warehouse and Institutional Reporting Activity took place during April 2020
      • Early Childhood Survey Analysis began
      • Year-over-Year Enrollment Analysis and Dashboard Report Created
      • Commencement Survey Analysis Continues
      • Data warehouse operational work for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs
    • Application Services continued supporting the following operations and projects:
      • CARES Refunding Process
      • Student Financials Fee Configuration
      • Identity and Access Management Support
      • CFS Related Support of BFA Operations
      • Data Warehouse Operations
      • APDB Data Issue Research
      • EAB Implementation Support

    Infrastructure

    • Began Phone System upgrade project by installing, and IP configuring two new Cisco UCS servers and two new Cisco voice Routers.  NTT Global technician will be working on firmware upgrades to all devices and will begin the process of configuring the new system.
    • Set up AT&T engineer for remote access to conduct CO provided Alcatel Lucent network Health Check
    • Regular configuration of users for Jabber softphone use
    • Ongoing work on campus SAFE (EPE) project with contractors and FS
    • Setups for offsite phone work for departments
    • Ongoing work on CO CNI WiFi upgrade
    • Resized 110 Virtual Machines to conserve memory and CPU power
    • Setup Parkview monitoring for the old ESXi servers (old Cisco UCS platform) on Patton
    • Setup static IP’s and VPN accounts for several vendors
    • Continue server upgrades from Windows Server 2008 including domain controllers. Majority completed now and only have a handful to migrate now. Will work with owning departments to complete.
    • With everyone working from home, assist users with issues such as VPN/VDI connection to allow access to CI resources
    • Server maintenance to keep Infrastructure servers maintained with latest software patches
    • Continue escalated Infrastructure TeamDynamix ticket resolution
    • Created more than 1200 new email accounts for fall 2020 students
    • Configured and Published Cal Poly SLO’s Adobe Sign nodeJS application that allows students and student assistants to use custom Adobe Sign workflows without having to be provisioned in Adobe Sign as senders.
    • Enabled SSO for our Malwarebytes cloud instance
    • Setup Windows Virtual Desktop (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) for staff and faculty and student remote labs
    • Upgraded domain controllers on both of our domains to support new features in our active directory domain
    • Started co management of endpoints and getting them hybrid joined to Azure active directory to support upcoming projects such as Microsoft Intune
    • Started OneDrive migration project from Dropbox
    • Setup Icebreaker Microsoft Teams bot for potential use with TLI and faculty in the fall
    • Microsoft Teams Audio Conferencing testing and licensing

    Information Security

    • Submitted new articles for the CSUCI News Center:
      • Apr 03, 2020 : Zoom Client Security Update
      • Apr 16, 2020 : Microsoft Teams is here
    • Skype for Business migration to Microsoft Teams
      • Completed and June 1st will be the decommissioning date
    • Aruba to Global Protect VPN migration
      • 95% of users are moved over or have a ticket for the client.
    • 18 notices to campus users about targeted Phishing scams
    • Significant decrease in reported student Phishing scams since the student directory is now behind myCI.
    • TeamViewer management cloud console setup for ITS
    • Created and published new web page for Securing Zoom Meetings at CSUCI
    • Created and published new knowledge base article on the DO’s and DON’Ts to Safeguard Zoom Meetings
    • Created ITS Bulletin on Securing Zoom Meetings referencing the above-mentioned resources
    • DUO for Students/Student Self-Service Direct Deposit/CARES Act support
      • Assisted with Application Services, ITS Infrastructure, and Web Services to complete and rollout the new Duo Self-Enrollment service for students through myCI.  This was migrated into production Friday night 5/1/20.
    • Coordinated a few meetings to address the Information Security Audit observations from the National Guard and Chancellor’s Office
    • Continues with scheduled internal quarterly and monthly internal assessments for:
      • CI Records, CI Personnel, and CI Financials
      • Unisys Data Center
      • PeopleSoft Oracle Accounts
      • Segregation of Duties
    • Assisted Commencement team with security review of StageClip
    • Assisted Enrollment Management with security review of their chat software Live Chat
    • Ongoing research work for data governance
    • Information Security support for Adobe Sign project where requested.
      • Forms and/or process review
    • Additional research still underway regarding activation of Windows Firewall for all
    • Monthly CSU ISAC and ISAC EC meetings

    Project Management

    • Led 8 Adobe Sign training workshops for over 270 registered participants. Sessions were recording and provided to participants, and are available on the CSUCI Adobe Sign support site at http://go.csuci.edu/adobesign
    • Assisted Faculty Affairs in developing 3 new workflows in Adobe Sign
    • Assisting Extended University in developing a “Megasign” workflow in Adobe Sign to support faculty contract process
    • Assisting Enrollment Management in developing and deploying new Grade Change Form and Petition for Exception forms/processes in Adobe Sign
    • Work with Infrastructure to deploy Dynamic Forms functionality for Adobe Sign, in partnership with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
    • Develop and deploy CPAL form/process for Human Resources in Adobe Sign: 
    • Provided onboarding training for new Application Services team members in TeamDynamix
    • Providing project support for Duo for Students; CARES and Direct Deposit; Early Childhood Education center planning; Emergency Preparedness; Dropbox migration to OneDrive; CI Fileflow retention policy manager implementation;
    • Work continues on the BP Logix business process automation proof of concept for the CSU.
    • Preparing for an upgrade to TeamDynamix version 11.1, coming on May 9, 2020.
    • Completed project closures for Blackboard (Transact) EAccounts implementation and You@College implementation
    • Project management, leadership and support for Fall Planning Task Force
    • Working on campus authorization for electronic and digital signature, in alignment with CSU policy.
    • Posted 7 ITS News blog updates relating to Adobe Sign, Docusign, BP Logix, Zoom and other timely issues
    • Coordinated review & submission of 4 CSU Innovation Minigrants to the Chancellor's Office.
    • Update to the IT procurement process workflow in TeamDynamix to change Procurement & Contract Services interaction. 
    • Updates to the Solution Center automated ticket categorization process for email submitted tickets in TeamDynamix. 

    Web Services

    • ​Launched new service buttons in myCI for Adobe Sign and Microsoft Teams.
    • Added new banner in myCI in support of ASI elections
    • Launch updated campus web directory: https://ciapps.csuci.edu/directory; separate view has been launched for internal audiences (myCI authentication is required)
    • Develop an interactive housing cost calculator for Housing & Residential Education (HRE)
    • Reviewing Information Security audit results and preparing to respond to web-related findings.
    • Supported the Division of Student Affairs in evaluating, repairing and launching the student engagement web site http://theisland.csuci.edu . Continuing to work with DSA on a plan to migrate content to new content management infrastructure.
    • Supported Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management in integrating and deploying live web chat onto selected CSUCI web pages. Working with Teaching & Learning Innovations to support AdmitHub chatbot deployment and web page integration.
    • Continuing to evaluate SiteImprove, Monsido, and Blackboard Ally in support of accessibility scanning and remediation efforts for non-HTML documents. Created and began review of top 500 most downloaded non-HTML documents from the CSUCI web site.
    • Completed CSU Intranet survey (with feedback from 16 campuses) and shared results with participants. Began preliminary evaluation of Sharepoint Online.

    Administration (AVP’s office)

    • Congratulations to Jaime Hannans and Colleen Nevins for receiving a $10,000 CSU Innovation Minigrant award for their proposal for Nursing Faculty Support and Development of Online/Virtual Clinical Labs. Thank you to all applicants! 

    Securing Zoom Meetings

    by in , , , , , , , ,

    As the coronavirus pandemic continues to increase demands for web video conferencing tools such as Zoom to continue teaching, learning, working and interacting with family and friends, the bad guys continue to find new ways to disrupt these Zoom sessions. 


    To assist you in avoiding some these pitfalls, CSUCI's Information Security department has created some tips on how to better secure your Zoom meetings.  These tips review some of the security features available within the Zoom application as well as some DO's and DON'Ts to safeguard your Zoom meeting(s).

    Update to CSU Policy for Electronic and Digital Signatures

    by Anonymous in , , , , , , ,

    An important update to the CSU Policy for Electronic and Digital Signatures was released today, which provides some clarification for the use of electronic signatures in signing contracts and other internal and external documents.

    Some notable changes includes the following language:

    Electronic signatures may be used for bilateral contractual and legal documents, unilateral contracts and other University controlled documents, internal campus and Chancellor's Office forms and approvals, and external forms and approvals. 
    Campuses must develop policies and procedures to identify, evaluate, and document who may use simple electronic and digital signatures and where simple electronic signatures are permitted and digital signatures are required.

    Campus and Chancellor's Office policies and procedures for electronic signatures must meet CSU electronic and digital signature standards and may be used for transactions between the CSU and outside parties only when approved by the campus Vice President for Administration/CFO and when both parties have agreed to conduct transactions by digital means.

    Campus and Chancellor's Office procedures must document the person by CSU position who is authorized to sign, approve, and/or prevent unauthorized actions from being taken as a result of an electronic signature.

    Both the policy and the CSU Electronic and Digital Signature Standards and Procedures, 8100.S01 define the differences between electronic and digital signatures. In addition, 8100.S01 describes a risk assessment methodology that campuses may use to assess its procedures relating to electronic and digital signature.

    Have questions about the differences between electronic and digital signature, and which method is appropriate? Please contact CSUCI Information Security. 

    CSU Innovation mini-grants - proposals due 4/27

    by Anonymous in , ,

    This message is sent on behalf of Jim August, Chief Information Officer:

    Dear colleagues,

    For the fourth year, Cal State Innovate (http://calstateinnovate.org/) at the CSU Chancellor's Office is pleased to offer an Innovation Minigrant Program.

    Here are the details:

    1. Up to $10,000 per proposal can be funded.
    2. A maximum of two proposals per campus will be accepted by the Chancellor's Office. Proposals will be submitted by the Chief Information Officer at each campus, and a maximum of one proposal per campus will be funded.
    3. You can submit your proposal for consideration at http://go.csuci.edu/csuminigrant
    4. Proposal must be submitted using the above link by Monday, April 27 at 5:00PM.
    5. Minigrant recipients will have funds transferred to our campus via the CPO process so they can be used for any purpose that would normally be appropriate for state funds. Awarded funds will be transferred this fiscal year (FY 2019-2020); CSUCI will make arrangements to carry over funds to next year (2020-21).
    6. Awarded projects must be completed and funds used before Feb 1, 2021.
    You can find the list of projects previously funded on the Cal State Innovate blog : FY2019 funded projects and FY2018 funded projects.

    Our apologies for the short submission window. Feel free to share this opportunity with any faculty or staff who may be interested. Please contact me with any questions, and thanks in advance for sharing your ideas.

    Transitioning from paper, Part 2 - BP Logix

    by Anonymous in , , , , , , , ,

    In our last post on the transition from paper to electronic processes, we shared information about how Adobe Sign tool that can help campus organizations with this transition. In today's post, we'd like to share some information about another powerful tool for moving to electronic business processes.


    Information Technology Services (ITS) has been leading a proof-of-concept (POC) for a business process automation platform called BP Logix as part of a multi-campus business process automation pilot funded by the Chancellor's Office and CSUCI.

    As part of the POC, BP Logix has offered to provide additional licenses to CSU Channel Islands (and other CSU campuses) as well as and assistance in deploying solutions during the POC period (which runs through July 1). If you are interested in participating, please contact Peter Mosinskis at peter.mosinskis@csuci.edu.

    To learn more about the BP Logix platform and how it supports higher education, we encourage you to watch these 3 videos to see if BP Logix might be the right fit for your process & your team:



    We also encourage you to join the real-time conversation about BP Logix in the CalStateTech Slack channel for #bplogix. You are welcome to join the weekly meetings

    If you have any questions about BP Logix, please contact Peter Mosinskis at peter.mosinskis@csuci.edu



    Transitioning from paper to electronic processes - Adobe Sign

    by Anonymous in , , , , , , , , ,

    In coping with our extraordinary circumstances, it is increasingly important to continue to transition campus forms & processes from paper to electronic formats whenever appropriate and possible. One tool that can facilitate this process is Adobe Sign.

    As outlined in this earlier blog post, the campus is transitioning from Docusign to Adobe Sign for electronic signing of documents by June 1. Information Technology Services is offering regular training workshops in Adobe Sign for the campus community. You can RSVP for any of the upcoming workshops on the Adobe Sign support page.

    If you can't make it to a workshop and would like to start using Adobe Sign, you can watch the 2-part training (2 hours total) on the CSUCI Adobe Sign support site.


    If you need help with Adobe Sign, please visit the CSUCI Adobe Sign support site; you can also submit support requests for Adobe Sign through the Solution Center online.

    Keep in mind that Adobe Sign might not be the right fit for every form and every business process. Some forms and processes might not be appropriate due to sensitive data or the complexities of your business process. If you're not sure if Adobe Sign will be the right fit for you, feel free to submit a support request for Adobe Sign through the Solution Center online. 

    In an upcoming post, we'll share some more information about another powerful platform that CSUCI and several other CSUs are piloting to support business process automation and the transition from paper to electronic processes: BP Logix.

    Migration from Docusign to Adobe Sign - June 1 Deadline

    by Anonymous in , , , ,

    In conjunction with Information Technology Services, the Division of Business & Financial Affairs (BFA) is in the process of migrating all of its existing DocuSign forms and templates into Adobe Sign, CSUCI's new electronic signature platform.

    This migration has been underway since fall 2019. BFA chose Adobe Sign to replace Docusign in order to expand the campus' capabilities for electronic signature, and manage the costs associated with this expansion. Adobe Sign provides most of the features of Docusign at a greatly reduced cost.

    As someone who has initiated or signed forms in Docusign, please note that you must migrate any existing Docusign forms/process to Adobe Sign no later than June 1, 2020.

    Campus units/departments that own form/process workflows in Docusign (i.e., form "owners") are responsible for:

    1. Participating in training for Adobe Sign
    2. Migrating their form/process to Adobe Sign
    3. Archiving any completed forms in Docusign into your own campus repository (such as Dropbox or a campus network shared drive)
    Any forms/processes not migrated from Docusign after June 1 will cease to function. In addition, you will no longer be able to access any documents signed in Docusign after June 1, so if you require a copy of those signed forms, please archive them into your own campus repository (such as Dropbox or a campus network shared drive).

    Instructor-led live training webinars for Adobe Sign is offered every Friday afternoon into April. To RSVP, visit CSUCI's Adobe Sign Resources page.

    In addition, the training sessions have been recorded and are posted for on-demand viewing on CSUCI's Adobe Sign Resources page. We encourage you and your staff to view or attend these training at your earliest convenience to learn how to use Adobe Sign.

    If you require assistance with migrating your form or process from Docusign, please submit a support request from the "Get Help with Adobe Sign" service page.

    We encourage you to share this message with any colleagues who may be impacted by this transition.

    Thank you for your cooperation through this transition, and please submit a support ticket with any further questions about this migration.

    Adobe Sign support site

    by Anonymous in , , , , ,

    Information Technology Services launched a new support site this week for Adobe Sign, CSUCI's new electronic signature tool:

    Screenshot of Adobe Sign support site at CSUCI


    On the site, you'll find a number of short video tutorials on completing common tasks in Adobe Sign such as:
    • Preparing and sending a document for review & signature
    • Filling out and signing a document
    • Correcting a document sent for review & signature
    • Cancelling/voiding a document
    As a reminder, CSUCI is transitioning away from Docusign to Adobe Sign. All existing Docusign forms must be migrated from Docusign to Adobe Sign by June 1. We encourage you to sign up for an Adobe Sign workshop (offered weekly) as soon as possible to learn how to use the new platform. Visit the support site to sign up for an upcoming workshop.

    3 Tips for Zoom and Microsoft Teams

    by Anonymous in , , , , , , ,

    As we continue to conduct more meetings and conversations online, here are a couple of useful Zoom and Microsoft Teams tips:

    Zoom:

    1. Share your screen in Zoom: when on a Zoom call, click the large “Share” button (green button at the bottom of the Zoom window), and select what you want to share on your screen. You can share your entire desktop, or select a specific window to share. Learn how to share your screen in Zoom.

    2. Control a participant's screen (remote control): With a participant's permission, you can also take request control of a participant's screen, or give control of your own. Learn how to request or give remote control in Zoom.

    3. Mute yourself (and other participants): don't forget to mute yourself if you're not talking; this helps minimize background noise and disruption of the meeting. Meeting hosts can also use the "Mute All" button (under the "Participants" pop-out) to mute all participants while a meeting is in progress. You can also choose to mute all participants upon entry to your Zoom call (in the Participants pop-out, use the "More" dropdown and check the "Mute all participants upon entry" option). Learn more about using Mute All in Zoom.

    Learn more about using Zoom here


    Microsoft Teams:

    1. Schedule a Teams videoconference within Outlook Web Access: It takes less than 30 seconds to schedule a Microsoft Teams meeting in Outlook online. Watch this short YouTube video for instructions. 



    2. Blur Your Background: Sometimes you're working in a space where the background is distracting. If you want to blur your background while on a Microsoft Teams video call, while on the call, click the "..." (More actions) button, and choose "Blur my background" (see the screenshot below)


    3. Record your Microsoft Teams meeting: If you want to record a Teams meeting, once the meeting has started, click the "..." (More actions) button, and choose "Start recording" (see the screenshot below). Learn more about recording meetings in Microsoft Teams.

    Stay connected with Microsoft Teams

    by Anonymous in , , ,

    Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) is a unified communication and collaboration platform that combines workplace chat, video meetings, file storage (including collaboration on files), and integration with Office 365 services.

    MS Teams is a great tool for working remotely, and it's available to all CSUCI faculty and staff for free. 

    Key features in Microsoft Teams:

    • Chat: the "Chat" section enables real-time chat/instant messaging with campus colleagues, both individually and in groups. Direct messages allow users to send private messages to a specific user rather than a group of people.
    • Teams: The "Teams" function allows communities, groups, or teams to join through a specific URL or invitation sent by a team administrator or owner. Users can create teams to facilitate collaboration.
    • Channels: Within a team, members can set up channels. Channels are topics of conversation that allow team members to communicate without the use of email or group SMS (texting). Users can reply to posts with text as well as images and GIFs.
    • Meetings: meetings in Teams can be scheduled or created ad-hoc and users visiting the channel will be able to see that a meeting is currently in progress. Teams also has a plugin for Microsoft Outlook to invite others into a Teams meeting
    • Video conferencing is built-in to the Teams platform



    Keep Teaching, Learning and Working Remotely: http://go.csuci.edu/keepgoing


    Connecting to Campus Remotely - VPN or VDI

    by Anonymous in , , , ,

    In an effort to be able to support our University’s remote work directive, Information Technology Services (ITS) has rolled out a new alternative solution to its VPN remote access service called Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). 


     VDI is a web-browser-based solution that allows access to network file-shares, such as the G:\ ,  S:\ or Z:\ drives, as well as to most applications and services used by faculty and staff. 

    ITS is requesting that individuals who only require access to their network file-shares and Microsoft O365 Office products such as Office, Teams, OneNote etc., use the new VDI service instead of VPN.

    Click here to start the new VDI web-based service and to get answers to questions you may have about VDI.

    Please note that use of this VDI solution requires no action by ITS; VDI is an entirely self-service process that may be initiated by any faculty or staff member on their computer.

    ITS continues to recommend that university work be conducted on university-owned and university-issued devices that were previously defined for remote work.

    We encourage you to share this information with your co-workers, and we thank you for your support and patience during this unprecedented time of need. 

    Video conference best practices

    by Anonymous in , , , , , ,

    Zoom is a useful and popular tool to support collaboration with colleagues working remotely.
    With hundreds of hours of meetings already happening every month on Zoom at CSUCI, it's a great opportunity to ensure that you're make the most out of the experience.

    Information Technology Services is pleased to re-share this short and wonderful video that the Teaching & Learning Innovations (T&LI) team at CSUCI published in spring 2019. The video highlights best practices for using Zoom to engage with your colleagues.

    Most of the recommendations provided in the video also apply to video-based meetings using Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts or other platforms.



    Watch Zoom Best Practices video on YouTube

    Do you have other best practices for video conferences that you find important? We'd love to hear from you, share your thoughts here.

    Want to get started using Zoom? Visit CSUCI's Zoom information page. You can also access Zoom directly from myCI.