Colleagues,

ITS has received some questions regarding extension of XP support, and we are actively exploring this possibility with Microsoft. Although we are continuing discussions with Microsoft, our latest information indicates that such an agreement would be costly for the University and may not be the best use of financial resources.

We encourage everyone to continue efforts to upgrade to a supported operating system to remain in compliance with University policies.

Thank you,

Ellen

Colleagues,

Microsoft’s support of Windows XP and Office 2003 will end on April 8, 2014. After this date, there will be no new security updates, non-security fixes or technical content updates from Microsoft.

Please note the risks associated with maintaining an unsupported machine, and take steps to minimize your risk.

• Security Risks: Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks and cyber-attacks.
• Software Vendor & Hardware Manufacturer’s support – Software vendors are unlikely to support new versions of applications on Windows XP.  Research also notes that most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on the majority of their new PC models.
• Windows XP is not supported for Office 2013: Office 2013 requires that the client operating system be Windows 7 or later.

Actions to Consider:

• Get current with Windows and Office: Newer versions of Microsoft Windows and Office increase PC security and management, and user abilities. Upgrade your personal device to a supported version of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. Windows XP and Office 2003 will no longer be installed on university-owned systems.
• Isolate Systems: in compliance with University policies UM1566 and UM1691, unpatched, insecure, and outdated operating systems will not be allowed on the network.
• Review impact:  Ensure that unsupported systems do not contain sensitive data.

If you have additional questions or concerns regarding Microsoft XP or Office 2003, please contact the Service Desk at Extension 8888.

Thank you,

Ellen

Dear Colleagues,

Information Technology Services (ITS) initiates discussions annually throughout the University to inform the continual improvement of the ITS Strategic Plan.  Historically, these planning sessions were scheduled for the December – January timeframe and were aligned with the March deadline for budget presentations.

ITS is shifting our strategic planning cycle to late summer/early fall in response to the new budgeting approach, Responsibility Centered Management (RCM), which is scheduled to begin FY2015 and will require budget presentations in the October/November timeframe.  Additionally, this move will allow us to capitalize on recommendations from the Redefining the University Library Committee.

Regards,

Ellen

Dear Colleagues and Students,

UMDrive.memphis.edu is a web-based file storage service used by faculty, students, and staff.  This service plays a critical role in teaching and learning, research, and administrative processes throughout our university.

As part of our commitment to continual improvement, ITS is reviewing UMDrive to determine how to improve our file storage services.  A survey was recently conducted to gather feedback for this purpose. Unfortunately, this has led to speculation of UMDrive’s imminent decommission, and this is inaccurate.

We understand that any changes to this critical service will require a very high degree of communication and coordination. I assure you that the project team responsible for recommending any changes to our file storage services will include participation from students, faculty, and staff.

ITS will keep you advised of future developments.

Thank you,

Ellen

As mentioned in my previous post, ITS has completed the upgrade of eCourseware (Desire 2 Learn) over the holiday break.  Please note the following important information regarding usage and training on eCourseware:

Here is the  Training Schedule for the new version of eCourseware.  Registration for these sessions is available through Learning Curve (faculty only).

Customized videos, covering the basic tools of eCourseware, can be found at Teaching and Learning Videos. Faculty may also access these training videos .  Please note:  login is required for both.

Individual consultations can be scheduled at Consultation Ticket

If you have additional questions:

• Email umtech@memphis.edu
• Call the Help Desk at 901-678-8888. Help Desk staff are being given additional training in eCourseware and will be able to answer many of your questions

Thank you,

Ellen

A TBR-wide upgrade of eCourseware (Desire 2 Learn) will occur during the holiday break.  Please be aware of the important dates, times, and services below:

• 12/27/13 – The eCourseware system will go offline at 12:01a.m.  You will not be able to log in to the system (and if you are logged in at that time, your session will be terminated), and you will receive a maintenance message explaining that the system is being upgraded.
• 1/2/14 – The eCourseware system will be back online at 8:00 a.m, with the upgrades in place and tested.  At that point, you will be able to get into the system to conduct all your normal activities.
• Also on 1/2/14, the normal process for course combines will resume.  Course combines will be processed within three (3) business days of the time they are submitted.
• The Training Schedule for the new version of eCourseware will be available in multiple formats, beginning on 1/2/14 through Learning Curve (faculty only).
• Individual consultations can be scheduled at Consultation Ticket
• If you have questions:
  • Email umtech@memphis.edu
  • Call the Help Desk at 901-678-8888.  Help Desk staff are being given additional training in eCourseware and will be able to answer many of your questions

No new features will be available on 1/2/14.  We are making the upgraded baseline system available first, to be sure that it is stable and able to handle the start-of-semester load, before we activate any of the new features available.

Thank you,

Ellen

Colleagues,

Around this time each year, the University has historically participated in the Techqual+ survey to obtain feedback regarding information technology service quality.  To align our collection of this data more closely with the academic calendar, we will be conducting the survey for 2014 toward the end of the spring semester.  Reminders and notifications will be posted to the portal and this blog when the survey is opened in the spring.

Regards,

Ellen

The ITS Vision:

M     – Motivation

O     –  Ownership

When we met on November 12, I promised to let all of those whose positions were analyzed but determined to be functional rather than ITS positions know of that status.  I sent those emails out on November 19.  If you have any questions about your status, please contact me via email or phone.

Thanks,

Ellen

Email:  eiwatson@memphis.edu

Phone:  901-678-8324

Q.  What is the purpose of the ITS realignment?

• To create efficiencies
• To eliminate redundancies
• To cross-train for improved support

Q.  Are there going to be other changes across the        University?

• Yes, all units are examining opportunities to reduce costs, improve services, and increase efficiencies.

Q.  Will there be more changes in ITS? 

• Yes.  We will continue to evolve as conditions warrant and to meet the needs of the University.

Q.   Who will manage integrated technology personnel?

•   ITS

Q.   Could I be reassigned to a different supervisor?

• Yes, we are moving to a resource management model that may require a change in supervisors based on the work necessary to meet the needs of the University.

Q.   Who will perform evaluations of integrated technology personnel?   

• The ITS manager/ supervisor assigned to the unit will evaluate integrated technology personnel based on job performance, skills, and customer service feedback, using the University’s annual performance evaluation process. Deans will be asked for input on evaluations.

Q.   Will the same people support the same areas?

• Yes and no. In the short term, there will be few changes.  ITS will implement cross-training initiatives to strengthen support across campus.  For the long term, we will practice resource management by pooling personnel to complete tasks and projects.

Q.    Where will the ITS staff be located?

• A few staff locations, including LSPs, will change locations in the short term. We will continue to have staff located throughout the campus.

Q.    How will the realignment affect support hours?

• We have after-hours support until 7:00 p.m. at this time and will be extending to cover academic needs as necessary.

Q.  Are other divisions participating in the ITS integration? 

• Not at this time.

Q.  How will customers request assistance?

• Customers should call 8888 or fill out a ticket at helpdesk.memphis.edu.