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UWinsite Student update July 21 to 24

An update to UWinsite Student from July 21 to 24 will incorporate the latest fixes and improve security and functionality to ensure the system is agile to meet the needs of the campus community.

The implementation team comprises of members from Student Accounts, Student Awards and Financial Aid, Information Technology Services, and the Office of the Registrar. They have been working on the project in the background for several weeks and have initiated a code freeze prohibiting any further changes to UWinsite Student until the update is completed.

The UWinsite Student update timing was established to minimize the impact on users, ensuring to avoid key registration dates, add/drop or voluntary withdrawal dates, and grade submissions, says acting registrar Lorraine Chandler.

“With courses taking place year-round, finding the right dates for a temporary disruption to UWinsite Student needs careful consideration,” she says. “Students in summer programming may rely more on the system’s availability. The weekend timing is a good opportunity for a pause.”

The campus community can expect to learn more about the changes to UWinsite Student and their impact on downstream systems as the implementation progresses. Regular project implementation updates will be provided through DailyNews, emails, and the UWinsite Systems website.

restart symbol

All devices using Outlook require an urgent update to Microsoft Windows to protect against a newly exploited, severe vulnerability.

Last week, Microsoft confirmed that a critical vulnerability was discovered and already exploited in the Outlook desktop app. The breach is triggered upon receipt of a malicious e-mail without the user having to open it or read in the preview pane, which is what makes it so dangerous.

To patch this vulnerability, the latest monthly security update for Windows must be installed as soon as possible on all Windows devices that have the Outlook desktop app. This update should install automatically on University administered devices, but you must reboot your device to complete the process.

To check if there are outstanding Windows updates for your computer:

  • Go to Windows Settings (click on the gear icon on the Start menu).
  • Click on Windows Update (Windows 11) or Update & Security - Windows Update (Windows 10).
  • Click on Check for updates and wait for results.
  • Select Download & install if there are any outstanding updates.
woman working on Drupal website

New and existing content editors who maintain official UWindsor websites are invited to join a virtual training session on Thursday, March 23.

The training will cover:

  • page creation fundamentals,
  • uploading graphics,
  • organizing menus effectively,
  • creating accessible content, and more.

Faculty and staff, including student employees, can sign-up to attend the online Drupal 7 + Web Accessibility Basic Training on Thursday, March 23, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

computer screen displaying UWindsor home page

The University of Windsor website will undergo planned maintenance on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 6 to 8 a.m. During this time, uwindsor.ca will be temporarily unavailable.

The maintenance is necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the website and ensures the infrastructure that Information Technology Services supports remains stable.

Only uwindsor.ca Drupal pages will be affected; other systems will remain available.

Should users experience any issues with the website after the maintenance, contact the IT Service Desk by submitting a ticket, chatting, or calling 519-253-3000, ext. 4440.

hand holding smartphone

To improve security Microsoft is rolling out an added layer of authentication -- a number-matching security feature – which will be a default security feature.

Microsoft will deploy the update starting Feb. 27 across organizations globally. Those using the Microsoft Authenticator app or who want to start using the number-matching security feature need to install the latest version of the application. The Apple Watch Microsoft Authentication app does not currently support number matching.

Authentication number matching is being added to avoid accidental account access approvals and protect against Multi-Factor Authentication fatigue attacks, whereby online attackers repeatedly bombard an individual with account access requests after the hacker has gained their password. Users will see a map image with the location of the sign-in and can insert the given number and tap “Yes” to go ahead with authentication or decline the request by selecting “No, it’s not me.”

Stephen Karamatos, manager of technology and innovation in Information Technology Services, encourages members of the campus community to use the Microsoft Authenticator app as their preferred second factor method.

“This change may even be quicker for some to enter the two-digits rather than waiting for a call or message and then imputing the six digits from that message,” he says.

If you have a problem with your UWin Account after the number matching roll out, submit a ticket with the IT Service Desk.