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Workshops offer training in Brightspace learning management system
Oct 6th, 2022
Brightspace logo with UWindsor Background

Registration for in-person and online Brightspace workshops is now open to instructors, staff, and graduate assistants. All UWindsor courses will be in the Brightspace learning management system (LMS) in Winter 2023; the Centre for Teaching and Learning recommends instructors sign up early for training.

“The LMS implementation team has been working tirelessly to prepare the system and the supports to help instructors and students transition to Brightspace since the new LMS was announced,” says director Erika Kustra.

“With the Brightspace sandboxes opening ahead of schedule for instructors and departmental support staff, now is a great time to attend a workshop ahead of the rush. We want to help all instructors feel comfortable in the new system before the January 2023 start of classes.”

In addition to the synchronous workshop sessions, more training and support resources are available on the dedicated UWindsor Brightspace website, including FAQs, how-to documents, links to Brightspace’s self-paced guided online training and resources, and other help.

Information Technology Services will begin to migrate the last two years of courses without student data from Blackboard into the new LMS later this month.

Email questions about the implementation process and requests for departmental training to brightspace@uwindsor.ca.

Month dedicated to promoting awareness of cybersecurity
Sep 30th, 2022
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness month, Information Technology Services will share best practices, tips, and information with the campus community throughout October. The campaign will serve to remind readers that cybersecurity is a team effort and shared responsibility.

“We are taking the opportunity to remind our Lancer community about best practices. It is important for faculty, staff, and students to know how to secure their devices, spot phishing attempts, and more,” says Marcin Pulcer, interim executive director of IT Services.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an effort by governments and organizations across Canada, the U.S.A., and the world, to highlight measures that individuals and businesses can use to protect themselves against cybercrimes. IT Services will share key cybersecurity themes weekly via DailyNews and on UWindsor’s social media channels.

More information is also available anytime at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.

Session to train website editors in Drupal content management system
Sep 26th, 2022
Drupal logo

An online class on Oct. 6 will help faculty and staff responsible for maintaining UWindsor websites learn Drupal content management system basics and understand web accessibility requirements.

The session will cover web page creation, how to upload graphics, organize menus, accessibility fundamentals and more.

“The training is designed to provide the required knowledge for new web editors and give others the opportunity to update their skills,” says web development team leader Rob Aitkens.

Sign-up is required to attend the online Drupal 7 + Web Accessibility Basic Training on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Training available for UWindsor website editors
Jul 21st, 2022
Drupal logo

Faculty and staff who maintain UWindsor websites are invited to next week’s content management and web accessibility basics training.

The two-hour session will cover web page creation, how to insert graphics, organize menus, add content blocks, and understand web accessibility requirements. The essential training gives new editors the knowledge and best practices required to maintain their site. It is also the chance for existing website editors to hone their skills.

“Summer is a great time to refresh your skills, update your content, and ensure the site is accessible to all our web visitors,” says instructor Rob Aitkens, web development team leader.

The online Drupal 7 + Web Accessibility Basic Training is Thursday, July 28, at 1:30 p.m. Sign-up is required to attend.

ITS director named associate vice-president, operations
Jul 18th, 2022
Ryan Kenney, Marcin Pulcer

After a competitive search process, executive director of Information Technology Services Ryan Kenney will take up an appointment as associate vice-president of operations, effective July 18.

A graduate of UWindsor who holds a Master of Business Administration degree and designation as a project management professional, Kenney has held several progressive roles at the University over the past 15 years and is praised for his ability to effectively lead cross-functional teams.

“We are truly delighted that Ryan is the successful incumbent for the associate vice-president, operations role,” says Gillian Heisz, vice-president of finance and operations. “Ryan is well known across campus as a highly professional and innovative leader, and under his leadership I am confident that the operations division will make significant progress against the goals set in its strategic plan.”

Kenney has led transformative projects and initiatives on campus including the technical implementation of the Blackboard Learning Management System, the UWinsite system, and the launch of necessary IT infrastructure to support the shift to hy-flex learning and working environments during the pandemic.

To fill the vacant IT Services leadership role, acting executive director of ancillary operations Marcin Pulcer has accepted an 18-month appointment as its interim executive director, effective July 18.

Interim provost Patti Weir says she is thrilled to welcome Pulcer to this role.

“Marcin played a critical role in the Fall 2021 return to campus leading the hy-flex classroom installation and the scanning technology,” she says. “His technical expertise and leadership will allow for a seamless transition during this period of change.”

He will remain in this appointment until the end of 2023, during which time a search for a permanent hire will be conducted.

Pulcer obtained his Bachelor of Computer Science degree from the University of Windsor in 2008 and his Master of Business Administration in 2014. He has worked in various positions at the University since 2007, as a key member of the Information Technology Services Leadership team. Pulcer’s current position of acting executive director, ancillary operations, will be covered by Kenney until a replacement can be identified.