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Submit course schedules for Winter 2022 in advance of UWinsite Student update
Oct 27th, 2021
UWinsite Student screen

In preparation for the UWinsite Student update scheduled for Nov. 18 to 22, the Office of the Registrar has been working with faculties on course timetables for the Winter 2022 semester. Faculties are asked to return the course timetables by Oct. 29 to ensure the administrative work is completed before the UWinsite Student update is implemented.

“We thank our academic partners for working to complete the course proofs on time,” says Lorraine Chandler, acting registrar. “A prompt response will help us finalize the schedules in advance of the system update and in time for registration.”

The system update will affect UWinsite Student access during the implementation weekend for staff, professors, and students alike. It is important to plan to make requests and obtain documents — like transcripts — before the system is unavailable. For employees, it also means adjusting daily tasks, as the UWinsite Student system will be offline.

Direct questions related to the UWinsite Student update project to UWinsite@uwindsor.ca. If anyone is experiencing an issue with a UWinsite Student, open a ticket and it will be routed to the right area for help.

Security experts urge cyber-caution
Oct 26th, 2021
man looking proud at his ability to protect his computer data

Increasing dependence on digital devices and the internet to perform daily tasks like work, banking, shopping, and pandemic social contact, makes cybersecurity ever more important, and taking measures to protect personal and work data on a regular basis decreases that vulnerability.

“People are really our best line of defence when it comes to preventing cyber-attacks. Being a human firewall will safeguard you and the University community,” says Kevin Macnaughton, team lead security in Information Technology Services. “If individuals keep vigilant, it bolsters the technical measures our security team employs.”

This past month’s campaign is focused on cybersecurity best practices around:

  • Working from home and campus
  • Spotting phishing attempts
  • Caring for your computer
  • Securing mobile devices

Test your instincts to review the content shared throughout the month.

Cybersecurity awareness continues well beyond the month of October. Visit web pages dedicated to the subject.

To highlight the global cybersecurity efforts, have a look at the United States’ campaign page and the topics they covered each week.

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight cybersecurity issues relevant to the UWindsor community. More information is available at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.

Tips intended to protect your smart devices
Oct 22nd, 2021
man working on smart phone

Over 88 per cent of Canadians access the internet with a mobile device, according to Statista, a leading market and consumer data provider. With the ever-increasing dependence on portable devices to do tasks such as online banking or accessing work files, valuable information is being put at risk of cybersecurity threats.

“Smart cybersecurity practices are just as important for your phone and tablet as they are for your computer,” says Kevin Macnaughton, team leader security in Information Technology Services. “While it may only be for personal or recreational use, it should still be protected.”

IT Services’ list of top five ways to protect your mobile devices includes:

  1. Enable the security Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unlock your phone and keep it private.
  2. Set the device to auto-lock when inactive.
  3. Allow automatic updates for the operating system and apps.
  4. Only use the App Store and iTunes or Google Play for apps, games, and media.
  5. Use the University’s GlobalProtect VPN when accessing public or free Wi-Fi.

For more mobile device security best practices, see the webpage.

To highlight the global cybersecurity efforts, have a look at the European Cybersecurity Month campaign.

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight cybersecurity issues relevant to the UWindsor community. More information can be found at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.

Systems programmer remembered for key role in campus computing
Oct 21st, 2021

Friends and colleagues of Dean Roy, a UWindsor employee of more than 35 years who died Oct. 17 at the age of 58, remember him for his contributions to campus operations in his paid and volunteer work.

He joined the University’s staff in 1986 as a programmer in the University Computer Centre, receiving promotions in 1989 to systems programmer, in 1996 to senior systems programmer, and in 2003 to systems programmer specialist in Information Technology Services.

“Dean played a key role in setting up and maintaining computer systems that powered many of the enterprise applications and databases on campus, including the student information systems, payroll, and finance,” says Stephen Karamatos, manager of technology and innovation. “He was a diligent staff member and contributed his talents and rich experience during the waves of technological changes. He will sadly be missed by his colleagues.”

Roy was also active in Local 1393 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, including serving as its president from 2011 to 2017.

Campus flags will be lowered in his memory on Friday, Oct. 22. His family has set up a scholarship fund and welcome memorial donations; click here to make a gift online.

Funeral services are planned for Saturday, Oct. 23. Find details in his obituary online.

Make computer care part of your routine: IT Services
Oct 19th, 2021
man cowering behind computer screen

Your most important work tool is your computer or laptop, notes Kevin Macnaughton, team lead security, Information Technology Services, so cybersecurity should be an important part of your care routine.

Macnaughton calls it essential to ensure your device is running optimally with the latest updates and kept secure to protect your work.

“Basic computer care and hygiene should not be overlooked,” he says. “Follow daily or weekly restart practices and enable updates to keep your devices working and secure.”

Top systems care basics include:

  • Closing work applications and browsers at the end of the day
  • Shutting down and starting your computer weekly
  • Enabling automatic updates for your operating system
  • Activating and maintaining up to date antivirus and firewall software

To keep your applications up to date and secure, IT Services recommends:

For more computer care basics as well as ways to supercharge your workstation see www.uwindsor.ca/itservices/933/protect-your-pc.

To highlight the global cybersecurity efforts, consult New Zealand’s campaign “Cyber up with CERT NZ.”

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight cybersecurity issues relevant to the UWindsor community. More information can be found at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.