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Project to upgrade campus printers
Apr 18th, 2024
cartoon people using printer

In a significant joint venture, the Procurement and Information Technology Services departments are working together to refresh the Xerox multi-function devices (MFDs), commonly known as printers, across the campus. This initiative will also include the deployment of print management software PaperCut.

This project will see the replacement of 94 campus MFDs with new Xerox AltaLink C8155 Series devices equipped with PaperCut. Additionally, 30 existing printers will be upgraded with the software, enhancing their functionality. The Procurement department has reached out to each area to assess whether to keep, replace, or remove their printer.

The installation of the new MFDs is scheduled to commence in early May and is expected to continue through June. Departmental contacts will receive an email notification prior to their printer’s replacement or upgrade.

An important piece of information to note is that on the day of the Xerox MFD installation and setup, the unit will be unavailable for use from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. due to offsite work. In the event of printing or copying needs while a department’s unit is down, the University Print Shop can be contacted at ext. 3680, printshop@uwindsor.ca, or by submitting your print job online.

Watch for more detailed information about the rollout and installation, which will be shared by email and through your departmental contact. Knowledge-base articles will also be provided to help with the transition.

This project marks a step towards enhancing the printing services on campus, offering a more efficient, environmentally sustainable, and user-friendly experience.

Grad studies application migration on track
Apr 8th, 2024
student applying for grad school

The transition from the Electronic Graduate Application System (eGAS) migration to UWinsite Student continues. Scheduled for the first weekend in May, this strategic transition aims to ensure service continuity for students, faculty, and staff while streamlining processes, boosting efficiency, and ushering in upgraded technology.

The timing is designed to minimize the disruption to the ongoing graduate application cycle. The graduate studies application system, iApply, will pause from April 21 to May 14. While applicants who have paid and submitted their application by April 20 can continue to upload documents in eGAS until April 27, they will then find their information in UWinsite Student on May 6 once the transition has taken place.

The admission process will undergo changes, allowing students to upload documents and track the status of their application directly within UWinsite Student. Applicants will also have the option to accept, or decline, offers within the same platform.

The migration represents the first step in a series of enhancements planned for graduate application processing. The project team is employing previously untapped tools and features within UWinsite Student, laying the foundation for better aligning the system with the graduate application process.

“While the transition can sometimes be challenging, this migration signifies a move forward for the graduate application process,” says Patti Weir, dean of graduate studies. “UWS promises the potential to modernize our existing processes. We are committed to ensuring that these changes are implemented to ultimately serve the best interests of our future students.”

The upcoming migration sets the stage for future graduate application process improvements. As the migration date approaches, faculty and staff who work directly with graduate applications can expect an invitation for training to learn more about the new processes.

University networks to remain tuneless for now
Apr 2nd, 2024
Kevin Macnaughton working at computer terminal

Off-pitch crooners rejoice: the University of Windsor is not instituting a digital authentication system requiring users to sing a melodic password.

An article in yesterday’s DailyNews announcing the Musical Password System was an April Fool’s prank dreamed up by Information Technology Services with an assist from choirs master Bruce Kotowich.

“Part of me just loves the idea of people annoying each other with singing at their desks,” says Marcin Pulcer, associate vice-president, IT Services.

The hoax did net a few fish, says Alisa Giroux-Souilliere, co-ordinator of change management and communication in IT Services.

“Eleven people signed up for the melody maker vocal coaching workshop,” she says. “They all received an automated response that said ‘We hope you got a laugh this April Fool’s Day!’”

One who was fooled was Karen Momotiuk, senior development office for the Faculty of Nursing.

“I told my family about the new policy, and the guy next to me on the train, too,” she says, chagrined.

For her part, communications co-ordinator Susan McKee, an enthusiastic chorister herself, was disappointed to learn it was a prank.

“You totally got me with the musical password story!” she wrote to DailyNews. “Here I was thinking how brilliant Marcin Pulcer is!”

New cybersecurity system requires users to sing for access
Apr 1st, 2024
Kevin Macnaughton singing into computer mic

In a move to protect institutional and user data, the University of Windsor has launched a new cybersecurity measure: the Musical Password System (MPS). This novel approach to digital authentication requires users to sing a melody in addition to entering their password and multifactor authentication information.

Developed by Information Technology Services, the MPS aims at improving security through the use of personalized melodies, thereby making the login process not only more secure but also more enjoyable for users.

“The introduction of the Musical Password System is a significant step towards making our digital spaces more secure in an enjoyable and innovative manner,” says Marcin Pulcer, assistant vice-president, IT Services. “We believe this new system will transform the user experience, making every login more enjoyable for yourself and others near your desk.”

Considering the increasing costs associated with cybersecurity incidents, the introduction of the MPS is timely.

“Cybersecurity incidents are not only disruptive but also expensive. Initiatives like the MPS are crucial in preventing us from paying ransoms and going Baroque,” Pulcer says, highlighting the financial and cultural value of innovative security measures.

Adding a musical perspective to the discussion, music professor and choirs director Bruce Kotowich says the system beautifully marries the science of security with the art of music: “It’s fascinating to see how melodies can play a role in strengthening our digital defenses while making the process more engaging and personal for users.”

As the University of Windsor takes the lead in this unique security measure, it sets a new benchmark for institutions worldwide, showcasing the potential of integrating arts and technology to create more secure and enjoyable digital experiences.

Dr. Kotowich is offering free vocal coaching to prepare for the transition. Sign up for an in-person or online melody maker workshop.

Mandatory training to strengthen cybersecurity measures
Mar 8th, 2024
man working on computer

In a bid to fortify its digital defenses, the University of Windsor has mandated cybersecurity training for all employees as outlined in the Cybersecurity Action Plan. This move comes in response to the escalating and persistent threats in the cyber landscape and aligns with best practices at other institutions.

“Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, but a risk that affects every individual and department in our institution,” says Marcin Pulcer, associate vice-president, Information Technology Services. “This training is a critical step in ensuring that we are all equipped with the knowledge to protect ourselves and the University from cyber threats.”

The training is a valuable opportunity to learn how to safeguard oneself and share in the responsibility of protecting the University from cyberattacks. With cybercrime now the third-largest economy globally, the threat is imminent. In 2022, the global cost of cybercrime was a staggering $8.44 trillion US, and it’s anticipated to skyrocket to over $23 trillion by 2027.

The web-based cybersecurity training consists of two sections: training modules and a quiz that tests the knowledge and understanding of fundamental cybersecurity practices. IT Services will soon email each employee to provide more information and access to the training.

The cybersecurity training needs to be completed by faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, professor adjuncts, sessional instructors, staff, and student employees.

The University remains committed to protecting its technology and data, and this initiative is a testament to that commitment, says Pulcer: “Our collective effort to take cybersecurity precautions will significantly contribute to the University’s resilience against cyber threats.”