Phishing Attacks Targeting Students

August 12, 2020

Don’t take the bait!

Scammers send an email message in an attempt to trick you into revealing personal information that can be used to commit fraud, a practice commonly known as phishing.

How to spot it:

Spelling and grammar mistakes
Urgent language prompting immediate action
Request for confidential information

What to do:

Don’t click any links or reply to the message
Mark the email as Junk or Phishing; see this KnowledgeBase article for more information
Contact the UWM Help Desk; they can offer advice or help you if you believe you’ve been phished

What is UWM doing?

This fall, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will become available to UWM students as another level of online protection. By using more than one method of authentication, your identity is verified and kept safe from phishing and other cybersecurity attacks. Please visit uwm.edu/multifactor to learn more.

Current phishing emails:

Below are some examples of phishing emails being sent to UWM students right now, the Fake File and Job Opportunity email.

Fake File Email

In this email, the scammer sends you a message that appears to be a file from another UWM user. If you click on the link within the message, you will be taken to a page that appears to be a legitimate log in page that will gather your UWM credentials leading to your account being compromised. Once the scammer has your credentials, they have control of your account and can use it to further scam other UWM users.

Some warning signs to look for:

The message and name of the file is vague, it may say “Important Documents for Students” but gives no other information about what is contained in the file or why it is being sent to you
You are not familiar with the sender of the email

If you are not sure if this is a legitimate email or not, call the sender of the email and ask for confirmation. It is important that you do not request confirmation over email because the email account may be controlled by the scammer.

Below is a screenshot of a recent Fake File phishing email:

Phishing email asking users to open a file

Job Opportunity Email

In this email, the scammer has sent out the email from a compromised UWM account, making it appear that it is coming from someone at UWM. Some warning signs to look for:

The scammer is asking you to reply to a different email address than the one where the message was sent from
The scammer is requesting an alternate email address from you; this will allow the email conversation to continue outside of the protection of UWM email filters
If you do continue the email conversation in another email account, the scammer will ask you to purchase items for them and you will receive a fake check in return

Below is a screenshot of a recent Job Opportunity phishing email:

Phishing Email for a job opportunity

If you have questions about an email message or think that you responded to a phishing email, contact the UWM Help Desk for assistance at (414) 229-4040 or email helpdesk@uwm.edu.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Teams

August 11, 2020

There are many shortcuts that can be performed in Teams by using your keyboard. The list below are some of the most common shortcuts for Teams:

Shortcuts for Windows:

Open Calls: Ctrl + 5
Open Teams: Ctrl + 3
Open Chat: Ctrl + 3
Accept Video Call: Ctrl + Shift + A
Accept Audio Call: Ctrl + Shift + 5
Decline Call: Ctrl + Shift + D

Shortcuts for macOS:

Open Calls: Command + 5
Open Teams: Command + 3
Open Chat: Command + 2
Accept Video Call: Command + Shift + A
Accept Audio Call: Command + Shift + S
Decline Call: Command + Shift + D

For more information please review Microsoft’s instructions regarding keyboard shortcuts. If you have any questions about Microsft Teams, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/help.

Please note: These shortcuts can be used for the desktop application of Microsft Teams and refer to a standard US keyboard layout.

Upgrade to the UWM Help Desk Phone Line

August 6, 2020

The UWM Help Desk phone line (414-229-4040) is getting an upgrade thanks to Teams Calling. 

Starting Monday (8/10), callers will have new options to choose for connecting their calls: 

Help Desk 
Classroom Services 
Desktop Support

This will allow you to call just one number for all your IT support needs. You can also submit requests online through our website, or you can leave a voicemail if you are calling outside of business hours.

Which department should I dial?  

Most requests should begin with a call to the UWM Help Desk, who solve most common technical problems for the UWM community.  

Call Classroom Services directly for problems with technology in a UWM classroom. This option will connect you to the Classroom Hotline without having to remember another number. 

If you are a UWM employee having problems with your UWM computer, you can call Desktop Support for assistance. This can also be a convenient way to check on a computer that is in for service. 

Limited Supply of Webcams available to Faculty & Staff

July 28, 2020

UWM has acquired a limited supply of USB webcams that can be supplied to faculty and staff who require them for University business. You can request to pick up a webcam from one of UWM’s three campuses using the form at the link below.

Be advised supplies are extremely limited. Webcams are difficult to buy due to high demand from remote workers. Webcams will be distributed to those who most need them while supplies last. Before requesting a webcam, please consider the following:

Does your work computer have a built-in webcam you can use? Most laptops, tablets, and all-in-one style desktops have an integrated webcam. If you already have access to a webcam, please try to arrange to use it.
Do you need video capabilities for your work? If you need only audio, you can request a Teams headset instead. Headsets are available in greater supply than webcams.

If you would like to request a webcam, please submit the Request Webcam Reservation for Pickup form. If you are eligible and supplies are available, you will be contacted to arrange picking up a webcam from your preferred UWM campus location.

Teams Tip: Making All Meetings Teams Meetings

July 22, 2020

You can now set all meetings in Teams to be Teams meetings! If you follow the instructions below, any meeting you schedule will automatically be set as a Teams meeting – no need to remember to check the box each time!

Please note: This feature can only be enabled through the online version of Outlook.

To get started:

Log into Office 365 online and open Outlook.
In the top right corner of your screen, click on the Settings (gear) button.
At the bottom of the Settings pane, select the option for View all Outlook settings.
On the left side of the new window, select the option for Calendar.
In the menu to the right select the option for Events and invitations.
Under the heading Events, you create, check the box for Add online meeting to all meetings.
Click to Save your settings in the bottom right of this window.
After closing out of the settings window, all future meetings will now be set as online meetings in Teams. This only applies to new meetings made after you have modified this setting. When events are scheduled they will not be made into a Teams meeting until attendees are added.

Please review our instructions regarding meetings in Outlook for more information. If you have any questions about Teams please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

July Updates from Microsoft

July 14, 2020

Microsoft has been working on adding new features that enhance Microsoft Teams for remote work and distance learning. This month, there is a focus on features that will enhance virtual interactions – making them more engaging with a strong emphasis on staying connected with others. For more information on the features listed below, please review Microsoft’s recent update.

As new features are rolled out they will be included in future IT News updates and instructions on how to use them will be provided.

Here are a few features that are coming soon:

Together Mode: new technology that places meeting participants in a shared background, making it look and feel as though you are all in the same place.
Video Filters: Before joining a meeting you can use filters to subtly adjust lighting levels and soften the focus of the camera.
Live reactions: As non-verbal cures can sometimes be hard to see in virtual meetings (head nods, smiles, etc.) this feature will allow you to use emojis to react live in a meeting.

If you have any questions regarding Microsoft Teams, please contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Teams Tip: Blocking Spam Calls

July 8, 2020

Below you will find instructions on how to block an external caller in Microsoft Teams. You may only block external callers, not those within UWM.

To block external callers that have called you:

Click on the Calls tab on the left side of your screen
Click on the History option in the Calls menu
Locate the external phone number you wish to block
Click on the …(More options) button
From that menu, click the option to Block
The number is now added to your block list in your Settings

To block all external calls with no caller ID:

Click on your person icon in the top-right corner of your screen
Click the option for Settings
Click the option for Privacy in the tabs on the left side of the Settings menu
Under Blocked contacts, select the option to Block calls with no caller ID

For more detailed information on this, please review our instructions on blocked calls. If you have any questions regarding Microsoft Teams, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Device Options for Teams Calling

July 7, 2020

Several devices have been tested and approved by University IT Services for campus usage of Teams Calling.

These devices are available for purchase through the UWM TechStore. Please visit their website to see the full list of speakers, desk phones, and wireless headphones that are available. Those devices that have been approved will be listed on the Teams Devices webpage on the UWM TechStore’s online shop.

AudioCodes C450HD Jabra Speak 510+ w/ USB Dongle Jabra Evolve 65 Wired Stereo Headset

Desk phones offered through the UWM TechStore will only function on UWM’s on-site network, they are not for remote-home use. Traditional desk and cordless phones will not work with Teams Calling – they rely on differing technology and are not compatible.

Wired headsets are currently available at no cost to faculty and staff. If you are interested in reserving a headset and scheduling a time to pick-up on-site, please fill out our headset reservation form.

If you have any questions about devices or Teams Calling, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Teams Tip: Changing your Picture

July 1, 2020

Your profile picture can be found in the upper right-hand corner of Teams. It also is shown in your chat windows and when calling into Teams meetings.

To add or change your profile picture:

Click on your initials or your current picture at the top-right of your screen and select Change picture.
A window will pop up that will give you two options – Upload picture or Remove picture. Follow the prompts to upload your own picture.

Please note: If you change your picture in Teams it will change the picture that is shown across Office 365 (Outlook, SharePoint, etc.).

Please review Microsoft’s instructions on this for more details. If you have any questions on Microsoft Teams, please call the Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Upcoming Changes to Network Drives

June 26, 2020

On July 7, 2020 UW-Milwaukee’s Windows devices will use a new method for accessing uFiles and network storage. This means there will be a new drive letter labeled Shares (S:) and within that drive, you will see all the network folders you can access. Other automatically mapped drives will be removed.

Campus Technology Support (CTS) has prepared a method that will combine over 160 existing network drive maps into a singular look and feel. This means that you will still have access to your network folders, but the name you previously used will be changed to Shares (S:). This change will allow a simpler and more consistent method of providing secure file storage.

Inside the S: drive, you will find folder links (similar to Windows Shortcuts) that point to different storage resources on campus. There will be two types of folder links:

Temporary links begin with underscores and are shortcuts that mimic those 160+ network drives. These folders will be gradually restructured to make network files more accessible by bringing group share folders to the top level. Individually shared folders in those network drives will receive their own permanent link, with the temporary links being eliminated.
Permanent links are folder names that do not begin with underscores. These links point to a campus resource used across departments and whose structure will not be reorganized. For example, the “scan folder” is used by many departments and it will be found at S:\Scans. The content and layout of this folder will remain the same.

Here is an example of what this might look like to an L&S user:

Prior to the change: Individually mapped drives for Tech (T:), LS (U:), and Scanner (v:)
After the change: Shares (S:) contains folder links to Tech, _U_LS, and Scans

If you have any questions regarding this change, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Teams Tip: Using emojis, GIFs & Stickers

June 25, 2020

Microsoft Teams has emojis, GIFs and stickers available in the chat function!

To send an emoji:

Select the emoji (smiley face) icon in the menu bar beneath the chatbox.
Select the emoji you want from the gallery or do a keyword search to find something specific.
After inserting the emoji you chose, select Send and you’re done!

The steps for using GIFs and stickers are similar, just choose the GIF or sticker button beneath the chatbox instead. You can also create your own meme or sticker.

Example of the menu option for GIFs:

Send a GIF in Teams

Example of the menu option for memes or stickers:

Teams Stickers Popular

Please review Microsoft’s instructions to learn more about this feature. If you have any questions regarding Microsoft Teams please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

June Updates from Microsoft

June 24, 2020

Microsoft has been working on adding new features that enhance Microsoft Teams for remote work and distance learning. As new features are rolled out they will be included in future IT News updates and instructions on how to use them will be provided.

Here are a few features that are available now:

Here’s what’s coming soon:

7×7 video support for desktops (view up to 49 people at once)
Only meeting organizers can start the meeting, participants will wait in “lobby”
Breakout rooms: small groups in a larger meeting can go to a breakout room to work on items and bring back to the larger group
Meeting attendee limit increase (from 250 to 300)

If you have any questions regarding Microsoft Teams, please contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Upcoming Teams Calling Course Rescheduled

June 24, 2020

A Teams Calling course was scheduled for Friday, June 25, 2020. As the class overlapped with the upcoming campus dialogue on racial justice, the course has been rescheduled for Monday, June 29, 10-11am. Please visit our course page for more information on how to join.

For more information on our online courses, please visit uwm.edu/techtraining.

The Campus Dialogue on Racial Justice will be held on Friday, June 26, 2020 from 10-11:30am. This will be a student panel, please visit the Dean of Students webpage for more information.

Windows 10: Feature Update Available

June 18, 2020

Windows 10 (1909 Version) has a feature update that will become available on June 22, 2020.

This update will be available in the Software Center and is for client devices that are not currently running Windows 10 (1909 version). You can run this update at a time that is convenient for you, however, the update will forcefully run on July 13, 2020 at 10pm.

This update is part of Microsoft’s semi-annual Windows feature update process and enables University devices to have the newest features. Windows 10 versions do have a support life cycle, so it is necessary to keep University devices on supported versions.

If you have any questions on this topic, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Teams Tip: Custom Backgrounds

June 17, 2020

Microsoft recently released a new feature that allows for custom background effects in Teams.

Click the ellipse button (…) on your screen during a meeting to access your menu, then select Show background effects.

"Show background effects" selection in Microsoft Teams.

A new pane will pop up on the right side of your screen (shown below) where pre-populated options will be available, but you can also select Add New and then upload an image of your choice. For free UWM backgrounds to add, please visit uwm.edu/pantherpride.

For more information, please review Microsoft’s article on custom backgrounds. If you have any questions relating to Teams, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Office 365 ProPlus Changes

June 11, 2020

This May, Microsoft announced that the software suite known as “Office 365 ProPlus” will be renamed to “Microsoft 365 Apps.” The names of the individual apps, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, will remain the same.

On June 18, UWM Windows computers will begin receiving monthly updates for Microsoft 365 Apps using the Current Channel.

Microsoft also updated their recommendations about update frequency for these apps. Previously, Microsoft recommended updating the apps twice per year using their “Semi-Annual Update Channel”. The new recommendation is that most users should receive monthly updates to their apps using the “Current Update Channel.” This will help users take advantage of the newest features as soon as they are released.

The updates will install automatically when your apps are not in use. If updates are unable to install because the apps have remained open, you will be prompted that an update is available and that the application needs to be closed to complete the installation. Please allow these updates to install as soon as your work permits.

If you have any questions regarding the Microsoft 365 Apps, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Teams Tip: Using Teams Mobile

June 10, 2020

Microsoft Teams is available for use on mobile devices! This would allow you to chat, attend a meeting, or answer a Teams call from your cell phone.

If you are interested in downloading Teams Mobile, please use the instructions below:

Please note: Faculty and Staff are not required to use Teams mobile or to download any work-related applications to their personal devices. This is a version of Teams that is available for use and is optional.

If you have any questions regarding Teams please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Inactive Groups & Teams in Office 365

June 9, 2020

To allow IT professionals to better manage the increased usage of Office 365 services by UWM users, there is a new policy regarding inactive Groups and Teams.

A Group or Team will now expire after a 1-year period of inactivity. Groups and Teams that are actively being used will automatically renew. An “active” Group or Team will have any of the following actions performed within the last year:

SharePoint (Team Sites): view, edit, download, move, share or upload files
Outlook (Group): join group, read/write group messages, liking a message
Teams: visiting a Teams channel

This new policy will go into effect on June 16, 2020.

If a Team is inactive, the owners will receive notification regarding renewal. If a group is inactive the owner will receive notifications prior to the expiration date. For more information on this please review our article on the topic.

If you have any questions regarding Office 365 please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Teams Tip: Using Pop-out Chat

June 4, 2020

In Microsoft Teams you can pop out a chat into a separate window. This means that you can select a specific chat from Teams and place it where you want on your screen while you are working on another item, in a meeting or even taking a call.

To pop out a chat from the chat list, please follow these steps:

Select Chat from the Navigation Bar on the left side of your Teams window to open the chat list
Find the chat you want to pop-out
Click the More options (…) button, then click Pop-out chat

You can also double click the chat name and it will automatically open in a separate chat window.

There are a few different ways to utilize this feature, please review Microsoft’s instructions for more details. For more Microsoft Teams resources, please visit our website.

If you have any questions regarding Microsoft Teams please contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Introducing UWM TechTraining

May 27, 2020

The Learning TECHniques Short Course program has a new look and feel and is now UWM TechTraining. Check out our new website to view upcoming courses, download course manuals and view on-demand resources including the UWM IT YouTube page.

All hands-on training courses are suspended until further notice, but once the training lab opens again, there will be a full schedule of courses open for registration. Until then, courses are held online; the Online Training page has the current online course schedule, recordings of past courses, and links to learning resources.

The name and website have changed, but our tagline remains the same: Try IT. Learn IT. Use IT. Visit the new site and learn a new skill today!

Online Teams Calling Training

May 27, 2020

Attend a free, online training course through Microsoft Teams! Our current course, Teams Calling will show you the basics of using the calling features in Microsoft Teams. Topics covered include:

Devices and setup
Answering a phone call
Dial a number
Use 1-click dialing
In-call features
Voicemail
Configuring Teams Calls settings

There are two sessions scheduled for June:

Friday, June 5, 10-11 am
Wednesday, June 10, 10-11 am

Registration is not required; to join the online training course, visit the UWM TechTraining Online Training page. On this page, you can join the training course, download course resources and submit course feedback.

Please contact UWM TechTraining at uwm-techtraining@uwm.edu with any questions.

Teams Calling – June 1, 2020

May 27, 2020

The Calling feature for individual phone lines will be added to Microsoft Teams for UWM faculty and staff next week. On June 1, 2020 you will receive an email with your individual phone number and further instructions for getting started with Teams Calling.

On that date, you will be able to make and receive phone calls via Teams. Please remember, Teams Calling is a new feature of Microsoft Teams – so please run through our Teams Checklist to make sure you will be ready to fully utilize this new capability.

The addition of Teams Calling is part of a major telephony project for UWM – uniting all our communication tools under one platform. Here are a few things you can expect:

Teams Calling will become available on June 1, 2020, and on that date faculty and staff will receive an email containing their individual phone number.
For those who currently have individual phone numbers (excluding University cell-phones), you will retain that number moving forward. Later in summer, we will begin the process of disconnecting UWM (Centrex) landlines. At that time, your previous phone number will replace your temporary Teams number. This means that the individual phone number you had prior to this initiative will remain, now accessible via Teams instead of a landline phone. Please note: If you have a voicemail box on your individual (Centrex) phone number, this will not transfer to Teams. Review our instructions regarding voicemail and listening to messages for more information.
If you did not have an individual phone number prior to this initiative, you will receive an assigned Teams phone number on June 1 that will serve as your work number. Please note: We are referring to individual phone lines only. The various telephone uses (shared phone lines, landline/desk phones, University cell-phones, etc.) are described in more detail on our project webpage.
Faculty and staff at the College of General Studies will be issued phone numbers via Teams and are not in scope for this phase of phone line disconnections.

If you have any technology questions, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/help for more info.

How to raise your hand in Teams meetings

May 19, 2020

Microsoft has added a new feature to Teams called Hands Up. This allows meeting participants to virtually “raise their hand” to get the attention of the other participants.

While in a meeting, select the hand icon (shown above) in your control bar. This will place a gold hand icon on your video feed to let the rest of the attendees know that you’d like to speak.

For more information on this feature please review Microsoft’s instructions.

If you have any questions regarding Teams please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Student Technology Recommendations

May 14, 2020

Access to a laptop or computer is essential for your learning. Learning activities may include downloading or streaming video lectures, accessing coursework and taking quizzes in Canvas, participating in course discussions in Blackboard Ultra or working on group projects via Microsoft Teams, among others.

A tablet or phone may not be sufficient for these activities. We recommend the following computer and internet specifications.

Computer recommendations:

Mac laptop or computer running at least OS 10.13 (High Sierra), or Windows laptop or computer running Windows 10
Intel Core i5 or AMD A10 processor
8 GB RAM
256 GB solid state drive
1280 x 768 screen resolution
Integrated webcam and microphone

Internet recommendations:

Reliable, high-speed internet connection
15 megabit per second (Mb/s) or better download speed
5 megabit per second (Mb/s) or better upload speed
Wireless hotspot or tethering from a cell phone will not be sufficient

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress includes money to help students who are struggling with expenses such as food, housing, course materials, laptops and technology, health care and child care. UWM received nearly $8.5 million through the CARES Act. Visit the Dean of Students CARES Grant page for more information and to apply.

Online Computer Labs for Summer/Fall

May 13, 2020

Need a computer lab for your online course this Summer or Fall?

Remote Labs can bring your department’s physical computer lab online so that students can access it from anywhere. This allows students to access specialized software for their classes that may not be available on their own personal computers.

Asynchronous access can be set up for any lab space on request. Synchronous use may be available on a schedule, depending on the demand for computer labs. UWM’s general access Campus Computer Labs (CCLs) are also available to students for independent coursework.

To reserve a remote computer lab for your course, please submit a request through:
https://uwm.edu/technology/av-order-form/

Please note: Remote access to departmental labs is subject to approval from the associated school/college.

Teams Calling is Coming

May 13, 2020

Microsoft Teams has played an instrumental part in our remote work environment for video conferencing, chat, and so much more. This summer, the calling feature will be added to the platform, and UWM faculty and staff will receive new phone numbers through Teams.

The focus of this phase of the project is transitioning individual phone lines (the actual landlines) to Microsoft Teams (online). This will unify all of our communication tools within one platform, Office 365. Please note: The various telephone uses (shared phone lines, landline/desk phones, University-issued cell phones, etc.) are described in more detail on our project webpage.

As Teams has become an essential part of our work life, adding the calling feature is more important than ever. As the project moves forward, here is what you can expect:

A more detailed project update will be sent in early summer. This message will let you know when the phone numbers will be issued, will provide further instructions on using Teams Calling, and will highlight online learning opportunities to help better acquaint you with the new feature. Please note: Phone numbers will be distributed to faculty and staff on the rollout date. We are unable to issue phone numbers individually prior to that time.
Although UWM’s current “Centrex” telephone system will be transitioned to Microsoft Teams, UWM faculty and staff may still keep their current (Centrex) telephone numbers if they wish to do so. More information on how to retain phone numbers will be provided when Teams Calling is rolled out.

Getting Ready for Teams Calling

Teams Calling will be a new feature to a platform faculty and staff already have access to. Review the information below to see how you can get more familiar with Teams before the calling feature is rolled-out:

Haven’t used Teams yet? Get started today! Download the Teams desktop app and try out the different features (chat, video conferencing, document sharing, etc.).
Already have Teams? Make sure you are using the right version of Teams and that your settings are correct:
- Are you using the desktop version? It is recommended that you use the desktop application of Teams to ensure you have full functionality. Please review our instructions to check what version you’re using.
- Review your settings: Up-to-date settings allow Teams to open and run correctly as well as configuring any devices (such as speakers or microphones) you may be using.

Walk through our interactive Teams checklist to make sure you are properly set up to use all the features of Teams Calling.

If you have any technology questions, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk for more info.

Update to pantherLISTs & Outlook Inbox Rules

May 13, 2020

On May 26, 2020 there will be an update made to existing pantherLISTs to ensure messages continue to be successfully delivered to the mailboxes of recipients outside of UWM.

pantherLIST is UWM’s group email list service that allows users to create and subscribe to email lists and manage their membership and settings. There should be no significant change to the messages you receive if you are part of a pantherLIST.

However, if you have inbox rules associated with a pantherLIST, they may break following this change. An inbox rule in Outlook automatically performs an assigned action to an email message, such as moving an incoming message to a specific folder.

For example, if you are part of a pantherLIST for your department and have those emails set to go to a certain folder (such as a folder labeled Work, Updates, 2020, etc.) that rule may need to be recreated. Please review our instructions regarding inbox rules if you need to recreate any rules following this change.

If you have any questions or need assistance please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Use the New Teams Checklist!

May 6, 2020

Microsoft Teams has become an essential part of our work-life for video conferencing, chat, and so much more.

New features and updates will continue to be added to the platform, so it is important to ensure that you have Teams set up properly. Our new interactive Teams checklist will allow you to walk through your current usage of Teams and make recommendations regarding the platform and your settings.

If you have any questions regarding Teams, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Cisco Umbrella – New Block Page

May 1, 2020

Cisco Umbrella is a tool used by UWM (per UW System Regents Policy 25-3) to block access to known harmful or unwanted websites for campus workstations. Umbrella only works while on campus, but thanks to the Umbrella Roaming Client, these web security settings also apply to remote UWM workstations that are not on the VPN.

If you attempt to access a website that is blocked by Cisco Umbrella, the block page shown below will appear in your web browser. Please be aware that this webpage is legitimate and expected. If you believe the page was blocked in error, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Teams Tip: Using @Mentions

April 29, 2020

You may come across an instance where you want to call out a specific person in a group chat or a channel in one of your teams. An easy way to get ahold of this person is to @Mention them. @Mentioning is a way to call out a specific user so that they will receive a direct notification that you are trying to reach them about something. Get started by entering the @ symbol on your keyboard. Then type the user’s name you would like to mention and select from the auto-generated list.

If you are looking for your own @Mentions where you are tagged, simply click on your Activity tab in Teams and click on the Filter button in the top of the list pane. From here click on the …(More options) button and select the option for @Mentions.

For more information about @Mentions check out these instructions from Microsoft.

If you have any questions regarding Teams please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Changing your background for Teams Meetings

April 22, 2020

Microsoft has added new background effects for video conferencing in Teams. You can now blur your background or pick from a list of provided images, as shown in the picture below.

To learn more about this feature, please review these instructions from Microsoft.

If you have any questions regarding Teams please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Windows Updates for April

April 16, 2020

On Tuesday (04/14) Microsoft released security updates, as they do every month. In this remote work environment, updates and reboots might be more unexpected or disruptive. Installing these updates continues to be an important requirement for safe computing.

UWM Windows computers begin to receive pop-up notifications the day after updates are released. You can choose to install these updates at a time that’s most convenient for you, anytime during the next 7 days.

After 7 days, updates will install automatically and trigger a reboot at 10:00 pm CST. This month’s deadline will be 10:00 pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

IT Staff will be available on campus to power-on, reboot, or troubleshoot unresponsive computers. If you encounter any issues after the updates have been installed, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Remote Computer Labs for Students

April 16, 2020

UW-Milwaukee Remote Labs is a service that connects remote students with on-campus Windows 10 lab computers. This allows students to access software for their classes that may not be available on their own personal computers.

To access Remote Labs, students must have their own computer and a broadband internet connection.

Below are directions for accessing this service:

The general access Campus Computer Labs (CCLs) are currently available for remote use by any students. The CCL’s feature a wide variety of specialty software required for coursework.

Instructors can request additional departmental computer labs be made available to students in their courses by completing this form: https://uwm.edu/technology/av-order-form/.

IT staff will do their best to accommodate the request or direct to another possible solution.

Are you using the right version of Teams?

April 14, 2020

There are several ways to access Microsoft Teams. In order to utilize the full functionality of Teams, University IT Services recommends the following methods:

The Teams Desktop Application
The Teams Mobile App

You can also access Teams online when logging into Office 365 (selecting the Teams app) but it is highly recommended that you download and use the desktop application instead. The web version will not allow full functionality within teams and channels as well as limit headset and other device settings.

If you haven’t downloaded the desktop app, our video below will walk you through the process of downloading the desktop app through Office 365. These steps will work on a personal or university-provided device. There are also instructions below for university-provided devices and for the Teams Mobile App.

To download Microsoft Teams:

Install with Office 365: https://kb.uwm.edu/68156
Install with Windows: https://kb.uwm.edu/67640
Install with Mac OS: https://kb.uwm.edu/65019
Install with Mobile Android App: https://kb.uwm.edu/59402
Install with Mobile IOS App: https://kb.uwm.edu/84466

If you have any questions regarding Teams, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Learn more about Teams with Online Course

April 7, 2020

Working Remotely with Teams

Attend a free online training course through Microsoft Teams! Our current course, Working Remotely with Teams, will deep dive into the features of Microsoft Teams and how to use better use the platform when working remotely.

Topics covered include:

What’s Teams?
The Teams App
How to create a Team
How to chat with your Team
Sharing files
Meeting virtually

There are two sessions scheduled thus far for Apri:

Wednesday, April 8, 10-11am
Wednesday, April 15, 10-11am

Registration is not required, but please visit our webpage for further directions on joining a session: uwm.edu/trainonline

Final Teams Headset Pickup

April 2, 2020

To utilize the online meeting and internal calling features of Microsoft Teams your device must have speakers and a microphone. If your device does not have these capabilities, University-provided headsets will be available to UWM faculty and staff. Please note: This includes Academic staff, University staff, Limited-term, and Faculty. This does not include students, student employees, teaching assistants, and other student employment positions.

Headsets are limited and there are two planned pick-up dates for April:

Friday, April 3, 2020: Noon-3pm
Tuesday, April 7, 2020: Noon-3pm

These are the final pick-up days due to the Safer-At-Home Order. You can always find up-to-date information on Teams and headsets at uwm.edu/itnews and at uwm.edu/teams.

To pick up your headset:

Decide which headset you prefer (please refer to the table at the bottom for more information on available options) and send a request through one of these methods:
- Call 414-229-4040
- Email helpdesk@uwm.edu
- Fill out the online request form
An IT professional will contact you with further instructions for pick-up, including a drive-up location in front of UWM’s Student Union where it can be placed in your car (contact-free). Set-up instructions will be included with the headsets.

Please note: Your UWM ID number (found on your UWM ID card/PantherCard) will be required when picking up the headsets and only one will be distributed per person. Quantities are limited with current shipping conditions, so these will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Headset Options

Jabra Evolve 40 Wired Mono	Jabra Evolve 40 Wired Stereo

Single Ear Design Wired headset connects to your computer with a USB cable. Control unit with the following features: Busy light Earpiece volume control Microphone mute Answer and End Call Button Aux cable that can be removed from the control unit and connected to any device with Aux input.	Dual Ear Design Wired headset connects to your computer with a USB cable. Control unit with the following features: Busy light Earpiece volume control Microphone mute Answer and End Call Button Aux cable that can be removed from the control unit and connected to any device with Aux input.

Teams Tip: Mute Audio and Video

March 31, 2020

While participating in a Teams meeting, you may be interrupted by someone walking in the room or a loud noise, such as a dog barking. Within the meeting, you can choose to turn off your camera or mute your microphone if there is an interruption that may distract the meeting.

Move your mouse on the meeting screen until you see the on-screen control panel.
Locate the camera and microphone buttons on the on-screen control panel; click the camera to hide your video and the microphone to mute your audio.
To resume, click the camera and/or microphone button again.

If you have any questions or issues, please contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/h elp.

Update on Printing at UWM

March 30, 2020

As of today, all WEPA print stations on all three campuses will be shut down. As staff is not able to clean printers after every use, this is the safest measure for our campus community.

Another update will be provided when print stations become available again and that information will also be available on our webpage: uwm.edu/printstations.

Teams Headsets

March 26, 2020

Because of very limited on-campus IT staff availability and concerns for staff health, the Teams headset on-campus pick-up service ended on March 25, 2020.

Those full-time UWM faculty and staff who remain interested in Teams headsets, and did not pick them up, may complete this webform (should circumstances change and pick-up resume): https://uwm.edu/technology/request-support/

There are multiple options for participating in a Teams meeting if you do not have a headset:

Use a personally-owned headset or smartphone-included earbuds/microphone
- For example, the EarPods that are included with an iPhone feature a microphone
Download the Teams Mobile App on a tablet or mobile device
- These devices typically have built-in audio and video capabilities
Install the Teams Desktop App on a personal computer
- Many devices already feature built-in speakers and microphones that can be used with Teams
Call into a Teams meeting with a landline or cell phone using the call-in information provided in the Teams meeting details

Please visit uwm.edu/workremotely for more information on these options.

Microsoft Teams Project Update

March 26, 2020

Earlier this year, UWM faculty and staff had received updates regarding the “Teams Calling Project” – transferring UWM telephone service to Microsoft Teams. We had previously shared that faculty and staff would receive Teams phone numbers on April 2 and that we would begin working to provide Teams phone numbers and transfer existing phone lines throughout the summer.

Due to AT&T-associated delays, as well as emergent COVID-19-related campus technology needs, the April timeframe for Teams number provisioning has been postponed. Even so, UWM’s IT staff were able to distribute over 700 Teams headsets for the Teams Project to faculty and staff to assist them with the telecommuting transition and Microsoft Teams use.

For more information on the Teams Project, please visit uwm.edu/teamsproject.

Online Technical Training Update

March 26, 2020

Attend a training course through Microsoft Teams!

With the rollout of the first online training course, Working Remotely with Teams, we are introducing a new web page dedicated to courses offered through Teams: https://uwm.edu/o365/online-training/

At this site, you can view upcoming training offerings, join live training events, view resources and recordings from past courses and submit course feedback.

Update on the UWM Help Desk

March 26, 2020

UWM’s Help Desk is currently moving to remote operations. At this time, the usual number for contacting the Help Desk (414-229-4040) will be forwarded to voicemail. After the move is complete, calls will resume during scheduled business hours. Requests for assistance can still be submitted through the request form or emailed to helpdesk@uwm.edu. The normal operations of the UWM Help Desk are expected to resume in early April.

After this move, the Help Desk will be using Microsoft Teams phone system to answer incoming calls from the campus community. Callers will hear an introductory message and be able to choose numbered options to route their calls to the Help Desk or the Classroom hotline.

Faculty, staff and students will be able to contact the UWM Help Desk through the same methods as before (calling 414-229-4040, emailing helpdesk@uwm.edu or visiting uwm.edu/help). All issues will continue to be handled according to the order in which they are received and the urgency of the issue.

We ask for your continued patience during this time, as we navigate a new working environment and acclimate ourselves to new tools.

UWM Computer Changes in support of Remote Work

March 26, 2020

To prepare for campus moving to remote work, IT staff are making a number of changes to UWM computer settings. These changes are all intended to better support remote workers and ensure their computers are reliably accessible:

These changes only apply to computers that are physically located on campus that you are using remote desktop to access. This does not apply to University-provided computers that you have at home that you are using remote desktop to access UWM resources.

Remote Desktop Access: Remote Desktop is a powerful tool that remote workers can use to access computers that are located on-campus. Several steps are usually required to enable and use Remote Desktop. These settings have now been applied to all supported computers, making it easier to set up without visiting the computer. In order to secure our computers, IT staff follow a process for approving users to use Remote Desktop. The process has also been streamlined, and it is now much faster to assign Remote Desktop permissions to you. For more info on Remote Desktop, see: https://uwm.edu/technology/working-remotely/
Sleep & Hibernate Settings: Sleep mode and Hibernate mode are now disabled by default. These modes conserve energy but they can also prevent users from accessing computers by Remote Desktop. If you would like to enable Hibernate mode on a laptop or tablet computer, you can use these instructions: https://kb.uwm.edu/99336 (Hibernate is not available on desktop computers).
Automatic Power-On Times: Wherever possible, desktop computers will be configured to power-on automatically at 7:00am on weekdays. This will prevent a situation where an on-campus computer is inaccessible after it is shut down for any reason. This change will be reverted after normal access to campus buildings is restored. Please note: computers of different models have different capabilities. Some computers may not support this feature.
Other Power Settings: When a power outage occurs on campus, many computers that lose power need to turned on again by hand. IT staff are working to configure UWM computers to automatically power-up again after power is restored. This will ensure your computers continue to be accessible remotely in the event of a power loss. Please note: computers of different models have different capabilities. Some computers may still need to be powered on manually following a power loss.

If you need any assistance with working remotely, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Free At-Home Access to Student Software

March 25, 2020

As all classes will be held online, at-home access has been provided for certain software to allow students to continue their coursework remotely. Below is the list of software that will now be available to use on personal devices:

If you have any questions regarding software, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/help for more info.

Online Training: LinkedIn Learning

March 25, 2020

All UWM students, faculty and staff have free, 24/7 access to LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). You do not need to have a LinkedIn account to use LinkedIn Learning, you can sign in with your UWM credentials at the UWM LinkedIn Learning page.

Once logged in, you can use the search bar at the top center of the screen to search for topics you want to learn. Some suggestions to get you started:

Working Remotely (1 hr)
Managing Virtual Teams (56 mins)
Microsoft Teams Essential Training (1 hr 56 mins)
Microsoft Teams Quick Tips (24 mins)

Online Training: Working Remotely with Teams

March 23, 2020

On Friday, March 27, 2020 from 10-11 am, join us for a virtual look at the features in Microsoft Teams that you can use to work remotely.

Topics covered include:

What’s Teams?
Teams apps
Create a Team
Chat with your Team
Share files with your Team
Meet virtually with your Team

Registration is not required, to join the online training course:

Before joining, make sure your device has audio capabilities; either speakers or use headphones
On Friday, March 27, use this link to join the event: Working Remotely with Teams.
After the course, visit https://uwm.edu/o365/online-training/ for course feedback, resources and the course recording.

Please contact UITS Learning TECHniques at learning-techniques@uwm.edu with any questions.

Adobe Creative Cloud Licenses for Students

March 20, 2020

As a result of campus closure, student access to Adobe Creative Cloud in labs and classrooms is not available. Adobe has provided temporary at-home access for students so that they can continue their work remotely.

Please review our instructions on how students can enable access to the Creative Cloud desktop app on a personal device.

Faculty and staff can continue to use Creative Cloud on a personal device, please follow these instructions if you would like to install it.

Password Expiration is Extended

March 19, 2020

On March 20, 2020, the current 180-day period of UWM password expiration will be extended to 365 days for all UWM faculty, staff, and students (all ePantherIDs).

This change has been made to help reduce the likelihood of inadvertent faculty, staff, and student lock-outs during UWM’s period of remote operations. All current and expired passwords will have their expiration window extended, thus reactivating any expired accounts.

In addition to extending the password expiration period, the minimum required password length will be adjusted to 14 characters in compliance with UW-System’s Information Security Policy 1030.

If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact the UWM Help Desk at (414) 229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/help.

Headsets to use with Microsoft Teams

March 18, 2020

Headsets are limited and March 25, 2020 will be the last planned day for pick-up due to the Safer-At-Home Order. Headsets will be available at the below location from 9am-3pm. If headsets become available for pick-up in the near future, that process will be communicated and all online information will be updated. You can always find up-to-date information on uwm.edu/itnews and at uwm.edu/teams.

To pick up your headset:

Call (414) 229-5480.
- An IT professional will confirm your eligibility to receive a headset and record your name and UWM ID number.
Come to the Merrill parking lot (#18)

Decide which device you prefer:

Jabra Evolve 40 Wired Mono	Jabra Evolve 40 Wired Stereo

Single Ear Design Wired headset connects to your computer with a USB cable. Control unit with the following features: Busy light Earpiece volume control Microphone mute Answer and End Call Button Aux cable that can be removed from the control unit and connected to any device with Aux input.	Dual Ear Design Wired headset connects to your computer with a USB cable. Control unit with the following features: Busy light Earpiece volume control Microphone mute Answer and End Call Button Aux cable that can be removed from the control unit and connected to any device with Aux input.

The headset will be brought to you and dropped in your trunk or dropped through an open window, whatever you prefer. Instructions will be included with the headsets.

Teams Calls Project Update

March 18, 2020

Recently, you have received updates regarding the Teams Project – transferring UWM telephone service to Microsoft Teams. We had previously shared that faculty and staff would receive Teams phone numbers on April 2 and we would begin working to provide Teams phone numbers and transfer existing phone lines throughout the summer.

Due to new updates from AT&T, as well as current technology needs for the campus environment, the April time-frame has been postponed. We will continue to send updates about this project and it will move forward through the summer.

Teams Tip: Convert Meetings to Teams Meetings

March 17, 2020

Want to keep meeting while working at home? Convert your existing meetings to Teams meetings!

To convert a meeting to a Teams meeting and to join a meeting in Teams, follow the steps in the UWM KnowledeBase article Change an Existing Meeting to a Teams Meeting.

If you have any questions or issues, please contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/help.

Audio Conferencing added to Microsoft Teams

March 13, 2020

To enhance Teams meeting functionality, we will be enabling a new feature: Audio Conferencing.

There may be situations when you or a meeting participant do not have access to a computer or the Teams mobile app and need to use a phone to dial-in to a meeting. Teams meetings organized by faculty and staff will now have an associated audio conferencing number that can be used to join the meeting via a cell phone or landline.

Audio Conferencing will become available on March 14, 2020 and you will receive an automated email message from Microsoft about Audio Conferencing at that time. It will look similar to the image below:

For more information regarding Audio Conferencing and Teams please visit our webpage: uwm.edu/teams.

macOS Catalina now available for UWM Macs

March 5, 2020

On January 31, macOS 10.15 Catalina was made available to eligible UWM Macs. Catalina is a major update to macOS and can be installed through Self Service. Check out the UWM KB for detailed instructions on how to install the upgrade.

Catalina features all-new Mac versions of Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and Apple TV apps. A new feature called Sidecar extends Mac desktops with iPad as a second display, or tablet input device using Apple Pencil with Mac apps. The new Voice Control accessibility feature allows a Mac to be controlled entirely by voice. Find out more about these and many more features such as Automatic Dark Mode switching, a redesigned Reminders app, and nearly 20 new and improved accessibility features on Apple’s Catalina website.

Is your device compatible with Catalina?

MacBook 2015 and later
MacBook Air 2012 and later
MacBook Pro 2012 and later

Mac mini 2012 and later
iMac 2012 and later
iMac Pro 2017 and later
Mac Pro 2013 and later

If you do not see the “Upgrade to Catalina” option in Self-service, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Changes to Adobe Creative Cloud

February 18, 2020

You may need to re-install Adobe Creative Cloud software on your UWM computer due to an upcoming license change. Please read on to make sure you can continue to access your software!

What’s happening?

On February 29th, 2020, Adobe will be de-activating old licenses of its Creative Cloud software. All Adobe Creative Cloud users will need to access the software through one of two new options:

Named User Licensing is available to UWM faculty and staff on any computer.
Shared Device Licensing can be used on any UWM computer where students will need access to Creative Cloud products. This includes:
- Computers in classrooms or computer labs.
- All other UWM computers used by students, including graduate students, teaching assistants, research assistants, and student employees.

Due to this new, split licensing model, IT staff are not able to automatically update the licenses on UWM computers. For more information about the new Adobe Licensing model, see: Adobe Licensing Overview

What should you do?

Try starting one of your Adobe Creative Cloud applications. If you do not receive an error message, you already have an up-to-date license of Creative Cloud. You are all set!

If you receive a warning message that your license is going to expire, you need to install a new version of your Adobe Creative Cloud products. Use the steps below:

Faculty / Staff Computers:

Windows users: Use the Software Center to install the “Creative Cloud” application.
macOS users: Use Self Service to install the “Creative Cloud” application.

Shared / Student-Use Computers:

For UWM computers used by students, contact IT support to request access to the Shared Device License of Adobe Creative Cloud on one or more computers.

Teams Tip: Download the Desktop App

February 11, 2020

Ready to start using Teams? Download the desktop app for full features and functionality! Below are directions for Windows and Mac OS devices:

If you have any questions or issues, please contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/help.

Notice of IT Support Change: Enhanced Malware Protection

January 31, 2020

Pursuant to UW System Administration mandate, in accordance with UW System Regent Policy Documents 25-3 and 25-5, and consistent with every other UWS campus, UW-Milwaukee will be deploying Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) to all university-managed endpoints.

AMP significantly improves the defense of our computers. It offers faster and more accurate identification of malware, allowing campus to identify and to respond more rapidly to emerging threats.

Campus Technology Support (CTS) began deploying Cisco AMP earlier this month. The first phase of deployments will go to administrative divisions including Student Affairs and Financial and Administrative Affairs. Academic areas will receive AMP in early February.

The installation will not require any action by computer users. Once the malware protection has been enabled, users of supported computers will see an icon for Cisco’s “AMP for Endpoints Connector” in their list of applications.

Please contact the UWM Help Desk with any AMP-related questions.

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January 17, 2020

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