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 IT News

Tech Tip: LinkedIn Learning | Share your Strengths!

July 5, 2022

Building your online resume can be difficult, and there’s no guarantee that everyone will take the time to look at it. However, with the rise of social media, applications like LinkedIn allow you to gather your work experience in one place and share it with hundreds of prospective employers. But no one likes to update their profile constantly and keeping up with all the trainings/professional development opportunities can be daunting.

That’s where LinkedIn Learning comes in!

With LinkedIn Learning, not only do you gain access to over 15,000 courses in business, technology, and creative skills, but syncing your LinkedIn Learning Account with your personal LinkedIn account automatically displays all the trainings you have completed! Keep up to date with the latest trainings in your field and automatically add them to your LinkedIn account with no effort on your part.

All of this is free for UWM students, faculty, and staff, so what are you waiting for? Start learning today!

Haven’t activated your LinkedIn Learning account yet? Learn how to gain access to their enormous library of content by visiting the KnowledgeBase!

To connect your UWM LinkedIn Learning account to your personal LinkedIn account, follow the instructions below:

  • Log in to LinkedIn Learning using your UWM credentials
  • Navigate to Settings using the drop-down menu under your person icon
  • Scroll to the bottom of the settings screen to the section labeled Connect your LinkedIn account to your LinkedIn Learning account provided by your organization
    • Select Connect my Account
  • Log in using your personal LinkedIn credentials
    • Select Continue
  • You will be prompted with the following screen:
    • Read the terms listed on screen and select Accept and continue as *Your Name* to complete the setup process
  • Now your accounts are synched, and your personal LinkedIn account will display any completed LinkedIn Learning courses you take!

For more information about LinkedIn Learning visit our website. Having trouble logging into your LinkedIn Learning account using your UWM credentials? Contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Tech Tip

June 30: Installation for Campus Fiber Project

June 29, 2022

The installation of new fiber-optic lines on the UWM Kenwood Campus will begin tomorrow. This is part of a large IT infrastructure project for UWM and will allow our campus network to reach its full potential.  

The list below details the affected buildings and tentative dates of work. Due to the unique complexity and history of each building, it’s not possible to give an exact window of time. Most interruptions will be short (a few minutes) and affect only one or two floors of a given building. Network technicians will begin their work as early as possible each day and move efficiently to complete the cutovers quickly and without error.  

If a building is not mentioned in the list below it will not be affected by this process. Building chairs have been communicated with directly about this schedule. 

For more background information on this initiative please read our previous IT News Article. 

BuildingBuilding CodeDate
CUNNINGHAM HALLCUN6/30/2022
PHYSICS BUILDINGPHY6/30/2022
ARCHITECTURE URBAN PLANNING BUILDINGAUP7/1/2022
CHEMISTRY BUILDINGCHM7/1/2022
LAPHAM HALLLAP7/1/2022
KENWOOD IRCKEN7/1/2022
LUBAR ENTREPRENEURSHIP/WELCOME CENTERLWC7/1/2022
ENGELMANN HALLENG7/1/2022
LUBAR HALLLUB7/5/2022
BOLTON HALLBOL7/5/2022
UWM UNIONUNDependent on construction
ZELAZO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTSZEL7/5/2022
MELLENCAMP HALLMEL7/5/2022
MITCHELL HALLMIT7/6/2022
PUMPING STATIONPUMP7/6/2022
HEFTER CONFERENCE CENTERHHC7/6/2022
PURIN HALLPUR7/6/2022
ARTS LECTURE HALLACL7/6/2022
ART BUILDINGART7/7/2022
THEATRE BUILDINGTHR7/7/2022
MUSIC BUILDINGMUS7/7/2022
CURTIN HALLCRT7/7/2022
VOGEL HALLVOG7/7/2022
GARLAND HALLGAR7/8/2022
PEARSE HALLPER7/8/2022
CHAPMAN HALLCHA7/8/2022
HOLTON HALLHLT7/8/2022
JOHNSTON HALLJOH7/8/2022
MERRILL HALLMER7/11/2022
SABIN HALLSAB7/11/2022
KLOTSCHE CENTERKC7/11/2022
GROUNDS BUILDINGGRD7/12/2022
GREENE MUSEUMGRM7/12/2022
HEATING PLANTHP7/12/2022
NORRIS HEALTH CENTERNHC7/12/2022
Posted in: News

Tech Tip: Avoid SharePoint Scams

June 28, 2022

SharePoint is a great tool for file storage and staying connected with your class or work group. Unfortunately, scammers know this, and they have figured out a way to target students and employees at UWM through phishing emails.

Scammers send phishing emails that appear to be a link to content shared via SharePoint. Unfortunately, these emails can look very real, so it is important not to click the link. Instead, you can verify if the shared content is real by logging in to your Microsoft 365 account and using the SharePoint search tool to locate the content.

Please see the list of resources below for more information on using SharePoint and handling phishing emails.

  • Sharing content in SharePoint
  • SharePoint Fundamentals Training Manual
  • Identifying a phishing email
  • Reporting a phishing email

 

Additionally, if you would like to learn more about file storage and sharing with Microsoft 365, please join us for our File Storage & Sharing: OneDrive, Teams & SharePoint online training event on Wednesday, July 27, 10-11 am. This is a live event hosted through Microsoft Teams and does not require pre-registration. Please click here to join this live event.

Posted in: News, Tech Tip

Installation for Campus Fiber Project

June 22, 2022

Over the next week, network technicians will begin installing new fiber-optic lines on the UWM Kenwood Campus.  

This initiative is part of a state project and is the largest infrastructure change that UWM has had in nearly a decade. For more background information on this initiative please read our previous IT News article.  

UWM’s network technicians will oversee the installation across 40+ campus buildings throughout the summer. Here are a few items to note about this process: 

  • This work will affect one building at a time on the Kenwood Campus and should not cause any network interruption for off-campus sites or wider outages on the Kenwood campus. 
  • Technicians will be moving through the UWM Kenwood Campus installing connections to new fiber-optic infrastructure as quickly as possible. Preparations have been made to minimize impact but there will be some service interruption as each building is moved to new connections. 

  • Interruptions will vary and affect all connectivity (network resources local to UWM, wired internet, wifi, etc.) in the affected building while work is completed. Outages may range from a few minutes to an hour.
      
  • This project is expected to be completed in August 2022.  

More direct communication will be shared with each affected building/area once the installation is scheduled to begin. This major IT project will benefit UWM’s network services exponentially and set up a positive infrastructure for future upgrades and modernization. 

Posted in: News

Tech Tip: Shared Departmental Numbers

June 21, 2022

Do you or your department need changes to a shared departmental phone line? An example scenario could be a new employee or someone retiring.

A shared phone number refers to a number that reaches a group of individuals or a department/location. For example, a phone number shared by multiple employees, the front desk for a department, reception area, or call center.

To make changes such as adding a new employee or removing a retiree, please fill out this form.

For information on how to operate a shared or departmental phone line, please review our instructions.

Additionally, you can join us for a free online course through UWM Tech Training. We offer a variety of courses on IT topics including Teams Calls: Shared Phone Numbers. Our next course will be held on Thursday, July 7, 10-11 am, no registration necessary, click here to join.

Can’t make it? That’s ok! You can also watch a past recording of this course here. Additionally, you can download our course resources PDF here.

Posted in: News, Teams Tip, Tech Tip

Tech Tip: Password Managers

June 14, 2022

We all know that participating in the digital world brings a risk of scammers trying to steal personal information. One of the best ways to avoid falling victim to these virtual attacks is by keeping your account secure with a strong and unique password, or even better a passphrase. A passphrase refers to a combination of multiple words and special characters as opposed to one word traditionally used in a password. Please see our YouTube video below for tips on creating a strong passphrase.

Using a strong and unique password or phrase means that for each online account that you own, you should be using a different password/phrase. But let’s be honest, it can be challenging to come up with a different password/phrase for every online account, and even worse try remembering them all!

Luckily, various tech companies have released their own versions of password managers. These password managers make creating and keeping track of passwords simple by securely storing your passwords and the accounts they gain access to. Some even take the legwork out of creating a strong password/phrase by creating and storing a passphrase for you and alerting you of security risks like compromised accounts and reused passwords.

For more information on choosing a password manager the UWM Office of Information Security recommends reviewing these password manager guidelines provided by Carnegie Mellon University.

Posted in: News, Tech Tip

Update to Session Length Duration on June 14

June 9, 2022

When using applications for UWM services (Microsoft 365, Canvas, Teams Mobile App, etc.) you must log in using your UWM email address and password and are then prompted to authenticate with Microsoft MFA. Session length refers to the amount of time you are successfully logged in and authenticated in an application. 

On June 14, 2022, an update to session length duration will be made to streamline sessions across all platforms and comply with UW System policy. The new session lengths will be either 12 hours or 90 days depending on the application you are using. Detailed information on the various lengths and applications can be found in our KnowledgeBase article.  

Please note:  

  • This is an update to an already in place process, no new action is required.  
  • The login process will remain the same, as will the process for multi-factor authentication (MFA). 
  •  This update will set a standardized session length for applications and increase UWM’s cybersecurity.  

If you need assistance regarding this topic, please contact the UWM Help Desk. 

Posted in: News

Internet Explorer Retirement

June 7, 2022

Microsoft will end support of Internet Explorer 11 for most Windows 10 operating systems on June 15, 2022.  

UWM-managed computers will be transitioned from Internet Explorer to Microsoft’s Edge browser. All UWM-managed Windows 10 devices should already have Microsoft Edge installed.  

For those who require continued use of Internet Explorer, UWM IT staff have enabled the use of Internet Explorer mode (IE Mode) in Microsoft Edge. IE mode is easy to use and allows websites that require specific Internet Explorer features to load in Microsoft Edge. We were able to determine some websites that campus members regularly visit that would require the use of this feature and have created rules to automatically load those pages in IE Mode

If you visit a website that requires Internet Explorer and it does not automatically load in IE Mode, you can easily make the change yourself.  

To do this:  

  1. Click the Settings and more button in the upper right corner of the browser window.
  2. Select Reload in Internet Explorer Mode.
    (If you are on Microsoft Edge version 92 or earlier select More tools > Reload in Internet Explorer Mode.) 

For more information on running IE Mode in Edge, visit our UWM Knowledgebase article. To learn more about Microsoft’s changes to Internet Explorer, visit their blog. Having issues with Edge? Call the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News

Campus Fiber Project

June 3, 2022

The UWM Kenwood Campus will be part of a major information technology renovation project. This summer, an upgrade will be made to the fiber optic campus infrastructure. This refers to all the outside plant (OSP) fiber optic cabling that interconnects all the buildings on campus to network services, such as the internet. 

This initiative is part of a state project and is the largest infrastructure change that UWM has had in nearly a decade. The completion of this project puts in place the foundation to support follow-on projects to upgrade network equipment to modern standards.  

 The new fiber optic cabling will allow the campus network to reach its full potential, which includes: 

  • Increasing the speed that supports modern applications – this includes those required for distance learning services. 
  • Updating the campus network topology – new physical cabling and the increased capacity and paths allow for more resiliency and flexibility in future network designs. 
  • Upgrading the core switching infrastructure– the existing equipment using obsolete cabling is extremely dated and could not take advantage of the new fiber. Replacement of these core connections will immediately remove some of the worst bottlenecks on the network, as well as support ongoing network modernization with a focus on increased reliability, bandwidth, and service automation. 

The timeline for this project is provided by the State of Wisconsin and work is being done daily to prepare our campus for the upcoming change. The installation of the new fiber optic cabling is expected to start in early to mid-June. UWM’s network engineers will oversee the installation across 40+ campus buildings throughout the summer. The planning will be building by building with minimal outages anticipated (2 hours or less outage window for each building). More direct communication will be shared with each affected building/area once the installation is scheduled to begin.  

This major IT project will benefit UWM’s network services exponentially and set up a positive infrastructure for future upgrades and modernization. More information will be shared once the installation start date is set. Future updates on this project will be added to our IT News webpage: uwm.edu/itnews. 

Posted in: News

Wepa Price Changes

May 26, 2022

Beginning June 1, 2022, UWM’s cloud printing service, Wepa Print Away, will change its pricing structure.

Please see the new rates below:

Need to print something? Visit our Wepa Printing website and learn about the 6 ways to send print jobs to a kiosk near you.

Having issues printing? Contact the UWM Help Desk with questions.

Posted in: News

It’s Job Scam Season!

May 26, 2022

With the end of the semester at UWM many students may be looking for work. Unfortunately, scammers see this influx of job seekers to the market as a prime time to target university students. It can seem promising to receive a solicitation for a job in your UWM inbox, but here are some things to look out for that may be clues to scam:

  • Too good to be true opportunity/promising language
  • Bad grammar
  • Urgent recruitment

If you receive a solicitation for a job in your inbox, always be skeptical. Read the email carefully and never provide personal information over email. If you are unsure if the job offer is legit, you can always contact the UWM Help Desk for assistance in identifying the offer is real.

For more information on identifying job scam emails, please check out our Job Scam video below:

You can also check out our Phishing video on YouTube for more information on identifying and reporting phishing emails.

To find employment please visit the UWM Career Planning and Resource Center’s website. Here you can create an account with Handshake and search the UWM Job board for reputable opportunities.

Posted in: News

Update to Session Length Duration

May 24, 2022

When using applications for UWM services (Microsoft 365, Canvas, Teams Mobile App, etc.) you must log in using your UWM email address and password and are then prompted to authenticate with Microsoft MFA. Session length refers to the amount of time you are successfully logged in and authenticated in an application. 

On June 14, 2022, an update to session length duration will be made to streamline sessions across all platforms and comply with UW System policy. The new session lengths will be either 12 hours or 90 days depending on the application you are using. Detailed information on the various lengths and applications can be found in our KnowledgeBase article.  

Please note:  

  • This is an update to an already in place process, no new action is required.  
  • The login process will remain the same, as will the process for multi-factor authentication (MFA). 
  •  This update will set a standardized session length for applications and increase UWM’s cybersecurity.  

If you need assistance regarding this topic, please contact the UWM Help Desk. 

Posted in: News

Summer ’22 TechTraining Schedule Online

May 23, 2022

Tech Training Logo

The summer 2022 TechTraining course schedule is now available online. All summer TechTraining courses will be held online with no registration necessary.

Can’t make it to a scheduled session? Check out the recording of the course and the course resources.

Short Courses for Summer:

  • Collaborating with Teams
  • Excel Fundamentals
  • File Storage & Sharing: OneDrive, Teams & SharePoint
  • Teams Calls, Wednesday
  • Teams Calls: Shared Phone Numbers

To view the full schedule, visit the Online Training page. If you have questions, please contact us at uwm-techtraining@uwm.edu.

Looking for other technology training? Check out the TechTraining Resources page for links to training manuals and LinkedIn Learning training videos.

Posted in: Events, News, Training

Teams Tip: Change Teams Layout

May 13, 2022

Did you know you can customize your layout in Microsoft Teams to suit your working style? Below are two examples of Teams views in the Grid and the List Settings.

List View – In the List view, you see all your teams listed in the pane on the left. You can collapse or expand a Team to see the channels by clicking on the team title.Microsoft Teams List View

Grid View – In the Grid view, you see all your teams laid out in a grid of Team tiles. Each tile in the grid represents an individual team. Click on the team title to expand a team and view the channels and team contents. Click the back button to navigate back to the Teams grid.Microsoft Teams Grid View

You can Easily change the Teams layout from List view to Grid view by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner of your Teams window, or the ellipses (…) button and selecting Settings from the drop-down list.

Switch View Microsoft Teams

From here select Switch view and customize your general settings and desired layout from the options provided.

Microsoft Teams General Settings Change Teams Layout

Additionally, you can customize your Teams even further by dragging and dropping your teams in your desired order. Simply click on the team you wish to move and drag it to the location within the Grid or List view that you think suits your team best. For recommendations on what type of team to use, please review the following article.

For more information on viewing and organizing your Teams, please review the following article.

Posted in: News, Teams Tip

The UWM KnowledgeBase: Knowledge is Power!

May 3, 2022

When it comes to getting self-guided technology help at UWM the KnowledgeBase should be your first stop!

The KnowledgeBase (KB) is a platform run by UW-Madison and was made for easily creating, displaying, sharing, and managing web-based knowledge documents. UWM’s branch of the KB is the second most viewed of Madison’s partners, and we have curated a collection of over 1,000 articles created by UW-Milwaukee campus members. With topics like Microsoft 365, Canvas, PAWS, WiFi, Password Reset instructions, and so much more, the KB has something to offer anyone looking for help.

Last year alone, the KB received 2,113,279 views. To help put this number into perspective, Wisconsin State Fair goers consume over 400,000 cream puffs each year, and in 2019 more than 1,130,000 people attended the fair in total.

With the ever-expanding collection of articles averaging 2,005 views per page, the KB is a great resource to find help and we hope you can find the answer to your next tech question within its pages!

To get started on your self-guided help journey, visit the UWM KnowledgeBase and start your search.

Posted in: News

Microsoft MFA: Change Default Authentication Method

April 28, 2022

Did you know you can change the default authentication method that you receive when logging in to your UWM accounts?

By changing your default method, you ensure that you are prompted with your desired method every time you are asked to authenticate. The following video provides instructions for changing your method to the push notification option through the Microsoft Authenticator App on a smartphone or tablet.

Additionally, you can review our instructions for changing your primary authentication method.

Posted in: News

VPN Required for Remote Computer Labs

March 28, 2022

In 2020 UWM launched a Remote Lab service to allow UWM students to remotely access on-campus lab computers. Remote Lab computers feature course-related software that may be unavailable on UWM students’ personal computers. To access Remote Labs, students must have their own computers and a broadband internet connection. 

An update has been made to the login process for Remote Lab to enhance security and connection. You are now required to connect to the campus VPN before visiting the remote lab website (https://remotelab.ad.uwm.edu) and reserving a lab computer.

If the Remote Lab website is visited prior to connecting to the campus VPN, a “site cannot be reached” message will pop up. Use of the UWM’s VPN has always been a requirement of the Remote Lab service, however, it is now required prior to accessing the Remote Lab website.  

The images below show the usual process for accessing the VPN. Please visit our webpage to learn more about the VPN and how to get connected. More information on the remote computer labs can be found in our IT News article.  

First, access the GlobalProtect VPN on your computer and click “Connect”.

Once connected to the VPN, visit https://remotelab.ad.uwm.edu/ and reserve your Remote Lab computer as you normally would.

Posted in: News, Services

macOS Security Updates: Nudge

March 21, 2022

Campus Technology Support (CTS) is implementing a new notification system for macOS security updates. Deployed to UWM’s fleet of managed Macs, Nudge software will notify users that security updates are available for their devices. Mac users can dismiss Nudge reminder windows by running the update or by scheduling a time in the future to be reminded about the update.

The deployment of Nudge represents part of our effort to keep UWM’s Mac fleet up-to-date with the latest security patches while giving users control over when their computers will install patches and restart. If users do not take update action on their own time, necessary macOS patches will be applied and devices will be restarted on patch due dates.

Nudge will bring UWM’s managed Mac devices into alignment with managed Windows devices. On both platforms, users will be able to pick a convenient time to install updates before the updates are automatically applied.

This effort is also pursuant to UW System Administrative Procedure 1042.A, “Information Security: Threat and Vulnerability Management Standard”:

For more information on Nudge at UWM, please review our instructions. If you have any questions about Nudge at UWM, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Services

SysNet Router Upgrade

March 15, 2022

Beginning March 22 at 6:00 am, UW SysNet internet router upgrades will occur. This work will only last 45 minutes, however, it will affect UWM’s internet connection. Specifically, remote campuses and buildings that connect to the Kenwood Campus via UW SysNet may experience connection issues during this time period.  

The following campuses, schools, and colleges may experience reduced connectivity during these upgrades:  

  • Washington Campus 
  • Waukesha Campus 
  • Global Water 
  • School of Freshwater Science 
  • Zilber School of Public Health  
  • School of Continuing Education – Plankinton, Kenilworth, Cambridge, and Riverview buildings 

Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to bringing upgraded network capabilities to campus! 

If you have continued connectivity issues after the upgrade, please contact the UWM Help Desk.  

Posted in: News

Phishing Awareness Email Campaign

February 25, 2022

UW System is relaunching its system-wide phishing awareness program. This program started in April 2021 in which simulated phishing messages were sent to all faculty and staff across UW System. Simulated phishing messages will be sent periodically throughout the year, please use the information below to better understand phishing and what to look for.

Phishing is an email message sent by scammers to trick you into revealing personal information that can be used to commit fraud. It’s important you carefully read through your emails and the action they may be asking you to do before responding or clicking anything. Here are some warning signs to look for:

  • Spelling and grammar mistakes
  • Urgent language prompting immediate action
  • Request for confidential information
  • Encourages you to use an unfamiliar link
If an email seems suspicious, do not click any links or reply with personal information. Here are two actions you can take:
  • Anytime you come across a phishing message, it is important to report it. Please use our step-by-step instructions to guide you.
  • Suspicious emails should also be forwarded to abuse@uwm.edu so UWM’s Office of Information Security can further investigate.
If a faculty or staff member is “phished” (replies to the email or clicks a fraudulent link included in the email) three times within a calendar year, they will have an additional phishing awareness training required by UW System that must be completed within 30 days. Communication on the training will be sent directly to impacted faculty and staff.
Here is an example of what to expect to see if you interact with one of these simulated phishing emails

UW System "You have been phished email"

More information on phishing, as well as other cybersecurity topics, can be found on our website: uwm.edu/cybersecurity. If you have any other questions about this topic, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News

Information Security Advice: Ukraine

February 25, 2022

The evolving circumstances in Ukraine have heightened concerns about information security, on and off our campuses. UWM’s IT professionals remain vigilant, protecting our core infrastructure, managed computers, and university data. What can UWM’s faculty, staff, and students do to enhance their personal cybersecurity? These UWM resources offer timely and reliable advice:

Phishing
As you know, phishing attackers use emails or malicious websites to solicit personal information by posing as a trustworthy organization or figure in order to commit fraud.

It’s important to know how to spot them!  Watch our YouTube video to learn how to stop scammers in their tracks:

Multi-Factor Authentication
With Microsoft MFA at UWM, you use something you know (your password) combined with something you have (your device) to confirm your identity.

To ensure you always have access to essential UWM services, make sure you have at least two methods of authentication enabled on your account! Visit our website to learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication at UWM: uwm.edu/multifactor.

More Cybersecurity Best Practices
Our cybersecurity website offers additional information on these important topics, such as:

  • How to protect your personal devices, including:
    • Using a Virtual Private Network
    • Installing Anti-Virus Software on your devices
    • Refraining from Illegal File Sharing
  • Online training opportunities:
    • Internet Safety for Students (55 minutes)
    • Cybersecurity at Work (55 minutes)
    • Cybersecurity Foundations (120 minutes)

All of this information can be found on our webpage: uwm.edu/cybersecurity.If you have any questions on this topic, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News

Multi-Factor Authentication for the GlobalProtect VPN

February 16, 2022

Beginning March 1, 2022, when connecting to UWM’s GlobalProtect Virtual Private Network (VPN), you will be prompted to authenticate using Microsoft MFA.

This change will help keep campus members’ UWM accounts secure while working remotely and, in turn, reduce the possibility of cybercrimes being committed using compromised accounts.

Using a VPN while working remotely is imperative to keeping your device, and the work you do on it, safe. By enabling the GlobalProtect VPN, it encrypts the traffic you generate while using UWM-owned services. It is especially important to use the VPN when connected to unprotected WiFi sources (coffee shops, doctor’s offices, etc.) and they can even be downloaded to your mobile device. UWM offers all campus members free downloads of GlobalProtect and it is strongly recommended that those who continue to work remotely enable the VPN whenever you are working.

For more information about GlobalProtect, visit the UWM KnowledgeBase. For questions about this change, please contact VPN-support@uwm.edu.

Posted in: News

Updated Technology Recommendations for Students

February 4, 2022

UWM’s student technology recommendations have been recently updated. These recommendations are meant to aid students in choosing a device for their coursework at UWM. Access to a laptop or computer is an essential part of learning. Learning activities may include downloading or streaming video lectures, accessing coursework and taking quizzes in Canvas, participating in course discussions in Zoom, or working on group projects via Microsoft Teams, among others.

The updated information is included below and these recommendations can be also found on our Student Resources webpage under Purchasing Technology.

Computer recommendations:

  • Windows 11 or 10 computer
    • Intel Core i5 (or i7) or AMD Ryzen processor – Minimum recommendation
    • 8 GB RAM – Minimum recommendation
    • 256 GB solid-state drive (SSD) – Minimum recommendation
    • 1920 x 1080 (“full HD”) screen resolution – Minimum recommendation
    • Webcam with integrated microphone
  • Apple computer running at least macOS 11 (Big Sur)
    • Apple M1 processor – Minimum recommendation
    • 8 GB RAM – Minimum recommendation
    • 256 GB solid-state drive (SSD) – Minimum recommendation
    • 1920 x 1080 (“full HD”) screen resolution – Minimum recommendation
    • Webcam with integrated microphone
    • Please note: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) is acceptable but will become unsupported before the end of 2022.

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

Schools and colleges at UWM may have specific technology recommendations for certain majors or programs. Students are encouraged to talk to their advisors about possible technology recommendations for their specific course load. Additionally, The Dean of Students Office provides a laptop loan program for UWM students.

Technology (desktops, laptops, accessories) can be purchased online or in-person at the UWM TechStore.

Posted in: News

Spring TechTraining Schedule Online

February 2, 2022

Tech Training Logo

The spring 2022 TechTraining course schedule is now available online. All spring TechTraining courses will be held online with no registration necessary.

Can’t make it to a scheduled session? Check out the recording of the course and the course resources.

Short Courses for Spring:

  • Collaborating with Teams
  • Excel Fundamentals
  • File Storage & Sharing: OneDrive, Teams & SharePoint
  • Teams Calls
  • Teams Calls: Shared Phone Numbers

To view the full schedule, visit the Online Training page. If you have questions, please contact us at uwm-techtraining@uwm.edu.

Looking for other technology training? Check out the TechTraining Resources page for links to training manuals and LinkedIn Learning training videos.

Posted in: Events, News

What is Data Privacy?

January 27, 2022

Data privacy refers to the protection of personal data from those who should not have access to it. Tomorrow (January 28) is National Data Privacy Day and the National Cybersecurity Alliance publishes a multitude of information on data privacy each year.  

Every action we do online generates data. Examples of personal data would be a social security number, driver’s license number, and health-related information. With so many aspects of our lives taking place online, it’s easy to forget about the steps we can take to keep our data safe.  

Here are a few tips for keeping your data safe online: 

  • Understand privacy settings: Security and privacy settings vary for each website/app, and it can often be a lot to manage. The National Cybersecurity Alliance offers information on a variety of popular platforms’ privacy policies and statements.
     
  • Build strong passwords: Try to use unique and long passwords, such as sentences or phrases that you will remember. You can also try out alternative ways of spelling words, such as replacing letters with symbols and numbers (replacing an s with a $).
     
  • Use Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): By using MFA you are adding an additional layer of security to your account, further protecting your sensitive information. Multi-factor authentication requires two verification methods to log in. It is strongly recommended to enable MFA on your accounts (banking, social media, etc.) if it’s available. 

Following the security practices above, for both work and personal accounts, will help to keep your data safe as well as the University’s confidential data. If you believe something has put the University’s confidential data at risk, please contact the Information Security Office.

Posted in: News

Shipping Delays’ Impact on Campus’ Technology Availability

January 26, 2022

Due to delays in international shipping, campus has experienced technology-related shortages and project roadblocks.

Projects calling for networking equipment may experience delays up to 18 months. This equipment has been increasingly hard to obtain since the beginning of the pandemic, and recent US port congestion has exacerbated this situation. Please note, if you request a new project that requires hardware for networking systems, you may experience even further delays than already established projects.

Concerning the UWM TechStore’s inventory; wait times for new computers, Teams devices, tablets, and other essential hardware have all increased as well. Though the UWM TechStore continues to try and obtain new inventory, our suppliers are consistently out of stock of campus’ most needed items. This means customers may continue to experience delayed shipments or the UWM TechStore will need to find a smaller distributor with stock but at higher rates. In the meantime, visit the UWM TechStore in person or online to shop in-stock items!

Additionally, technology ordered through the IT Purchase Request form is also subject to these delays. The form is kept up to date with approximated lead times, however; if needed immediately, purchasing staff can source in-stock items sold at premium prices upon request.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.

Posted in: News

Visio App now included with Microsoft 365

January 25, 2022

Microsoft recently added the Visio app to the Microsoft 365 suite of applications.

Visio lets you transform complicated text and tables that are hard to understand into visual diagrams that communicate information at a glance. There are numerous Visio diagrams, including organization charts, network diagrams, workflows, and home or office plans. Getting started with Visio can be summarized into three basic steps: using a template, arranging and connecting shapes, and modifying shapes with text.

For more information on how to access and use Visio please review our instructions. If you have any questions about Microsoft 365 please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Services

Teams Meeting Recordings Auto-expiration

January 18, 2022

Microsoft has launched a new meeting recording auto-expiration feature that will automatically delete Teams meeting recordings stored in OneDrive and SharePoint after 60 days if the recording was created by faculty, staff, or students. For Teams meetings recordings created by emeriti, annuitants, or sponsored users, meeting recordings will auto-expire after 30 days.

The expiration date can be modified by those who have edit/delete permissions for the recording in OneDrive or SharePoint. When a recording is deleted, they will also be notified via email. The recording can then be retrieved from the recycle bin for up to 90 days. Please review our instructions for more information on how to manage Teams meeting recordings.  

If you have any questions on this topic, please contact the UWM Help Desk. 

Please note: this will not impact any existing meeting recordings created before the feature was deployed.  

Posted in: News, Services

New Password for UWM Visitor WiFi Network

January 3, 2022

For security purposes, the password for the UWM Visitor WiFi network is updated each year.

This network is for visitors to UWM — those guests visiting campus who do not have an ePantherID. Students, faculty, and staff should continue to use UWMWiFi, logging in with their ePantherID and password.

On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, the password will be updated to: panthers22

The current password will always be readily available on UWM’s Network Operation’s Wi-Fi page along with set-up instructions.

For instructions and more detailed info on all UWM technologies, browse the UWM KnowledgeBase at any time: uwm.edu/kb. If you have any technology questions, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk. 

Posted in: News, Services

911 Calling Issues for Some Android Devices

December 14, 2021

An issue preventing some Android users from calling 911 on their device’s phone has been found.

Android users who have downloaded the Microsoft Teams mobile app but have yet to log into it may not be able to call 911 using their device’s telephone. To ensure this issue does not affect your ability to contact emergency services, make sure you are signed into the Microsoft Teams application on your device. You may also update your Teams application to the latest version to mitigate this issue.

For more information about this issue, visit this UWM IT-approved news article.

Posted in: News

Changes Coming for University-Owned Macs

November 29, 2021

Now Available: macOS 12 Monterey

MacOS 12 “Monterey” is now available as an optional upgrade for all eligible UWM-owned Macs. For your convenience, updates to macOS are made available to install through Self Service for all eligible devices. If you have questions about this upgrade, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

The macOS 12 Monterey upgrade is compatible with:

  • iMac – Late 2015 and later
  • iMac Pro – 2017 and later
  • MacBook Air – Early 2015 and later
  • MacBook Pro – Early 2015 and later
  • Mac Pro – Late 2013 and later
  • Mac Mini – Late 2014 and later
  • MacBook – Early 2016 and later

During the spring of 2022, all UWM-owned Macs capable of running macOS 12 will be automatically upgraded at the end of the semester. All Macs that cannot run macOS 12 will be upgraded to macOS 11 Big Sur.

Devices that cannot upgrade to macOS 11 Big Sur must be retired before the start of the Fall 2022 semester.

For a complete list of new features available in Monterey, please visit Apple’s webpage.

Upcoming Mac Security Changes

To ensure all campus Macs have the latest security updates, CTS Staff will be remotely applying updates to university-owned Macs beginning December 2, 2021. These updates will require a computer restart upon completion. We highly suggest users run this software update manually from Self Service to avoid any inconveniences.

Moving forward, security updates will be enforced in accordance with UW System Administrative Procedure 1042.A. As a general best practice for software updates, we encourage all users to install updates the same day they get the first notification.

For any questions regarding these changes, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News

Microsoft MFA is Here

November 17, 2021

On Monday, November 15, 2021, Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) went live on UWM services (Microsoft 365, HRS, PAWS, Canvas, etc.). 

Here are a few additional resources that might be helpful now that you’ve enrolled: 

  • Changing your primary authentication method 
  • Logging in if your primary method isn’t available 
  • Using the app to authenticate without data or WiFi 
  • Forgetting your password 
  • Review our MFA FAQs 

All MFA resources can be found on our webpage: uwm.edu/multifactor.  

Posted in: News, Services

Microsoft MFA is Almost Here

November 12, 2021

On Monday, November 15, 2021, Microsoft MFA will be in place. When you log into UWM services (Microsoft 365, HRS, PAWS, Canvas, etc.) you will be immediately prompted to enter information to enroll in Microsoft MFA and our new digital identity experience.

From the evening of November 12 through November 14, UITS staff members will be making necessary Microsoft system changes before Microsoft MFA goes live. If you use any online UWM service during that timeframe you may be prompted to set up your account with Microsoft MFA.   

Resources for MFA

  • Review the list of all authentication methods available to determine which will be the best choice for you.
  • Please use the enrollment instructions for your chosen method. This includes instructions for the Microsoft Authenticator App, setting up a phone call, and setting up text messages.
  • The MFA webpage will have all instructional materials, updates on hardware tokens (FOBs), and common FAQs: uwm.edu/multifactor 
  • Please contact the UWM Help Desk with any questions on MFA. 
Posted in: Uncategorized

Preparing for Microsoft MFA

November 8, 2021

On November 15, 2021, UWM’s new digital identity experience will be in place. On that date, when you log into UWM services, you will be prompted to enter information to complete your transition to this new digital identity experience. Your digital identity at UWM is made up of three parts: your username, password, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). The combined use of these three items ensures the security of your account at UWM.  

As part of this implementation, there will be updates to password management, more consistency between IT systems, and a campus-wide transition to Microsoft for multi-factor authentication. 

Here are a few steps you can take to prepare for Microsoft MFA: 

  1. Begin by installing the Microsoft Authenticator App on the Android or iOS device you wish to use. If you are viewing this article on a computer, you can securely install the Microsoft Authenticator App by using your Android or iOS device to scan the respective QR codes directly from Microsoft’s website. If you are viewing this article on your mobile device, you can click the link to securely install it for Android from the Google Play Store, or for iOS from the App Store.
  2. The Microsoft Authenticator App is the recommended authentication method. After successfully installing and setting up the application, there is an authentication option that does not require data or WiFi. A “Code Entry” can be utilized for this purpose or if you ever have connectivity concerns. For more info on this please review our instructions.
  3. Review our enrollment instructions. The “Enroll a Mobile Device” section on the MFA webpage will have all the resources you’ll need for the upcoming change.
  4. Attend the demo for Microsoft MFA. At 10 am on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, University IT Services will host a live demonstration of the new digital identity experience through Teams. IT professionals will provide background information on this change, walk through Microsoft MFA, and be able to answer questions faculty and staff may have. Please use this link to join the event. Following the live event, a recording of the demo will be available using the same link. 

For more information on this change please visit our webpage: uwm.edu/digital-id.  

Posted in: News

Demo: Microsoft MFA & New Digital Identity Experience

November 3, 2021

On November 15, 2021, UWM’s new digital identity experience will be in place. On that date, when you log into UWM services, you will be prompted to enter information to complete your transition to this new digital identity experience. Your digital identity at UWM is made up of three parts: your username, password and multi-factor authentication (MFA). The combined use of these three items ensures the security of your account at UWM. 

As part of this implementation, there will be updates to password management, more consistency between IT systems, and a campus-wide transition to Microsoft for multi-factor authentication. 

At 10 am on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, University IT Services will host a live demonstration of the new digital identity experience through Teams. IT professionals will provide background information on this change, walkthrough Microsoft MFA, and be able to answer questions faculty and staff may have. Please use this link to join the event. Following the live event, a recording of the demo will be available using the same link.

More information on the new Digital Identity Experience can be found here: uwm.edu/digital-id.  

Posted in: Events, News, Uncategorized

Passphrases are the New Passwords

October 28, 2021

In the past, the industry-standard was that passwords were your first line of defense to secure your accounts; however, scammer’s technological advancements have made it so that passwords just don’t cut it anymore. Making sure your credentials are as ironclad as possible is still very important, and users are now encouraged to use a passphrase rather than a singular word to gain access to your accounts.

Use the maximum number of characters. Use lots of special characters and numbers. Never use the same passphrase twice.

Some of the best ways to ensure your passphrases are secure and strong include:

  • Use a passphrase manager (Google Password Manager, LastPass, Keychain, etc.)
  • Never use passphrases based on personal information (e.g. birthdays, names, parent’s information, etc.)
  • Use something random and nonsensical when making your passphrase.
  • ‘Password’ is NEVER a good passphrase to use on any account!

Looking for more information on how to keep your passphrases up to par? Visit our cybersecurity webpage!

Posted in: Events

Phone Equipment Drop-Off Location Extension

October 26, 2021

With the campus migration to Microsoft Teams, areas may have desk phones or telephony equipment that they no longer use. To continue UWM’s sustainability efforts, we have set up a temporary drop-off location to assist with the collection of these devices.

Previously, faculty and staff could dispose of old or unused phone equipment at the UWM Golda Meir Library circulation desk through September 30, 2021. Because of this drop-off location’s popularity, this deadline has been extended until November 12, 2021.

Please bring any phone equipment to the main circulation desk and staff will collect it for the UWM Surplus Program. The circulation desk is located on the first floor in the West Wing of the library near the entrance – where books and periodicals are checked out.

More information on devices that are compatible with Teams can be found on our webpage.

Posted in: Uncategorized

Illegal File Sharing: Don’t Do It

October 20, 2021

How harmless can downloading the newest blockbuster be? Well, it can be quite a bit more expensive than a movie ticket.

When media is produced and sold, it is protected by copyright law and cannot be copied, reproduced, or resold without the permission of its creators. If you download media without paying for it and the file has been copyrighted or distribute media that has been copyrighted without the permission of the copyright holder, you are sharing the file illegally. Groups like the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) pay organizations to gather information from the internet to identify where files are being shared illegally.

As UWM is a large school with many students living and working in the same place, there is a high probability that some form of illegal file sharing will happen using our WiFi network. Because of this, these organizations frequently monitor our traffic, and, unfortunately, if they request someone’s information, UWM is legally obligated to give it to them.

So, what can happen if you get caught?

All that and more can happen if you get caught illegally downloading or sharing copyrighted materials. Visit our illegal file sharing FAQ page to find answers to any other questions you may have.

Posted in: Events

New Digital Identity Experience – Nov 15

October 19, 2021

A unified digital identity experience is coming to UWM!  

On Monday, November 15, 2021, when you log into UWM services you will be prompted to enter information to complete your transition to this new digital identity experience.  

Your digital identity at UWM is made up of three parts, your username, password, and multi-factor authentication. The combined use of these three items ensures the security of your account at UWM. 

What’s Changing? 

As part of this implementation, there will be updates to password management, more consistency between IT systems, and a campus-wide transition to Microsoft for multi-factor authentication. This means: 

  • All account users will have self-service password recovery 
  • Almost all accounts will have multi-factor authentication 
  • Higher levels of security; reduced chance for identity theft & compromised accounts 

As part of this new experience, faculty and staff will be transitioning from Duo Security to Microsoft MFA. This change offers UWM the opportunity to have a single platform for all accounts that integrates within our Microsoft 365 environment. Microsoft offers more authentication methods such as text messages, mobile app, alternative email, and security questions. This will also allow the creation and distribution of universal resources for all.    

This will be a large and impactful change for UWM and more information and resources will be shared with the campus soon. The new digital identity experience will be implemented over the weekend of November 12 and become fully operational on Monday, November 15, 2021. In addition, IT staff will be communicating directly with different types of account holders across campus to provide more details on how the change impacts them individually and to share the resources they might need.  

Information on the new Digital Identity Experience can be found here: uwm.edu/digital-id. 

Posted in: News, Services

Phishing Awareness: Job Scams Suck

October 14, 2021

Each year, millions of emails, websites, text messages, and phone calls are weaponized by scammers to steal people’s personal information. Unfortunately, as a large institution with lots of students, faculty, and staff, UWM is a target for these attacks. The most common type of phishing attempt that students at UWM experience are job scams like the one below.

Hi Selected candidate, I am emailing you concerning a new employment offer through the University's recruiting department. offering a part time position that will only require 1-2hrs and 3 days a week, no work expereince or skill is required. You can definitely make $600 weekly without affecting your regular activities and academics, To apply and to know more about the job, get back to us with the information listed below so we can process your application to consider it valid to commence working with us. Name Contact Address (No PO Box) City State Zip Code Mobile Number Sex Age Alternative Email Valid ID Prof Boscoe

Often times scammers will send phishing emails containing “job opportunities” to students that offer high wages, flexible scheduling, and other enticing qualities. Many people get caught up in the excitement of receiving such an offer and will give the sender all the requested information without much second thought. So, how do you know what is and is not a scam? Let’s review this email for clues that it is a phishing email:

  • Generic greeting
  • Unidentified university affiliation
  • High pay and low hours
  • Poor grammar
  • Request for A LOT of personal information
  • Request for illegal information
    • *Employers are not able to request information that may be used to discriminate against potential candidates. Some include but are not limited to age, sex, and race.
  • Signature contains no identifying information

Though this is only one example of a job scam, most phishing messages have similar qualities that make them easy to spot. Visit our cybersecurity webpage and watch our newest YouTube video for more information on how to spot scammers!

Posted in: News

Information Technology Purchasing

October 11, 2021

If you would like to procure an information technology service, whether hosted in the cloud or in our data centers, submit the purchase request form as soon as possible.  

Professionals in Information Technology and Procurement areas have a series of reviews to conduct to perform a successful procurement and the activities can span several weeks to several months depending on the cooperation from outside vendors.

Some items to consider if you are researching or shopping for information technology services or products: 

  • Check to see if UWM has a service available that provides the capabilities you are looking for by searching or browsing the IT service catalog. A business case or justification will be required for any new service or product that duplicates capabilities we already have in the IT service catalog. These requests will also require additional approvals before a successful procurement.  
  • We must comply with all the University of Wisconsin System information security policies and standards, and sometimes vendors are not responsive to requests that enable us to perform these reviews. Large enterprises typically are more responsive than small vendors; if it seems like the company is operating out of someone’s basement, you may want to find another vendor.
  • All procurements over $5000 must go through UWM’s Procurement Office purchasing process and will require more activities before a successful procurement.  

We want to help you leverage technology that solves problems or improves practices and procedures at UWM. If you know what you want to purchase, submit the purchase request form right away. If you are not sure if something we already have could meet your needs, contact the UWM Help Desk to get connected to an IT professional to discuss more.  

Posted in: News, Services

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is Here!

October 5, 2021

October is Cybersecurity Awareness month!

Practicing good cybersecurity has never been more important, and this year UWM IT will be highlighting three important components to keeping yourself secure online: Phishing Awareness & Avoidance, Illegal File Sharing Avoidance, and Passphrase Best Practices.

Follow UWM IT on social media, check IT News, and visit the cybersecurity webpage throughout the month of October to learn about the best ways to keep scammers at bay, avoid any fines, and keep your passphrases guarded!

Posted in: Events

Lecture Capture in Classrooms

September 16, 2021

Lecture Capture is a feature that allows you to record your lecture in the classroom so students can view it later. This recording can be scheduled or ad-hoc and allows for the recording of audio, video, and content (PowerPoint, a video shown, spreadsheets, etc.). 

UWM offers two lecture capture systems, Mediasite and Kaltura Classroom Capture. Mediasite is hardware-based and is only available in a few classrooms on campus. Kaltura Classroom Capture is new to UWM and is software-based. It is installed in most general assignment classrooms as well as some departmental classrooms. Only Kaltura Classroom Capture allows both scheduled and ad-hoc lecture capture. 

To learn more about lecture capture and what option might work best for you, please review our training catalog.  

If you are interested in scheduled lecture capture, please make an online request with Classroom Services. If you have any questions about this topic, please reach out to Classroom Services.  

Posted in: News, Services

UWM System Security Guidelines

September 10, 2021

A new “UWM System Security Guidelines” document is available on the UWM IT Policies & Guidelines webpage.

Pursuant to UW System Data Protections Procedure 1031.B, the document “provide(s) guidance on how to ensure the security of systems and data belonging to the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM) and University of Wisconsin System and to maintain the ability to provide disaster recovery, management and monitoring of systems.”

Specific guidance to our campus is offered on Access Controls, Data Copying/Printing/Transmission, Network Security, System Security, Physical Security, Data Storage, Backup/Disaster Recovery for major high-risk systems, and Disposal. All IT professionals at UWM should read the document and act in conformity with its contents.

Posted in: News

Zoom @ UWM

September 8, 2021

UW-System has licensed Zoom as the exclusive video and web conferencing application for all UW institutions. Zoom is a University of Wisconsin System-wide web conference service used for video, voice, virtual classrooms, online meetings, screen sharing, chat, and webinars. Zoom can be accessed via Canvas, mobile devices, desktop computers, telephones, and classroom systems.

As UWM transitions away from Blackboard Collaborate Ultra to solely use Zoom for synchronous learning, resources for new users can be found in the UWM KnowledgeBase, as well as the UWM Technology site. For technical assistance with Zoom, take advantage of their Premiere support and connect with them via their technical and usage support page, or call them 24/7 at 1-888-799-9666.

If you have questions about this change or need any assistance, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Services

LinkedIn Learning: Start Learning a New Skill Today!

September 3, 2021

Learning by yourself isn’t always easy and finding high-quality resources to start honing your new skills can be a difficult task. LinkedIn Learning is an online education hub that provides video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. Complete courses and instantly link those topics to your LinkedIn account to showcase your skills.  

All UWM students, faculty, and staff already have access to their 15,000+ course library, but what are UWM campus members learning about the most using LinkedIn Learning? 

The top 10 most viewed topics on LinkedIn Learning as shown in the chart above are: 

  1. Microsoft Excel 
  2. Python (Programming Language) 
  3. Front-End Development 
  4. Data Visualization 
  5. Project Management 
  6. Microsoft Teams 
  7. Responsive Web Design 
  8. Web Design 
  9. Data Analysis 
  10. HTML  

What topics are you interested in finding on LinkedIn Learning? Visit our LinkedIn Learning webpage to learn more! 

Posted in: Services

Phone Equipment Drop-Off Location

September 2, 2021

With the campus migration to Microsoft Teams, areas may have desk phones or telephony equipment that they no longer use. To continue UWM’s sustainability efforts, we have set up a temporary drop-off location to assist with the collection of these devices.  

During the month of September, faculty and staff can dispose of old or unused phone equipment at the UWM Golda Meir Library. Please bring any items to the main circulation desk and staff will collect the equipment and it will be brought to the UWM Surplus Program. The circulation desk is located on the first floor in the West Wing of the library near the entrance – where books and periodicals are checked out. 

This drop-off location will be available through Thursday, September 30, 2021. More information on devices that are compatible with Teams can be found on our webpage.  

Posted in: News

Weekend Microsoft Loss of Service

August 30, 2021

During a planned IT maintenance event on the evening of Saturday, August 28, 2021, an unexpected Microsoft error occurred. When syncing UWM user accounts between UWM’s Active Directory and Microsoft Azure (our cloud computing platform), some UWM accounts temporarily lost access to Office 365 services.  

IT professionals quickly rectified the error. During the remediation period, however, some UWM users may have received various notifications from Microsoft. For example, some users have notifications about reoccurring meetings that the users have already accepted. 

This incident has been fully resolved and any users who received such notifications may delete them. 

If you have any questions regarding this or have received unexpected notifications or notice other issues with your Office 365 account, please contact the UWM Help Desk.  

Posted in: News

New in Teams: Microsoft Lists

August 16, 2021

Microsoft Lists is a Microsoft 365 app that helps you track information and organize work. Track issues, assets, routines, contacts, inventory and more using customizable views, smart rules, and alerts to keep everyone in sync.

Now, you can integrate Lists into your workflow within Microsoft Teams. Creating Lists using Teams is simple and can be a helpful way to stay organized. Use them to keep track of your to-do list, keep track of students enrolled in your courses, make one for your project team, and so much more. To learn more about making a List in Teams, please review our instructions.

Microsoft Teams Lists Tab

If you have any technology questions please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Services

Website Traffic Trends: Google Analytics

July 30, 2021

With more visitors engaging with our online content than ever, it has never been more important for UWM IT to understand web traffic trends. Google Analytics, a web analytics service that reports website traffic, helps UWM IT see what users are looking for when they visit our websites.

When looking at our Campus Technology website’s web traffic from January through May of this year, there are a few things we can see:

  • We have over 185,000 pageviews on the Technology website meaning that there have been over 185,000 sessions where someone visited any page on the technology site.
  • The top ten performing pages include content that is meant to be used to support UWM users. This is helpful for us to understand because we can then focus on those sites when making sure content is up to date and accurate for our users.
  • We can see that there were more than 76,000 individual users accessing the Technology site’s webpages by looking at the unique pageviews. This metric shows us that there were more than 76,000 individual IP addresses accessing our web content throughout this time.

Though we have only scratched the surface of what Google Analytics can do, these are some of the most important metrics UWM IT looks at when monitoring web traffic on our sites. If you are interested in learning more, Google has an Analytics Academy that can help you get understand everything analytics!

Posted in: Services

Phishing @UWM

July 28, 2021

What is Phishing? 

Phishing attacks use emails or malicious websites to solicit personal information by posing as a trustworthy organization in order to commit fraud. Watch our video to find out more about how to spot and report phishing:

What is being done about it?

The University of Wisconsin System Administration (UWSA) has begun a system-wide phishing awareness and education program where simulated phishing emails are sent to all faculty and staff members in UW System.

The campaign’s messages are meant to mimic real phishing threats and recipients are encouraged to report them as they would with any other suspicious email. If you are using Outlook on the Web, mark an email as ”phishing”, or if you are using the Outlook desktop application, you can mark it as ”junk”. Suspicious emails should always be forwarded to abuse@uwm.edu so UWM’s Information Security Office can investigate further. For more specific instructions, please review our procedure for reporting phishing emails.

If a UWM recipient does inadvertently click on a link in a simulated phishing email from the UWSA, that person will receive a general notification email from their new tool, Infosec IQ. The email message may also include educational content.

For more information about phishing and general cybersecurity, visit our cybersecurity webpage!

Posted in: News

Changes to Mac Login Process

July 23, 2021

Eligible UWM-owned Mac devices will receive a login process upgrade the week of July 26, 2021 (Jamf Connect). Once Jamf Connect has been activated on eligible UWM owned macOS devices, users will experience a different login process. Jamf Connect synchronizes users’ credentials with Microsoft Azure’s Active Directory to streamline the login experience. Visit our KB article to see the new Mac login process in full detail.

Once logged into your device, make sure you turn on notifications for the menu bar application to receive important updates about your security. For detailed instructions on activating and logging into the menu bar application, visit our KB article.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Services

Microsoft Teams Conferencing Equipment

July 7, 2021

The campus transition to Microsoft Teams may require changes to conferencing equipment. To start a conversation with an IT Professional about what option is right for you, please fill out the IT Purchase Request form and select “Audiovisual Technology” in the “I would like to purchase” section.

Based on several factors such as budget, existing technology, and other needs, there are several options to choose from. For a brief overview of AV packages offered, visit our Teams Devices page. When choosing the best configuration for your conference room, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • All costs should be paid for by department funds.
  • Equipment delivery and installation will take time, please plan accordingly.
  • If you have any questions about AV equipment, please contact us via the IT Purchase Request form.
  • For other information regarding these changes, visit the Teams Devices page.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Teams Tip

Temporary Protections Against “PrintNightmare”

July 6, 2021

Due to temporary security measures taken to protect UWM computers from a critical threat, new printers cannot be installed on Windows PCs. Computer users are still able print from any printer that is already installed.

On Thursday, July 1st 2021, Microsoft confirmed the presence of a critical vulnerability in Windows. This vulnerability is being referred to as “PrintNightmare.” The vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to compromise a Windows computer through its printing features. At UWM, a temporary security measure was deployed to Windows devices that protects against the vulnerability, but also prevents new printers from being installed. These measures are temporary and will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so.

Update July 7, 2021: The measures that prevented new printers from being installed on Windows computer are being rolled back. Microsoft has released a patch to address the vulnerability without affecting the ability to install new printers. The patch will be installed on UWM Windows computers starting at 10:00pm tonight. A restart may be required after the patch installs.

If you have questions about this change or need any assistance, please contact IT support.

Posted in: News

Changes to Landline Dialing on Campus

June 3, 2021

For on-campus landlines, dialing locally using 9 plus a 7-digit phone number will be retired October 24, 2021 (e.g.: 9+2291122).

With recent changes to local, long distance, and international dialing, you will now be required to dial 9, plus the 1-digit country code, the 3-digit area code, and the 7-digit phone number to place a call using an on-campus landline (e.g.: 9+1+414+2291122). These changes have already been implemented and should be adopted right away.

This change also applies to faxing, credit card machines, speed dials, modems, panic buttons, intercoms, and more. Anything with programmed dialing will need to be re-programmed by following the device’s set-up instructions before October 24, 2021.

Please note: this change does not affect Teams calling, UWM-issued cell phones, or 4-digit dialing where currently in use (e.g.: 1122).

If you have any questions about this change, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News

Projects on the Horizon: MacOS Upgrade & Standardization

May 26, 2021

UWM is upgrading all university-owned Macs to meet new technical standards.

These changes will simplify processes for Mac users to update and install new software, operating system updates, and other regular updates without needing to contact IT staff.

Currently, 32% of university-owned Mac devices are running unsupported operating systems. In an effort to secure devices and streamline device/user support for Macs, UWM will be standardizing the login process, operating systems (OS), and self-service resources for all university-owned Macs.

Conveniently, users can apply the updates themselves on recently configured Macs with the steps below. Some users will need assistance from IT staff to upgrade their Mac.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further information about this change, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News

Upcoming Research Computing Workshops

May 25, 2021

There are two upcoming educational opportunities to get more familiar with the High Performance Computing (HPC) resources at UWM. The two workshops will be virtual lectures with opportunities for hands-on practice for participants: 

  • Intro to Bash: Tuesday, June 15, 2021, 2-4pm 
  • Intro to UWM HPC Resources: Thursday, June 17, 2021, 2-4pm 

About the Workshops
Nearly all modern supercomputers run some variation of a Linux operating system, a much different experience than a typical desktop computer running Windows. Researchers looking to leverage high performance computing resources either local to UW-Milwaukee or external (e.g. XSEDE) will need to be able to work in these potentially unfamiliar environments. 

If you are interested in these topics and unfamiliar with a Unix command-line environment, it is recommended that you attend both workshops to get the full experience. Please register here: uwm.edu/hpc/courses/. If you cannot attend these workshops but are interested in future events, please fill out the Interested in Future Workshops form to receive updates.

If you have questions about UWM’s High Performance Computing (HPC) Service, please email research-computing@uwm.edu or visit their website for more information. 

Posted in: Events, News

Research Computing at UWM

May 19, 2021

Research Computing focuses on the engineering, management, and support of high-performance computing (HPC) services at UWM.  

High Performance Computing 
HPC can go beyond the bounds of what a typical desktop computer can achieve. This is an essential service to our R1 University – allowing groundbreaking research to occur by gathering and analyzing data on an extremely high scale. Of the top 10 research grants received on campus in 2020, 7 of the recipients were using on-campus high performance resources. Our facilities are housed in an academic computing-focused data center on the first floor of the Kenwood Interdisciplinary Research Complex (KIRC). 

Powerful computational resources are available to UWM researchers and their student assistants. Research computing facilitators are available to aid researchers in getting started in effectively using UWM’s HPC service or other resources that may be more applicable to their research. In 2020, HPC resources ran over 600,000 computational jobs, by 147 accounts associated with 68 different research groups.  

If you have questions about UWM’s High Performance Computing (HPC) Service, please email research-computing@uwm.edu or visit their website for more information. 

Posted in: Services

Phishing Awareness Email Campaign

May 14, 2021

Phishing is an email message sent by scammers to trick you into revealing personal information that can be used to commit fraud. In April, the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) began a System-wide phishing awareness education program in which simulated phishing emails have been sent to all UWS faculty and staff on UW System campuses.

The UW System campaign’s email messages mimic real phishing threats. UWM recipients can simply report the simulated phishing email messages, as they should with all phishing email messages. If you are using Outlook on the Web, you can mark an email as phishing, if you are using the Outlook desktop application you can mark it as junk. Please review our procedure for reporting phishing emails.

If a UWM recipient does inadvertently click on a link contained within a simulated phishing email message, that UWM staff person will be routed to a phishing awareness education webpage that alerts the staff person that they have been phished. The webpage will highlight the suspicious aspects of the phishing email that the recipient may have missed.

How to Spot a Phishing Email:

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

Don’t click any links or reply to a phishing message!

Please contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 if you receive any suspicious email or if you would like more information regarding this topic. Please review our procedure for reporting phishing emails.

Posted in: News

Dell Security Advisory: May 2021

May 12, 2021

On May 4th 2021 Dell released a patch to address a critical security vulnerability in certain Dell systems. UWM has determined that a significant number of its Dell computers may be affected by the vulnerability and should receive the patch as soon as reasonably possible.

IT staff are deploying the patch to the affected Dell computers. The patch will install during the normal update window for any affected Dell system. A small number of systems may need to be restarted to finish applying the patch. If a restart is required, the user will be prompted with a pop-up (example below). If no user is logged in and active on the PC when a restart is required, the computer will restart automatically.

If you have questions about this change, or encounter problems while installing patches and updates, please contact IT support!

Posted in: News

SharePoint Team Sites & Sites for High-Risk Data

May 4, 2021

Creating a SharePoint site is a quick and easy way to make a document storage solution for you and your workgroup. How do you create a SharePoint site? You have two options:

  1. Create a Microsoft Team Creating a Team gives you and your workgroup a real-time collaboration space where you can create, save, share, and work simultaneously on documents, posts, and other group-oriented initiatives. Within each individual Team site, your work group gains access to things such as channels, chat, posts, and a files sections to make working together a seamless experience. To learn how to open your SharePoint site via Teams, visit our KB article!
  2. Create a SharePoint Site Creating a Team Site in SharePoint gives you and your workgroup a place to create, save, share, and work simultaneously on documents, lists and other group-oriented initiatives. A SharePoint Team Site is the perfect option for a work group that does not require the full functionality of a Microsoft Team but still desires a dedicated file storage and sharing solution.

These two types of sites are suitable for storing low/moderate-risk data. Please see UW System Administrative Procedure 1031.A to identify what category your data falls under. Faculty, staff, and students who need to store high-risk data in the SharePoint environment should complete the High Risk SharePoint Site Request form.

More resources regarding SharePoint and Teams sites can be found in the UWM KnowledgeBase, and training materials are available on the UWM Tech Training site and LinkedIn Learning.

If you have any questions about this or need assistance, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Services

UWM Tech Training: A Year Without In-Person Courses

April 28, 2021

With the sudden influx of remote workers back in March 2020, Teams became a necessity for staff at UWM to continue working. However, without the option for in-person training opportunities, many people were left wondering how to best utilize the new platform and its many features. Then, UWM Tech Training changed everything when they started offering Teams Live Events to help acclimate new users to this brand-new workspace.

In-person technology trainings have been offered since the early 90’s at UWM, but, due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, they needed to see immediate change in their environment. During their first live event on March 27, 2020 called “Working Remotely with Teams”, 275 individuals attended the session. Since then, Tech Training has offered 25 other courses with an average of 31 participants in attendance. All current courses run through UWM Tech Training are free to join and course recordings of all previous sessions are available their online training webpage.

With such a sudden change to a brand new environment, course feedback surveys were essential to insuring positive user experiences. Of the responses collected so far, 97% of surveys found the courses to be useful and 100% of surveys found the instructor to be effective. Some of the most used words in the responses recorded by surveys include:

Visit the UWM Tech Training online training webpage to see their full schedule of courses and to find tons of resources!

Posted in: Services, Training

Return to Campus Technology Checklist

April 16, 2021

When computers have not been used or updated for a while, it can require some time to get them set up again. If you will be returning to work on-campus or are turning on devices that have been idle, please keep this checklist in mind and set aside time to get your technology ready:

More detailed instructions on each topic can be found on our webpage: Return to Campus – Technology Readiness.

If you have any issues with your technology, please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News

The UWM Help Desk: 2020 at a Glance

March 31, 2021

Have a question? Get an answer by calling the UWM Help Desk!

Last year alone, the folks over at UWM’s premier technology touchpoint helped over 13,000 campus members resolve their tech related issues. Resolving almost 30,000 tickets in 2020, that works out to be about one ticket per every student enrolled here at UWM or a ratio of 1:1.2.  However, faculty, staff and students alike can all find the answers to their technology questions at the Help Desk.

Of the tickets submitted to the Help Desk in 2020, the top two categories assigned to cases were Accounts & Access and Office 365. Even though those two categories pop up the most, always feel free to contact them with whatever tech related issue you may experience!

 

For more information about the UWM Help Desk such as their hours of operation, online form submission, phone numbers and more, visit their website!  

Posted in: News, Services

Updated Technology Recommendations for Students

March 24, 2021

UWM’s student technology recommendations have been recently updated. These recommendations are meant to aid students in choosing a device for their coursework at UWM. Access to a laptop or computer is an essential part of 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.

The updated information is included below and these recommendations can be also found on our Student Resources webpage under Purchasing Technology.

Computer recommendations:

  • Windows 10 computer or an Apple computer running at least OS 10.14 (Mojave)
  • Intel Core i5 (or i7) or AMD Ryzen processor
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB solid-state drive (SSD)
  • 1920 x 1080 (“full HD”) screen resolution
  • Webcam with integrated 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

Schools and colleges at UWM may have specific technology recommendations for certain majors or programs. Students are encouraged to talk to their advisors about possible technology recommendations for your specific course load. Additionally, The Dean of Students Office provides a laptop loan program for UWM students.

Technology (desktops, laptops, accessories) can be purchased online or in-person at the UWM TechStore.

Posted in: News

Fiscal Year End IT Purchases

March 22, 2021

To ensure that IT purchase requests are billed within the current fiscal year, units are encouraged to make IT purchase requests by the end of April. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic make it more difficult for vendors to fulfill these requests before the June 30 deadline when funds for the current fiscal year will expire.

To make a request for an IT purchase, please use the Purchase Request Form. Once the form is submitted, it will be reviewed by a team of purchasing, information security and IT specialists. These specialists will review the request from a variety of angles and then approve, deny or request more information for the procurement.

If you need assistance determining what computers or other IT equipment your department should replace, please contact the UWM Help Desk to request an inventory of equipment. IT professionals can also discuss with you the best options for upgrading or replacing computer hardware.

Some other information about purchasing within the fiscal year:

  • The IT purchase must be charged within the current fiscal year to use current funds. Most vendors charge on the date the item ships, not the date it was ordered.
  • If you are purchasing an item that has a lead time to ship (for example, a three-week lead time for a laptop), factor in that lead time when determining if the item will be billed in the current fiscal year.

For more information about IT purchasing and using the Purchase Request Form, please see the IT Procurement website.

Posted in: News

Changes to Email & Calendar Access

March 16, 2021

To improve security and ensure usage of multi-factor authentication (MFA) UWM is standardizing the list of applications used to access campus email (Office 365). Starting March 30, 2021, recommended applications for accessing your UWM email and calendar include Outlook apps (Outlook on the web, desktop, and mobile), Mac Mail and Calendar, and iOS Mail and Calendar. Please review our KnowledgeBase article for the full details of this change.

If you are using a mail client outside of the ones mentioned above, please review our resources below to ensure your device can access your UWM email after March 30. Examples of mail and calendar apps that will no longer connect to Office 365 include Thunderbird, Android Mail, Android Calendar, and older versions of iOS Mail and iOS Calendar. Please note: After March 30, any mail or calendar client outside of those recommended may no longer work or would need to be reconfigured. 

Why is this happening? 

Modern Authentication and Basic Authentication are terms for connection methods between a client (for example, your laptop or your phone) and the Office 365 servers. Currently, UWM’s Office 365 environment allows users to authenticate with Office 365 services using both Basic Authentication as well as Modern Authentication. To improve security and ensure required usage of MFA, UWM will be fully moving to utilize Modern Authentication for Office 365 services and will disable support for Basic Authentication on March 30, 2021.  Microsoft has announced the retirement of Basic Authentication and this transition will improve security and ensure that MFA is being fully utilized.   

More Info & Resources: 

  • Outlook on the Web
  • Outlook for Windows
  • Outlook for Mac 
  • Outlook for iOS
  • Outlook for Android
  • macOS Mail & Calendar
  • iOS Mail & Calendar 

If you have any questions about this or need assistance, please contact the UWM Help Desk.  

Posted in: News, Services

Changes to Landline Dialing on Campus

March 11, 2021

Changes to UWM-owned landline dialing have been made as of March 9, 2021.

Historically, users have needed to dial 8 plus the area code and 7-digit phone/fax number when calling/faxing locally, and 9 plus the area code and 7-digit phone/fax number when calling/faxing long distance. Now, recent changes have made it so that users only need to dial 9 when calling/faxing both locally and long distance. These changes do not affect Teams calling, university-owned cell phones or Blue Light phones.

For more in-depth instructions on dialing using landline phones and fax machines on campus, visit network operations’ dialing instructions page.

If you experience any issues regarding dialing on campus using a landline, please contact our networking team at telephone@uwm.edu.

Posted in: News

PAWS: Login Screen Changes

March 4, 2021

On March 14, 2021 multi-factor authentication (MFA) will be required on PAWS for UWM students. MFA was first introduced to students last semester when it was enabled on Office 365.

Since adding MFA to Office 365, students and the University have experienced a higher level of online security. As PAWS contains campus’ most sensitive information, this will further expand the safety of our students.

In order to accommodate the level of authentication needed for PAWS, the login screen will be updated for students, faculty, and staff.

On Sunday, March 14, 2021 faculty, staff, and students will all see the login screen below when they click “PAWS Access” to login. Please note: The new login process for PAWS is the same login process used when accessing Office 365. 

This login screen requires you to enter your entire UWM email address (Ex: ePantherID@uwm.edu). Please use our instructions if you need assistance identifying your UWM email address.

All information and instructions for multi-factor authentication for students, faculty, and staff can be found on our webpage: uwm.edu/multifactor.

If you need assistance with MFA please contact the UWM Help Desk.

Posted in: News, Services

Microsoft highlights the work done at UWM

March 2, 2021

Implementing Teams Calling has been a continued project at UWM spanning several years. Moving to a cloud-based system that offered the latest in technology, while providing cost savings to the University, has been a long and ongoing journey.

Due to the extenuating circumstances brought on by the pandemic, the initial implementation needed to happen faster than ever and IT professionals across UWM worked tirelessly to ensure its success.

Microsoft published an article detailing this process titled “University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee supports staff, faculty, and students with Microsoft Teams Calling”. It sheds a light on the efforts to bring Teams Calling to UWM as well as the investment we have made into an effective remote work environment.  

University IT Services, Campus Technology Support, and all IT staff on campus have put so much work and effort into this initiative, and receiving recognition from Microsoft has been a wonderful experience.

Check out the article to get a closer glimpse into the project! 

Posted in: News, Services

Using Polls in Teams Meetings

February 23, 2021

Get the most out of your Teams meetings with Polls powered by Microsoft Forms! Adding even more ways to engage with your meeting participants, the new polling feature allows you to gather information in real time from your attendees.

To start creating polls for upcoming meetings, start by going into your Calendar section in Teams, and select a future meeting that you have scheduled. Please keep in mind: you need to have created the meeting in order to add polls to that meeting.

After clicking on your meeting, select Chat with Participants.

 

 

 

 

From the toolbar at the top of your screen, click Add a Tab button.

 

 

From the list of apps, click the Microsoft Forms app and then Save.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the new Polls tab, select Create New Poll.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create your questions and answers. Depending on the nature of your meeting, either enable or disable the following settings: Share results automatically after voting, Keep responses anonymous, or to Allow others to co-author. When finished, click Save to save your poll as a draft until you’re ready to launch it during your meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create more Polls by repeating the two previous sections.

To deploy your Polls during the selected meeting, join your Teams Meeting and select the Forms button on the top toolbar of your meeting screen. Then click Launch from the toolbar in the bottom right corner of the Polls window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Posted in: Teams Tip

UWM Help Desk: Changes to Call Center Voicemail  

February 17, 2021

Beginning February 18, 2021, the UWM Help Desk voicemail will be disabled during daily hours of operation. 

During the Help Desk’s normal hours of operation, customers will be placed on hold until a representative becomes available to assist them. Outside of the Help Desk’s normal hours of operations, customers will be able to leave a voicemail. You may also fill out this online form to notify them of any issues you may be experiencing at any time.  

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

Posted in: News

OneDrive @ UWM

February 9, 2021

With over 33.9 million files saved, UWM already knows that OneDrive is the ultimate file storing solution. Fun fact: UWM has almost six times more documents saved to OneDrive than there are people living in Wisconsin.  

For those who are unfamiliar with the service, OneDrive is UWM’s cloud storage system, and is part of Microsoft’s Suite of products. Not only do you get a whole terabyte of storage where you can save documents, photos, videos and more, but OneDrive also allows you to upload, create, and share files online so you can access and edit them anywhere you go.

Not to mention a terabyte of storage capacity is A LOT of space. Like, 500,000 photos a lot, or 250,000 songs a lot.  

But what good is that terabyte of space if you can’t access your files when you need them? Since OneDrive is a cloud-based storage solution, that means wherever you have access to the internet, you have access to all your files. Looking for ways to get started with OneDrive? Start by watching Microsoft’s YouTube video!

How many files do you have saved with OneDrive? 

Posted in: News, Services

Teams Calling Project Update

February 8, 2021

Phase 1 of the Teams Calling Project will be completed at the end of February. Almost all UWM faculty and staff members who had individual UWM campus telephone numbers have now either had their 229 numbers moved from the Centrex system to Microsoft Teams, or they have been given new telephone numbers in Teams. If you are interested in retaining your individual UWM (229) phone number that is not in Teams (this means it is not your current phone number listed in Teams), please contact the UWM Help Desk with that request. We will be performing the final migration of individual phone lines and phone number requests by February 26, 2021.

Please note: This is for individual phone numbers only – those assigned directly to a UWM employee, not an area/department/central reception phone line. This is a request regarding phone number retention – your phone service will still be maintained through Microsoft Teams. 

We are now in Phase 2 of the project, assessing shared phone lines across UWM and migrating them to Microsoft Teams. Conference rooms and labs will be migrated at the end of this project phase; Iwatsu phone systems and call centers will be the focus of phase 3. We appreciate the patience and collaboration across the many areas and departments of UWM. This is an ongoing effort and IT professionals are working area-by-area to ensure shared numbers are carefully reviewed. All migrations are coordinated through AT&T and we are dependent on their timelines.

Phase 2 migrations include phone lines on the Milwaukee campus. The College of General Studies’ migration will be addressed in a later project phase.

If you would like to learn more about the Teams Calling Project, please visit our webpage: uwm.edu/teamsproject. If you have any questions about Teams, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Posted in: News, Services

Teams Meeting Breakout Rooms

February 2, 2021

Facilitate and maintain meaningful connections in even the largest meetings with breakout rooms in Microsoft Teams!

To begin your next breakout session in Teams, start your meeting and navigate to the top toolbar and select the Breakout Rooms option. Please note: You will only have the option to create breakout rooms if you are the organizer of the meeting, and you are in the Teams desktop client.

After that, you will need to select how many rooms you would like. You may create up to 50 rooms during any given meeting. Then, you will need to select whether you would like to Manually place attendees in their breakout rooms, or if you would like to have Teams Automatically group them together. Finally, select Create Rooms to finalize your breakout sessions.

From there, your meeting participants will be able to collaborate, connect and create using Teams and its various apps! As the meeting organizer, you will be able to join any of the breakout rooms, edit various settings for each room, send meeting wide announcements, and much more.

Resources

  • How meeting organizers can create and manage breakout rooms in Teams meetings.
  • How meeting participants can join and collaborate in a breakout room in a Teams meeting.
  • If you have any questions about Teams please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.
Posted in: Teams Tip

Data Privacy Day

January 28, 2021

Data privacy has become one of the most popular internet discussions in recent years. Often it seems that your online privacy is uncontrollable, but there are ways to keep your personal data secure while you live your life on the internet.  

Only use strong passwords. 

  • Your first line of defense online is always your password. Make sure you never use the same password for different services, craft strong passwords that include phrases, numbers, and characters, and NEVER share your passwords with anyone.  

Think before you download. 

  • Applications installed on your phone and tablets gain access to your online information, too. They make money by keeping tabs on things like your contacts, browsing history, and game preferences and then sell that information to companies that serve you ads. 

Turn your WiFi/Bluetooth off while browsing stores. 

  • Some stores and other locations look for devices with WiFi or Bluetooth turned on to track your movements while you are within range. Disable WiFi and Bluetooth when not in use. 

Keep your devices organized and up to date. 

  • Make sure your applications are up to date, that you review privacy policies regularly and that you delete any unused apps. Maintaining a clean machine keeps your personal data safe. 

Stay far away from “Free” WiFi. 

  • Using unsecured WiFi is a one-way ticket to having your traffic monitored. Whether it’s a company or a stranger sitting a few tables away, using unencrypted networks is always a bad idea. However, if you absolutely need to use Starbucks’ WiFi, use a VPN to mask your computer’s identity. 

For more information on Data Privacy Day please visit the National Cyber Security Alliance website.

Posted in: News

Teams Meetings Best Practices

January 27, 2021

Since July of 2020, UWM Teams users have held more than 22,400 Teams meetings. Now that you and your coworkers have adopted Teams into your workflow, here are a few of UWM IT’s best practices for working remotely with Teams.

Make sure your general Teams settings are configured correctly.

  • You don’t want to miss an important chat message or even miss an entire meeting. Make sure you have the outlined configuration below in your general application settings by clicking your person icon in the upper right corner of the Teams desktop client and then choosing Settings:
    • Auto-start application
    • On close, keep application running
    • Turn on new meeting experience

Make sure your equipment is working as expected.

  • There’s nothing worse than going to join a meeting only to find your webcam isn’t being detected by your device. Check your device settings to make sure your webcam, microphone, and speakers are working as expected before joining your next meeting by clicking your person icon in the upper right corner of the Teams desktop client, choose Settings, then choose Devices from the menu on the left.

Convert pre-existing meetings to Teams meetings.

  • If you haven’t already converted previously scheduled in-person meetings to Teams meetings, you can do so with the click of a button. To learn how to switch your in-person meetings to Teams meetings, review our article for step-by-step instructions.

Schedule your regular meetings to end early.

  • Are you constantly in back-to-back meetings with no breaks in between? Instead of blocking out the full time on your calendar, you can schedule your reoccurring meetings to end early by 5-10 minutes. This will allow for more intermittent breaks for those who often find themselves in meetings all day. For instructions on how to do this in Outlook, follow our instructions.

Mute your microphone and disable your camera when attending large meetings.

  • When joining larger meetings, consider muting yourself and turn your camera off while waiting in the lobby so as to not distract participants already in the meeting. After joining, feel free to unmute/turn your camera on after minimizing background noise and seeing what the other attendees have chosen to do.

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

Posted in: Teams Tip

Spring TechTraining Schedule Available

January 19, 2021

Tech Training Logo

The spring 2021 TechTraining course schedule is now available online. All spring 2021 TechTraining courses will be held online with no registration necessary.

Can’t make it to a scheduled session? Check out the recording of the course and the course resources.

Short Courses for Spring 2021:
• Teams Calls
• Teams Calls: Shared Phone Numbers
• File Storage & Sharing: OneDrive, Teams & SharePoint
• Working Remotely with Teams

To view the full schedule, visit the Online Training page. If you have questions, please contact us at uwm-techtraining@uwm.edu.

Looking for other technology training? Check out the TechTraining Resources page for links to training manuals and LinkedIn Learning training videos.

Posted in: Events, Training

Update your UWM Mac to macOS 11 Big Sur

January 15, 2021

Is your UWM Mac running the latest version of macOS? You can use “About This Mac” to find your Mac’s current version.

macOS Big Sur (version 11) is the newest version of macOS and includes a complete visual redesign of the user interface. It also includes major updates to many apps such as Safari, Messages, and Maps, and brings new features to the Mac like Control Center which brings instant access to controls for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, media playback, display brightness and more. Once Big Sur is installed, software updates begin in the background and complete faster than before — so it’s easier than ever to keep your Mac up to date and secure. For a complete list of new features available in Big Sur, please visit https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur/features/.

All computers upgrading to Big Sur will also receive an upgrade to Jamf Connect. Jamf Connect replaces NoMAD and makes it easier for users to keep their ePantherIDs in sync and up to date – especially for devices off campus. For more information about what Jamf Connect does and how it is used at UWM, please visit Using Jamf Connect.

Most Mac models from 2013 or later are eligible to upgrade. Many UWM Macs will be able to upgrade through Self Service. For instructions, see: Upgrade to Big Sur. If you do not see the upgrade to macOS Big Sur in Self Service, you can Request IT Support for help getting your Mac refreshed and upgraded.

About macOS updates at UWM
Apple typically releases new versions of macOS each year in late Fall. IT staff require a few months of preparation before the newly released version can be used on UWM computers.

Updates to macOS are made available to install through Self Service for all eligible devices so you can upgrade at your convenience. If you have questions before you upgrade, please contact IT Support.

 

Posted in: News

New password for UWM Visitor WiFi network

January 6, 2021

For security purposes, the password for the UWM Visitor WiFi network is updated each year.

This network is for visitors to UWM — those guests visiting campus who do not have an ePantherID. Students, faculty, and staff should continue to use UWMWiFi, logging in with their ePantherID and password.

On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the password will be updated to panthers21. The current password will always be readily available on UWM’s Network Operation’s Wi-Fi page along with set-up instructions.

For instructions and more detailed info on all UWM technologies, browse the UWM KnowledgeBase at any time: uwm.edu/kb. If you have any technology questions, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk. 

 

Posted in: News, Services

Spring 2021 Instructional Technology Survey

December 18, 2020

Campus Technology Support (CTS) and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) would like to better understand the instructional technology needs you may have for the upcoming semester.

The survey is open to all UWM Instructors and responses to the survey will help inform the needs related to in-person and online synchronous courses, as well as computer labs.

The survey is open and will be available until January 21, 2021.

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

Adobe Flash Player Retirement

December 16, 2020

On Thursday, December 31, 2020, Adobe Flash Player will no longer be distributed, supported, or updated by Adobe. By the end of 2020, no major browsers are expected to continue supporting Flash or its content.

If you have Flash Player Plugin installed on a university owned device, it will automatically be removed on 12/31/2020. It is highly recommended that you uninstall Flash on any and all personal devices before December 31, as well.

If you would like to learn more about Adobe’s plan to sunset Flash Player, visit their EOL (End of Life) General Information Page. Visit Adobe’s website for instructions on how to uninstall Flash Player on both personal Windows and Mac OS devices.

If you believe that you require Flash Player to access a webpage or resource that is required for university business, or have any issues uninstalling Flash, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Posted in: News

Teams Calling Project Update

December 15, 2020

Phase 1: Individual Phone Numbers
In June of 2020, the Calling feature was added to Microsoft Teams for UWM faculty and staff. This was the first step in a major telephony project for UWM – uniting all communication tools under one platform (Microsoft 365) and migrating our telephone numbers to Microsoft Teams.

In August 2020 we completed the first phase of this initiative, migrating individual phone numbers from our current landline phone system (Centrex) to Microsoft Teams. An individual phone number refers to a direct number assigned to an employee at UWM. This number would be the phone number someone would call to speak to a specific employee directly or leave a voicemail.

Phase 2: Shared Phone Numbers
The Fall 2020 semester was spent collecting data regarding shared phone numbers and their usage across campus. A shared phone number refers to a number that reaches a group of individuals or a department/location. This could include a phone number shared by multiple employees, the front desk for a department, a reception area, or a phone tree. We have now started phase 2 of the project – migrating shared phone numbers to Microsoft Teams.

A detailed approach is being taken during this phase; IT professionals are working area-by-area to ensure shared numbers are carefully reviewed. With that in mind, here are a few things to note about the current project phase:

  • IT professionals are working directly with areas/departments across campus to identify shared numbers and coordinate migrations.
  • This does not mean that every shared number in each area will be migrated at the same time. Data is constantly being collected and shared numbers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • This detailed process allows UWM to identify and disconnect any unused phone numbers and successfully move shared numbers to Teams.
  • All phone number migrations are coordinated through AT&T and we are dependent on their timelines. All information will be shared directly with those areas that are impacted.

This phase of the project requires a large amount of collaboration and communication across UWM. As we move forward, we will continue to address any individual phone numbers that are identified and work with impacted faculty and staff. IT professionals are still investigating conference rooms, labs, and Iwatsu phone systems. Those phone lines will be further reviewed and addressed in a later phase of the project. IT professionals will continue to reach out directly to areas to review their phone numbers and usage. After details are finalized and confirmed, direct communication will continue, and the area will be informed of any migrations.

This is an ongoing effort and we appreciate the patience and collaboration across the many areas and departments of UWM. If you would like to learn more about the Teams Calling Project please visit our webpage: uwm.edu/teamsproject.

Posted in: News

Campus Laptop Drive

December 9, 2020

Now more than ever, students are in need of the technology that allows them to attend classes virtually. To help alleviate some of the stress brought on by COVID-19, the Dean of Students Office is providing students with laptops through their laptop and WiFi hotspot loan program. In a continued effort to help even more students gain access to these technology essentials, they are running a laptop drive!  

  

The UWM IT community has come together to both donate and accept donations for the laptop loan program in order to help bolster the Dean of Students’ laptop inventory. For example, University IT Services has inventoried all existing laptops in the department and then donated the unused ones to the program. Student Affairs IT has tirelessly promoted the drive to our on-campus Technology community and helped facilitate the collection of these devices. Finally, Campus Technology Services (CTS) is also helping out by being the drop off point for laptops, and then they reimage and prepare the donated laptops for student use.  

If you are interested in helping get technology into the hands of students who really need it, start by talking to your department. Inventory your devices, and if you have unused laptops or iMacs in good working condition, please consider donating them! To donate devices, first make sure they have the charging/power cable with them, then contact Campus Technology Services and finally drop them off at the designated time. 

Posted in: News

SMiShing (SMS) Scams & Phishing Attacks

December 2, 2020

There has been a recent spike in SMiShing (SMS) Scams and targeted phishing attacks at universities across the country, including UWM. There has been an especially large increase in text message scams, so please review the information below to learn more about what they are and how to avoid them.

SMiShing (SMS) Scams

With SMiShing, a scammer sends you a text message (SMS). That message appears to come from someone within the University, or from someone you know, and it asks you to perform a task or to provide information. SMiShing is similar to email phishing but is done over mobile text-messaging. Here are some tips related to SMiShing Scams:

  • Who’s it from? If you receive a text message claiming to be from the Provost, Chancellor, or another member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet asking you to do something that is unexpected or that seems out of character, be sure to verify that the message is legitimate before taking any action. The best way to verify the legitimacy of a given message is to directly call the sender. You may use the UWM directory to find phone numbers for people you do not know.
  • Extreme urgency: Be cautious of any text message that urges you to reply quickly or to take action, even if the message appears to be coming from your supervisor or from other high-level UWM personnel. Urgency in text or email messages is a common tactic in both SMiShing and Phishing.
  • Links you’re unsure of: Avoid clicking links sent to you from numbers you do not recognize.
  • In response to an SMS message, never share over SMS your personal information (for example, login, personal identifying, financial details). UWM will never ask for sensitive information over a text message.
  • COVID-19/recent events: Be cautious of any text message that references COVID-19 and asks you to follow a link. Scammers like to use current events to lend apparent legitimacy to their scams.
  • What time was the text sent? Check when the text message was sent. If you received it at an unusual time, it is likely not legitimate.
  • What to do? If you are concerned about a message you’ve received please reach out to the Office of Information Security. Staff members should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to infosec@uwm.edu.

Targeted Phishing Attacks

Phishing refers to when a scammer sends an email message in an attempt to trick you into revealing personal information that can be used to commit fraud. There have been cyber attacks that “spoof” our academic leadership at UWM via email. This means that you may receive an email from outside of UWM Gmail account (Example: ePanther.uwm@gmail.com), pretending to be someone from UWM leadership and spoofing their ePantherID (the Chancellor, the Provost, etc.).

In relation to SMiShing, after successfully phishing a UWM employee’s phone number, the attackers begin sending texts to the phished individuals in an effort to enlist them in a “gift card” scam:  “I’m leadership, please buy gift cards and give me the numbers,” etc.

If, in response to a targeted phishing attack, a UWM employee has inadvertently released their phone number:

  • a third party now has their name and phone number
  • they should be alert to any unexpected messages and potential scams via text message
  • they may want to use any features in their phone that allows them to block unknown callers
  • oftentimes, the attacker will quickly give up if they do not receive any responses. If attempts continue they may want to contact their telephone service provider.

Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Office of Information Security at infosec@uwm.edu.

Additional Resources:

  • How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
  • Protect Yourself from “SMiShing”
  • What is SMiShing & How to Defend Against It?
  • Phishing Attacks Targeting Students

 

 

 

Posted in: News

Microsoft is rebranding to M365

December 1, 2020

In April 2020 Microsoft announced that they will be rebranding from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 Apps. This change is ongoing, and Microsoft has been working to update their materials to reflect this branding change.

In an effort to align with Microsoft’s naming conventions, UWM IT has been undergoing efforts to identify and update all UWM resources containing the Office 365 naming convention.

The following list provides examples of the previous name and the rebranded name:

  • Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus is now Microsoft 365 Apps
  • Office 365 is now Microsoft 365
  • O365 is now M365

Please note that this change is ongoing, and UWM IT expects to have all resources updated by the end of January 2021. Additionally, this change is being rolled out by Microsoft, and UWM IT does not control when this branding change will officially take effect in our environment. Thank you for your patience as we work through the rebranding process.

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

Posted in: News, Services

Upcoming Changes to Network Drives

November 24, 2020

On January 3, 2021 UW-Milwaukee’s Macintosh devices will use a new method for accessing uFiles and network storage. This means there will be a new address that will mount the Shares drive in Finder—in which you will see all the network folders you can access. This change will also be reflected in the Self-Service Mount Network Shares policy.

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 address you previously used will be changed to smb://ad.uwm.edu/Shares. This change will allow a simpler and more consistent method of providing secure file storage.

Inside the Shares drive, you will find folder links (similar to Aliases) 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 /Volumes/Shares/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 uFiles (UWM), and Scanner (Shares)
  • After the change: Shares contains folder links to _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.

Posted in: News

New from Microsoft: Briefing Email

November 19, 2020

The Briefing email is a new feature from Microsoft that allows you to look ahead and plan your workday. This message is sent at the beginning of the day and contains a short synopsis of the general tasks, requests, follow-ups, documents, and meetings that are occurring.  

This email is automatically generated and is a new feature found in Outlook. It scans Outlook for any actionable items in your messages and then forms the list contained in the email from “Cortana” (Microsoft’s virtual assistant tool). This may include previously mentioned tasks or documents found within your inbox and you can choose to mark them as done or to delete them from your list, as you see fit. If any of those items are related to a meeting, Cortana will couple those together in the email. Please note: Briefing emails are personal to each user and your data is kept private. If Cortana does not find any suggestions for you, you will not receive a briefing email that day. 

Briefing emails are sent by default at UWM, but you may choose to unsubscribe. There is an option to unsubscribe in the initial sentence of each email (shown below) as well as in the footer at the bottom of the message. For more information on this, please take a look at Microsoft’s overview of the Briefing email.

For instructions and more detailed info on all UWM technologies, browse the UWM KnowledgeBase at any time: uwm.edu/kb. If you have any questions about Teams, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk. 

Posted in: News, Services

Student MFA is now on Office 365

November 12, 2020

Multi-factor authentication has been added to the Office 365 environment (Outlook, OneDrive, etc.) for students currently enrolled at UWM. 

Any eligible student who has yet to enroll in MFA will be prompted to sign-up when they next log into Office 365. Please note: MFA will only be required for student login to Office 365. It will not be required for student access to other campus systems such as PAWS or Canvas. 

MFA Resources

  • MFA Webpage: uwm.edu/multifactor
    • This is where all MFA information and resources can be found for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Please review our instructions for more details on how students can enroll, sign in, and manage their devices.
  • MFA instructional video:

Any student with questions about MFA can contact the UWM Help Desk. An IT professional will work directly with the student to assist with the sign-up process and address any concerns. Please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Posted in: News, Services

Microsoft Whiteboard Integration with Teams

November 12, 2020

Microsoft has added new functionality to Teams meetings to make it even easier for working groups to collaborate creatively. Microsoft Whiteboard is a presentation mode that allows for sketching, storyboarding, and other creative brainstorming during Teams meetings. To start doodling during meetings, follow these instructions: 

  • Join any Teams Meeting. 
  • Select the Share Content button on the top tool bar in your meeting.  
  • In the bottom right-hand corner of the screen under the whiteboard section, select the Microsoft Whiteboard option. 

  • Collaborate using the selection of pens, colors, sticky notes, and text options!

  • When your meeting is over and you want to save your whiteboard, select the Options Menu in the upper right-hand corner of the whiteboard workspace.  
  • Once open, select the option to Export Image (PNG). Also, located in this menu, you have the option to toggle between Other participants can edit and Other participants cannot edit. 

For instructions and more detailed info on all UWM technologies, browse the UWM KnowledgeBase at any time: uwm.edu/kb. If you have any questions about Teams, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk. 

Posted in: Services, Teams Tip

Using Teams for Remote Call Centers

November 9, 2020

Moving a university to a remote environment requires a lot of time, technology, and IT infrastructure. In early March, IT staff worked tirelessly to help UWM departments create new, remote structures that still allowed them to serve the campus community. Now, more halfway through the fall semester, Microsoft Teams has become a prominent part of our virtual environment, and several departments across campus were able to fully transition to remote call centers using Microsoft Teams.

One of the first call centers to go remote was the UWM Help Desk. It was essential that IT support continued to be provided in order to facilitate the move for other departments. Trying to replicate the on-campus system proved difficult – ensuring that calls coming into the central helpline (414-229-4040) were correctly routed to individual employees that were now working remotely required a lot of technical infrastructure that did not previously exist.

It was important to ensure students, faculty and staff were able to continue to rely on the services the UWM Help Desk provided. Over the course of 2 weeks, changes and updates were made every day to ensure we could continue to help the campus with their technology needs, especially at a time when the campus community was transitioning to virtual learning and work environments.

IT staff were able to test out and implement this technology quickly in order to keep employees safe and to continue to provide key support to campus. They had successfully set-up the very first remote call center for UWM. This work was replicated for departments across the campus including the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Lubar Career Services, the Bursar’s Office, and many more.

Microsoft Teams is now fully available to UWM faculty and staff, and the implementation of these remote environments was not initially in scope for the project. IT staff across campus worked collaboratively to ensure there was no gap in services provided to students, faculty, and staff.

When first implementing Teams for faculty and staff in February of this year, Chancellor Mone said “UWM’s adoption of the Microsoft Teams platform will profoundly transform how we communicate and collaborate, helping deliver the benefits of ‘digital transformation’ to our campus community.”

The response of UWM’s IT staff throughout the pandemic has assuredly reached the digital transformation we set out to achieve. To learn more about Microsoft Teams please visit uwm.edu/teams.

Posted in: News

Campus Software Updates

November 2, 2020

Adobe Creative Cloud

The temporary Adobe Creative Cloud licenses provided to students during the 2020 Spring and Summer semesters have expired effective August 20, 2020.

As many students continue to work remotely, students are still able to access Adobe via UWM’s virtual computer labs. Please see these instructions on how to access Adobe remotely.

MatLab

With UWM’s Campus-wide license of MATLAB, students, faculty and staff have been provided access to install MATLAB for home use. Please follow the steps below and create a free MathWorks account so that you can gain access to install MATLAB for your home machine.

  1. Go to University Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s MATLAB portal
  2. Scroll down to the middle of the page and click on the “Sign in to get started” button.
  3. Login using your UWM credentials.
  4. Create a free MathWorks Account.

Please contact MathWorks contact support with any questions or issues you may have.

Posted in: News, Services

Live Event for Student MFA

October 29, 2020

University IT Services will be hosting a live demonstration on Friday, November 6, 2020 to talk about student multi-factor authentication (MFA). This demo will provide background info on MFA, a walkthrough of the enrollment and login processes, authentication methods available and a live Q&A session with IT staff. Please use this link to join through Microsoft Teams; f you are not able to make it to the demo on this date, the live event will be recorded and you can play it back through the same link.

Something you know plus something you have equals secure access

Multi-factor authentication is now available for currently enrolled students on Office 365. Open enrollment began on October 28 and will run through November 11, 2020. To learn more about MFA please visit our webpage: uwm.edu/multifactor.

Please note: In this initial phase of our MFA implementation for students, the MFA login requirement will be limited to Office 365. Students will not be prompted to authenticate on other platforms such as PAWS and Canvas at this time. 

Posted in: Events, News

Google Chrome & Microsoft Edge on Windows Devices

October 28, 2020

On November 4, 2020 at 10 pm there will be two upgrades made to University-managed devices that relate to Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. More detailed information can be found below.

Upgrade to Google Chrome

University-managed Windows 10 devices running the 32-bit version of Google Chrome will automatically be upgraded from the 32-bit version of Chrome to the 64-bit version. Please note:

  • This change will not affect your Chrome profile or bookmarks.
  • The upgrade will fix a known issue with loading websites on the 32-bit version.
  • To check your version, open Chrome and select Help -> About Google Chrome from the menu near the upper-right corner of your window.
  • If you choose to upgrade before November 4, please open the Software Center and you can run this update at a time more convenient for you. Please review our instructions for more details on how to perform this action.

Upgrade to Microsoft Edge

University-managed Windows 10 devices will automatically upgrade Microsoft Edge to the newest version. Please note:

  • This change will not affect your data or favorites.
  • The new version of Edge has improved performance, compatibility, privacy, and security.
  • Microsoft will begin automatically deploying the new Edge to personal devices with the newest release of Windows 10. To learn more about the new Microsoft Edge, see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge.
  • If you choose to upgrade before November 4, please open the Software Center and you can run this update at a time more convenient for you. Please review our instructions for more details on how to perform this action.

If you have questions on either of these upgrades please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/help.

Posted in: News, Services

Teams Meeting Recordings saved to OneDrive & SharePoint

October 26, 2020

On Monday, November 2nd, 2020 the location for new Teams meeting recordings will be changed. Recordings will be stored on OneDrive and SharePoint instead of Microsoft Stream.  

One-to-one and group meetings will be stored in the OneDrive space of the person who started the recording in a special folder labeled “Recordings” – that sits at the top level of the recorder’s OneDrive. Team channel meetings will be stored in a folder labeled “Recordings” under a folder named after the channel under the Team’s document library. 

All meeting invitees – except for external users – in non-channel meetings will automatically get a shared link to access the meeting recording. External users will need to be explicitly added to the shared list by the meeting organizer or the person that clicked the record button. For Channel meetings, permissions will be inherited from the owners and members list in the channel. 

A few limitations to consider:

  • Currently, you can not turn on captions while viewing a meeting recording.
  • At this time, there is no way to download meeting recording transcripts.
  • The recording will appear in the meeting channel once it finishes saving; there is not a notification email sent.

For more information on Teams meeting recordings please review our resources:

  • Teams Meeting Recordings
  • Teams Features, Storage Locations, and Retentions

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

 

Posted in: News

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 23, 2020

Most cyberattacks and data breaches occur through compromised credentials – when someone gains access to your account and pretends to be you. Although cyber-attacks can’t be seen, they happen every day. It is important to protect yourself and UWM.

With October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, here are some tips on how to stay safe online:

• Lock your phone: Whether it’s a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition, be sure to use the lock feature found on every phone. Mobile phones have become the central hub for all our information, so be sure to use this safety feature in case it’s lost or stolen. This also applies to tablets and other devices with locking capabilities.

• Create strong passwords: Try to use a sentence or phrase that is easy to remember. Then, try to think of ways in which some of the words can be spelled differently with symbols and numbers, such as replacing an ‘s’ with a ‘$.’ Also, try to refrain from using the same password for every platform. If the same password is used, and an account is compromised, any other account with that password could be compromised as well.

• Think before clicking: Many online threats come from phishing or online scams, urging you to click a button or follow a link and reveal sensitive information. Always double check who the request is from and look for indicators such as spelling errors and language of extreme urgency.

• Multi-Factor Authentication: MFA is one of the best defenses against cyber attacks. By using something you know (username & password) with something you have (a device) two levels of security are used to confirm your identity. MFA is now a standard security measure across the world and is most commonly associated with online banking. UWM faculty and staff already use MFA, and it has already greatly bolstered the protection of UWM’s employees and its systems. MFA will become available to students currently enrolled at UWM on October 28, 2020. To learn more about MFA please visit our webpage: uwm.edu/multifactor.

More info on cybersecurity can be found here: uwm.edu/cybersecurity

If you have any questions on this topic or think you may be dealing with a  cybersecurity issue, please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Posted in: News

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Students

October 22, 2020

What is MFA?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) refers to an additional layer of security added to the login process. To keep your account safe, you use something you know (your password) with something you have (device/smartphone/etc) to confirm your identity.

Here are some common ways MFA is used every day:

  • When using an ATM, you need your bank card and your PIN number
  • When paying for gas with a credit card you need to enter your zip code
  • When logging into your bank account online you may be prompted to enter a security code sent via text message

MFA at UWM

In the fall of 2019, faculty and staff were enrolled in MFA and it has provided an immense level of protection to their online information, as well as UWM’s. University IT Services is excited to extend this to students currently enrolled at UWM and to enhance the university’s cybersecurity. Students will be using MFA through Microsoft and it will be added to Office 365 (Outlook, OneDrive, etc.) on October 28, 2020.

There will be a 2-week window for students to enroll in MFA. On November 12, 2020 MFA will become mandatory upon logging into Office 365. Please note: In this initial phase of our MFA implementation for students, the MFA login requirement will be limited to Office 365. Students will not be prompted to authenticate on other platforms such as PAWS and Canvas at this time. 

Resources

  • MFA Webpage: uwm.edu/multifactor
    • This is where all MFA information and resources can be found for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Please review our instructions for more details on how students can enroll, sign in, and manage their devices.
  • University IT Services will be hosting a live online demo on October 26, 2020, from 1-2pm. The event will also be recorded and available for viewing using the same link.
  • The video below shows you what the student enrollment process will look like:

If a student does not have the technology to successfully enroll, advise the student to call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

For instructions and more detailed info on all UWM technologies, browse the UWM KnowledgeBase at any time: uwm.edu/kb. If you have any questions about MFA please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

 

Posted in: News, Services

New UWM IT Procurement Practice

October 6, 2020

UWM has a new practice relating to IT procurement. To best address the campus’ growing information technology needs, all information technology-related procurement requests will go through the same standardized process to determine the best route for the purchase. 

This new streamlined process gives the campus a single place to go for IT purchasing. 

Examples of IT purchases include:

  • Laptops, desktops, tablets 
  • Software that isn’t offered through the UWM Software Shop 
  • Audiovisual technology 
  • Monitors, stands, and other accessories 
  • Enterprise or cloud-hosted software 
  • Other items: if you aren’t quite sure, please just select “other” or “ask a question” and let us know about your inquiry. 

The Purchase Request form for IT purchases can be found here: uwm.edu/technology/purchase-request/.

Once submitted, a Procurement Analyst from Campus Technology Support will contact you to discuss the request. During the review process a team of purchasing, information security, and IT specialists will review the request under the guidelines set forth in the UWM IT Procurement Practice. 

Posted in: News, Services

Teams Calling Project Update

October 2, 2020

In June of 2020, the Calling feature was added to Microsoft Teams for UWM faculty and staff. This was the first step in a major telephony project for UWM – uniting all communication tools under one platform (Office 365) and migrating our telephone lines to Microsoft Teams.

In August we were able to move forward with the first phase of this project, migrating individual phone numbers from our current landline phone system (Centrex) to Microsoft Teams. An individual phone number refers to a direct number assigned to an employee at UWM. This number would be the phone number someone would call to speak to a specific employee directly or leave a voicemail.

Please note: If you received a Teams phone number your contact information needs to be updated in UWM’s Human Resources System (HRS). HRS is a self-service system that feeds the UWM directory, which means that individual employees can update their contact information whenever needed. If you have not previously updated your information in HRS, please use our instructions as a guide. 

As we move towards phase 2 of this project, IT staff are collecting data regarding shared phone numbers and their usage across campus. A shared phone number refers to a number that reaches a group of individuals or a department/location. This could include a phone number shared by multiple employees, the front desk for a department, a reception area, or a phone tree. A small number of individual lines remain and will migrate along with shared lines in phase 2.

Departments and areas across UWM will be communicated with directly regarding this phase of the project. We anticipate multiple migrations with AT&T for shared lines throughout 2021.

The next few months will focus on data collection for phase 2. The Teams Calling Project is an ongoing initiative, please check our website for up-to-date information on the project: uwm.edu/teamsproject. If you have any questions regarding Teams Calling please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.

Posted in: News, Services

Teams Tip: Post a Message to Multiple Channels

September 30, 2020

Have you ever wished you could share the same message to several of your working Teams at the same time? Now you can now share posts to multiple channels simultaneously in Teams! Follow the instructions below to master this helpful hack:

  1. Navigate to the Teams tab in Teams.
  2. In a channel, create a New Conversation and select Format.
  3. Choose the message type you prefer: New conversation or Announcement.
  4. Click the option to Post in multiple channels, then click the button to Select channels.
  5. Select which channels to cross-post to.
    1. Note: You can share wherever you’re a member.
  6. Click Update, and your selected channels appear in the post.
  7. Choose Everyone can reply to let anyone respond to your post or select You and moderators can reply to restrict responses to just you and the moderators.
  8. Type a message and select Send.
  9. Your posts appear in the selected channels.

Run into issues? Watch Microsoft’s tutorial.

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

 

Posted in: Teams Tip

On Campus Technology Resources

September 16, 2020

Check out our list of on-campus technology resources available for use this semester!

UWM Help Desk

The UWM Help Desk walk-in location in the Library Learning Commons will be open this fall! Visit their webpage to find their fall hours and for more ways to get tech help.

UWM Tech Repair

UWM Tech Repair will be open this semester! Visit their website to book an appointment and to find more information about how they’re keeping customers and their hardware safe.

Wepa

Wepa will still be there for you! You will still be able to use the 30+ Wepa print stations across campus to print your work using their new touchless option. Visit the Wepa print stations webpage to learn about this new way to print on campus.

WiFi

If you are on campus this semester, make sure you’re connected to the UWM WiFi! After you finish the one-time device setup, any traffic your device generates will stay encrypted. Visit the UWM WiFi page to learn more!

Campus Computer Labs

Need to use a computer on campus this semester? Campus computer labs will be available for student use! Won’t be on campus this semester but need specialized software to get your work done? Use one of our virtual computer labs! Visit the campus computer lab webpage to find more information about lab use both virtually and on campus.

UWM Tech Store

The UWM Tech Store is open this semester! In store or online, find the technology you need to be successful student at UWM. Visit their website for more information about special offers, their hours of operation and the products they have for sale.

Posted in: News, Services

Adding your Teams phone number to HRS

September 14, 2020

UWM’s Human Resource System (HRS) is the repository for employee information such as their office location, phone number, etc. This is a self-service system, which means individual users can update their information at any time.

If you recently received a new phone number through Microsoft Teams, please feel free to update your information in HRS. Please review our instructions to get started.

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

Posted in: News

Connecting to the VPN (Virtual Private Network)

September 11, 2020

What is a VPN? 

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection between your device and a protected network using a public internet connection. Connecting to unsecured networks at coffee shops, or even your own home network does not offer the same level of security as the network our University’s campus provides. 

The VPN affords several benefits to UWM employees that are working remotely. Using UWM’s VPN allows you to remotely-access your on-campus device, gives off-campus access to UWM’s network drives, and offers greater protection when using unsecured networks off-campus.  

It is also important to connect any University-owned device you are using remotely to the VPN. Connecting ensures that you continue to receive regular updates to your computer.   

Why should I use UWM’s VPN? 

Here are a few prominent benefits to using the VPN:

  • Connecting to UWM’s VPN allows you to access resources that are only available to on-campus users such as shared drives and data sources. 
  • Connecting to UWM’s VPN keeps the information you access on your device private. 
  • Connecting to UWM’s VPN encrypts phone calls made via Teams (using Voice Over IP).  

Best Practices for Using UWM’s VPN 

The following recommendations ensure that you are using the VPN correctly and are able to take full advantage of its benefits:

  • Get into the habit of connecting to the VPN each day when you log into your device. 
  • Always be sure you are connected to the VPN when using a public WiFi network. 
  • Contact the UWM Help Desk if you are experiencing any issues with VPN. 

How do I install and connect to UWM’s VPN on my device? 

You must install the VPN before connecting, you will find detailed instructions below:

  • Install for Windows: https://kb.uwm.edu/page.php?id=83286 
    • Connect for Windows: https://kb.uwm.edu/page.php?id=89581 
  • Install for macOS: https://kb.uwm.edu/83717 
    • Connect for macOS: https://kb.uwm.edu/89582 
Posted in: Services

Get Help Remotely using BeyondTrust

August 27, 2020

For your safety and convenience, IT support at UWM can now offer support remotely using BeyondTrust.

This tool allows you to remotely show your screen to IT support staff. Support can control the keyboard and mouse remotely to solve issues right away.

The UWM community can now receive remote support on nearly any computer connected to the internet. BeyondTrust has already been used to help UWM staff and students over 1,000 times, even when they were travelling across the country!

Have an IT problem? Contact IT Support! You might join us for a BeyondTrust session soon.

NOTE: Hackers have been known to impersonate UWM IT support to gain access to our computers. Be careful who you allow to connect to your computer. If anyone asks you to connect to a “remote support” session using a different tool, such as LogMeIn or TeamViewer, do not accept the invitation!

 

Posted in: News

Update your UWM Mac to Catalina!

August 27, 2020

Is your UWM Mac running the latest version of macOS? You can use “About This Mac” to find your Mac’s current version.

macOS Catalina (version 10.15.6) is the newest version of macOS. Macs models from 2012 or later are eligible to upgrade. Many UWM Macs will be able to upgrade through Self Service. For instructions, see: Upgrade to Catalina

If you do not see the upgrade to macOS Catalina in Self Service, you can Request IT Support for help getting your Mac refreshed and upgraded.

About macOS updates at UWM

Apple typically releases new versions of macOS each year in September or October. IT staff require a few months of preparation before the newly released version can be used on UWM computers.

Updates to macOS are made available to install through Self Service for all eligible devices so you can upgrade at your convenience. If you have questions before you upgrade, please contact IT Support!

Coming Soon: macOS Big Sur

macOS Big Sur version 11.0 will be available later this year. Most Macs that can run Catalina will be able to run Big Sur as well. A few older models will not be able to upgrade beyond 10.15.6 Catalina: 

  • 2012 and Early 2013 MacBook Pro 
  • 2012 MacBook Air 
  • 2012 and 2013 iMac 
  • 2012 Mac mini 

For a complete list of new features coming in Big Sur this fall, please visit https://www.apple.com/macos/big-sur-preview/features/ 

Posted in: News

Introducing JAMF Connect

August 27, 2020

UWM is rolling out a new way to log into Macs. The new JAMF Connect system will make it easier to work remotely on a Mac and stay connected to UWM systems.  To upgrade, launch Self Service and click on Jamf Connect. The upgrade process takes only a minute or two on most Macs. 

If you do not see “Jamf Connect” in Self Service, you will need to schedule a computer upgrade & refresh to get JAMF connect. Please submit a support request to get started. 

 

Posted in: News

Home Shipping Options for IT Purchases

August 27, 2020

For your safety and convenience, UWM can now offer home shipping options on many IT hardware purchases.

You can begin an IT purchase request using the Purchase Request Form. The form will now prompt you to indicate whether you are interested in shipping to a home address.

Home shipping is available for free on select items. Details are as follows:

  • All new computer purchases and all Apple products must be shipped to UWM. After receiving the purchase, IT staff can re-ship items to a home address for a charge. The same fund used to purchase the IT equipment will be charged the cost of shipping through a carrier (UPS, FedEx, or USPS).
  • Other IT purchases can typically be shipped directly to a home address at no additional cost. This includes monitors, cables, adapters, external hard drives, printers, and most other accessories.

If you have any questions about IT Purchasing, please ask us through the Purchase Request Form. You can submit the form even if you don’t know yet what you want to buy. We’re here to help you find the best solution for your needs.

Note: Shipping Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Please be advised that since the beginning of the pandemic, UWM has experienced delays when purchasing equipment that is in high demand for remote workers and students. Laptops, tablets, webcams, printers and other items are often out-of-stock or back-ordered. Purchasing staff are working to source equipment as quickly as circumstances permit. Thank you for your patience and understanding! 

Posted in: News

Individual Phone Line Voicemail Cutoff

August 25, 2020

Faculty and staff who had a voicemail box on their individual phone line will have until August 28, 2020 to listen to voicemail messages. On August 28, the service will be cut off and you will no longer have access to this voicemail box.

To check your voicemail on your individual phone line before the cutoff date, follow the steps in this UWM Knowledgebase article.

Please note that this cutoff will not impact voicemail messages received through Microsoft Teams.

Posted in: News

LinkedIn Learning Webinars

August 18, 2020

Log in to LinkedIn Learning

This fall, LinkedIn Learning is offering webinars with content tailored to students, facutly and staff. Learn how LinkedIn Learning can help you in your role; all sessions are free and require preregistration. Topics include:

  • What is LinkedIn Learning and how do we organize our content library of over 16,000 courses
  • How it can be leveraged inside of the classroom to support your students as part of a blended learning strategy
  • How faculty can find the right content easily through content mapping
  • How staff can build a professional brand
  • How to find the right content easily through a live demo
  • How to build your online brand through LinkedIn
  • How you can take advantage of our alumni tool to create a strong network and help you with your job search

Visit the UWM LinkedIn Learning page for dates, times and registration information. Please contact uwm-techtraining@uwm.edu with any questions.

Posted in: Events, Training

Fall TechTraining Schedule Available

August 18, 2020

Tech Training Logo

The fall 2020 TechTraining course schedule is now available online. All fall 2020 TechTraining courses will be held online with no registration necessary.

Can’t make it to a scheduled session? Check out the recording of the course and the course resources.

Short Courses for Fall 2020:
• Teams Calls
• Teams Calls for Administrative Assistants
• What to Use When: OneDrive, Teams & SharePoint
• Working Remotely with Teams

To view the full schedule, visit the Online Training page. If you have questions, please contact us at uwm-techtraining@uwm.edu.

Looking for other technology training? Check out the TechTraining Resources page for links to training manuals and LinkedIn Learning training videos.

Posted in: Events, Training

UWM Instructional Technology Survey

August 13, 2020
Campus Technology Support (CTS) and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) would like to better understand the instructional technology needs you may have for the upcoming semester.
The survey is open to all UWM Instructors and responses to the survey will help inform the needs related to in-person and online synchronous courses, as well as computer labs.
The survey is open and will be available until September 4, 2020.
If you have any questions regarding this please call the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or visit uwm.edu/helpdesk.
Posted in: News

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.

Posted in: News

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. 

Posted in: Teams Tip

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:  

  1. Help Desk  
  2. Classroom Services  
  3. 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.  

Posted in: News

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.

 

Posted in: News

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.
    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.
    Settings, events and invitations
  • Click to Save your settings in the bottom right of this window.
    Save, Discard buttons
  • 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.

 

Posted in: Teams Tip

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.
    microsoft teams together mode coffee shop
  • Video Filters: Before joining a meeting you can use filters to subtly adjust lighting levels and soften the focus of the camera.
    An animated image of background filters.
  • 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.
    An animated image of Live reactions.

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

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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 C450HDJabra Speak 510+ w/ USB DongleJabra 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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.
    Send an emoji in Teams.
  • 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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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:

  • Uploading custom background
    Custom image.jpg
  • Pop-out Chat
  • Raising your hand in a meeting
  • Changing participant settings for a meeting
  • Meeting organizers can remove anonymous users

Here’s what’s coming soon:

  • 7×7 video support for desktops (view up to 49 people at once)
    7x7.jpg
  • 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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

 

Posted in: News, Training

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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:

  • Teams Mobile – iOS
  • Teams Mobile – Android

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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!

Posted in: News, Services, Training

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.

Posted in: Events, Services, Training

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.

Posted in: News, Services, Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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
  • 1920 x 1080 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

If you need financial assistance in purchasing the recommended technology, contact the Dean of Students Office for more information. Technology (desktops, laptops, accessories) can be purchased by students, faculty, and staff at the UWM TechStore.

Posted in: News

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.

Posted in: Services

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.
Posted in: Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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.

 

 

Posted in: Services, Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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:
  • Remote Labs with Windows 10
  • Remote Labs with macOS
  • Remote Labs with ChromeOS

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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

 

Posted in: Events, Services, Training

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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 MonoJabra Evolve 40 Wired Stereo
Jabra Mono HeadsetJabra Stereo Headset

  • 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.


Posted in: News, Services

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.

  1. Move your mouse on the meeting screen until you see the on-screen control panel.
    On Screen Control Panel
  2. 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.
  3. 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/help.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

 

Posted in: News, Training

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.

 

 

 

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • MatLab
  • Minitab
  • STATA

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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)

Log in to LinkedIn Learning

Posted in: Services, Training

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:

  1. Before joining, make sure your device has audio capabilities; either speakers or use headphones
  2. On Friday, March 27, use this link to join the event: Working Remotely with Teams.
  3. 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.

Posted in: Events, Teams Tip, Training

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: News, Services

Headsets to use with Microsoft Teams

March 18, 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 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: 

  1. Call (414) 229-5480.
    • An IT professional will confirm your eligibility to receive a headset and record your name and UWM ID number.
  2. Come to the Merrill parking lot (#18)
  3. Decide which device you prefer:
    Jabra Evolve 40 Wired MonoJabra Evolve 40 Wired Stereo
    Jabra Mono HeadsetJabra Stereo Headset

    • 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.


  4. 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.  

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. These headsets will be available for pick-up 9am-3pm, Mon-Fri until March 25, 2020. 

Posted in: Events, News, Services

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.

Posted in: News, Services

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.

Posted in: Teams Tip

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. 

 

Posted in: Services, Teams Tip

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. 

Posted in: News

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:

  1. Named User Licensing is available to UWM faculty and staff on any computer.
  2. 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.

Posted in: News

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:

  • To install using Office 365
  • To install with Windows
  • To install with Mac OS
  • Install with Mobile IOS App
  • Install with Mobile Android App

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

Posted in: Teams Tip

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.

Posted in: Services

Follow Us!

January 17, 2020

Add us to your feed! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @UWM_IT.

Posted in: News

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