February 2026

Book time with an IT Tech

Are you UBCO Staff or Faculty? Have an IT issue but don't want to wait in line?

You can now book a 15 or 30 min appointment at the Service Desk for up to 1 week in advance to discuss tech issues you are having. Note: This service is only available to staff/faculty at this time. Students can visit the Library desk Mon-Fri 9-5 or use Student Tech Support online.

Duo App Update Required

UBC's multi-factor authentication (MFA), Cisco Duo, is being enhanced with additional security measures which may require an update and impact some users after March 31, 2026.

  • Versions below 4.85.0 will no longer receive push notifications after March 31.

  • All versions can use other sign-in methods like one‑time passcodes and phone calls.

  • Older devices (iOS <16, Android <11) may not support updates, which means push notifications may stop on those devices.

  • An in‑app message will be sent to impacted users with more details.

Learn how to check your version or how to update.

New Mac Service Manager

The system UBC uses to manage and update Mac computers (Jamf Pro) will be retiring the Self Service (Classic) app and replacing it with a new, more modern application called Self Service+. UBC will push the new Self Service+ app to all UBC managed Mac devices on February 28th. There is no impact to service expected during the transition and no user action is required. LEARN MORE...

Rising Storage & PC Costs

Global demand for memory and storage—driven by AI infrastructure demand—is causing significant price increases and reduced availability for computers, servers, and storage components. Departments should expect 20–30% higher computer costs and 20–40% increases for servers and storage, along with shipping delays of 12–26+ weeks. Learn how UBCO IT is mitigating these increases and what your unit can do. 

AI in Action: Automation

Mark Montgomery from UBC IT Communications will walk us through step-by-step demos of how his team is using M365 tools like Lists and Planner to automate newslettters and digital signage, including integrations directly with Canva. Whether you’re curious about AI or ready to dive in, this session will give you the confidence and tools to start automating simple tasks within your unit today. Join the event and Teams Channel.

Privacy Matters - February

In this month's newsletter: When we rush, trust too quickly, or assume we’re safe, mistakes happen. This month explores how small pauses protect UBC’s people, data, and work and how even smart people get hacked. LEARN MORE...

Data Privacy Week Recap

With engaging discussions, and actionable takeaways, this year’s Data Privacy Week was a great success. Thank you for participating! If you missed any of the virtual sessions, the presentation recordings and slide decks are available from the Privacy Matters On Demand.

AHoU Security Training 

UBC's new required online Information Security Training for Administrative Heads of Unit (AHoU) self-paced course offers practical tools and clear guidance to help protect UBC’s data and systems. While mandatory for AHoU, it’s open to all staff through the Workplace Learning Ecosystem. Automated Workday notifications for AHoU will begin in March 2026, prompting completion within one month of notification LEARN MORE...

Shared Bookings Available

Microsoft Bookings is UBC’s self-service scheduling tool that provides a web-based bookings page that connects to your Outlook calendar. Shared Bookings for pooled team scheduling is now available by submitting a request. REQUEST SHARED BOOKING...

Dell UBC Employee Deals

Need a new laptop for home or a family member? Start your holiday season with Dell's Holiday Sale with up to $500 off laptops and desktops. UBC employees get a 10% discount with the Member Purchase Program coupon and can shop online using the link in the coupon email. 

Get IT News in MS Teams

Join the UBCO IT Engagement MS Team for the latest news, advice and support on technology at UBCO. We share upcoming training, notifications of outages, and details on known issues that may disrupt your work. To join CLICK HERE.

Upcoming Maintenance

Please visit the Status Page for the most up-to-date information on planned upgrades and outages at UBC IT Status Page

Upcoming Events

  • AI-in-Action: Using AI and UBC's M365 Tools to Automate Projects

    • Thursday February 26 | 10:00 - 11:00 PDT

    • See how AI and automation can save you time! Mark Montgomery from UBC IT Communications will share live demos of real projects—like automating newsletters and streamlining signage—using Microsoft tools and Canva. Walk away with practical tips to make your workflows faster and smarter.
      JOIN TEAM & ADD TO CALENDAR

  • M365 Training: Productivity Tips for CoPilot, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive and more!
    Various dates & times

    • Learn about Microsoft 365’s new features for Co-Pilot, Outlook (Exchange Online), Teams, OneDrive and more. Learn tips and tricks to enhance your collaboration and productivity.

  • Navigating the Future of Your Digital Identity: Password Management
    February 24, 2026 | 11:00-12:00 PT

    • Still juggling dozens of passwords (or a few reused ones)? It doesn’t have to be this hard. This workshop will review how to use password managers, how passkeys and biometrics are changing online security. Walk away with simple, practical steps to protect your digital identity. Less stress, fewer resets, and security that actually works the way we do.

    • REGISTER

  • Privacy Matters Monthly Phishing Workshop

    • During each session, the Privacy Matters team provides insight into our featured privacy & information security topic while reviewing recent phishing campaigns that have targeted the university and individuals within our community. We aim to increase privacy and information security awareness through education, training, and hands-on learning.

      Visit the On Demand page to stream recordings of select events (CWL login required).

    • March 2026 Phishing Workshop
      March 11, 2026 | 11:00-11:30 am, ONLINE

  • Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Series

    • This year, AI has emerged as a significant tool in education, and faculty at UBC are grappling with its integration in the classroom. The UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) has introduced a new educational series, GenAI in Teaching and Learning. This series aims to help educators transition from concerns to understanding to seeing the opportunities generative AI presents.This series offers:

      • Weekly GenAI Support Clinics: One-hour drop-in clinics on teaching and learning topics to do with the use of tools such as ChatGPT, Stability AI, Google Bard and others, every Wednesday.
      • Integrating GenAI in Education at UBC 30+30 Workshops: 30-minute interactive presentations followed by 30-minutes of discussion designed to assist faculty and staff in navigating this new landscape.
      • AI in Teaching and Learning website: A hub for ongoing support and up-to-date tools and resources for leveraging Generative AI for teaching and learning.
    • View all sessions and register HERE
  • UBC Extended Learning Courses in Artificial Intelligence
    Various Dates & Times
    • UBC Extended Learning Artificial Intelligence courses and programs are designed to provide the in-demand skills and expertise to plan, integrate and optimize AI technologies within cloud solutions and digital media. Through relevant content and expert instruction, gain key competencies to make critical decisions and consider the ethical implications of incorporating AI to position your organization for success.

      The courses offeedr in this area can be taken separately or taken in succession to complete a credential. Plus elgible UBC employees can use Tuition Waivers towards the cost. 
      LEARN MORE...

QUESTIONS?

UBCO IT Engagement Services offers a single point of contact for departments and faculties at the Okanagan campus to access the information technology support and services they need to enable exceptional learning and research. 

Learn more about our team HERE or send us an email or submit a ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal