June 2025

Workday Phishing Attempts

Be on alert for any possible phishing emails requesting UBC credentials. A sophisticated phishing website designed to closely mimic the UBC CWL authentication site and UBC Workday system was found which attempts to capture users CWL login details.  LEARN MORE...

IT Walk-Up Support Paused

Due to reduced staffing and increased support requests, the IT Help Desk will be closed for walk-up support until further notice. If you have a scheduled appointment please ring the bell at the left side of the service window.

If you need IT support please submit a ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal for the best response, including to book an appointment for in person IT support. Check the IT Cam to see if the Walk-up Window is closed HERE.

Teams or Zoom Issues?

Having issues connecting to video or audio when switching between Zoom and Teams meetings? Try rebooting your computer, or completely logging out of Teams/Zoom to ensure the application is disconnected from your devices. Still having issues? Submit a ticket for more help.

Privacy Matters - June

In this month's newsletter: Whether you're traveling for work or leisure, your cybersecurity shouldn't take a vacation. From pre-trip planning and understanding encryption laws, to navigating risky Wi-Fi networks and securing your devices post-travel, stay one step ahead of cyber threats—at home and abroad. LEARN MORE...

Plan Cyber-Safe Travel

Before you pack your bags, protect your data—traveling with digital devices opens the door to cyber risks, especially abroad. This article walks you through essential cybersecurity prep, from minimizing your digital footprint to understanding encryption restrictions in foreign countries. Don’t leave cybersecurity behind—read this guide to travel smart and stay secure. LEARN MORE...

Stop Online Bullying

Cyberbullying and online harassment can impact anyone in the UBC community. This article outlines how these behaviours show up online, how to recognize them and steps you can take to protect yourself. Get practical tips and resources to support a safer digital environment at UBC.  

LEARN MORE...

See AI in Action at UBCO

We've created an informal space for sharing AI tools and strategies used in administration and operations at UBCO. Our goal is to help each other get started and build confidence with this rapidly advancing technology with monthly Lunch & Learns and shared resources. JOIN NOW...

AI News...AI & Students

The effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking: insights from a meta-analysis 

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ChatGPT in improving students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking through a meta-analysis of 51 research studies published between November 2022 and February 2025. LEARN MORE...

 

M365 Copilot Chat for UBC

 

Copilot Chat is now part of UBC's Microsoft 365 suite of tools, part of Microsoft's generative AI toolkit, to enhance productivity for routine and complex tasks, improving communication, and workflows. Enterprise Data Protection means Copilot Chat is secure for organizational use. Sign-up for Copilot training HERE

New UBC IT Website

UBC IT Vancouver is excited to announce the launch of their new website! With updated look and feel, the site has been designed with improved usability and enhanced accessibility, making it easier to navigate and find the information you need. Check out the updated UBC IT website HERE...

M365@UBC Updates

As UBC continues to transition to M365, here is an update of recent progress and challenges including Exhange Online email migration, new license types for some service and clinicial staff and a request for support with reducing pooled storage amounts. LEARN MORE...

Dell UBC Employee Deals

Need a new laptop for home or a family member? Check out Dell's Summer Tech Upgrade Sale for savings on devices designed to enhance your productivity. UBC employees get a 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

  • UBCO AI In Action Showcase: UBCO Parking
    | June 18 | 10:30-11:00 PST ONLINE

    • Join the UBCO AI In Action Channel and then join our 2nd meeting to discover how UBCO Parking is using custom GPT agents to help staff with responding to appeal requests by providing more consistent responses and even helping BCGEU staff and managers understand union contracts and requirements.

  • UBC Advanced Research Computing In-Person Training
    | June 18 | 10:00 - 3:00 PST LIB 111

    • These sessions are open to all researchers—whether you're new to Advanced Research Computing (ARC) or already familiar with our services. It’s a great opportunity to explore how powerful computing tools (also known as high-performance computing, or HPC) can support and accelerate your research. To register, please use the link at the bottom of the page.

      Please note: All sessions are in-person only. Light refreshments will be provided.

      REGISTER

  • Discover How UBC Cybersecurity is Using Automation — and How You Can Too!
    | June 19 | 10:30-11:30 PST

    • Join the UBC Cybersecurity team for a live workshop on how we’re using automation to solve real cybersecurity challenges — and how you can, too. Learn how we built EDgaR, a homegrown Tines automation that recently won a global award for helping us detect unmanaged assets and boost EDR compliance. We’ll show how tools like CrowdStrike and Tines can work together to reduce manual tasks and improve reporting — and you’ll get a chance to ask questions and brainstorm how automation can benefit your own team.

      Explore how to turn time-consuming tasks into efficient, collaborative workflows.

      REGISTER

  • M365 Training: Productivity Tips for CO-PILOT, 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.
      REGISTER

  • Cybersecurity Monthly Phishing Workshop
    | June 11 | 11:00-11:30 PST

    • Join the monthly 30-minute Phishing Workshop series hosted by the UBC Cybersecurity team. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to delve into real phishing campaigns that have targeted our university community since the previous session.
      REGISTER

  • Advanced Research Computing Summer School
    | July 7-11 | Various Times, Online & In person at UBCV

    • Join the Advanced Research Computing (ARC) Summer School, happening July 7–11, 2025, with daily sessions from 9:30–11:30 AM and 1:00–3:00 PM. This week-long series of hands-on workshops is designed to support researchers at all levels—whether you're just beginning or looking to expand your skills.

      You'll explore essential topics such as research computing, high-performance computing (HPC), data management, research cybersecurity, Python programming, ARC OnDemand, and more. The Summer School is offered in a hybrid format: attend in person at UBC Vancouver or join online.

      REGISTER

  • 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

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