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.

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.

UBC's M365 Roadmap

UBC is taking a phased approach to build a secure, collaborative Microsoft 365 environment. Phase 1—email migration, governance, and core services—is nearly complete. Phase 2 will expand collaboration tools, including SharePoint Online, Copilot, and add new security features. Growing adoption, improved onboarding and training, is supporting UBC's collaboration and hybrid needs. LEARN MORE...

UBCO Printer Updates

UBCO IT is working with our vendor Ricoh, on a contract renewal this summer which will include a refresh of the multi-function printing devices across the campus. Planning is underway and your Client Service Manager will be reaching out in the next few weeks to discuss any contemplated changes. Stayed tuned!

Educloud Service Updates

UBC IT is working on changes to the Educloud service. This includes a change in technology from VMware to Openstack, and enabling access to public cloud services such as AWS. UBCO departments running servers managed by UBCO IT on Educloud will receive more information soon on any expected disruption to their specific services from their Client Service Managers. 

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. 

UBC Hosts AI-cademy 2026

Higher Education Strategy Associates, in partnership with UBC, presents AI-cademy 2026, a two-day national conference, November 9–10, at UBC Vancouver. Explore how to make AI work in higher-ed with evidence-based, and grounded ways. Join leaders across Canada to share best practices and advance the ethical adoption of AI on our campuses. LEARN MORE...

Privacy Matters - March

In this month's newsletter:  Explore how everyday habits, like clicking quickly, choosing convenience, or letting inboxes overflow, can quietly increase privacy and security risks. Learn about the new guidance for forms and surveys.. LEARN MORE...

Digital Paper Trail

We all leave a digital footprint through the metadata created by our online activity, which can expose patterns and increase risks like phishing and identity theft. Reviewing permissions, using privacy tools, MFA, and strong passwords helps protect you and UBC. LEARN MORE...

AHoU Security Training 

UBC's new required online Information Security Training for Administrative Heads of Unit (AHoU) and leadership 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...

Adobe Usage Survey

UBC will soon be renewing its multi‑year software agreement with Adobe for Adobe Acrobat and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. To ensure the contract reflects the needs of our community, current holders of a UBC Adobe license have been invited to complete a survey about their usage. If you received this survey we greatly appreciate your feedback by March 25, 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.

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...

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.