March 2025

FYI - Student Employees

When students become UBC employees, they are given a Faculty & Staff email (FASmail) account and ACCESS to accounts, software, network drives, etc. that they need for their employment. When their employment ends, they LOSE this ACCESS (after 7 days grace period) to ensure UBC data is secure and license agreements are met. If you have questions about student employee accounts and access, we're happy to set up a meeting to provide some answers.

Student Email Migration

Starting February 4, 2025, and running through March 25, 2025, all active student email accounts will transition from the current UBC Student Email system (webmail.student.ubc.ca) to Microsoft Exchange Online (outlook.office.com). This migration enhances the email experience for students with increased mailbox capacity to 20GB, improved integration with Microsoft 365 tools, and stronger security protocols. LEARN MORE...

New Process for Dell Purchase

Due to recent changes in UBCO IT's preferred Windows computer supplier, a temporary process is in place for Dell purchases If your department plans to purchase Dell computing products before the fiscal year ends, follow the new, interim process outlined HERE.

Privacy Matters - March

In this month's newsletter: From protecting intellectual property and securing research data to mitigating the risks of voice assistants and mobile payment apps, understanding cyber threats is essential. LEARN MORE...

Privacy & Voice Assistants

Voice assistants, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, have become increasingly popular, offering convenient hands-free control over various tasks. However, these technologies raise significant privacy concerns for faculty and staff at UBC. LEARN MORE...

Wifi Disruptions

Did you know? Personal WIFI Routers and Hot Spots cause WIFI disruptions for others.

Using personal wireless routers or hot spots can interfere with other users and systems using the UBC Okanagan wireless network in the surrounding area. This is why personal routers or hot spots are not allowed on campus.

If you experience regular wifi issues at your location on campus, request a Network Team review to identify opportunities to improve.

Curious about AI?

Are you interested in experimenting with AI? UBC encourages this within the boundaries of ethical and responsible use. To help with these boundaries, UBC created principles for use. Risks such as data storage and false information are highlighted and how to mitigate these risks.

Visit UBC's AI website for guidance, tools and training for faculty, students, staff and researchers - including a Generative AI Toolkit on Canvas (created for students but a great resource for hands on advice for using AI tools).

Dell UBC Employee Deals

Dell is excited to announce Dell's Innovation That Wins Sale – a special event with savings on top tech products! From AI-ready PCs to stunning monitors. UBC employees can claim an extra exclusive discount with the Member Purchase Program coupon and 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

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

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

  • Cybersecurity Monthly Phishing Workshop
    | March 12 | 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

  • Privacy Matters Champions Network Town Hall
    | March 13, 2025 | 10:00-11:00 PST (Virtual)

    • Join the Privacy Matters Champions Network Virtual Town Hall to celebrate a year of success and learn how you can become a Champion. Gain expert insights, valuable resources, and share your questions and feedback to help shape the network’s future. Open to UBC faculty and staff, this online event takes place March 13, 10–11am via Zoom
      Learn more & 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

  • AI courses from UBC Extended Learning

    UBC Extended Learning just launched many new AI and cybersecurity offerings that ladder into UBC Senate-approved micro-certificate and certificate programs. Tuition waivers and employee group PD funds can be used toward course fees.

    Upcoming AI and Cloud courses

    • AI Strategy: Benefits of Personalization – starts Apr 1

    • AI Strategy: Staying Competitive with AI – starts Apr 15

    • AI and Cloud Strategy: Fundamentals – starts Apr 29

    • AI Strategy: Leveraging Automation – starts May 13

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.