IT Support Summer Hours

Please note that as of April 29, 2024 we switch to our summer schedule for IT support.

Phones: M-F 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Walk-up: M-F 10:00 am -12 noon; 1:00-3:00 pm

For the best response, or to request an appointment, please use the Self-Service Portal

Studios Summer Hours

Need a video camera, podcasting gear, or photography equipment? The Commons Service Hub in COM 204 is open all summer 9 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday to Thursday or by appointment.

If you need to edit, the Digital Design Lab and Sound Booth located in COM 205A are open M-F 9 AM to 4 PM.

These services are available at no cost for faculty, students, and staff, for UBC-related projects. Visit UBCO Studios’ for more info.

FYI: Student Worker Accounts

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.

Shut Down your Computer!

Did you know that critical security and performance updates are triggered when you turn off your computer? Just like our bodies need rest to repair and recharge, so do our devices. 

UBCO IT recommends SHUT DOWN, or RESTART your computer at least once a week to ensure that these important updates happen.

Windows 11 Update

Windows 10 will NOT be supported after October 2025. To ensure your device is compliant and ready, Windows 11 is now available as an optional update in the Software Center on all Staff, Faculty and Research workstations that are compatible with Windows 11. To guide you through the Windows 11 upgrade follow these step-by-step instructions available on our UBCO IT News.

UBCO IT Is Accessible

Regardless of age, background, or ability, UBCO IT aims to reduce barriers to access IT services. Our Desktop team is piloting a new feature on the Request Desktop or AV support to help:

• Complete form & select support type “Desktop”
• Upon selecting “Desktop” an additional field will appear asking: Is there anything we can do to make our interactions more accessible for this support request (e.g. captioning, ASL, etc.)? 

Workday Access for Students 

MAY 21: UBC STUDENTS GAIN ACCESS

New and current students will be able to access Workday Student for activities related to 2024W

Central award units will start to create awards for the 2024 Winter award cycle. Learn more...

Privacy Matters

The Privacy Matters Champions Network  empowers faculty and staff to play an active role in promoting privacy and information security within their local units. Being a Privacy Matters Champion is easy and requires no major commitment. Join the network TODAY!

The May Champions Network newsletter teaches how to turn your phone, laptop, tablet, and even wearable tech into digital fortresses. Learn how to fight off malware, secure your data, and protect your privacy with easy-to-follow steps. There's even a quiz to see how secure your device is.

Travelling? Keep UBC Secure

Keep UBC electronic devices secure while travelling abroad by safeguarding your personal and sensitive information, and confidential or high risk UBC information. Tips to ensure a safe and worry-free travel experience include:

• Prepare your devices and assess cybersecurity risks at destination
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities such as online banking
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if able when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

Time for a Digital Clean-up

Does sorting through and cleaning up  your digital files and emails feel overwhelming? Here are some steps to get started:

STEP 1: CLEAR OUT YOUR JUNK FOLDER STEP 2: CREATE FOLDERS AND LABELS

Read more tips for shared files and drives...

Remote Work Security Tips

Remote work allows you to escape the confines of your home office, but public spaces like coffee shops come with their security concerns. Here's how to minimize risks while working on-the-go:

• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks
• Utilize a mobile hotspot
• Carry a portable privacy screen

UBC VPN for Personal Devices

Anyconnect VPN is now available for download by faculty, staff and students for personal devices. 

• Guests and contractors will NOT be eligible. 

• Affiliated students (Vantage, ExL, colleges, etc) will not have access. 

Sign-in to the UBC Software portal to download on your devices. 

Green AI: Impact of Tech

AI has focused on who can develop technologies the fastest, rather than their enviromental impact. Did you know:

• Training AI models generate massive amounts of carbon dioxide.
• Data centres, integral to AI model training, consume large amounts of energy.
• Cooling of hardware such as GPUs, require significant energy consumption

Dell deals for Personal Use 

UBC employees are eligible for limited-time offers from Dell for personal use devices. You can also claim an extra exclusive discount with the Member Purchase Program coupon at www.dell.ca/mpp/ubc and then shop online using the link in the coupon email. Coupons cannot combine with limited-quantity offers. Get your discount HERE.