February 2025

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

Recent changes to the preferred supplier for UBCO IT supported Windows computers require a temporary change to the purchase process for Dell devices. If your department needs to purchase any Dell computing products before the end of this fiscal, please follow the new, interim process outlined HERE.

VPN Update to Cisco Secure

On February 18th, the Cisco AnyConnect VPN that is installed on IT Supported Devices will be rebranded as Cisco Secure Client. This change introduces a new name and a refreshed interface. However, the functionality and procedures for connecting to the VPN will remain unchanged. Learn more about this upgrade HERE...

Use Autoconnect for Wifi

AutoConnect provides the most up-to-date wireless configuration to connect to the UBC wireless networks. It is the most secure way for your credentials to be protected and configures your device with the UBC wifi network you wish to use. To stay connected, download and install AutoConnect on your laptops and mobile devices, and any other devices not managed by UBCO IT.

"Press 1" Phone Scam

The UBC Cybersecurity team has received multiple reports of a phishing scam targeting faculty and staff, known as the "Press 1" scam. Attackers use spoofed phone numbers, including UBC numbers, to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. LEARN MORE...

Privacy Matters - February

In this month's newsletter: Discover valuable insights into digital security for UBC faculty and staff. Learn how to protect seniors from cyber threats, navigate the sharing economy safely, safeguard your financial information, and secure your home network with practical tips and best practices. LEARN MORE...

What is Personal Info?

Personal information (sometimes referred to as "PI") is the type of information that you would not want a stranger to know. At UBC, we are regulated by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), which requires us to protect personal information from unauthorized collection, use, or disclosure. Learn more about what is considered PI and how to protect it. 

Records Management

Do you know what to do with a colleague’s records when they leave, how to best name files, or how to send files through email properly? These topics are included in the Records Management 101 and Records Management Advanced training videos series, provided by University Records Management Office. Access these training resources HERE...

What really is public data?

Join the Privacy Matters team for a thought-provoking exploration of data privacy and AI. This session delves into the ethical and legal implications of data scraping and its impact on research and AI development. View the presentation and watch the recorded session. 

Keeping Projects Secure

At UBC, we handle sensitive information daily, making robust security practices essential. By embedding information security into project management practices, we can collectively safeguard UBC's information and systems, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment for our community. LEARN MORE...​​​​​​​

Beware Charity Scams

In times of crisis, such as natural disasters, many of us feel compelled to support those in need. Unfortunately, cybercriminals can potentially exploit this generosity through fake charities and phishing scams. Before donating to a cause, especially through unfamiliar channels, learn how to ensure your contribution reaches those who truly need it. 

AI in the news...

What Is Agentic AI, and Will It Change Work?  Recent advances in agentic AI bring that autonomous future a step closer to reality. With their supercharged reasoning and execution capabilities, agentic AI systems promise to transform many aspects of human-machine collaboration. Read the HBR article...

 

Dell UBC Employee Deals

Dell is excited to to announce Dell Tech Days – 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 to get the most up to date news, advice and support for all things related to technology at UBCO. We share upcoming training, notifications of outages, details on known issues that may disrupt your work and more. 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

  • Love Data Week
    | February 10-14, 2025 | Various dates and times

    • Celebrate your data in 2025’s Love Data Week! Scheduled for the week of Valentine’s Day, this year’s events are all linked to Abacus, a data repository collaboration involving libraries at Simon Fraser University (SFU), the University of British Columbia (UBC), the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and the University of Victoria (UVic).

      This event is open to all and includes a series of talks and workshops, accessible online via Zoom, with free registration. Whether you're affiliated with these institutions or not, you can explore valuable datasets and join a global community of data enthusiasts!

      Learn more about Love Data Week

  • 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 is offering:

      • 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: Interactive Experiences – starts Mar 4
    • AI Strategy: Staying Competitive with AI – starts Apr 15

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.