News Archives

CIO Jennifer Burns responds to changes in BC’s privacy legislation

The NDP government has unveiled Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) amendments it said will help people access services faster while enhancing privacy protections. Among the changes are:

Global IT Equipment Delays & Fiscal Year End for UBCO IT Equipment Purchases

Global supply chain issues in the computer hardware manufacturing industry continue to impact technology purchases around the world. UBC IT has been working with our suppliers to mitigate these issues, however we are still seeing delays of up to 4-5 months on some products, especially custom PC builds, adaptors, docks and monitors.

To avoid issues with planned fiscal year end purchases, we strongly recommend that you contact UBCO IT as soon as possible regarding any computer or technology related equipment purchases required for FY2021-22 in order to discuss options and ensure delivery before March 31, 2022. 

Not sure what to buy?

If you have any questions or concerns, our teams can assist you in selecting appropriate equipment that meets your needs, can be supported by UBC IT Okanagan and is compatible with our UBC management and security standards.

UBCIT routinely stocks “standard models” (based on a common set of specifications) to minimize lead times. Standard models may be a viable option as opposed to customized models (where additional memory, drive space, etc is required for specific complex tasks). We encourage you to arrange a consultation with us so we can advise you on the best options based on your specific needs.

Please be aware, that while consumer grade equipment at retail outlets may be cheaper, they are typically not able to meet UBC’s Information Security (Policy SC14 – Acceptable Use and Security of UBC Electronic Information and Systems), or encryption standards.

To request a consultation on recommended equipment, please submit a “Request Desktop Support” ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal. Detailed instructions on how to do this or how to order directly from Workday can be found on our KnowIT knowledge base.

Need help?

Please do NOT call the IT Service Centre or create new tickets to check the delivery status of any pending orders. You can view your submitted tickets which include updated ETAs in the UBC Self-Service Portal, under My Tickets (view this article for more details).

Once computers arrive at UBC they require software installation and set-up by our technicians which takes 2-4 hrs per device. You will be contacted when items are ready to be picked up or delivered.

Your patience and understanding of the unprecedented volume of equipment orders our technical teams are dealing with and these global delays is greatly appreciated.

Update on Global IT Equipment Delay

Operational delays in the computer hardware manufacturing industry continue to impact UBC and UBC IT’s procurement of computer equipment.

Enhanced Teaching and Learning with the AV Team

The resumption of in-person classes this academic term meant an adjustment to the teaching and learning environment as we continue to undergo the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The UBC IT Audio Visual (AV) team spent this past summer preparing for an in-person teaching environment with solutions that were agile and adaptable to the changing circumstances.

Racing against time: How the UBCO Network Team set up ResNet in a few short months

Last month, UBC IT launched our #readyforcampusreturn series, which sheds light on the incredible IT teams who are working behind the scenes to support UBC's transition back to campus.

Connecting the UBC Teaching and Learning Community Remotely at a Global Scale

There’s no argument that the transition to remote teaching and learning was a whirlwind. Within a week’s notice, we transformed an in-person teaching and learning environment to a remote one. From an information technology perspective, UBC demonstrated resilience and adaptability to a worldwide pandemic. Regardless of where you were in the world, UBC IT made efforts to ensure that the UBC community could continue to stay connected to one another.  

 

From AR to VR, now IRL – UBC’s Emerging Media Lab reopens its doors

Our #readyforcampusreturn series sheds light on the incredible IT teams working behind the scenes to support UBC's transition back to campus. Part five of our series is a joint Q&A with our IT Service Centre and Learning Technology (LT) Hub. We chatted with UBC EML Executive Producer Saeed Dyanatkar and Lab Supervisor Catherine Winters on how they are getting ready re-open their doors this fall.

Join the UBCO IT Virtual Line this fall

Hate waiting in line to get IT help? Starting September 2021 you don’t have to!

Join UBCO IT’s virtual line for the IT Service Centre and get notified by text message when it’s your turn.

The Qless virtual line system gives staff, faculty and students the benefit of having a space in line without physically needing to wait in line at the IT Service Centre.

How to Join the virtual line

There are three easy ways to reserve your spot in line:

  1. Text “UBCO” to 778-743-5022 or 604-229-4098
  2. In-person at the i-pad check-in kiosk in the Campus Administration Building (ADM024)
  3. Online – Click to JOIN THE VIRTUAL LINE

Want to know more? After September 7, visit our UBCO IT Contact page to:

  • Check out the current IT Service Centre wait times
  • Join the virtual line online
  • Learn the text commands to find out more info once you’ve joined
  • Get answers to FAQs about using the Qless virtual line system

On the Receiving End: IT Front Line Staff Flexes Remote and In-person Services this Fall

Our #readyforcampusreturn series sheds light on the incredible IT teams working behind the scenes to support UBC's transition back to campus. Part four of our series is a joint Q&A with our IT Service Centre and Learning Technology (LT) Hub.