News Archives

Monthly Forced Reboots for UBC Managed Windows Devices

December 3, 2021

To assist the campus community in staying compliant with UBC’s information security standards, new mandatory forced restarts on UBC supported computers are being implemented as operating system security patches and updates are deployed.

Security patches and updates are usually applied to Windows based computers monthly, but some might need to happen out-of-cycle to address a critical vulnerability or issue.  This follows Microsoft’s best practices and aligns with UBC’s information security standards: U7 – Securing Computing and Mobile Storage Devices / Media and M5 – Vulnerability Management. 

All UBC Okanagan supported Windows laptop and desktop computers will be required to reboot within a 3-14 day window following these updates. For more details please refer to the article in KnowIT – Windows Forced Reboots for UBC Managed Devices.

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UBCO IT Managed macOS Upgrades

November 17, 2021

To stay compliant with UBC’s information security standards, macOS needs to be updated to at least macOS 10.15 “Catalina”.

Starting November 22, centrally managed Mac desktops and laptops at UBC Okanagan will receive notifications in the lower right-hand corner of their screen when updates are available.

macOS 10.14 “Mojave” and older versions of macOS are no longer supported by Apple and it is recommended that you upgrade to a newer version of macOS.

To find out more, visit: it.ok.ubc.ca/macOS-upgrade

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

October 19, 2021

This article was published on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 09:02

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:

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

October 13, 2021

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.

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Update on Global IT Equipment Delay

October 7, 2021

This article was published on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:34

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

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Moving? Use the new IT Equipment Move Request Form

October 6, 2021

Planning an upcoming office relocation or renovation? Need IT equipment, phones or audio-visual equipment moved?

You can now use the Okanagan – Employee IT Equipment Move Request form in the UBC Self-Service Portal to request the move of a single UBC employee’s IT equipment from one location to another for office moves, renovations or new builds.

Applies to: Contractors / Researchers / Faculty / Staff / Student Employees

Purpose: An all-in-one form to request computer, phone or audio-visual equipment moves for a single employee.

Please submit move requests no later than 5 business days before (earlier during peak times, e.g. start of term).

Moving MORE THAN 5 people? Please submit a General Service Request at least 2-3 weeks in advance, providing as much detail about the move as possible and a project coordinator will follow-up with you.

Note: If you need any keyboard trays, monitor arms, or other equipment which is attached to furniture moved, this will require a Facilities Work Request as well.

Find detailed instructions with  screen shots of how to use this form in our UBCO IT Knowledge Base: knowIT.

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Enhanced Teaching and Learning with the AV Team

October 4, 2021

This article was published on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 10:40

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.

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

September 23, 2021

This article was published on Thu, 09/23/2021 - 13:06

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.

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

September 20, 2021

This article was published on Mon, 09/20/2021 - 14:10

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.  

 

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

September 15, 2021

This article was published on Wed, 09/15/2021 - 16:44

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.

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