Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to announce the appointment of two new associate directors for UBC Okanagan IT, Media and Classroom Services.
Advanced Malware Protection enabled on December 10
On Monday, December 10, UBC Cybersecurity will be enabling Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) for supported desktops and laptops at the Okanagan campus.
This solution is part of the ongoing effort to prevent malware on the UBC network and provides an extra layer of protection as a complement to UBC’s current malware protection (Sophos Anti-Virus). It will work to detect, contain and remove advanced malware.
In June, the Cybersecurity team deployed AMP in test mode only and you may have noticed a new icon 
in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
If you have any questions or comments about the Advanced Malware Protection system at UBC, please contact the UBC IT Service Centre at 22008 or help@it.ubc.ca.
UBC recognizes dedicated staff with excellence awards
Top row from left: Trevor Odlum, Chase Tompkins, Troy Campbell, Paul Crang, Andy Fehr and Paul Clancy. Bottom row from left: Deborah Buszard, Marlis Wecels, Barbara Sobol and Adrienne Vedan.
At last week’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Town Hall, a number of employees were recognized for exemplary service to the university at the annual Staff Awards of Excellence.
Congratulations to all the winners, and the significant impacts they have made to UBC Okanagan.
Enhancing the UBC Experience
Troy Campbell, Acting Associate Director for Campus Security, won the Enhancing the UBC Experience award. Campbell was recognized for bringing fresh ideas into the security office including the UBC Safe mobile app, the security bike patrol, and several workshops and seminars to help train students and staff in First Aid, self-defence and crisis management.
Campus Leadership
Undergraduate Services Librarian Barbara Sobol was presented with the Campus Leadership Award. Sobol has coordinated a series of library information and skill training sessions and she led a pilot project where student employees in the library developed programming to support and promote engagement with students on campus. Most recently, Sobol led the library’s first floor renovations and changes.
Marlis Wecels, administrative manager of the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences’ Interprofessional Clinic also won a Campus Leadership Award. Wecels was recognized for her compassion, professionalism, support, productivity and excellence as “the consummate administrative manager.” She was recognized for exhibiting exceptional leadership, organizational skills, initiative and creativity, and a capacity to foster growth and development in the department.
Okanagan Spirit
The Okanagan Spirit Award was presented to IT, Media & Classroom Services’ Helpdesk team. The Helpdesk team was applauded for their outstanding commitment to customer service while helping to resolve technical issues. The Helpdesk team were also recognized for being proactive when resolving issues and accommodating requests, and having exemplary problem-solving skills. The Helpdesk team consists of: Andy Fehr, Jill MacKenzie, Paul Clancy, Paul Crang, Perry Jones, Trevor Odlum, Mark Panich, Geoffrey Pouliot and Chase Tompkins.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Award
Director of Aboriginal Programs and Services Adrienne Vedan was presented with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Award. Vedan is known as someone who always goes above and beyond her job description and attends to all duties with her “joyful attention.”
When presenting the award, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard said: “UBC Okanagan was founded in partnership with the Syilx Okanagan Nation and we have made important commitments to local First Nation Bands, Friendship Centres, Metis and Urban Aboriginal organizations. Many of these commitments are upheld and enhanced by Adrienne’s hard work to maintain good relations and to serve the needs of Indigenous communities in the Okanagan and afar.”
Computer lab request deadlines
To help schedule computer lab software updates for the September 2018 academic term, IT, Media & Classroom Services is implementing cut-off dates for Lab Software Installation Submittals.
The deadline for September requests is July 1. Requests received past this date will be dealt with on a best-effort basis. All cut-off dates can be found on the Computer Lab Software Requests page. Use this page when submitting tickets for software installs required for next year’s classes.
IT, Media & Classroom Services is also looking for feedback on future hardware requirements in all Tier One Computer Labs. Any feedback can be sent to Support Analyst Sky Mooney (sky.mooney@ubc.ca).
May 7 and 9: Training available for UBC WiFi Certificate Renewal
IT, Media and Classroom Services is hosting important information and training sessions regarding the upcoming WiFi Certificate Renewal.
Bring your laptop and mobile devices to ADM 013 on May 7 and 9 for instructions on how to update your devices to ensure uninterrupted access, and take in an information session that explains what changes are being made and why you should use UBC Secure WiFi.
Four sessions have been scheduled across two days:
- Monday, May 7, 10 to 11 a.m. or 3 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 9, 10 to 11 a.m. or 3 to 4 p.m.
Note: Android devices can’t be updated until May 9; all other devices can be updated prior to May 9.
If you are unable to attend any of these sessions, please contact the IT Help Desk, or update your devices with the AutoConnect tool at: https://it.ubc.ca/autoconnect
High-risk websites to be blocked starting Friday
On March 23, 2018, UBC Cybersecurity will be implementing network security upgrades at UBC’s Okanagan campus for all wired connections and the ubcsecure wireless network.
This upgrade will add a layer of protection to prevent unintentional visits to known high-risk websites through the internet. After the upgrade, if you’re on a UBC network and accidentally click on a link to a high-risk website, your browser will redirect you to a block page.
For example, if you receive a phishing email with a link to a fraudulent website and accidentally click on it, you will see the block page.
Please note: This process is automatic and the university is not acting as a censor. This service will not track individual user website activity. For more information and an FAQ about this new security upgrade, visit: privacymatters.ubc.ca/OK-network-upgrades