News Archives

UBC IT Okanagan KnowIT is Moving to the UBC Self Service Portal

March 7, 2025

To better centralize IT knowledge across campuses, UBC IT Okanagan will be migrating its IT Knowledgebase from KnowIT to the UBC Self Service Portal (ServiceNow). This transition aligns Okanagan’s IT resources with UBC Vancouver, creating a single, centralized location for both IT and Workday knowledgebase articles.

Relevant articles have been migrated from the KnowIT knowledgebase application and will be decommissioned on April 1, 2025.

After this date, knowledge base articles will be available exclusively through the UBC Self Service Portal (ServiceNow).

This change will improve access to IT support information and ensure consistency across campuses. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact UBC IT Okanagan.

To Access IT Knowledge:

IT Knowledge

Explore our UBCO IT knowledge base to find answers to common questions, how-to articles, user guides, and more.

FIND UBCO IT ARTICLES

Posted in ,

Interim Process for Purchasing Dell Computing Devices for UBC

February 10, 2025

UBC recently participated in a BCNet competitive process to select a supplier for IT managed desktops, laptops, and computer accessories. UBCO has selected Dell as the preferred supplier for Windows computers (note: a similar process is underway to select a supplier for Apple devices). This includes computers funded centrally through the Computer Replacement Program (CRP), as well as department funded devices supported by UBCO IT. 

Previously, departments who needed Dell products which were not centrally funded, (i.e. additional accessories such as docks or monitors not funded by CRP, or computers for non-FTE employees) could purchase these via the Microserve supplier catalogue in Workday. With this change in supplier, Dell products are no longer available in the Microserve catalog and must be purchased directly from Dell.  

We are working on setting up a Dell supplier catalog in Workday, however in the interim, please use the following process for any computer purchases (even if they are department funded) to ensure you receive the best value and compatibility: 

Non-research related Dell purchases: 

  1. Obtain a quote: Please submit a request in the UBC Self-Service Portal to “Order New Hardware” 
    Note: UBCO IT will prioritize these requests so purchases can be received before the year-end purchasing deadline.  
     
  2. Create a purchase requisition: Use the quote provided from IT to Create a Requisition in Workday 
  3. Procurement will finalize the order with Dell on completion of the requisition process. No action is required by the requestor to place the order once the purchase requisition is created.  

Research related Dell purchases: 

Please continue to contact the Research Computing Team for all research purchases. 

Computer Replacement Program:  

There is NO change required for requests to provide new FTE employees with a computer or to replace an existing CRP device that is end of life. Please continue to follow the process outlined HERE.

Questions or Concerns? Please contact the UBCO IT support team.

Posted in , , , , | Tagged , , , , ,

Introducing the Student Email Migration to Microsoft Exchange Online

January 16, 2025

This article was published on Thu, 01/16/2025 - 14:25

As part of UBC’s ongoing transition to Microsoft 365, we are excited to announce the migration of all student email accounts to Microsoft Exchange Online. This significant step aligns with UBC’s mission to provide modern, secure, and accessible tools for communication and collaboration.

Posted in

Share content wirelessly in UBCO Meeting Rooms

January 13, 2025

You can now present/share content wirelessly in UBCO meeting rooms using AirPlay for Mac computers and iPhone/iPads or Miracast for Windows devices.

This removes the need to plug in an HDMI cable (directly or through a dongle) and allows you to wirelessly share your screen to either the in-room display or within a video conference call.

To use this new feature your device will need to be connected to the ubcsecure wireless network in one of the following rooms:

  • ADM: 002d, 006a, 013, 013j, 103i, 119
  • ARTS: 276
  • ASC: 412
  • EME: 2124, 3112, 3124, 3284, 4116, 4143, 4218, 4245, 4289
  • LIB: 314d
  • UNC: 321, 325a, 334
  • SCI: 253, 331
  • IA1: 115
  • OM2: 138
  • Landmark 4: 637, 650

In Cisco dual display meeting rooms (those who two display screens), both screens can now be utilized during a meeting or video call. Note: when no content is shared you will see the participants on both screens.

View the full Generic Cisco Usage Guide for more details on sharing content in a meeting room.

Posted in , , | Tagged , , ,

2024 UBC IT Year in Review

December 5, 2024

This article was published on Thu, 12/05/2024 - 13:27

Every year, the UBC IT team rises to new challenges and delivers remarkable results—and 2024 was no exception. This year, we launched innovative IT products that are transforming the way our campus connects, collaborates, and thrives. From campus-wide technology rollouts to receiving prestigious industry awards, our team's dedication and expertise have set a new benchmark for success.

Watch our UBC IT Year-in-Review highlight video to relive some of our proudest moments and celebrate the exceptional achievements that made 2024 a standout year for UBC IT.

Posted in

UBCO IT Holiday Open House 2024

November 7, 2024

You’re invited to UBC IT Okanagan’s ‘Tis the Season Open House 2024

Tuesday, December 3
12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
ADM 024  

You’re invited to the annual holiday-themed open house hosted by UBC IT Okanagan. 

We’re decking the halls of ADM 024 and filling them with festive food and drinks for campus staff and faculty. 

Come see behind the scenes and meet the teams who help reset your password, keep the wifi running and make sure the classroom tech supports the teaching and learning needs of our campus.  

We will have sweet and savory treats, a hot chocolate bar and more. Challenge your team members to a game of Mario Kart or Duck Hunt, try your hand at flying (and landing?) a plane in the flight simulator or test your cybersecurity know-how. 

No RSVP needed, just grab your co-workers and your most festive holiday attired (did we mention there’s a photo booth?) and share some holiday spirit with your fellow UBCO employees. Add it to your calendar from the UBCO Events page HERE. 

View UBCO Event Listing

Posted in , , | Tagged , ,

UBC’s Tom Power wins award for AI-powered security innovation

November 7, 2024

This article was published on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:03

UBC’s Security Operations team recently celebrated a notable achievement: Tom Power, a member of the team, received an award from Tines AI for his innovative project, “Generate a Reduced Functionality Mode Report with AI.” The award not only honors Tom’s ingenuity but also emphasizes the team’s dedication to increasing efficiency in cybersecurity through cutting-edge automation. This solution alone has saved the Security Operations team over 25 hours annually.

Posted in

Gartner Eye on Innovation Awards 2024 finalist: Emerging Media Labs

October 24, 2024

This article was published on Thu, 10/24/2024 - 10:20

This October, Emerging Media Lab’s (EML) Judicial Interrogatory Simulator was chosen as a finalist for the 2024 Gartner Eye on Innovation Awards for Education, recognizing EML in the Higher Education Innovation in Teaching and Learning category. The Judicial Interrogatory Simulator (JIS) leverages new technologies including Generative AI and Virtual Reality to provide an immersive moot court experience to help first-year law students practice presenting their arguments in court.

Posted in

UBCO FASmail Migrating to Exchange Online

October 21, 2024

In preparation for implementing Microsoft 365 university-wide, UBC will be migrating our enterprise email services from on-premise to the cloud platform Microsoft Exchange Online.  

This will provide multiple benefits including improved security and better integration with other Microsoft products including MS Teams and other apps (like MS Bookings, Shift for staff scheduling, Tasks for tracking, Planner for project planning and more).  

TIMING 

Some units on both campuses have already migrated, however we are now ready to move forward with migrating most remaining UBC Okanagan FASmail (staff and faculty / employee mailboxes ONLY) early November. 

You will be contacted by UBC IT with the specific date your department’s personal and shared / generic mailboxes, with most groups migrating according to the following groups: 

  • Administrative & Operational Departments: November 5, 6 & 7  
  • Faculties: November 13-14 (Reading Week) 

 Note: Resource Mailboxes (for room bookings) will NOT be migrated until all user mailboxes, including students, have been moved, likely summer 2025.   

IMPACT 

Full details on the migration can be found at it.ubc.ca/exchange-online-migration along with detailed instructions on what to do before and post migration, including screen shots and videos.  

The impact is fairly minimal, with a bit of a learning curve getting used to a new look and feel for Outlook on your desktop. Departments who have already migrated have reported minimal disruptions, with the primary concern to ensure users who share calendars or email access are moved at the same time.  

Further details on some of the new look and features available can be found Fall 2024 – Microsoft Exchange Migration. 

REQUIREMENTS

To migrate smoothly please ensure the following:

  1. You have a set-up your FIRSTNAME.LASTNAME@ubc.ca email alias – CLICK HERE to learn how to create one
  2. Your computer has been updated to Office 2021 – CLICK HERE to confirm your version and how to update
  3. Your operating system is updated to the latest version:
    1. PC Devices – ensure you’re using Windows 11
    2. Apple Devices – ensure you have MacOS version 12 or later (how to check which MacOS you are currently on; update your MacOS HERE) 

SUPPORT 

How-to-Guides & Videos

For more details including step-by-step how-to guides for pre and post migration check out the UBC Exchange Online Migration project page. 

Prefer visual help? Check out the M365 Email Migration Support Videos.

Training

M365 Outlook (New Exchange Online version) Training Session – Monthly Drop-in & Q/A

Thu, Nov 21, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST (Online event)

Come join us to learn more about using the new Outlook (Exchange Online) on Mobile, Desktop and on the Web.

To find out more about the M365 Foundation Services Project for migrating to Exchange Online, see: https://it.ubc.ca/microsoft-365/current-projects/exchange-online-migration

Agenda:

    • Overview of new Outlook – new features
    • Integration with Teams and OneDrive
    • Managing Calendar Invites
    • Mobile App features
    • Setup for Desktop
    • Demo & Practice
    • Question/Answer

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns with your planned migration timing, please reach out to your manager or administrative support, or contact UBCO IT Engagement Services. 

Posted in , , | Tagged , , , ,

Cybersecurity is for Everybody: Creating Accessible Messaging with Julie Le Hegarat

October 17, 2024

This article was published on Thu, 10/17/2024 - 12:14

At the heart of cybersecurity, one of the most critical—and often overlooked—challenges is communication. As someone deeply involved in the production of material for training and workshops, Julie has found that clear, accessible messaging can be just as important as technical expertise. In her upcoming session at the Privacy Matters Symposium, titled Cybersecurity is for Everybody: Creating Accessible Messaging, Julie will share her insights on how to break down complex cybersecurity concepts to make them understandable for everyone, regardless of their background.

Posted in