News Archives

Student MFA Required by November 1, 2023

September 13, 2023

Enhancing Student CWL Security with Multi-Factor Authentication

We are excited to announce a significant step forward in enhancing the security of your Student CWL account at UBC. Starting November 1, 2023, your CWL will require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to safeguard your personal information and protect against unauthorized access. 

Enrolling in MFA adds an extra layer of security to your account, ensuring that only you have access to your sensitive information. This additional authentication step will require you to verify your identity through a secondary method, such as a verification code or a push notification to your mobile device, in addition to your regular username and password. 

It is mandatory for all students to enroll in MFA before the November 1, 2023, deadline. Failure to enroll by the deadline will result in restricted access to various university applications, which may disrupt your academic experience.

Enrolling is quick and easy. Detailed instructions and step-by-step guidance can be found at it.ubc.ca/mfa. 

By implementing MFA, UBC is committed to providing you with a secure digital environment that protects your personal information. If you have any questions or need further assistance and step-by-step instructions, please visit it.ubc.ca/mfa. 

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UBCO IT Satisfaction Survey 2023 Results

June 23, 2023

“Honestly, the IT team is INCREDIBLE. I am so grateful to have access to such a supportive and knowledgeable team. 99.9% of all issues I connect with the team on are solved FAST and with such kindness and patience.”

Thank you to the over 145 people who took the time to complete our UBCO IT Support & Services Satisfaction survey. The goals of the survey were:

  • Determine if we are meeting the needs and expectations of staff and faculty
  • Benchmark satisfaction levels over time
  • Support continual improvement of our support and services
  • Enable us to identify issues or gaps as early as possible.

We’re happy to share the results of the survey, what we heard from the campus and what our next steps will be to address some of the concerns raised.

UBCO IT 2023 Satisfaction Survey Summary

Please reach out to Engagement Services if you have any questions or concerns about the survey or how IT can help support your needs.

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Windows 10 end-of-life and planning for Windows 11

June 22, 2023

Microsoft recently announced the end-of-life date for Windows 10 editions as October 14, 2025. After this date, no further feature updates or security patches will be available for Windows 10. UBC IT is now planning for the upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft’s current operating system offering.

The release of Windows 11 brings with it more stringent modern hardware support requirements as it introduces new security features. Older devices may not be compatible with an upgrade to Windows 11, necessitating a replacement of the device.

UBC IT will be approaching the upgrade cycle in the following phases. You may expect some form of communication depending on your device’s eligibility status, within one of these phases.

Why are we doing this?

These actions are being taken to ensure all devices comply with UBC’s Information Security Standard U7, ensuring devices are running a supported version of an operating system which continues to receive security patches and updates.

What is the timeline?

Phase 1: Immediate

UBC IT will be communicating directly with supported departments and individual staff if they own devices that are not compatible with Windows 11.  The intent is to begin developing a plan for hardware replacement and planning for budget cycles in FY 24/25 and FY 25/26 to address device replacement.

Further, all new devices deployed will be installed with Windows 11. Desktop Services staff will advise of this and provide orientation to the changes Windows 11 brings. No software compatibility issues are anticipated.

Any devices that require reinstallation of the operating system to support the upgrade to Windows 11, will be encouraged to move to Windows 11 with the reinstall process.

Phase 2: 2023-2024

UBC IT will begin planning and communicating the in-place upgrade of devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11 starting in 2024 on a phased schedule. This will happen in the form of a Windows update that can be installed without returning the device to IT.  It is expected to take slightly longer than a normal Windows update.

Phase 3: 2025

UBC IT will be following up on edge cases and other situations that require a more planned approach, and deal with any devices that require manual intervention.

The intent is to have all managed desktops and laptops running Windows 10 to be upgraded to Windows 11 by September 2025, in advance of the end-of-life date.

What do you need to do?

UBCO CRP Provided Equipment

If you have a computer provided to you under the Computer Replacement Program (CRP) and your device is identified as being incompatible with Windows 11, please submit a ticket via the UBC Self-Service portal and IT Services will review it. With CRP lifecycle/replacement, your device will either already be compatible with Windows 11 or your device will be replaced with a Windows 11 compatible device.

Department Purchased Equipment

If you have a computer purchased by your department, it’s possible that it may not be compatible with Windows 11. Below under “Windows 11 Compatibility”, you can find some quick/easy ways to determine whether your device will be compatible. The recommendation is that if you have an older piece of equipment, you should consider budgeting a replacement device before October 2025.

Windows 11 Compatibility

Not all devices are compatible with Windows 11. For IT-managed devices, you will receive targeted notifications directly to those devices incompatible with Windows 11. If your device is not managed by IT, you can determine if your device is able to run Windows 11, by using the PC Health Check utility provided by Microsoft.

Additionally, Dell provides an updated list of devices they have tested that are known to work with Windows 11: Dell Computers Tested for Windows 11

For more technical details, see “Windows 11 Requirements” below.

Future Planning – Devices Unsupported by Windows 11

What are your options for devices that cannot run Windows 11?

  • Devices that can be retired should be retired before October 14, 2025
  • Devices that cannot be retired have two options:
    1. Devices can be removed from network access but will need to be assessed by IT. To discuss this option, please submit a request via the UBC Self-Service portal
    2. An extended maintenance agreement could be purchased to get continued security updates from Microsoft and to allow additional time to transition to new equipment.
      • IT will need to be consulted to assist with an extended maintenance agreement, please submit a request via the UBC Self-Service Portal
  • If new (Non-CRP) equipment is required, it can be purchased directly from Workday.
  • If you would like to consult with IT about equipment, please submit a request via the UBC Self-Service Portal

Windows 11 Detailed Technical Requirements

With the release of Windows 11, some hardware requirements need to be met to install the operating system.

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Ricoh Printing Fleet Inventory Audit

May 23, 2023

During the week of May 29th, Ricoh, our managed print services provider, will conduct an inventory and audit of our campus printing fleet.  

This inventory/audit aims to assess the current state of our print infrastructure, evaluate equipment utilization, and identify opportunities for optimizing our printing resources. Ricoh’s team will work directly with an IT representative during this assessment and will require temporary access to IT Fleet Printers near your workspace. 

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming activities, please contact the UBCO IT Service Centre.

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UBCO Network Upgrades April 30-May 12

April 20, 2023

Our UBCO IT Network Team is continuing to perform important upgrades to the campus network, with some additional work happening at the end of April into early May. This will involve retiring equipment which is nearing the end of service and replacing it with new networking equipment as well as performing routine software upgrades.  

During the week of April 30 through May 5, faculty, staff and students on campus may notice brief disruptions to internet connectivity of 5-10 minutes on the following dates and times: 

  • Sunday April 30, 2023 20:00-23:00 PT – There will be brief disruptions to network connectivity in all buildings and to all department networks. Wireless and residence internet services will not be impacted. 
  • Monday May 1, 2023 21:00-23:59 PT – There will be brief disruptions to network connectivity for debit/payment terminals, instructional computer labs and guest networks. Wireless and residence internet services will not be impacted. 
  • Tuesday May 2, 2023 19:00-23:00 PT – There will be brief disruptions to network connectivity for research lab networks in all buildings. Wireless and residence internet services will not be impacted. 

During the week of May 8-12, the following maintenance will be performed: 

  • Tuesday May 9, 2023 21:00-23:00 PT – There will be a brief disruption of up to 5 mins to network connectivity for all campus networks and wireless while maintenance is performed. 
  • Friday May 12, 2023 17:00-19:00 PT – VPN services will be unavailable for up to 30 mins. Users should use myvpn.ubc.ca for general VPN access to avoid disruption. Department based VPN pools will be unavailable during this time. 

For the latest updates to these upgrades and all other IT systems please visit the UBCIT Status Page. 

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UBCO IT Satisfaction Survey

March 10, 2023

We want to hear from you!

We are seeking input from Okanagan staff and faculty on how satisfied you are with UBCO IT services and support and our ability to meet your needs.

Your feedback will support our goal of continuous improvement and guide the current and emerging IT services and support on this campus.

The survey should take no more than 5-10 minutes and is anonymous unless you’d like to be entered in a draw for a $50 BestBuy gift card (the survey will be open March 15-31, 2023).

Take the survey

Thank you for taking the time to help us provide the technology services and support you need.

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Campus Network Upgrades February 19-21, 2023

February 7, 2023

We will be performing important upgrades to the campus network beginning this spring.

This will involve retiring equipment which is nearing the end of service and replacing it with new networking equipment as well as performing routine software upgrades.  

Users on campus may notice brief disruptions to internet connectivity of 5-10 minutes over Family Day weekend into Reading week, February 19-21, 2023.

Specific planned outages are as follows: 

  • February 19, 06:00-08:00 PST – There will be a brief outage of UBC Secure wireless connectivity of 5-10 minutes. This will not impact the residence internet service. 
  • February 20, 20:00-23:00 PST – There will be several brief outages connecting to on-campus hosted services/servers- up to 10 mins during the maintenance window.  
  • February 21, 21:00-23:00 – Regular, annual software upgrades will impact all network connectivity for 10-15 mins across campus. 

For the latest updates to these upgrades and all other IT systems please visit status.it.ubc.ca.

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‘Tis the Season: IT Open House 2022

November 9, 2022

You’re invited to UBC IT Okanagan’s ‘Tis the Season Open House 2022

Thursday December 8
From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
ADM 024 

We’re back and merrier than ever. We’re decking the halls of ADM 024 and filling it with festive food and drinks for all campus staff and faculty. Come see behind the scenes and meet the teams who help reset your password, keep the Wi-Fi running and make sure the classroom tech is able to support the teaching and learning needs of our campus.

Feel free to wear your ugliest holiday sweater and visit all the activities for a chance to win a great prize!

RSVPs are encouraged by November 24 to ensure there are enough treats for everyone.  

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CONSTELLATION PIT STOP

November 9, 2022

November 17, 10:00-11:00
Sawchuk Family Theatre COM 104

Faculty and staff are invited to join us for coffee and treats on Thursday November 17 at the Constellation Pit Stop in the Sawchuk Family Theatre.

Learn more about how this network of media and technology studios and resources can inspire ideas for teaching & learning, research and public engagement. Drop in to the Visualization & Emerging Media Studio (VEMS) in COM 107, where Andreas Rutkauskas’ work Awful Splendour, a visually stunning 3-D stereoscopic photography, will be shown on the 40 screen, 180-degree, immersive video wall.

Please bring $2 to donate to the United Way. Register to receive a calendar reminder.

REGISTER

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Upcoming Changes to UBCO Hot Desk Telephone Service

October 26, 2022

Do you have a UBCO Hot Desk telephone service?  What you need to know about upcoming changes!  

On November 16th starting at 10 pm, UBCO IT Voice Services will be updating the campus Hot Desk telephone service and simplifying user access. Currently, Hot Desk telephone service users have separate Hot Desk PIN and voicemail passcode. Following the update, the Hot Desk PIN will be reset to the user’s current voicemail passcode. During the update, users may be unable to access their Hot Desk and Voicemail services. Hot Desk telephone service users may be logged out of their telephones by the system.

Actions Required of all Hot Desk telephone service users:  

Prior to November 16th:  

  • Ensure that you can successfully access your voicemail by dialing your assigned telephone number and when you hear your outgoing message press * (star key) and you will be prompted for your passcode. 
  • If you are unable to access your voicemail or log in to your Hot Desk telephone service, please submit a Report an Issue ticket using the UBC Self-Service Portal and make sure to include your telephone number and what service you are having an issue with.  

Starting November 17th: 

  • Log into the Hot Desk telephone service using your voicemail passcode in place of the Hot Desk PIN when prompted. 
  • Users will also be able to access their voicemail from the telephone set they are logged into without entering a passcode. Users may want to log out when not using their Hot Desk telephone service to protect access to their voicemail if they are not in a private office. 

For more information on our voicemail and Hot Desk telephone service please visit our website 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if I will be impacted by this change? 

A:  You will be impacted if you are a user of the Hot Desk telephone service at UBC Okanagan. This change does not impact Call Centre numbers or users who do not log into their telephones.

Q: How do I know if I have a Hot Desk Telephone?   

A: Hot Desk locals will display a “Hot Desk” key on the display if the phone set is not logged in. If already logged in, there will be a “Logout” key. For more information visit the following article How do I log into or out of a Hot Desk phone?

Q: Can I use my Hot Desk or access my voicemail during this change?   

A: During the update, users may be unable to access their Hot Desk and Voicemail services. 

Q:  How do I log into my voicemail or change my passcode?  

A:  Please refer to the following article Voice mail Instructions  

Q: I forgot my voicemail passcode, how do I reset it?  

A:  To request your voicemail passcode to be reset, submit a ticket using the UBC Self-Service Portal

Q: Who do I contact to get more information about this change?

A:  Please submit a ticket using the UBC Self-Service Portal

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