News Archives

Constellation: A Journey Through Space(s)

May 10, 2022

Join UBC IT Okanagan, UBC Studios Okanagan, makerspaceUBCO and the Library on Wednesday May 18, 2022 for the launch of Constellation, a new alignment of existing media and technology teaching and learning spaces and resources at UBC Okanagan.

Constellation includes:   

  • Visualization and Emerging Media Studio (VEMS) (COM 107)
  • Makerspace (EME 1256)
  • Sawchuk Family Theatre (COM 104)
  • Digital Design Lab & Sound Booth (COM 205)
  • Library Design & Editing Stations (Main Floor Library)
  • Studio 123 (LIB 123)
  • Loans Hub (COM 204)

Accessible to faculty and students in all disciplines, the Constellation network can facilitate learning, innovation and creation both inside and outside of the classroom. Learn how Constellation supports the integration of digital and physical media and technology into courses across disciplines and enhances research exhibition through the use of immersive visualization, supportive technology, design thinking suites and rapid prototyping equipment.

Participate in two ways

Join the tour at Sawchuk Family Theatre (COM 104) on May 18, 3:00 to 4:30 pm

Attend a live presentation that will take you on a journey of discovery through examples of what Constellation spaces can offer and how they interact with one another. Meet at COM 104 at 3 pm; no registration required.

Drop by the multimedia display at Sawchuk Family Theatre (COM 104) on May 18, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm

Learn how the alignment of resources and spaces within Constellation can support innovation, creativity and experiential learning. A presentation will be displayed on the video wall throughout the day.

For further information about this event, please contact constellation.ok@ubc.ca.

Posted in , | Tagged , , , ,

March 1: UBC IT Okanagan Managed Windows 10 Upgrades

February 11, 2022

To stay compliant with UBC’s information security standards, Windows 10 devices are required to run current software versions and have all required security updates installed.

Starting March 1, centrally managed Windows 10 devices (version 1909 and older) at UBC Okanagan will receive the latest version of Windows 10 (21H2). Once updates are available, you will have up to two weeks to restart your device. This update may take longer to install and should be performed toward the end of the day to minimize the impact on your schedule.

The current version you are running will reach end-of-life on May 10, 2022 and will be out of compliance with security standards. Feature Updates for Windows 10 are a security requirement, and updating systems is in accordance with UBC’s Information Security Standard M5, Vulnerability Management, (hxxps://cio.ubc.ca/information-security-standards/M5).  

Windows 10 Feature Update Installation – What Should You Do?  

We strongly recommend initiating the Feature Update and restarting your computer as soon as possible to mitigate any security risks and comply with UBC IT’s Information Security Standards. Please refer to UBC’s Windows 10 upgrade video.  

There are two steps to this process: 

  1. Install the “Feature Update to 20H2”
    Typically, it takes 60-90 minutes for the installation phase to complete while you work. You can check the status of your update in the Software Centre.  
  1. Restart your PC after the update has finished installing
    You can do this at a time in your work day that is convenient (e.g., at lunch time or at the end of the day). The restart should take 10–15 minutes. 

Please note: We strongly recommend you complete the update and restart your computer on your own prior to March 16. After this date, forced updates will begin in a phased approach on PCs that haven’t yet initiated the Feature Update. As well, a forced 2-week countdown will begin on PCs that haven’t yet restarted their PC after installing any Windows Updates that require it. This means you will be less in control of the process and resulting downtime during the restart that applies the update.  

Posted in ,

Share your ideas about UBC’s Digital Future

February 3, 2022

What is your vision for UBC’s digital future in the next 3, 5 ,10 years?

UBC is developing its first institution-wide digital strategy with a forward-looking vision and strategy that advances Shaping UBC’s Next Century and reflects the needs of the community in the context of a post-pandemic world.

Share your ideas and help shape the university’s digital strategy at an upcoming focus group or via an online feedback form.

The 90-minute focus groups will include a brief overview of Digital UBC, followed by a discussion to explore areas that are critical to your success and would deliver the most value to you, your digital vision, and digital priorities for the university.

Faculty and Students are asked to register today for focus group dates in February. You will be notified via email prior to the focus group date, subject to availability.

If you are unable to attend a focus group or are a staff member, feedback can be submitted at any time through our online feedback form.

Learn more about Digital UBC.

Posted in

Printer Software Changes, Family Day Weekend (February 19-21)

January 31, 2022

On Family Day weekend, UBCO IT will be rolling out a change to printers to migrate the credentials required from Novell to Campus-Wide Login (EAD) credentials.

On Tuesday, Feb 22nd, please restart your machine.

Depending on your computer and/or software management system, you may be prompted to select a printer and/or login with your Campus-Wide Login (EAD) credentials. If you have print requirements for Tuesday morning (Feb 22nd), please attempt to complete these prior to the end of business on Feb 19th, as we are preparing for a high volume of service requests which must be manually resolved.

Note: If you have a networked personal (“convenience”) printer, we will reach out to you individually for specific instructions on how to print after the cutover.

Printing Documentation

Actions Required:

  • If you have print requirements for Tuesday morning (Feb 22nd), we recommend printing these BEFORE Friday afternoon to avoid any delays.
  • After Tuesday, Feb 22nd, to connect your computer to the new FindMe “print object” you will need to restart your device, and if NOT on campus, connect to the VPN prior to login.
  • Depending on your computer and/or software management system, you may be prompted to select a printer and/or login with your EAD credentials before the new print object (pop-up windows will appear with any required actions).
  • You should set this new printer as your default printer if prompted.
  • Please note the “print object” update may take up to 60 minutes to complete.
  • If you are having problems after this time, please contact the IT Service Centre for assistance.
    • Urgent issues please call 250.807.9000 (on-campus dial 79000)
    • Otherwise please submit a ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal

Posted in , ,

2021/22 Term 2 IT Updates

December 10, 2021

We’ve pulled together information about 2021-22 Term 2 Startup IT Updates to help you get ready for Term 2.

Please reach out to your Engagement Services Coordinator with any questions or concerns.

Have a wonderful holiday break and see you in 2022!

Posted in

2021 Holiday IT Support Hours

December 3, 2021

Winter Break Hours

Please note the UBC IT Okanagan Service Desk will be closing early on Thursday December 9 and Friday December 24th. During the winter break, the Service Desk will be closed to walk ups and phone support from December 27th to January 3rd, 2022. From Tuesday January 4th to 7th phone support will be available from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-up support will resume normal operating hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm weekdays on January 10th.

On behalf of everyone in UBC IT Okanagan we wish you a very happy, and safe holiday season.

Posted in , ,

Zoom Vulnerability Detected – Update Your Account by December 14

December 3, 2021

Zoom recently posted a security bulletin regarding a vulnerability in their Zoom Client for all platforms (e.g. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux). As such, we are asking Zoom account holders to update their account to the latest version. The latest available version as of November 28, 2021 is 5.8.6.

To align with Information Security Standard M5 “Vulnerability Management,” version 5.8.4 will be implemented on all UBC licensed Zoom accounts on December 14, 2021 at 11:59pm.

After December 14, if you are running a version older than 5.8.4, you will be asked to update the next time you log in to Zoom or the next time that you attempt to join a meeting or webinar if you are already logged in. The update must be completed before you can join.

To avoid disruptions, we strongly recommend updating your mobile and desktop accounts to the mandatory minimum version prior to December 14. If you receive a prompt to update prior to December 14, please do so. Note that the mandatory minimum version requirement will not be enforced on Zoom users external to UBC that are joining your meeting or webinar.

To check for updates, open the Zoom application on your computer (type Zoom into the search bar on the bottom left):

Then click on your profile name or image on the Zoom pop-up window that appears, then select “Check for Updates” from the drop down menu:

Here are some more helpful links:

If you require further assistance with updating your client, please submit a ticket via the UBC Self-Service Portal to request AV Support.

Posted in , | Tagged

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.

Posted in , , , ,

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

Posted in , ,

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.

Posted in , , , , ,