UWindsor chancellor Mary Jo Haddad issued a message wishing the best of the season to the University community.

Dear University of Windsor Community,

Winter is upon us and the holiday season is just around the corner. As I reflect on the past year, it has certainly been one of many challenges and triumphs. Through the leadership of President & Vice-Chancellor Robert Gordon, your University has been steadfast in its commitment to your health and safety, your education and to addressing the injustices of the past and improving the experience for everyone.

I hope you take pride in all that you have accomplished academically, in the partnerships you have forged, in the leadership you are providing ,and in your outstanding accomplishments in research, service, and innovation. The future is exciting and bright.

As we anticipate the new year, my hope for each of you is a renewed energy to embrace your goals and a year of peace, health, and the joy of family and friendship. Whether you’re enjoying the beauty of Windsor-Essex or your travels take you far, may your journey be safe and enriching and may you return refreshed and renewed in 2022.

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Happy New Year.
Mary Jo

Recently, a serious vulnerability was discovered in the widely utilized open-source Log4j Java logging library used in several popular software packages, including IBM SPSS Statistics. This vulnerability affects all SPSS versions. 

IT Services currently supports version 28.0.1 and is assisting all SPSS users as necessary to apply the required patches to mitigate the Log4j vulnerability. 

Software on University workstations is managed by the Microsoft Intune device management platform. IT Services can automatically install the latest version of SPSS version 28.0.1 software and other important security patches. The ITS team is currently in process of remotely updating older versions of SPSS with the latest supported version and applicable patches. This process should be completed by the start of the Winter 2022 semester.  

No additional action is required for those with corporate managed devices running Windows 10 or 11. Classroom and lab computers are included in the update as well.  

Users on a campus computer that is not yet enrolled into the University’s device management program, can enroll their device by opening a ticket. Select "Join Windows 10 PC to Azure AD" in the Service Request Type within the required form field. Once enrolled, the SPSS update will be applied automatically.  

Unfortunately, Microsoft Intune does not yet manage software on macOS devices. Mac users will need the following instructions to update to the latest version of SPSS is installed, with the required security patch. 

If you are using an SPSS on your personal computer, or if your campus computer has not yet been enrolled in University’s device management system, take action immediately to protect your computer from being compromised.  

Steps to address Log4j vulnerability on your Window 10 or 11 device:  

1. Check what version of SPSS is installed on your computer,  
   see the article Checking Version of SPSS  

2. If it is older than version 28.0.1, you will need to uninstall it,  
   see the article Uninstalling SPSS 

3. Install SPSS on your device if you still require it,  
   see the article  Downloading and Installing IBM SPSS Statistics   

4. Apply the Log4j patch, see the article Applying Log4j Patch 

Mac users will need following instructions to update to the latest version of SPSS is installed, with the required security patch. 

Anyone requiring assistance with this update process should contact the IT Service Desk by submitting a ticket or call 519-253-3000 ext. 4440. 

The Centre for Teaching and Learning’s Winter GATAcademy, originally scheduled for January 3 and 4, has been tentatively rescheduled to take place January 13 and 14. Interested participants are encouraged to monitor the website in the new year for further details.

The GATA Network Development Team works with GAs and TAs across campus, introducing them to mentors and resources they will need to improve their pedagogical knowledge and skills.

This is the final edition of DailyNews for 2021.

The university’s e-newsletter will return to regular publication on Jan. 6.

Editor Kevin Johnson welcomes story ideas and suggestions at Kevin.Johnson@uwindsor.ca.

Organizers of the Lancer Leadership Conference are now accepting presentation proposals and conference registrations.

The Lancer Leadership Conference is organized by the Success and Leadership Centre and is seeking partners to help make the conference a success. Participants will have the opportunity to network among their peers, participate in online group challenges,  and hear from keynote speakers and special guests from the UWindsor campus.

“There will be many ways for students to engage with the experience — including online chats, break-out rooms, panel presentations, volunteer opportunities, and fun online challenges,” says Tim Brunet, coordinator of leadership development in the Student Success and Leadership Centre. “This conference provides students and on-campus leaders a chance to connect and meet students who are aspiring leaders or who already possess leadership roles."

Participants and presenters alike will have an opportunity to win Amazon gift cards, meet new friends, and learn about time-tested leadership strategies.

Submit a presentation proposal today! The deadline is January 17, 2022. 

Admission is free and open to anyone over the age of 16. Register here to attend.

The LLC organizing committee also encourages faculty and staff to recommend the conference and to submit their own presentation proposals.