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Are you a cybersecurity target? Strengthen your passwords!
Oct 2nd, 2024
target with arrow labelled "are you a cybersecurity target?"

When signing up for new online accounts, you might be a prime target for cyber threats.

Protect yourself by choosing strong, unique passwords for each account. Never re-use passwords across different platforms. Whenever possible, enable multifactor authentication — it may seem like an extra step, but it’s a critical layer of defense against hackers who want to access your private information.

For more details on keeping your passwords secure, visit Information Technology Services’ password care webpage.

Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By following these practices, you not only safeguard your own online presence but also help protect the Lancer community. In early 2024, the University of Windsor implemented mandatory cybersecurity training for all faculty, staff, post doctoral fellows, adjunct professors, sessional instructors, and student employees. If you have not completed the mandatory training, do so by Oct. 31.

Stay alert and take control of your digital security.

Led by Information Technology Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight electronic data safety issues relevant to the UWindsor community. Find helpful resources at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.

Funding to support strategic priorities in information technology
Sep 27th, 2024
Members of the UWinsite People project team

Information Technology Services has announced recipients of funding through its IT Strategic Priority Fund Program, which allocates up to $250,000 in one-time funding for capital projects. The program aims to advance the University’s digital strategy, enhance technological capabilities, and drive sustainable growth across the institution.

“The IT Strategic Priority Fund Program’s selection of these projects underscores the University of Windsor's commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and enhancing its technological infrastructure to better serve its community,” said Marcin Pulcer, associate vice-president, Information Technology Services.

The projects selected this year reflect a commitment to both operational excellence and forward-thinking advancements in technology:

  • UWinsite People Sustainment Support
    Following the successful launch of UWinsite People, the University of Windsor has allocated $50,000 for Application Management Services to ensure system stability, mitigate risks, and provide essential training for internal teams.
  • UWindsor Website Audit and Migration
    With Drupal 7 reaching end of life in January 2025, $50,000 has been allocated to audit and plan the migration of the UWindsor website to Drupal 10/11. The project aims to ensure a modern, functional platform for a better user experience.
  • Centre for Human Performance and Health Equipment
    The Department of Kinesiology has received $50,000 to enhance equipment in the Centre for Human Performance and Health, benefiting student learning, research, and community health initiatives.
  • UWinsite People Health & Safety and Case Management
    This project will integrate Health and Safety and Case Management modules into UWinsite People, with $50,000 funding to streamline processes, improve compliance, and enhance employee safety.
  • Gender Identity, Expression, and Pronouns Initiative
    A $20,972 project will streamline the management of gender identity, chosen names, and pronouns across University IT systems, improving inclusivity and data accuracy.
  • Vicinity Jobs Trends Navigator Pilot
    The University of Windsor is piloting the Vicinity Jobs Trends Navigator, with $20,000 in funding to enhance labor market insights and align academic programs with industry needs.
  • GenAI on a Shoestring
    In response to the growing influence of generative AI in higher education, this project received $38,900 to explore the use of generative AI in university operations and academics, focusing on safe and ethical AI integration through the acquisition of AI tools and licenses.

Recipients were notified earlier this month and funds have been distributed.

“These funded initiatives will not only advance the University's strategic goals but also foster a more inclusive, efficient, and forward-thinking IT environment,” Pulcer said. “We look forward to watching the projects flourish and seeing the impacts they will have for our campus.”

New HR and payroll system arriving in autumn
Aug 9th, 2024
UWinsite People

The University of Windsor’s Human Resources Information System (HRIS) is undergoing a transformational change. As mentioned in an email to staff, a new HRIS system, UWinsite People, will launch this fall, modernizing how the University handles employee data and human resources. The new platform will eliminate manual processes and help the campus work toward its strategic goals.

“The new HR system is a positive step in our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) on campus,” says Clinton Beckford, vice-president, people, equity and inclusion. “It will help us enhance accountability with real-time data and assist in measuring our EDI goals. I would like to thank the incredible team of people who have worked to bring this to fruition.”

Planned to roll out in the fall, UWinsite People aims to improve human resources and payroll departmental processes, says Jody Fraser, associate vice-president, human resources.

“Our HR team is committed to bettering the way we work. UWinsite People will help us transform and re-evaluate how we work,” she says. “During the recent system integration testing, our staff tested the new platform to ensure that it will meet our ever-evolving institutional needs.”

In the first phase of the UWinsite People project, the Oracle-based HR and Payroll Services system will offer a solid foundation for administering institutional faculty and staff data. Employees will have the ability to update such information as home address and banking details, add vacation requests, report absences, view paycheque details, download T4s, and more, all in one centralized hub. Additionally, it will also streamline human resources, payroll, and finance processes, eliminating myUWinfo and my Attendance platforms.

A thorough implementation process that includes change management, communication, training, and resources will ensure the campus community is prepared for UWinsite People.

Visit the UWinsite People website for more information, to provide feedback, or to ask questions about the project.

Policy and procedures documents support LMS implementation
Jul 3rd, 2024
Brightspace logo

Policy and procedures documents for the Brightspace Learning Management System are now available. They clarify such processes as requests for emergency course access and integrations and describe expectations and limitations for course archiving and content storage.

Effective Aug. 20, uploaded files will be limited to 500 MB each. While this limit will not affect the majority of courses, it may affect those employing video files.

The University provides several alternatives for storage of video and other large files. Visit Storage Alternatives for Brightspace Content for options and detailed instructions for using them.

YuJa Video Enterprise Platform is integrated into Brightspace; workshops are available for those wanting to learn how to use it.

MS Teams meeting recordings are saved in the instructor’s OneDrive, making it easy to insert links instead of uploading videos to Brightspace.

Microsoft provides learning materials for Stream (on Sharepoint) and IT Services provides support.

Personalized help with Brightspace is available during summer online drop-in hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., or contact the support team to schedule one-on-one consultations.

Graduate admissions transition to UWinsite Student
May 29th, 2024
student applying for grad school

The transition from the Electronic Graduate Application System (eGAS) to UWinsite Student for the graduate admissions process is now complete. This marks a significant milestone in the University’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience and leveraging modern technology to improve processes, says Patti Weir, dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

“The successful transition to UWinsite Student represents a significant step forward in our ability to manage graduate admissions. We are grateful to the project team for delivering a tool that enhances the efficiency of the admission process,” Dr. Weir says. “Our faculty and staff can now access graduate applicant information directly within UWinsite Student.”

To support this transition, how-to guides and videos are available on the Office of the Registrar’s website, on the Graduate Admissions Resources page.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during the transition. We’ve developed resources to help those who support the graduate admissions process,” says University Registrar Ray Darling. “Future students can also learn about the application process in the Ask.UWindsor knowledge-base articles.”

Marcin Pulcer, associate vice-president, Information Technology Services, says his team is excited about the capabilities UWinsite Student offers to the graduate admissions process: “Modernizing the system has been a major goal of the department for several years.”

As always, in the event of any issue with the graduate admission process in UWinsite Student, users can open a ticket. The team from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Office of the Registrar, and IT Services will review tickets and address issues as they arise.