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Announcing the ITS Faculty Fellow: Dr. Josiah Alamu
 We are excited to announce that Dr. Josiah Alamu, Assistant Professor in the Public Health program, will be serving as the ITS Faculty Fellow. This one-year appointment begins in May. We are looking forward to the opportunity to work with him and sharing with the campus the outcomes of our collaboration.
New Microsoft Products Coming to Campus: Windows 8 & Office 2013
 Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 8, is making its way to UIS. Workshops will be offered this spring showcasing the features and functionality of Windows 8, including its touch-screen capabilities, new look and feel, and app-centered design. The Technology Support Center is supporting Windows 8 integration with our campus resources, including wireless access and connecting to email. However, we are not currently deploying Windows 8 to classroom or staff machines.
Please note that Internet Explorer 10 comes with Windows 8. Currently, Internet Explorer 10 is not compatible with Banner applications.
 Microsoft has also recently released its latest version of Office. While not dramatically different than previous versions of Office, Office 2013 boasts some exciting new features. Training on Office 2013 will be available this spring.
Faculty and staff may download Office 2013 for UIS-owned machines through the WebStore. Office 2013 is also available for faculty and staff for home use. Students may purchase Office 2013 for $90 through the WebStore.
Kaltura: Media Management for the Campus
 ITS is excited to add Kaltura to the arsenal of resources available to the campus. Kaltura will allow us to better manage and deploy media in websites, through mobile devices, in Blackboard, and more. Kaltura integrates with the tools we already use for media, including Blackboard, WordPress, and Camtasia Relay, improving the ease in which we can make videos and other rich-media content available and accessible across all platforms and devices. You will be hearing more about Kaltura as we begin the pilot phase this spring! Please let us know if you are interested in participating in the pilot phase.
Classroom Technology: New SMART Boards
 SMART Boards are being added to fourteen classrooms throughout campus. These interactive whiteboards allow instructors to interact with and annotate their content from the front of the classroom, rather than being tied to the instructor station in the corner of the room. Please contact Kara McElwrath if you are interested in learning more about the features and functionality of these boards.
Technology for Any Classroom: iPad Cart & Laptop Carts
 While our classrooms already boast a variety of technology available to faculty and students, we are also happy to deliver equipment to the classrooms.
 The laptop carts that we have been delivering to classrooms upon request have recently been updated with new laptops, providing improved speed and more stable wireless Internet access. To request a laptop cart for your class for the semester, please submit an Instructional Technology Request Form. To request a laptop cart for special events, please contact Ian Fitzgerald.
Additionally, we have a cart of 32 iPads available for classroom delivery. The iPads are powerful classroom resources, allowing students to interact with content, present from anywhere in the classroom, and collaborate with each other. For more information about the iPad cart, please contact Kara McElwrath. Be sure to check out how Dr. Donna Bussell has been using the iPads!
Wireless for Gaming and Other Devices
 Wireless connectivity is now available for game consoles and other devices, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo DS. Students can register up to 5 devices to access the wireless network. For more information and to register your devices, visit the Gaming Devices at UIS webpage.
Good Security Habits
 Making smart choices about protecting the data on our computers can make a big difference in avoiding lost or corrupt data. Check out these five simple habits that anyone can adopt to better protect data. We also encourage you to review the guidelines for Protecting Personal and Confidential Data at UIS.
Preparing for Emergencies
Campus safety is a priority here at UIS, and we encourage all faculty, staff, and students to become acquainted with the available services so you are aware of what to expect or what to do in situations where your safety may be compromised.
Our three services include UIS-Alerts through RaveAlert, Guardian, and EyeWitness. UIS-Alerts is the campus’ main alert system that distributes pertinent information in situations that may affect the safety of faculty, staff, and students via text and email. Guardian allows anyone with a Web-enabled cellphone to activate a ‘panic button’ that will immediately alert police. Guardian can also serve as a digital alternative to a campus walking escort. EyeWitness allows anyone who witnesses a crime to initiate a text message conversation with a Public Safety officer.
To ensure you are properly signed up and know how to utilize these resources thoroughly, please visit the UIS-Alerts webpage.
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| Faculty Showcase |
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Dr. Donna Bussell, Associate Professor of English, recently used iPads in her English 112, Castles and Cathedrals course. See how Dr. Bussell integrated iPads in her class and how she is looking to use them in the future. |
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| Introducing… |
 We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Tulio Llosa as the new Director of IT Operations. Tulio has a proven record of providing exemplary technology services in various capacities, is highly regarded for his technical and operational skills, and is well respected by colleagues and the university community. As the Director of IT Operations, Tulio has direct operational oversight of systems and services, infrastructure and networks, computing facilities and services, and the operational coordination and support for the development and delivery of instructional technologies and related services.
In addition, ITS is pleased to announce 5 new members to our team.
 Kevin Friedrich joined the Learning Spaces Support team as an Information Technology Manager/Administrative Coordinator and Team Leader this past fall. Kevin has a rich background in endpoint support and printing systems and understands the importance of smooth running systems and a team of well-trained staff to support them. Kevin’s prior professional experiences include Illinois Secretary of State, Horace Mann, and Franklin Life.
 Sadie Furman joined the Management team in February as Staff Clerk. She is responsible for providing support for the business operations of the department with a focus on inventory and Desktop Refresh Program administration. Sadie earned a degree in International Studies from Illinois College and has worked at the Illinois Department of Public Health for the past 4 ½ years as an Office Associate. Experience with keeping accurate records in several former positions makes her an excellent choice for this new position in ITS.
 Richard Geary joined the Learning Spaces Support team as an Information Technology Support Associate in December. Richard is responsible for supervising and managing the ITS student support assistants and Media lab operations. Richard’s prior professional experiences include Famous Barr, Horace Mann Insurance, and Tate and Lyle from which he has gained organizational and conflict resolution skills.
 Vernon Huber joined the Application Development and Database Support team as an Assistant Director of Enterprise Application Services in December. He is responsible for providing leadership and project management guidance to the team. Vern brings project management skills, application development experience, and database experience to the position. In his roles with Archer Daniels Midland and Lucent Technologies, Vern demonstrated the ability to lead large development projects and the willingness to learn new technical skills.
Shellie Treat joined the Systems and Services and Vsphere and Security teams as the Assistant Director of Network Services in January. She is responsible for providing leadership and supervision to the teams. Shellie brings supervisory skills, project management experience, and network security experience to the position. In her roles with the Springfield Clinic, Netconn Solutions, and Hanson Information Systems, Shellie demonstrated the ability to lead departments, manage technical projects, create and implement security structures, and provide customer service.
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