Colleagues,     

Welcome to the latest Tech Update, with news and tips from IT Services. This Update includes news about a much-anticipated feature in Teams meetings, Co-organizers. There are also tips for sharing content wirelessly in the classroom.   

As always, technology support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 617.373.HELP [4357], email help@northeastern.edu, or visit the Tech Service Portal at service.northeastern.edu/tech/.    

Cheers!   

– M     

Marcus P. Robinson,     

Deputy CIO and Associate Vice President, Engagement and Experience 


Tech Update: April 6, 2022

Members Only: Private Teams Help Keep Files and Data Secure 

Any Microsoft Team created at Northeastern may be made private to named members only, or public to all members of the Northeastern community. Most owners of Northeastern Teams make their Teams private, ensuring that the files and data stored within them are visible only to named Team members. Public Teams, however, have the potential to inadvertently expose private or potentially sensitive information and data more broadly than intended. 

Before ever making a Team public: 

  1. First, ensure there won’t be any files with personally identifiable data or information that should otherwise not be shared with all community members, including faculty, staff, students, and temporary employees.  
  2. Then, schedule a Digital Solutions Consultation to discuss whether a Team should be made public and how to do so safely and appropriately.  

Instructors using Teams should review Teams for teaching and learning, which include tips, resources, and information about using Northeastern’s Canvas integration to create Teams that automatically and securely sync with class rosters.  

Event Co-organizing in Teams 

Rolling out to Northeastern users now, the Co-organizer meeting role allows Microsoft event and meeting organizers to share control. Assigning the new Co-organizer role gives Co-organizers almost all the capabilities of the organizer, including management of Meeting Options. Those who don’t already have it can expect to see this option in their Teams Meetings any day now. 

Learn more about collaborating, meeting, and presenting in Teams >  

The Outlook Optional Interface is Now the Default for Mac

Earlier this month, Microsoft updated the look and feel of Outlook for Mac. Previously, users could switch between the older and new styles; now the new is the default. Feature improvements include better search, easier meeting RSVPs, and more options to view the calendar. More information from Microsoft is available in the new Outlook for Mac.

Feedback Feeds Knowledge 

The Northeastern Tech Knowledge Base on the Tech Service Portal is home to knowledge articles that include helpful guides, as well as step-by-step instructions for using technology and resources at Northeastern. The Knowledge Team continuously updates the Tech Knowledge Base to reflect changes and new information based on feedback. To best support accurate and helpful knowledge, log in and share feedback on knowledge articles.  

Setting Up Canvas Gradebook

Taking the time to set up the grade book in Canvas helps instructors ensure accuracy and transparency prior to submitting grades. These tips on topics like setting due dates and weighting grades can help with grading transparency and expectations. The grading checklist helps verify grade book accuracy. 

Schedule a consultation about Canvas Gradebook with a Canvas expert> 

Duo Mobile 

Duo 2FA (two-factor authentication) keeps everyone at Northeastern with access to university systems and services secure. But did you know you can download the Duo app to make staying secure easier than ever? 


Looking for More Tech Updates?

The Tech Talk community is available 24/7 through Communities at Northeastern. Find announcements, tips, and a place to engage with others about how technology impacts daily life at Northeastern.