Hello! 

Take a minute to browse the latest Tech Update with helpful tech-related news and information. In this edition, you’ll find information about a simplified single sign-on experience, Global Accessibility Awareness Day, ways to enhance your reading experience in Canvas, and more!    

As always, IT support is available around the clock, every day, everywhere you are. Reach out to or visit ITS for all your technology questions and issues. 

-M

Marcus P. Robinson 
Deputy CIO and Associate Vice President, Engagement and Experience


Simplified Single Sign-On Coming Soon   

The way that you sign into Northeastern sites and services with university accounts is getting a new look later this year and will help reduce some of the biggest and most frustrating challenges around logging in. While these improvements will roll out throughout the rest of the year, expect to start seeing some of these changes—and realizing benefits such as fewer login prompts and less confusion—as soon as early summer. Visit the 1Login website to see what’s coming and why it’s important.   

Learn about the simpler login experience

Global Accessibility Awareness Day  

On Thursday, May 18, Northeastern will observe Global Accessibility Awareness Day to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion. Did you know that globally more than one billion people have disabilities or impairments? Don’t miss the two opportunities to join in on the conversation on Thursday: 

  • GAAD Kickoff Presentation at 12 p.m. ET: Join Casey Hickey, Digital Accessibility Manager, and Anaya Jones, Accessibility & Online Learning Librarian. They’ll discuss accessibility at Northeastern University and share ways that you can participate and learn more. 
  • Accessibility and Disability Resource Panel at 3 p.m. ET: A panel of Northeastern University professionals will discuss resources, services, and educational opportunities related to accessibility and disability. 

Don’tTake the Bait: SMS Phishing Scams are on the Rise

Recently, there’s been an uptick in SMS text phishing scams, where fraudsters aim to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information via text. Exercise caution when confronted with text messages that demand action, create a sense of urgency, lack personalization, contain errors, or request personal/financial details. Authentic organizations rarely ask for sensitive data via SMS texting. If something feels suspicious, independently verify information by contacting the organization directly through official channels. Then, use your mobile device’s path to block and report the message. By staying informed and employing these precautions, you can protect yourself from SMS text phishing scams and keep your personal information secure. 

Learn how to report a scam

Immersive Reader in Canvas  

Microsoft Immersive Reader is currently available on Canvas Pages content. This tool is helpful for all learners, as it provides text-decoding solutions. Immersive Reader has several features that enhance the reading experience in Canvas, including reading text out loud, breaking it into syllables, and increasing the spacing between lines and letters.

Read more about Microsoft Immersive Reader in Canvas

Microsoft Teams Tip: Maximize Productivity with Commands  

Using frequent commands in Microsoft Teams can increase productivity and streamline communication and collaboration with students and colleagues alike. There are two different methods for incorporating frequent commands into a Teams workflow: using slash commands and customizing the toolbar. Slash commands allow you to perform common tasks quickly and easily by typing a command preceded by a forward slash, while customizing the toolbar allows you to access frequently used commands with just a click. By taking advantage of frequent commands in Teams, you’ll save time and work more efficiently. 

Learn how to use Commands in Microsoft Teams


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