Faculty and Staff Tech Update: April 18, 2024

Hello! 

Welcome to the latest edition of Tech Update. In this edition, learn about four colleagues who are celebrating 25 years of service at Northeastern, you’ll also find information about important system and accounts updates, the 10-day Digital Sustainability Challenge, and more!  

You can browse all past issues of the Update on the ITS website. You can also submit tips and success stories that you’d like to share in future updates, through Share IT! 

The IT Service Desk offers technology support 24/7 and is just a call, email, or chat away. Or take advantage of the self-service options at service.northeastern.edu/tech.   

Cheers! 

-M     

Marcus P. Robinson     

Co-interim Chief Information Officer 

Celebrating 25 years of excellence at Northeastern 

Charlie Curry, Bruce McCreary, Derek Navisky, and Kiem Sie reflect on how technology has changed, their career journeys, and the accomplishments they are most proud of since they joined the university in 1999. Congratulations to all of the employees who are celebrating 25 years at Northeastern this year!

Learn about our colleagues’ career journey >

Reminder: Data Classification and Data Privacy training due May 3

A new required training focused on how Northeastern classifies data, your responsibilities, and basic data privacy was recently launched. If you haven’t yet, make sure to visit security.its.northeastern.edu/training/ and log in to the university’s security education platform, Proofpoint, to complete the training by May 3.

Complete the training today >

A strong password can save the day! 

Did you know that 80% of data breaches are linked to weak passwords? Passwords are the first line of cybersecurity defense on all Northeastern University online accounts. They help secure both personal and institutional data and information, in combination with two-factor authentication. With World Password Day coming up on May 2, it’s a great reminder to update your passwords. 

 Visit the Password Protection site >

Employee account updates coming May 10

All faculty, staff, and sponsored accounts are migrating to a more modern system to better serve the university’s workforce. This transition shouldn’t impact employees’ day-to-day or access to sites and services but is expected to streamline the employee onboarding and support processes. Check out the available FAQs to learn more about this initiative ahead of its launch in May. 

Visit accounts.northeastern.edu to view the FAQs >  

What’s new in Academic Technologies – Updates coming on April 30

As part of efforts to enhance the teaching and learning experience across the university’s global campus system, Academic Technologies (AT) will update Panopto, Gradescope, VoiceThread, Pearson, McGraw-Hill Connect, and Top Hat on April 30. In addition to providing more secure access between Canvas and these tools, this upgrade will introduce new functionalities. Services may be intermittently unavailable on April 30, however, Canvas will not be impacted. 

What’s new in AT >  

Take the 10-day Digital Sustainability Challenge

In celebration of Earth Month, take action towards protecting the planet by participating in the 10-day digital sustainability challenge. Together, the Northeastern community can take steps towards reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a more sustainable future. Daily challenges can be completed at your own pace and will help optimize digital devices, reduce paper waste, and protect personal information, all while promoting sustainable practices. 

Join the challenge > 

Save the date! 2024 Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is fast approaching on Thursday, May 16. With more than one billion people globally living with disabilities, GAAD is a reminder of the need to make sure digital assets, including websites, video, audio, and social media, are accessible to everyone. Everyone at Northeastern is invited to attend two online events to learn more and join the conversation: 

Accessible Virtual Meetings and Digital Documents, May 14 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. GMT. From Microsoft Office built-in features to understanding how to best present visual information, find out how to make your daily meetings and documents more accessible. 

Accessible Email and Social Media, May 15 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. GMT. This session will introduce attendees to principles and best practices for designing and sharing accessible email and social media posts.  

Join Northeastern’s second annual GAAD celebration >