Faculty and Staff Tech Update: May 12, 2025

Hello!

Welcome to the latest issue of Tech Update, Northeastern’s monthly newsletter keeping you and your colleagues connected with essential tech resources across the global network.

This month, the Update provides resources for:

• Using Microsoft 365 tools to support mental health at work.
• Creating learning experiences for all through accessibility.
• Protecting sensitive data with new prevention tools.
• Efficiently wrapping up Canvas courses for the semester.
• Getting personalized AI consultations for teaching and research.

IT Services continues to support learning, operations, and research year-round, including throughout the summer months. And don’t forget about the IT Statuspage (its.northeastern.edu/status) where you can subscribe to get notified of known IT issues and planned downtimes.

Cheers!

-M

Marcus P. Robinson

Deputy CIO and Associate Vice President, Engagement and Experience

Finding balance: Using Microsoft tools to support your mental health at work

Mental Health Awareness Month is here, and it’s a great time to explore ways to use technology for creating healthier work habits and reducing stress. Whether you’re trying to set boundaries with your work hours or improve focus time, Microsoft 365 offers tools and features to help protect your time away from work so you can keep your cool all summer long.

Explore mental health tools in Microsoft 365  >

This week! Foster belonging on Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Enhance your course materials, research, and communications with innovative accessibility approaches learned this week during Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Join three inspiring days featuring robotics pioneer Samantha Johnson, E’20, MS’21. Discover how accessibility principles drive innovation that benefits everybody. Challenge colleagues in the faculty-favorite Accessibility Jeopardy game and walk away with immediate, practical skills applicable across disciplines. No technical background needed. Just bring your curiosity and commitment to creating a community of belonging.

Learn more about Digital Accessibility events >

Protect sensitive data with Northeastern’s Data Loss Prevention tools

Northeastern is rolling out Data Loss Prevention tools across Microsoft applications this month to safeguard the community’s sensitive information without disrupting your workflow. These intelligent tools automatically apply appropriate sensitivity labels to files and emails based on the university’s Data Classification Guidelines, preventing accidental data exposure. Need to adjust a sensitivity label? You can override labels with proper justification in just a few clicks.

Learn more about data privacy and protection >

Ready, set, archive: Canvas cleanup time

Before diving into summer, instructors can set themselves up for future success by downloading the Canvas Wrap-up Checklist. It includes best practices for organization, adjusting course settings, and copying that will help efficiently close out courses and prepare for the next semester. 

Boston-based faculty can also attend a hands-on workshop on wrapping up Canvas courses this Wednesday, May 14 at Snell Library. No registration required — simply drop in to set yourself up for success next semester.

Download the checklist >

AI questions? Expert consults have answers

Whether you’re just starting with AI tools or looking to enhance your skills, our specialized consultations can help you integrate AI effectively into your work and teaching. Various consultation options are available to support your specific needs:

One-on-one AI consultations 

Connect with a digital instructional technologist for personalized guidance on Claude and other AI tools. These focused 15-30 minute sessions address your specific questions—from crafting effective prompts to integrating AI workflows into your daily tasks. Bring your questions and real-world scenarios for tailored support that helps you work smarter, not harder.

Schedule your consultation >

AI for teaching consultations

Transform your teaching approach with AI guidance from Academic Technologies. These consultations help instructors plan and explore the role of AI in their teaching and identify and use AI-enhanced tools integrated into Canvas. Bring your syllabus, assignment ideas, or specific questions for personalized guidance.

Book an AI teaching consultation >