During the downtime, MySlice and all applications that are accessed only through MySlice will be unavailable. For a complete list of applications that will be unavailable during the downtime, please visit the .

For questions about this or any other technology-related topic, please contact the Information Technology Service Center at help@syr.edu or 315.443.2677.

What Is Sextortion?��

Sextortion is a type of cybercrime in which the attacker claims to have access to intimate or compromising information about you, such as photos or videos. The sender will often demand payment, typically in cryptocurrency, in exchange for not releasing this information. To make their threats seem more real, they might include personal details such as your phone number, address or even the names of friends or family members. It is important to understand that bad actors often collect this information from publicly available sources without an actual breach of your accounts or devices.��

What Should You Do if You Receive a Sextortion Email?��

1. Stay Calm: The goal of these emails is to create fear and urgency. It is important to stay calm and recognize that this is a scam.��
2. Do Not Respond: Do not engage with the sender or provide any personal information.��
3. Do Not Make Payments: These threats are baseless. Paying the attacker will encourage them to make additional requests.��
4. Report It: Forward the email to your local IT support so they can investigate and take appropriate action. If you are concerned about your personal accounts, consider updating your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication for additional protection.��

Receiving such emails can be distressing. ITS is here to assist and guide you through the situation. The ITS Information Security team is actively working to address these incidents and to help protect our campus community.

The new Sign in screen will help users distinguish between the University-sanctioned portal and other Sign in screens that might be for personal accounts or malicious sites designed to trick users into revealing their account information.

The new look will be consistent across desktop, phones and tablet devices. Other features of the updated Sign in screen include a link to to get help with account access and the ability to add news alerts or other information.

Current Microsoft Sign in screen

New Sign in screen for desktops

New Sign in screen for smartphones

New Sign in screen for tablets

What to Expect

Based on tests conducted this summer, Information Technology Services (ITS) expects many existing AirOrangeX-connected devices to reconnect to the upgraded network automatically. Other users might be asked to “Connect” or receive a prompt to acknowledge the changes by clicking “OK.” New devices, including those not previously supported such as Apple TV, Roku Sticks and other “Internet of Things” devices, can select AirOrangeX from the list of available Wi-Fi networks and connect freely.

As a result of the upgrade, ITS will remove the Gadgets&Games, AirOrangeGuest, SUAD and AirOrangeHelp wireless networks from the airspace around campus. Users who previously connected to those networks will connect directly to AirOrangeX instead. Other Syracuse University locations around the world will also shift to a new AirOrangeGlobal network, which will boast enhanced device compatibility and ease of access at all locations.

Convenient, Secure Access

The new iteration of AirOrangeX makes it easier to join the network without compromising security.

For decades, most organizations have secured their Wi-Fi networks by requiring some form of authentication or registration. Over the last eight years, ITS has made significant investments to shift toward a security model that ensures users are secure on any network, anywhere in the world—including those that do not require authentication.

While one might think a Wi-Fi network without authentication could introduce significant security risks, the University’s information systems (e.g., MySlice or Blackboard) require cloud-based multi-factor authentication using HTTPS encryption as required by all modern web browsers. The upgraded AirOrangeX network will also utilize Opportunistic Wireless Encryption to further enhance security on most modern devices made in the last five years.

Multiple virtual private networks will further enhance access to datacenter and cloud resources around the globe while also limiting users who do not authenticate to the underlying information services to internet access only, ensuring the campus community remains protected.

With questions about this or any other technology-related topic, please contact the ITS Service Center at help@syr.edu or 315.443.2677.

When is the Answers migration to the cloud taking place?
The migration will start on Friday, June 21, at 4 p.m. and will finish on Sunday, June 23. The application will be down during the migration. When it comes back up on Monday, June 24, all Answers content will be accessed in the cloud.

What happens if I go to answers.syr.edu after the migration?
The Answers website URL (https://answers.syr.edu/) will be re-directed to Confluence in the cloud, so you will still be able to access Answers via this web address.

I use Answers for information but don’t manage any content. What changes for me?
The user interface will look different, with a new and improved feel and some slight differences in the navigation. The search option, in particular, has been greatly improved. We encourage users to utilize this search feature to find documents that they require. To learn more, please visit .

Will I need to log in for publicly accessed information?
Users who access publicly available information will not need to log in.

I have a public space. What happens if I don’t do anything before the migration?
Space administrators have been made aware of the change. The migration team has been working with them prior to the migration. If administrators of public spaces do nothing, the public space will move over as-is. Some access to editing functions could be unavailable until space administrators check with the migration team.

I want to keep my information private, but the cloud version of Answers only allows public information. Where should I put my private content?
Should you decide that transitioning to a public platform does not align with your goals, we are committed to providing support in finding alternative solutions that suit your needs. For more information, please visit��.

I have a private space. What happens if I don’t do anything before the migration?
Private spaces that have not been addressed with one of the above available alternatives will be archived after the migration. Owners of private spaces have been notified of these options. Private space owners should check with the migration team if additional support is needed.

I have links to Answers on my website/email signature/etc. Will those links still work after the migration?
Existing links will not work because the Confluence cloud application uses dynamically generated links. These links will be re-created during migration. Space owners and others with links in webpages, email signatures, etc., are reminded to find and update to the new corresponding links. The new enhanced search feature in the Answers cloud platform will assist in locating content in the cloud.

Is there still time to manage my content before the migration?
There is still time to clean up and manage content before June 21. If no cleanup is done, the spaces will be moved as per the public and private space details described above.

Who do I contact with questions?
Please direct questions to the Answers cloud migration team (aascsys@su-jsm.atlassian.net) or the��.

How Aira Works

To take advantage of the newly available visual interpreting service, users can download and launch the Aira Explorer mobile app while on the University campus. With the tap of a button, the user’s phone streams live video to a trained Aira agent, who will then provide verbal descriptions of the caller’s surroundings and reading assistance as needed. With Aira, users with blindness or low vision can better access the campus experience, including:

• Locating buildings and specific classrooms
• Reading signage, menus, product labels, price tags and other posted printed materials
• Attending events such as Commencement or sporting events
• Locating items in the Campus Store
• Finding items and available seating at dining halls

“We are thrilled to offer Aira’s visual interpreting service to anyone on campus,” says Marla Runyan, assistant director of digital accessibility and Aira user. “Whether attending a special event or just moving through a typical day, Aira offers greater access and independence for the blind and low-vision community. Becoming an Aira Access Partner just makes sense.”

Some well-known Aira Access Partners include Starbuck’s, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase & Co., TD Bank and the Smithsonian. Syracuse University joins a robust list of Aira’s higher education partners, including:

• Columbia University
• Duke University
• Princeton University
• The Ohio State University
• University of Pennsylvania

The Aira partnership continues recent investments in digital accessibility at Syracuse University. In March, the announced the availability of SensusAccess, a new and fully automated document remediation and file conversion service that makes electronic documents such as PDF files or Microsoft PowerPoint presentations more accessible to audiences of all abilities.

“We are excited to make Aira available to anyone who comes to campus, whether as a full-time student or as a visitor for a football game or concert,” Senior Vice President for Digital Transformation and Chief Digital Officer Jeff Rubin said. “This partnership attests to how technology can help create a university that is welcoming to all.”

Offered twice in separate, weeklong sessions by the online learning services team, SITETL will be held May 22-26 and again June 5-9. Each session is limited to 15 participants selected through a competitive application process.

Program workshops explore current topics and technologies, as well as strategies and pedagogies to support accessible online teaching and learning. Participants will work alongside colleagues from disciplines across the University as they develop skills and design content for their courses. Instructors will learn about a variety of technologies with a focus on enhancing instruction for students. Sessions will include presentations, panel discussions and hands-on lab time.

Faculty and staff can complete their annual training at any time by following these steps:

• Go to��MySlice
• Select��Employee Resources from the Employee Home dashboard
• Click on the��Security Awareness tile
• Watch the video and answer the questions that accompany it

The deadline to complete this training is April 2.��Once you complete the training, you will be eligible to be randomly selected for the weekly drawing for a $25 prize from the Syracuse University Campus Store. You will be eligible for all subsequent weekly prize selections, for a total of four prize opportunities for those who complete the training during the first week.

Change to Sign-In Experience for Some University Applications

On March 14, many University applications such as Zoom and Qualtrics will transition to the Office 365 sign-in experience, which should be familiar to those using SUMail, MySlice or Blackboard. Users do not need to do anything to prepare for this transition. After the change is made, users will experience a consistent sign-in experience across many of the applications they use.

Scheduled MySlice Update on March 18

MySlice will be unavailable Saturday, March 18, when a system update is performed. ITS asks users to plan their MySlice activities accordingly. Once complete, benefits of the update will include enhanced performance on mobile devices, a new notifications bar and additional options for customization.

Jenny Gluck

“If you have had the pleasure of interacting with Jenny Gluck, then you know the essence of a passionate technology leader,” Sedore says. “Over the two decades I have had the privilege to work alongside Jenny, I have observed the profound impact she has had at Syracuse University. Jenny is a staunch ally for the underrepresented members of our community, striving daily to include the needs of all when making decisions.”

Gluck joined Syracuse University as a senior computer systems engineer in 1992. Prior to joining the University, her career included more than 10 years at General Electric in roles spanning aerospace information technology, sonar systems, robotics and more.

During her tenure at Syracuse, she gained a campuswide perspective and helped shape the evolution of technology across the University in such roles as UNIX system administrator, manager of Research and Development, director of Networking Systems and Services and director of Academic Applications and Service Centers before beginning her current role in 2011.

At all times, Gluck strived to improve technology to enable effective teaching and learning, communication, safe experimenting and collaboration. Her approach emphasized inclusion and accessibility for the University’s diverse communities.

With a well-established track record of increasing responsibility, Gluck has never been one to take on a light workload.

“As a woman in technology,” she says, “you feel like you’re always trying to prove that you know what you’re doing.”

By building consensus with campus partners and assembling teams, Gluck helped deliver exceptional results for the University. Some of her accomplishments include the following:

• Supporting the move from mainframes to the current client-server
• Developing the first conceptual account provisioning service for the campus
• Spearheading the major network master plan to install, upgrade and replace the entire campus network
• Implementing robust teaching and learning tools, including multiple versions of Blackboard, Zoom, Kaltura and PlayPosit
• Creating the MakerSpace and the Digital Scholarship Space in support of students’ need to experiment, promoting the merits of trying, failing and trying again
• Replacing the University’s data analytics tool
• Deploying a multi-spatial and artificially intelligent chatbot tool
• Creating an academic media productions team
• Installing cutting-edge classroom technology
• Bringing pronoun and preferred name self-selection to MySlice and downstream systems
• Developing a process for the procurement of accessible information and communication technology
• Implementing a robust campus map solution with accessible wayfinding

‘A Remarkable Leader’

Gluck’s campus partners are as quick to praise her collegiality and respect for diverse communities as they are thankful for her technological expertise and guidance.

“Jenny has been a remarkable leader in creatively integrating technology with innovative teaching practices. Her determination to provide support wherever it’s needed has always been remarkable, particularly given the scope of her responsibilities and the increasing need for attention to technology in the classroom,” says Lois Agnew, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of writing and rhetoric. “Jenny’s keen expertise, generosity, accessibility and kindness have made her a respected colleague and valued collaborator. She will be greatly missed.”

Another colleague, Kira Reed, associate professor of management, says, “Jenny has been a great friend and mentor since we co-chaired the Standard III team for the last Syracuse University Middle States Accreditation Self-Study. She is an expert in her field and the highest-ranking woman in IT I’ve met. She continues to inspire me.”

“Jenny has been a champion of meeting student academic needs for information and community technology with a strong emphasis on equal access to technology for members of our disability community,” says William Myhill, director of disability access and ADA coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “Jenny is highly collegial, collaborative, and an ally to historically marginalized communities, putting others first time and time again.”

Looking forward, Gluck offers a word of advice to the Syracuse University community: “Persist. If you know in your heart that it’s right, persist.”

With respect to striving for digital accessibility, in particular, she adds, “it may be hard, and it might not happen right away, but you are removing barriers. No matter how difficult something is, and no matter how many nay-sayers you get, you can never go wrong doing what’s right.”

Story by Christian Jones and Eric Ferguson

Ultra Course View includes a clean, modern look and a single-page course structure that uses learning modules and folders to organize course content. In preparation, the ITS Online Learning Services team will help instructors who use Blackboard to transition to Ultra Course View over the next 18 months.

Instructors from all schools and colleges are invited to participate in a hosted by the ITS Online Learning Services team on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon. During this virtual session, participants will create new course materials in Ultra and import existing materials from original courses into an Ultra course.

Before registering, interested instructors should enroll in the asynchronous for access to an Ultra course sandbox and an introduction to Ultra courses.

“We recognize and appreciate the time and energy involved for each instructor and will continue to provide updates, training and tips,” says Michael Morrison, associate director for Academic Service Centers. “We are excited to assist instructors as they take advantage of a modernized Blackboard and create first-class Ultra courses.”

The transition has already begun for some instructors. Ten courses were taught using Ultra Course View in the Fall 2022 semester, and more than 30 courses will feature Ultra Course View during the Spring 2023 term. In addition, more than 50 instructors have already participated in information sessions or course building sprints.

Feedback for both the tool and the support has been positive. One sprint attendee appreciated “both the group question/answer sessions and the personal help that I received. Having the sandbox available during the session is very helpful, also.” An instructor who used Ultra last semester shared that it was “more intuitive to use,” with students realizing that “it was easier than the old one. Those who used phones and iPad had a much easier time than in the past.”

Instructors can learn more about , including features, access and a timeline. OLS staff have worked to test and configure Ultra courses, create support documentation and design training materials to provide for a smooth experience for instructors.

Preview of what Blackboard Ultra Course View will look like.

Blackboard Ultra Course View is an entirely re-designed approach to Blackboard courses, both for instructors to create content and for students to participate in courses. This includes a clean, modern look and a single-page course structure that uses learning modules and folders to organize course content.

You can learn more about��, including features, access and a timeline. OLS staff have worked to test and configure the courses, create support documentation and design training materials to provide a smooth experience for instructors. This includes an asynchronous Ultra Course View Orientation course and short, synchronous training sessions called .

Instructors can����for Ultra Course View sandboxes to explore the new course look, feel and function. Instructors also can����in Ultra and Original Course View.

OLS recognizes the time and energy involved for each instructor and will continue to provide updates, training and tips. OLS staff are excited to assist instructors as they take advantage of a modernized Blackboard and create first-class Ultra courses.

Join the ITS Information Security team for the CyberStart launch party (with pizza!) on Fri., Oct. 14, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Falk 100. Attendees will have the opportunity to try out the CyberStart online game and talk with our cybersecurity experts. You can .

CyberStart is an online game for problem-solvers who welcome a challenge. Open to all students, CyberStart offers an opportunity to learn more about the cybersecurity profession, test your problem-solving skills and learn new technology.

During this year’s kickoff event, students will try out 12 challenges. Students interested in continuing can then sign up for the semester-long competition with prizes for top finishers and random drawings for participants who complete a minimum number of challenges.

In the inaugural competition, College of Engineering and Computer Science graduate student Weiling Wang G ’21 won CyberStart by more than 10,000 points. After winning the CyberStart competition, Wang joined Syracuse University’s Security Operations Center (SOC) as a student employee and currently works as a security engineer at TikTok.

“CyberStart reinforced my enthusiasm and passion for cybersecurity,” Wang said. “After [CyberStart], I also participated in some other capture the flag competitions. What I learned from these competitions will help me pursue my career in cybersecurity.”

More information and FAQs are available on the .

Jason Webb

Jason Webb G ’18, ��an instructional analyst with ITS Online Learning Services, adjunct professor in the Newhouse School and instructor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, recently received a “Create with VR” grant from Unity and Meta Immersive Learning. As part of the grant, Webb will receive 15 virtual reality (VR) headsets. The grant is awarded by three-dimensional (3D) content platform Unity and Meta, the parent company of virtual reality brand Oculus, as well as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other apps and services.

Webb plans to use the VR headsets to “help introduce students in the 3D animation and visual effects class to new ways to tell stories using 3D models along with trainings for faculty to help introduce VR to the classroom,” he says. “For my research, it will help dive into how educators can use VR to immerse students in the content.”

The grant comes at a time when extended reality is becoming more common in higher education, both in physical and virtual classrooms and in research and creative settings.

“Over the last few years, we have seen a huge swing in the use of XR (extended reality) in the classrooms, whether it be for medical, industrial, storytelling or STEM classes,” Webb says. “With increases in technology power and design, it is getting easier to access the technology for consumption and development.”

In addition to receiving the grant, Webb is now certified as a VR Educator in Unity. This semester, he will be a keynote panelist at the Inclusive Campus of the Future Conference and give a presentation on the topic of “Extended Reality in Research” at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference.

Webb also is an active participant in the Extended Reality (XR) group at Syracuse University.

“Students and faculty can join our XR at Syracuse group that meets virtually online twice a semester, and they can reach out to me (jmwebb02@syr.edu) to join the group,” says Webb. “We also have the ��website that updates information on XR projects on campus.”

Users can begin preparing for this transition by logging in to Answers and going to the DataInsights at Syracuse University page, which features a link to the DataInsights environment, as well as some FAQ and a high-level navigational training provided by ITS. Individual departments will also deliver communication and training this summer regarding specific dashboards and reports as the transition nears.

ITS encourages users to begin or continue exploring DataInsights to ensure a smooth transition over the next few months. There will be live training sessions scheduled throughout the summer for end-users to learn more and ask questions.

If you have questions about a specific MyReports report, please contact the department that owns that data/report. If you are not sure or have general questions, please email��DIHelp@syr.edu.

Hosted by the ITS Research Computing team, the Research Computing Series provides a forum for faculty and students to learn more about the wide range of tools available to them—including the SUrge graphics processor unit (GPU) cluster.

SUrge provides a significant speed increase over traditional CPUs for a variety of uses, such as mathematical operations, rendering, photogrammetry and more. The cluster features more than 300 GPUs, including several NVIDIA models.

At the next edition of the Research Computing Series, NVIDIA Senior Solutions Architect Brad Palmer will discuss how faculty and student researchers can get the most out of GPU resources. Registration is .

If you have not done so already, you can complete your annual training via MySlice:

• Go to MySlice
• From the Employee Home page, choose the Employee Resources tile
• Click the Security Awareness Training tile to access the training

To receive credit for completing the training, you will need to enter a code provided at the end of the video, as well as take a brief quiz.

ITS encourages anyone using a hot spot to disconnect it in their device’s settings and connect to the wireless AirOrangeX network instead.

Information Technology Services (ITS) network administrators continue to detect wireless access points or “hot spots” coming from personal devices across campus. Hot spots can disrupt the normal use of University-provided wireless access (Wi-Fi).

ITS encourages anyone using a hot spot to disconnect it in their device’s settings and connect to the wireless AirOrangeX network instead.

Faculty and staff also can begin their in-person meetings and classes by asking everyone to check their devices before they get started, similar to setting a phone to “airplane mode” before a flight.

To connect a computer or iOS device to AirOrangeX:

1. Choose AirOrangeHelp from your device’s list of available wireless networks.
2. Navigate to aoh.syr.edu and follow the instructions.
3. If your computer is not automatically connected, choose AirOrangeX from the list of networks.

To connect an Android device to AirOrangeX, navigate to answers.syr.edu/aox and follow the instructions for your respective operating system from the list provided.

WiFi is broadcast over radio frequencies. When someone uses a hot spot on campus, their signal competes with the existing AirOrangeX wireless network.

The use of hot spots has increased in recent years, with many people using their hot spots elsewhere and forgetting to turn them off when they arrive on campus. ITS recommends only using a hot spot at home or while traveling.

Connecting to the AirOrangeX network instead of a personal hot spot is a great way to improve the campus computing experience for everyone.

All Syracuse University faculty and staff must complete mandatory information security training in accordance with New York State requirements. Employees now can complete their annual training at any time. To do so:

• Go to MySlice
• From the Employee Home page, click the Employee Resources tile
• Click the Security Awareness tile to access the training

“Even in the last few months, we have seen bad actors adapt to new security measures,” Chief Information Security Officer Christopher Croad says. “These training sessions are essential to discuss best practices and to learn how to protect against new threats.”

To receive credit for completing the training, employees will enter a code provided at the end of the video, as well as take a brief quiz. The expected time required to complete the training is 30-35 minutes. The deadline to complete this training is March 31. Employees with questions can contact Information Security IT Analyst Sarah Marciniak at smlittle@syr.edu.

“We know everyone has a lot going on right now,” Croad says. “We appreciate everyone’s investment of time and energy in protecting the University’s data. It really is up to all of us.”

Screenshots of what the multi-factor authentication process will look like for users of the Microsoft Authenticator app on a computer (left) and mobile device.

MFA is an excellent method for enhancing user account security. With MFA enabled, a prospective thief would need access to both your password and a phone you’ve configured to steal your information. Number verification will enhance MFA’s ability to prevent the unauthorized use of NetIDs and passwords.

For more about the upcoming change, including detailed log-in instructions, visit the on Answers. If you need to configure your MFA settings, you can find instructions for doing so on the on Answers.

If you have��questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk by calling 315.443.2677 or by emailing help@syr.edu.

If you have questions related to these changes, please contact the ITS Help Desk by calling 315.443.2677 or emailing help@syr.edu.

How Do Users Log In?

The function of MFA in Blackboard is similar to its behavior in other campus systems where it is enabled. Users will have the fastest and easiest access to Blackboard with MFA if they are able to configure the Microsoft Authenticator App for Android, iOS or Windows Phone.��If you need to manage your Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), you can find instructions for doing so on the����page on Answers.

Why Multi-Factor Authentication?

MFA is an excellent method for enhancing user account security. With MFA enabled, a prospective thief would need access to both your password and a phone you’ve configured to steal your information. Enabling MFA in Blackboard will align it with other critical campus systems that contain sensitive data, such as email and MySlice.

For more about this upcoming change, including detailed log-in instructions, visit on Answers. If you have questions related to this change, contact the ITS Help Desk at 315.443.2677 or help@syr.edu.

As a result of the upgrade, MySlice features increased mobile compatibility, accessibility and personalization. You can find information about the enhanced navigation and user experience, including screenshots, on the��. Helpful tips include:

At the same time as the upgrade, MySlice’s security was enhanced with Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication (also known as multi-factor authentication or MFA). MySlice users will need to ensure they have access to their multi-factor authentication methods, which they can manage at��.

If you have any questions about the MySlice upgrade, you can contact the ITS Help Desk at��help@syr.edu��or by calling 315.443.2677.

At the same time as the upgrade, MySlice’s security will be enhanced with Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication (also known as multi-factor authentication, or MFA).

As a result, MySlice users will need to ensure they have access to their multi-factor authentication methods, which they can manage at .

The refreshed, tile-based MySlice will feature increased mobile compatibility, accessibility and personalization. You can find information about the enhanced navigation and user experience, including screenshots, on the .

With more personalization options than ever before, the upgraded website will put the “My” in “MySlice.”

On the latest episode of the from Information Technology Services (ITS), Chief Information Security Officer Chris Croad provides tips for recognizing phishing attempts and protecting your information. You can check it out on , , and .

Phishers send emails or messages that claim to be from people, businesses or organizations you know. These messages direct you to a website that looks like a legitimate organization’s site but instead is a fraudulent site designed to trick you into giving out your personal information.

Some tips to keep in mind to help you spot phishing emails:

• Syracuse University will never ask you to reveal any personal information through email or ask you to update your personal information through a link in an email.
• Never click on embedded links from people you don’t know. Always be wary of unsolicited email, even if you think you recognize the sender.
• Phishing emails usually threaten to shut down your account if you don’t respond. Valid emails do not.
• Phishing emails usually will have grammar or spelling mistakes.

If you need further information or assistance with verifying any email messages, please contact the ITS Security Department at ITSecurity@listserv.syr.edu.

Check out����to keep your data and the Syracuse University community’s data safe and secure. You also can ��for tech tips and tricks.

Each semester, ITS hosts the to help students, faculty and staff understand how they can leverage Syracuse University’s advanced computing resources. This semester, the Research Computing Series will take place virtually over two sessions:

• On April 19, Shane Sanders and Justin Ehrlich from the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics will discuss some of their work in the R programming language that required extra resources beyond desktop machines.
• On April 28, the ITS Research Computing team will provide an overview of available research computing resources and how faculty members can get started.

Chief Technology Officer Eric Sedore recently participated in a brief Q&A as the Research Computing team approaches its 10th anniversary and prepares for this semester’s sessions.

“Everything rolls up to expanding the reach and impact of Syracuse University nationally and internationally…”

What is the Research Computing team’s mission? Why was it created?

The Research Computing team originally launched in 2011 to address a gap: There were no central research computing resources or capabilities to help faculty members who needed something beyond their desktop computer or what was available in their lab. ITS utilized and combined some existing resources, such as OrangeGrid, which securely scavenged compute time from idle desktops, and the Academic Virtual Hosting Environment from an existing investment in disaster recovery, to provide campus researchers something that could assist with challenging and compute-intense academic work.

What makes a researcher or a project a good candidate for working with your team?��

We are happy to explore ways we can help with any project that needs resources beyond what is readily available to the researchers.��We will work with anyone in the University community, whether it’s related to research or teaching and learning. Although historically we’ve worked a lot with STEM projects, we collaborate with all academic areas—we have great relationships with faculty across a variety of fields.

What are some key successes that the Research Computing team worked on?��

We’ve been very proud to help some really remarkable researchers. We’ve provided support for a wide range of academic work, including research as well as teaching and learning. One thing that stands out is our involvement with [Arts and Sciences Physics Professor] Duncan Brown’s research, which contributed to the confirmation of the existence of gravitational waves. We also have helped secure three grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support computational needs on campus.

How have research computing needs on campus changed over time? Specifically, what changes have you noticed during the pandemic?��

From its inception, research computing on campus has constantly evolved to offer a portfolio of services to meet the diverse needs of the campus community. These services include high-throughput computing, high-performance computing, high-speed networking and most recently an NSF augmented GPU cluster. In addition to local capabilities, the team has built connections to allow for utilizing the public cloud and collaborated with other institutions across the nation to provide access to federated compute resources.

During the pandemic, requests for resources and assistance increased notably. From what we observed, researchers were transitioning time from their on-campus labs to computational projects. The community readily adapted to virtual meetings for interactions with us, which helped in terms of onboarding and exploring complicated issues.

What are your goals for the future of research computing on campus?��

We want to continue to provide a relevant set of resources for all academic areas, including cloud-based options. In terms of support, we want to move toward more proactive interactions with our community. Ultimately, everything rolls up to expanding the reach and impact of Syracuse University nationally and internationally, both for assisting existing researchers as well as attracting top-tier students and faculty.

If you have questions or need help, please contact the ITS Service Center at 315.443.2677 or��help@syr.edu.

It’s essential that you protect yourself and the University against phishing attempts and other cybersecurity threats, including those disguised as unexpected job offers or reminders to reset your NetID password. Be wary of any email that asks you to provide personal information or “click here now.” These emails are designed to get you to provide personal information, including information that could enable an attacker to access your bank account. If you receive a suspicious email, please forward it to��itsecurity@syr.edu.

When In Doubt, Don’t Click

Ask yourself these questions the next time you receive a suspicious email:

• Am I expecting this email attachment or link? Be suspicious of emails sharing documents and links you are not expecting. If you are unsure, contact the sender (preferably via text message, phone or an alternative email address) and verify that they shared a document with you.
• Do I recognize the sender? Consider the message suspicious if you do not know the sender. Remember, phishers often use compromised accounts to send their messages. They also can forge the sending address. In these cases, the tone of the email might seem strange. If you feel at all unsure, call the sender at a known number to confirm they sent the information.
• Can I identify the attached document before opening it? Is it clear from the document title and message what the document is and why it is being shared? Phishers often send vague messages stating a document has been shared with you. They rely on your curiosity to open the document. Do not open suspicious shared documents if you are unsure of what it is or who sent it.
• Does the product or offer seem too good to be true? Beware of emails promising financial gain, quick fixes or easy solutions, as these are likely phishing attempts.

Next-Generation GPU Computing
Nov. 4, 1-2 p.m.

Join the Research Computing Team for a session to learn more about the��, including technical details and how it can work for you.

A Conversation with Britton Plourde
Nov. 12, 1-2 p.m.

Professor of Physics Britton Plourde will discuss how he leverages Syracuse University’s research computing resources to strengthen his work. Plourde and his research group are developing microfabricated superconducting circuits for quantum information processing. Potential areas impacted by Plourde’s research include pharmaceutical development, materials science and cryptography.

Register

. You will receive a link by email to access the live web presentation before each event.

For More Information

You can learn more about the growing variety of computing resources and activities on campus at.

“We are excited to offer additional support to our research community, including faculty, students and staff,” says University Chief Information Officer Sam Scozzafava. “This National Science Foundation grant attests to the caliber and collaborative spirit of research at Syracuse University.”

The grant builds on previous success in GPU-powered research. Leveraging strengths in virtualization and workload management, the team deployed a smaller-scale GPU cluster in 2015 to address the emerging needs of campus researchers. The new GPU-powered computing cluster will serve researchers across disciplines as varied as computational forensics, high-energy physics, smart vision systems, computational chemistry, biomedical engineering, soft-matter physics and gravitational-wave physics.

“Graphical processing units are a unique resource for researchers,” says Eric Sedore, chief technology officer. “Instead of gaming or graphical output, which are common uses for GPUs, we use them to do a large amount of math for advanced research.”

The grant adds momentum to the emerging Data Innovation Institute project, an initiative led by Duncan Brown, the Charles Brightman Endowed Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences. With funding from a and in collaboration with ITS, Brown is exploring how research computing can advance research and scholarship at Syracuse University.

“The new cluster, together with two full-time cyberinfrastructure engineers who provide expertise in software development and high-performance computing, continues our success in securing funding for research computing at Syracuse,” says Brown.

Access to GPUs will enhance research opportunities for Syracuse students. The new cluster will allow broader GPU use within courses and provide computing power to student researchers. Undergraduates and graduate students will gain practical experience with cutting-edge computing architectures.

Beyond campus, the new cluster will strengthen the global scientific community through integration with the Open Science Grid, a collaborative effort that leverages distributed computing cycles at member institutions. A substantial amount of Syracuse’s recent Open Science Grid contributions has supported computational research to address COVID-19. Syracuse University has been a consistent contributor to the Open Science Grid since 2015, fostering the University’s reputation for extramural collaboration and world-class cyberinfrastructure.

The Research Computing team interacts with campus researchers individually, at a research-group level and through campuswide events. Researchers interested in contacting the Research Computing team may email researchcomputing@syr.edu.

“We strive not just to improve research on campus but to transform it,” Sedore says. “This grant is a big step in that direction.”

Faculty Communications, Consultation and Coaching

Each Tuesday and Thursday, ITS sends “Teaching Tips” emails to faculty with the latest information on . These messages promote best practices and solutions to frequently encountered challenges. To provide holistic faculty support, ITS has partnered with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and the Center for Online and Digital Learning to offer faculty consultation and coaching. Whether faculty have technical or pedagogical questions, they can reach the ITS faculty support team at��help@syr.edu. The appropriate support personnel will respond based on the specific question(s). ITS also hosts with faculty support personnel and faculty members each Tuesday at noon ET.

Course Transition Services

In addition to resources provided by the ITS faculty support team, Syracuse University has partnered with Blackboard Academic Services to provide fall course transition services to faculty throughout the summer. Faculty are encouraged to fill out the����to request support or to submit questions about specific aspects of online instruction and preparation. For reference, here are some��. And����are every Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET and every Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.

Working and Teaching Remotely

The page on Answers covers a range of topics for faculty and staff who will continue to work remotely. Topics include remote access, web conferencing tools and file management solutions.

Help Options

In addition to the expertise of school, college and unit IT personnel, ITS provides a variety of tech support options:

• Online, self-serve support information is available on .
• Faculty and staff can resolve NetID account issues, including password management and multi-factor authentication, at .

The ITS Service Center is available by phone (315.443.2677), by email (help@syr.edu) or through in-person support. Information on ITS Service Center hours is available at .

SITETL is an intense program for faculty members who wish to incorporate technology in their face-to-face courses or move a significant component of their course online. This unique event will offer presentations and hands-on workshops involving current topics and technologies, as well as strategies and pedagogies to support accessible online teaching and learning. Participants will work alongside colleagues from a variety of disciplines as they develop skills and design content for their courses.

Each session is limited to 15 participants selected through a competitive application process. The application deadline is Sunday, April 19.

For more information, including the online application form, .

If you have questions or want more information, contact Michael Morrison, associate director for academic applications and service centers, at memorr02@syr.edu or 315.443.1806.

This semester’s workshops include the following topics:

“Creating Accessible Documents in Microsoft Word”—This session will cover the process of creating accessible documents in Microsoft Word, including using styles to add structure to your document and adding alternative text to images.

“PDFs: Evaluating and Repairing with Adobe Acrobat DC”—This session will cover the basics of PDF remediation in Adobe Acrobat DC, including using the accessibility checker and creating headings.

“PowerPoint: Creating and Delivering Accessible Presentations”—This workshop covers not only making the PowerPoint slide set accessible, but also accessibility considerations when presenting, distributing or posting presentation materials.

“Web Accessibility Testing”—This session will cover techniques for testing websites for accessibility.��Learn about how people with disabilities use the web, accessibility testing tools and more.

All workshops will be held in Room 1116, . Questions? Email accessibleIT@syr.edu.

All students with an appetite for challenges (and pizza) are invited to the CyberStart launch party on Friday, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. in 200 Falk College. Attendees will have the opportunity to demo the CyberStart video game and talk with cybersecurity experts from Syracuse University.

Syracuse is one of just nine universities selected by the SANS Institute to participate in the CyberStart program. Chief Information Security Officer Chris Croad and Professor Shiu-Kai Chin from the College of Engineering and Computer Science have partnered to bring CyberStart to campus.

“I’m excited that we’re able to bring this opportunity to all of our students,” Croad said. “CyberStart will help students across all majors learn about a field that effectively has negative unemployment.”

In addition to career opportunities, CyberStart offers a chance to think about the “promise and pitfalls of cyberspace,” according to Chin.

“Our society is increasingly a cyber-physical one, where how we live and what we can do depends on decisions made by electronic systems,” Chin said. “People who understand the cyber nature of the world can help shape it to become a more positive version of itself.”

The CyberStart program offers students across all disciplines an opportunity to learn more about the cybersecurity profession, test their problem-solving skills and learn new technology. The first round (CyberStart Go) consists of unscored gameplay. At the end of the first round, interested students will have the opportunity to move on to the competitive round (CyberStart Game) in March. CyberStart Game offers more advanced challenges and is scored by ITS. The top scorers from the second round will be recognized at a champions’ reception and will receive access to CyberStart Essentials, which provides a deep dive into cybersecurity technology equivalent to roughly 70 hours of professional training.

“My hope is students from all academic areas will give this a try,” Croad said. “Although they might lack the classic ‘cyber skills,’ students who excel in critical thinking and problem solving could discover that they want to further explore the cybersecurity discipline.”

Downtime
In order for Information Technology Services (ITS) to perform this upgrade, the MySlice portal and all of the services accessed through the portal will be unavailable from 6-10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5. During the downtime, MySlice and all applications that are accessed only through MySlice will be unavailable. For a complete list of applications that will be unavailable during the downtime, refer to . The MySlice services accessed through the University mobile application will be unavailable as well.��Please note: Blackboard will remain available by using .

New Look Login Page
The updated login page (shown at right) will retain key information while adding some important functions, including:

1. A critical information banner will display key messages, as needed;
2. the option to use SU NetID login for students, faculty and staff;
3. an “Other MySlice User” login for parents, proxy accounts, etc.; and
4. a “Help and Information” section with links to relevant news and information.

The new login page is fully mobile-compliant and responsive. This means it will look “right” on any display, whether a PC or a phone—no more pinching and zooming!

Logging In
Enrolled students, faculty and staff will use the “Login with NetID” button with their lower-case NetID, as they did with the previous login box. Parents, proxy users and others with an UPPER CASE login will use the “Other MySlice User” login button.

After clicking the appropriate button, the user will be taken to a separate login page to enter NetID and password information. Once logged in, the user will go to the MySlice homepage. While the browser is open, you can access other applications within the SSO network (e.g., Blackboard, Degree Works, etc.) without needing to sign in to each one.

Logging Out: Remember to Close the Browser
To sign out of MySlice, click “Sign Out” at the top right. Remember: In a single sign on environment, when you log out of one application but leave your browser open, you could still be logged in to another application. It is important to close all browser windows to terminate your session fully. This is especially important on public or shared devices.

Additional information about the MySlice login update is .

Eric Sedore at the NetApp Insight Conference in Las Vegas

Thousands of information technology professionals gathered at the NetApp Insight Conference in Las Vegas last week to hear experts from such leading organizations as Centura Health, SAP, DreamWorks—and Syracuse University.

Eric Sedore, associate chief information officer with Information Technology Services (ITS), took part in the conference keynote presentation. He discussed how Syracuse University approaches the challenges and opportunities of supporting the data needs of a global research university.

“In the last seven years, we’ve seen explosive research data growth,” Sedore said. “We’re a research university, it’s what we do. Research requires data—and a lot of it. Whether it’s genomic data, gravitational wave data, or soft matter data in the STEM areas, or 3D rendering in our render farms for our College of Visual and Performing Arts, we’re producing the lifeblood of the institution in this data.”

“University research is increasingly multidisciplinary, collaborative and it has always been data-driven,” NetApp chief executive officer George Kurian said during the presentation. “Universities today compete for talent—for students and researchers. One of the key ways they’re doing that is by giving researchers the tools and IT platforms that enable them to advance their research quickly.”

Sedore explained how the ITS infrastructure team balances fiscal concerns such as sustainability and cost avoidance with enabling students, faculty and researchers to “change the world.” An example of this world-changing impact: Syracuse University researchers and ITS staff played a key role in the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of gravitational waves from colliding black holes.

“Syracuse University researchers helped develop the algorithm,” Sedore told the audience. “We also contributed a significant amount of computing power to mine the data to find the signal.

“One day, (Charles Brightman Endowed Professor of Physics) Duncan Brown came to my office and said we had done it—we had found the existence of gravitational waves. So I was pretty pumped. I came out from behind my desk and went for a handshake. What I got was a hug. In that moment, I realized we had moved from being just the infrastructure people to being an integral part of the process.”

Back: Jon Wright, David Hoalcraft, Kathy Kinney, Linda Saul, Susan Watts, Mandy Patti, Dan Cohen. Front: Cindy Hoalcraft. Not pictured: Jesse Bickel.

The saying goes, “you made your bed, now you have to sleep in it.” Earlier this month, though, the Information Technology Services (ITS) team built 12 beds so children in need could sleep in them. Some of the beds were delivered the very next day to local families.

It was a restorative change of pace for the Enterprise Process Support (EPS) team. As part of the ITS mission to provide an outstanding technology environment for the University, EPS provides consultation and facilitation services to improve business processes across campus. During the team’s annual retreat, EPS got a head start on the Syracuse University by volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is an organization that builds and delivers beds to children who do not have one of their own. According to numbers collected by the group, roughly 3 percent of American children are without beds.

The was founded in 2018 and has delivered 565 beds to date. EPS team member Cindy Hoalcraft had previously volunteered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and suggested it as both a team-building activity and an opportunity to serve those in need.

ITS support analyst Jon Wright is co-president of the Syracuse chapter and helped coordinate the day’s activities.

“My personal faith puts an emphasis on serving others,” Wright says. “The result of trying to help kids get their own beds is that I have found a simple, long-lasting joy doing so.”

EPS director Kathy Kinney says her team felt a similar sense of meaning in the day’s work.

“I think some were quite surprised at the need,” Kinney says. “We all felt good about contributing bedding and building beds for families in our community.”