Updates from IT

Welcome to campus! Some of you may be stepping on campus for the first time, while others are coming back to a familiar sight. We hope that everyone is eager to start the fall semester. As we approach a new semester, Information Technology wanted to share some reminders and highlight some changes to campus resources.

Security

IT is continuing efforts to strengthen our security. Certain changes may be more visible to you such as the rollout of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for remote access.

MFA for Remote Access

In order to further secure our network, GlobalProtect, our Virtual Private Network (VPN), now requires the use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an additional layer of authentication to ensure that you are the one that is trying to access your account.

Access to VPN with MFA will be provided to students taking courses that need to access network assets remotely. The remote computing lab will require VPN and MFA. Faculty will initiate academic access requests on behalf of students.

Computing and Printing

Access to academic computing and printing has been improved through the setup of a simplified computer lab. The Watzek Library computers are faster to log into, print, and use. Users will continue to have access to the same academic software and resources, while reducing user friction.

Individual Chromebooks continue to be available via the Service Desk. Dell laptops with academic software are available at the Watzek Library Circulation Desk. Specialty computing is available at the Resource Lab with access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Stable Diffusion.

The virtual computer lab with academic software will be available for courses later this semester, please be on the lookout for additional communications.

Specialty printing such as poster printing, photo printing, sticker printing, and 3D printing continue to be available through the R Lab at rlab@lclark.edu. To learn more, visit the Resource Lab for pricing and service information.

Software and Tools

SensusAccess is a new tool available to the LC community. SensusAccess is an online document conversion service which converts documents into alternate and accessible formats such as braille, audio, or e-books. SensusAccess is meant to complement and automate, not replace, services used to make materials fully accessible through the Office of Student Accessibility.

Email

As we start a new semester, we want to remind you of some security practices and policies. In all your email activities remember to stop, look, and think. Stop and resist immediate action when receiving an email; Look for anything unusual in the message or of the sender; and Think, does something seem “phishy”?

• Stay alert and be wary of non-LC emails contacting you about LC work or academics
• Be cautious of spoofing, which often shows up in the form of emails from senior LC staff (President, Directors, Managers, Offices)
• Do not click strange links or open unexpected attachments
• If you suspect a message is phishing but want to be sure, reach out directly to the person or organization using saved contact information or information found on a trusted website. If using Gmail in your browser, click on the kebab menu (three vertical dots menu in the upper right corner) and select “Report Phishing”. This will help Google—and therefore L&C—identify the offending message for quarantine.
• Report suspicious activity to security@lclark.edu

Upcoming changes and implementations

This fall will continue with additional improvements to campus technology and resources. Please keep an eye out for upcoming source articles, emails, and events to promote a secure and safe LC environment.

Again, welcome back to campus and thank you all for practicing safe computing. We look forward to seeing the campus buzzing this fall. For general IT service needs, please contact itservice@lclark.edu.