Student Inform—Technology News & Updates

KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 17, 2025

Contents:

Stay Safe This Tax Season: Scammers are on the Hunt!

Tax season can be exciting for some (hello, refunds!) and stressful for others. But there’s one group that's always excited — scammers. They’re getting craftier every year, but don’t worry—we've got your back with essential tips to protect your money and information.

Common Scams to Watch For:

🚫 Phishing: The IRS never emails or texts about specific tax issues. Don’t click on sketchy links—always go straight to irs.gov.

📞 Phone Scams: The IRS usually sends mail before calling. If someone pressures you on the phone, hang up.

📱 Social Media Scams: Be wary of posts promising "guaranteed refunds." If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

🔐 Identity Theft: Keep your Social Security number (SSN) and personal details on lockdown.

How to Protect Yourself:

Be Skeptical: Question unexpected messages or calls about taxes—especially urgent ones.
Verify Independently: Don’t use contact info from suspicious messages. Find the IRS’s official number at irs.gov.
Protect Your Info: Keep sensitive information, like your SSN, secure.
Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your financial accounts are locked down with unique, strong passwords.
Update Software: Keep your devices secure with the latest updates.
File Early: Filing early helps block scammers from submitting a fraudulent return in your name.

If You Suspect a Scam:

Report it to TIGTA: 1-800-366-4484
IRS Identity Theft Hotline: 1-800-908-4490

Remember: The IRS won’t contact you by email or text about taxes owed. When in doubt, head to irs.gov.

Stay safe and secure this tax season! 🚀

Key Tax Dates to Remember:

April 15, 2025: Tax filing deadline (for most individuals)
October 15, 2025: Extension deadline 

Do You Even Need to File?
Not everyone does. Check irs.gov to see if filing applies to you based on your income, filing status, and age.


Guidelines for AI Use at KSU

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world, making it essential to use AI tools responsibly and effectively. KSU is committed to ensuring that AI supports innovation while safeguarding our community’s values, data, and ethical standards. Below, please find general guidelines and guidance.

Engage with generative AI thoughtfully: Communicate clearly using conversational language, and never share confidential information or protected research. To safeguard data when using AI, use Microsoft Copilot when logged in with your KSUmail address and password. 

General Guidelines

  1. Ethical Use: Always use AI in ways that uphold KSU’s values and ethical standards. Avoid using AI to mislead, deceive, or compromise academic integrity, privacy, or security.
  2. Secure Use: Be mindful of information you share with AI, and never share sensitive information, such as university business, personal details, proprietary research, or any data protected by law.
  3. Transparency: Be transparent about the use of AI in academic and administrative contexts. Clearly communicate when AI is being utilized, especially in coursework or decision-making processes that impact students, faculty, or staff.
  4. Respect for Privacy: Respect the privacy of others when using AI tools. Ensure that the use of AI complies with KSU’s privacy policies and relevant laws, safeguarding personal and sensitive information.
  5. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Use AI to support inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the KSU community. Ensure that AI tools are designed and used in ways that are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
  6. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about AI advancements and their implications. Engage in training and educational opportunities provided by KSU to understand how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly.
  7. Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborate and share feedback on AI tools and practices. Your input helps us continuously improve how AI is integrated at KSU, ensuring it meets the needs of our diverse community.
  8. Accountability: Take responsibility for the use of AI in your work or studies. It's essential to take ownership of how we use AI, ensuring that AI is applied ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with best practices.


Guidance for Students

IMPORTANT: Always check your syllabus before using AI for academic work. While UITS is excited to provide guidance on leveraging AI, particularly generative AI, the decision of when, how, or whether to use it in your coursework is ultimately up to your instructor. We encourage you to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

Please note that The KSU Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity has updated the language in the KSU Codes of Conduct regarding AI. Here’s the revised section on cheating (from page 21):

Cheating. Receiving, attempting to receive, knowingly giving or attempting to give unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any course work (including, but not limited to, examinations, laboratory reports, essays, themes, term papers) is considered cheating, as is engaging in any behavior that a professor prohibits as academic misconduct in the syllabus or class discussion. Unless specifically authorized, using and/or having access to electronic devices during an examination, quiz, test or other assessment is automatically considered cheating, regardless of the student’s reason for using/accessing the device. Unauthorized use of artificial intelligence is another form of cheating. Authorized use of artificial intelligence is subject to the stated course instructors’ policy as described in a course syllabus or/and in class discussions. Consult with course instructor as needed. Additionally, unauthorized collaboration and sharing of materials in an electronic group chat is cheating, and said participation shall be determined by an evaluation of all facts available regarding participation.


For more information, check out this resource.


Have You Explored the New UITS Website Yet? We Want to Hear From You!

Have you checked out the brand-new UITS website? We launched it a few weeks ago, and we're excited for you to explore it! The entire site was redesigned to make your IT experience smoother, more informative, and user-friendly.

We Want Your Feedback!

Your input is crucial for making the site even better. We've included a simple feedback form on the site to make sharing your thoughts easy.

Here’s what we’d love to know:

  • Found something especially helpful?
  • Think something could be improved?
  • Got an idea for a cool new feature?

No suggestion is too small! Your feedback directly shapes the future of the UITS website.

Take a Look and Share Your Thoughts!
Visit kennesaw.edu/uits, explore the site, and fill out the feedback form to tell us what you think.

We're genuinely excited to hear from you!


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