Weekly Feed--Technology News & Updates

KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 10, 2025

Contents:

AI Guidelines 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 Faculty

Faculty wanting to use Artificial Intelligence to improve productivity in grading, writing, and research should be cautious and diligent when entering student data or intellectual property into these systems. To ensure data security and FERPA compliance, faculty should use their KSU Microsoft credentials (NetID) to log in to Microsoft Copilot. A green shield and check mark icon will be present in the upper right corner of the dashboard to indicate that you have successfully logged in to the protected enterprise version of Copilot. To log in, visit copilot.microsoft.com. AI is advancing very quickly, and this guidance is likely to change with future advances. If you have questions, submit a DLI service ticket for assistance.

KSU Digital Learning Innovations (DLI) provides resources on faculty use of AI, including suggested AI policy language for syllabi.

Looking for More Information?

To learn more about AI, check out this resource: Learn About AI. 

Important Fiscal Year Deadlines for AV Projects and Network Installations

If you are considering an audiovisual (AV) or network installation request within this fiscal year's budget, please note the following cutoff dates. These dates allow sufficient time for site visits, preparation and approval of Statements of Work (SOW), and submission of purchase requests in compliance with KSU guidelines.

To initiate an AV installation/network project, please email service@kennesaw.edu and include the location where you would like either network or AV installed. 

Key Deadlines

  • Friday, March 7: Deadline for submitting requests to schedule a site visit and initiate a Statement of Work (SOW).
  • Friday, March 28: Deadline for departments to review and approve requested SOWs, returning them to UITS for purchase request processing.

By meeting these deadlines, we can ensure your project progresses smoothly within this fiscal year.

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.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam:

Report it to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General: 1-800-366-4484
Call the IRS Identity Theft Hotline: 1-800-908-4490

Remember: The IRS will NOT 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: Tax filing deadline (for most individuals)
October 15: 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.

Technology Workshops: Adobe Express (Feb. 18), Adobe Photoshop Express (Feb. 19), and Into to AI Tools (Feb. 20)

Explore technology workshops at KSU! Each semester, University Information Technology Services (UITS) offers a variety of workshops to help you make the most of our tech tools—take a look at this week's offerings below. 

Creating Graphics in Adobe Express

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10–11 a.m. via Teams—Register for this workshop

Join our online workshop to unlock the full potential of Adobe Express. This course will guide you through the all-in-one editor, enabling you to create captivating flyers, posters, presentations, and more. You’ll also learn how to craft compelling videos, utilize a wide range of templates and design assets, and master the art of collaboration. Enhance your creative skills with Adobe Express!

Adobe Photoshop Express

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10–11 a.m. via Teams—Register for this workshop

Transform your images with Photoshop Express, a user-friendly photo editing tool. This workshop will guide you through using Photoshop Express to explore design presets and correction features such as spot healing and fixing red eye. It's a streamlined version of Adobe Photoshop, making it easy to create or refine digital images for your next project.

Intro to Adobe AI Tools

Thursday, Feb. 20, 10–11 a.m. via Teams—Register for this workshop

Journey to the realm of creativity with Adobe's Generative AI tools. From text-to-image in Adobe Express to generative fill in Adobe Firefly, this workshop will guide participants through the possibilities of digital design with AI (Artificial Intelligence).

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