Weekly Feed—Technology News & Updates

University Information Technology Services (UITS) is pleased to announce the launch of our new website on Jan. 24. Why the change? UITS is committed to providing you with the best possible IT support!

 
UITS’s new website is designed to:

• Simplify your experience with intuitive navigation and clear information.
• Help you find the answers you need with a search bar directly connected to the IT Knowledge Base.
• Keep you informed with the latest updates and announcements at your fingertips.

 
What you need to know:

• UITS’s new web address: As of Jan. 24, our new web address will be https://www.kennesaw.edu/uits.
• Temporary redirects: Saved links and bookmarks will redirect to the new site for 12 months.
  • Please note that saved links or bookmarks for PDFs will not redirect. This includes links to the PDF versions of the KSU technology guides.

Your feedback matters! We want to hear your thoughts on the new website. UITS's new website will include a feedback form for your input.

Questions? UITS is here for you! Contact the IT Service Desk.

In 2025, KSU is transitioning from desk phones to Microsoft Teams Calling. This exciting change will enhance communication at KSU: With Teams Calling, employees can make and receive calls, check voicemail, and transfer calls from any device and any location, whether on campus, working from home, or on the go.  

More information will be forthcoming!

Questions? UITS is here to help! 
Our team will support you every step of the way. For any inquiries, please reach out to the IT Service Desk, and our team will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to enhance communication and collaboration across KSU!

January 28 marks National Data Privacy Day, a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world. At Kennesaw State University, we take data privacy seriously and are committed to protecting the sensitive information of our students, faculty, and staff.

Why is Data Privacy Important?
In today’s interconnected world, protecting your personal data is essential to prevent identity theft, unauthorized access, and other cyber risks. Whether you’re sharing information online, accessing campus resources, or collaborating on research, understanding how to safeguard your data is critical. Protect your data privacy every day!

 

How You Can Stay Safe
Follow these quick tips to help protect your data:

• Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review and update the privacy settings on your devices, apps, and online accounts to ensure you’re sharing only what you intend to.
• Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each account and enable multi-factor authentication (such as Duo) for added protection. MFA requires two or more verification steps to access your accounts, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
• Make Informed Decisions: Carefully read privacy policies, agreements, and terms & conditions before sharing your data. Consider the amount of information being requested and weigh it against the benefits you receive in return.
• Beware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages asking for personal or financial information.
• Clear Your Cookies & Update Regularly: Cookies store data about your browsing activities. Regular cleanups reduce privacy risks, as these files can be exploited by hackers or shared with third-party advertisers. Keep your devices and software updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Choose Private Browsers: Use internet browsers that prioritize privacy by blocking ads and trackers to minimize the data gathered about your online activities.
• Stay Informed and Tech-Savvy: Commit to learning about the latest security practices and techniques to protect yourself online. Attend informational seminars or workshops to enhance your knowledge.
• Know Your Privacy Rights: Familiarize yourself with privacy laws that allow you to request or delete personal data collected by businesses.
• Share Your Knowledge: Spread awareness by sharing your tips, tricks, and experiences with others to help create a more secure online environment.
• Lastly, you can visit NCA’s Manage Your Privacy Settings (staysafeonline.org/articles/manage-your-privacy-settings) to check the privacy settings for social media accounts, retail stores, apps, and more.
   

What We’re Doing at KSU:
Our University Information Technology Services (UITS) team is constantly working to ensure the security of your data through robust policies, advanced technologies, and regular training for faculty, staff, and students.

Together, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone. Stay safe, stay secure!

Exciting news! Beginning in late February, KSU's reservations portal for reserving event and meeting space will be updated, improving your experience with a more intuitive, user-friendly interface. This change will make reserving meeting and event spaces at KSU easier and more efficient.

What to expect:

• When the system is updated, events already reserved for the future will need to be verified to ensure that they were created in the new system correctly and that all the "Assigned Resources" are correct. 
• Training materials that will aid in the transition are under development and will be available before the transition. 

Thank you for your support as we make this exciting improvement!  

If you have questions about event management at KSU, please contact the KSU Department of Event and Venue Management.

For technical assistance, please contact the KSU IT Service Desk.

Elevate your tech skills with University Information Technology Services (UITS)! Attend one (or all!) of our technology workshops, designed to help you unlock the full potential of tech tools that help you work effectively at KSU. This week, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to use AI securely to streamline some of your daily tasks, and master Microsoft Office basics.

Check out UITS’s complete selection of instructor-led technology workshops!

Getting Started with Microsoft Copilot

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 10–11 a.m. via Teams—Register for this workshop

Join us for an engaging workshop delving into the exciting world of Microsoft Copilot, a powerful AI (artificial intelligence) tool. This workshop is perfect for beginners and will explore topics like generating creative content, answering questions, and even proofreading your writing. Whether you’re looking to write a compelling story, create a unique image, or simply make your day-to-day tasks easier, this workshop will help you master AI at KSU!

Microsoft Office Formatting Basics
Thursday, Jan. 23, 10–11 a.m. via Teams—Register for this workshop

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll familiarize yourself with the essentials of Microsoft Office formatting. Learn to navigate the Ribbon tabs, and enhance your documents with basic text formatting. We’ll also cover how to create links within documents, customize the Quick Access Toolbar, and utilize the File tab for efficient file management. Perfect for beginners looking to boost their productivity!