Overview

This support center organizes technology resources concerning computing accessibility and ergonomics for students, faculty, and staff who could benefit from the use of sound amplification and other assistive devices.

Accessibility - Classroom Assistive Devices

UM-Flint Accessibility Coordinator - Student Development Center

Ergonomics

UM-Ann Arbor Enhanced Ergonomics Awareness

Overview

At our online store, you’ll find significant discounts on the tools you need to excel in your major. We recommend an Apple computer and a selection of software, peripherals, and service and support. Every Mac comes with iLife ’05 digital media applications and runs Microsoft Office, so you’ll be prepared for school no matter what your major.

Check out the special offers available only at the UM-Flint Apple Store!

Terms and Conditions For Personal Purchase Program

When purchasing products through this program, please note that the following conditions exist:

1. Computers and accessories purchased through this program must use the support options offered by Apple. We suggest that you buy Apple's extended warranty. Please do not call the University of Michigan-Flint ITS HelpDesk or bring the computers to ITS for support or service. Only equipment with an UM-Flint asset tag that is purchased through approved procurement channels is supported by ITS.
2. There is no option to have the University image installed on your personal purchase. Faculty, staff, and students can purchase one copy of Microsoft Windows XP Professional version for use on a personal home computer under our current Microsoft campus agreement. Likewise, Microsoft Office 2003 is available. Please visit UM-Flint Software Sales for more information.
3. This site is for personal purchases only. The purchasing of institution equipment with University funds from this site is prohibited. Only equipment with a UM-Flint asset tag that is purchased through approved procurement channels is supported by ITS. Please consult the Departmental Purchases section below for more information about purchasing equipment with University funds.
4. The University does not guarantee that the price you are quoted is necessarily the lowest possible price.
5. The University does not in any way make any representations, as to quality or otherwise, about Apple computers. This information is being provided as a convenience to the campus community.
6. Please note that any purchase is strictly a private transaction between you and Apple. Any issues relating to the purchase must be discussed directly with Apple.

Departmental Purchases

Departmental hardware purchases must be made through M-Marketsite, located in Wolverine Access under "University Business". In any case, you may contact the ITS HelpDesk at (810) 766-6804 for consultation on which products best suit your needs.

Overview

Alumni will have continued access to their UM-Flint computer accounts for 2 years after graduation. After these two years Alumni are eligible to purchase an account, storage and email services. Please complete the online request form to purchase services. This form is available here: www.umflint.edu/its/store. You can also print off and bring in the form (Here: Alumni Access Request) and pay with a check or cash.

• Uniqname and Local Area Network (LAN) ID: $5 per year
  • LAN ID and password to access applications in all ITS open computer labs
  • Email account (email address: uniqname@umflint.edu)
  • Basic troubleshooting assistance from the ITS Helpdesk

Please consult the Graduated Student Account Policy for more information.

Overview

Banner is an administrative database that houses all student-related data; essentially tracking student activity from recruitment to graduation. It provides data integrity, accessibility and flexibility for enhanced decision-making, and improved service to students. The Banner database is directly linked with our online Student Information System (SIS), which allows for web-registration and web-based faculty grade submission. Students can now make credit card payments online.

Internet-Native Banner

Internet Native Banner, referred to as INB, is web-based, meaning users can access Banner using a web browser such as Internet Explorer. Please consult the Quicknote What is Banner? found on the Helpdesk website (http://www.umflint.edu/helpdesk) for more information.

How Do I Get a Banner ID?

In order to use Banner, you will need to obtain a Banner ID and password. To obtain a Banner ID and password, please follow the steps below. If you already have a Banner ID and password, then you can continue to the next section.

To obtain a Banner ID:

• Submit an online Access Request form (https://formassembly.umflint.edu/1590).
• Complete the self-paced Computer-Based Training (CBT) (http://www.umflint.edu/its/banner/training.page).
• After your Access Request Form and CBT score have been received, you will receive an email informing you to come to the ITS Helpdesk to obtain your Banner password. Please keep in mind that ID requests may take up to three business days to process.

How Do I Access Additional Banner Forms or Tables?

You must complete an Access Change Request Form (https://formassembly.umflint.edu/1590). After approval of the change has been received, access will be granted.

Documentation

The HelpDesk provides a series of Quicknotes on the Helpdesk website (http://www.umflint.edu/helpdesk) to assist you with frequently asked Banner questions, or you may wish to consult the online Banner User Manual.

Scheduled Maintenance

Banner and SIS are normally available 24 hours a day, except for the regularly-scheduled downtimes. Please see Network Maintenance for scheduled downtime.

Information Systems Steering Commitee (ISSC)

Information Systems Steering Committee (ISSC) Charge

The Information Systems Steering Committee is charged by the Provost to focus on campus-wide administrative information systems that impact the entire campus and involve other units as well as ITS.

Specific Responsibilities

• Review and recommend the campus administrative information technology outlook, capabilities, and strategic objectives, including prioritization of campus-wide administrative information systems projects
• Advise the Executive Officers regarding development and implementation of policies/procedures pertaining to campus-wide administrative information systems as appropriate
• Review requests for major enhancements to current campus-wide administrative information systems, endorsing if feasible and if deemed necessary
• Oversee the Banner Implementation Committee and address Banner as well as other campus-wide information systems related issues that affect university policy
• Prepare regular progress reports and update the Executive Officers and the Campus Community of major projects and policy/procedure changes in administrative information systems

Implementation Committee

Implementation Committee Charge

The Implementation Committee is charged by the Provost to facilitate implementation efforts of the BANNER administrative data software and its interfaces in a manner that supports approved campus policies and procedures. In doing so, the committee will act as a liaison between the technicians, policy makers and end-users of the campus community.

The Implementation Committee shall report to the Steering Committee.

The Implementation Committee shall direct proceedings of Work Groups.

Specific Responsibilities

• maintain documentation of all implementation activities
• work with end-users to conduct analysis and documentation of University operations, determine unmet needs and map practices to  BANNER software
• attend end-user training
• appoint Work Groups as needed, providing direction for assigned task(s) and overseeing progress
• work with ITS technical staff to ensure technological feasibility of decisions, compliance with system requirements and maintenance of system/data security
• facilitate selection and/or development of 3rd party software and  interfaces to BANNER to ensure compatibility of systems and efficiency of data transfer
• identify conflicts between BANNER software and 3rd party applications or University policies/procedures, researching possible solutions and their consequences and preparing documentation for review by Steering Committee
• assist ITS staff in maintaining positive atmosphere in campus community throughout implementation process

What is a Blackberry?

Blackberries are personal information management and communications devices that integrate with UM-Flint's Exchange email and calendaring services.

Blackberries are similar to Palm and Pocket PC devices.

However, Blackberries work over existing cellular wireless networks so they are able to synchronize without being connecting to a networked computer.

A typical Blackberry is slightly larger than your palm and looks something like the picture on the left (note the integrated keyboard -- you type with your thumbs).

The following text is taken from the Blackberry corporate website. It summarizes the features of Blackberry devices quite nicely.

"With Blackberry, you don't need to retrieve your email. Your email finds you. No dialing-in. No initiating connections. No phone or modem to attach. No effort required. Blackberry handhelds are designed to remain on and continuously connected to the wireless network, allowing you to be discreetly notified as new email arrives.

Blackberry lets you manage your growing inbox and deal with your email when it's convenient for you.

• Send and receive email while waiting at the airport
• Reply to a colleague's question from the back seat of a taxi
• Forward an urgent message while in a meeting

Many people rely heavily on their organizers to plan their day and collaborate with others; but calendar entries can change rapidly, frequently causing discrepancies between desktop calendars and handheld devices that require a cradle or USB cable to synchronize.

With wireless calendar synchronization, your calendar events are exchanged wirelessly and automatically so that your desktop calendar and handheld calendar are synchronized.

You can the benefit of an updated handheld calendar, and your colleagues and assistants can benefit by seeing your accurate schedule. With Blackberry, you get maximum control of your important information and communications.

• Accept or decline meetings (with or without comments) from your handheld.
• Initiate meeting requests from your handheld.
• Changes to your handheld calendar are automatically updated on your desktop calendar and vice versa.
• Invite meeting attendees using your handheld's address book.
• View your up-to-date calendar on your desktop and on your handheld.
• Feel confident about security with end-to-end data encryption.

How do Blackberries connect to the UM-Flint's Exchange email servers?

ITS operates a Blackberry Enterprise Server which is the connection between your Blackberry and the UM-Flint's Exchange servers.

Your Blackberry "learns" how to locate the UM-Flint's Blackberry Enterprise Server when you first configure the Blackberry software on your PC.

Once configured, your Blackberry maintains constant two-way communication with the UM-Flint Exchange servers whenever and where-ever it can find the appropriate cellular signal.

Who sells Blackberries?

The corporate website for Blackberries is http://www.blackberry.com/. The parent company is Research in Motion (RIM) -- http://www.rim.com.

However, because Blackberries work over cellular wireless networks, Blackberries are actually sold by various cellular service providers. A non-exhaustive listing of providers with Blackberry offerings is provided below.

• Nextel - http://www.nextel.com/
• T-Mobile - http://www.t-mobile.com/
• Verizon - http://www.verizonwireless.com/
• AT&T - http://www.att.com/

You will need to buy both a Blackberry device and Blackberry cellular service.

Before buying a Blackberry and Blackberry service from a cellular service provider, be sure to understand the extent of their Blackberry coverage area as your Blackberry will only work within that area. With some providers, the Blackberry service coverage area is smaller than their voice service coverage area.

So do your homework!

How much does a Blackberry with cellular service cost?

• The Blackberry device itself is $250 - 400.
• Blackberry cellular service is $40 - 50 per month.
• Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) user license fee is free from ITS.

(Most Blackberries can also function as standard voice cellular phones. Voice cellular service is an additional optional cost. Pricing for voice cellular service varies from provider to provider but is no more expensive than the voice cellular service that you would buy for a "regular" cellular phone.)

So the grand total for a Blackberry with no voice cellular service would be:

• $250-400 in one-time costs for the physical equipment.
• $40-50 each month that you maintain a Blackberry subscription with the cellular service provider. Most providers require that you sign a one-year contract at a cost of $480-600 for the year.

You may be able to negotiate a short-term trial period with a Blackberry cellular provider. This would allow you to evaluate the Blackberry without committing to a long-term expense.

I want one! What should I do?

Speak with your local computer support staff for specific advice on how to proceed. The steps given below are a summary of the necessary actions.

1. Select a Blackberry cellular service provider based upon coverage and to a lesser extent, the feature sets of the Blackberry models that are offered.
2. Contact ITS at ITSHelpDesk@umflint.edu and provide the following information:
   • Name of the Blackberry owner
   • Uniqname of the Blackberry owner
   • Contact information for the Blackberry owner

Training

You should contact your cellular service provider for all training needs.

Disclaimer

ITS does not support the Blackberry phone device or applications loaded on it.

ITS only supports the BES server which maintains the connection between the Blackberry and the UM-Flint Exchange server.

Overview

Faculty, staff, and students now have the ability to create and maintain a blog hosted on university servers. To create or view the blogs, please visit http://blogs.umflint.edu.

ITS Involvement in Capital Outlay

The University of Michigan - Flint launched the capital campaign on Saturday, April 16, 2006. Funds from the campaign are being used to update the French Hall and Murchie Science Buildings. Mediated Classroom Services (MCS), a part of Information Technology Services (ITS), is involved with the Capital Outlay project.

Part of the funds raised by the Capital Campaign will be used to purchase new classroom equipment. In order to prepare for this upgrade MCS must research several new technologies. These technologies include: new projectors and classroom response systems. The new projectors that will be installed in the updated classrooms will have improved capabilities including the ability to project over wireless or LAN network and an "Instant Off" feature to eliminate the need for cooling.

In addition to new projectors MCS is researching updated alternatives to the current SmartCarts, which have been discontinued.

Overview

Several units within ITS are staffed with personnel who have expertise in database and web-based form development.

Data and Information Management

The Data and Information Management (DIM) team provides technical support for the use of Banner, the Student Information System (SIS), and the UM-Flint e-Commerce site. To inquire about services, please contact Jennifer Daraiseh.

Web Services

The Web Services team provides technical support for the use of FormAssembly (a web-based form development system) as well as PHP/MySQL database and ASP/Microsoft SQL database development with web-based reporting and forms for data that is not associated with Banner/SIS or the UM-Flint e-Commerce site. The Web Services team also provides services such as speciality programming of web-based reporting and forms. To inquire about services, please contact Tim Todd.

Help Guides

Quicknotes
Blogs at UM-Flint (Getting Started)
Content Management System (CMS)
FormAssembly
Mediated Classroom Equipment
Web Development

Computing Guides (PDF)

Student Guide (PDF)

Outlook Email

Microsoft Outlook is a groupware package used by UM-Flint students, faculty, and staff for email and e-calendar activities. ITS supports the both the desktop and webmail versions of Outlook.

Our favorite Outlook features include:

• Integrated email, calendar, contacts and task lists
• Remote access to mail, contact and calendar folders through any Web browser (no special software needed and accessible for both PC and Mac)
• Ability to look up contacts by using partial name or uniqname
• Familiar toolbars and menus that are standard with Microsoft products

The University assumes no responsibility for email that is forwarded off the campus network. Information Technology Services (ITS) highly recommends that student, faculty, and staff access their UM-Flint email account to view campus-related messages and to communicate with fellow faculty, staff, and students. For email guidelines, please consult the Electronic Communication Policy.

**Warning: ITS can not recover lost mail or support any problems that may occur after forwarding. Please be aware that forwarding has caused problems for some users. Users have lost important email after forwarding. Some known problems with other email services include; full mailboxes, invalid email addresses, spam filters setup that block the forwarded mail, and attachment blocking.

Overview

• Always use a subject line. Make them meaningful. Generally, they should be kept to a maximum of 5-7 words. Subject lines are used by people to determine if they want to read your message and are used to file the email for future reference.
• Use only plain text when sending email to a large group of recipients. Many email programs do not have the ability to read formatted (i.e. bold, italicized, or colored) text. When this happens, the recipient may have difficulty understanding your message.
• Keep your email messages short. Use short sentences, lines, and paragraphs. Where possible, when making announcements, place the information on a web site and refer the recipients to the web site for the details.
• In most instances, normal rules of grammar apply when sending email. Asterisks, all capital letters, all lowercase letters, white space and punctuation can be used to relay emotion.
• When replying to a message, include enough of the original message to provide a context. It may not be necessary to include the entire original message in your reply.
• When replying to a message sent to a list, don't reply to "all recipients" unless they all need your reply.

Overview

Any faculty and/or staff member can create his/her own email list that can be used to send email to multiple people at once. If you are interested in creating your own list serve, please complete the online Email List Form.

To obtain instructions for maintaining your own list serve, please contact the ITS HelpDesk.

Below is information about various public lists that ITS maintains for both faculty/staff and students.

Public Faculty/Staff Lists

Public Student Lists

Email List Definitions

Mandatory List
A mandatory list is one from which a user does not have the right to withdraw. Such lists are persistent and typically used to repeatedly communicate postings.

Voluntary List
A voluntary list is one a user can be removed from upon request. Such lists are persistent and typically used repeatedly to communicate postings.

Guidelines for use of: allusers@umflint.edu

• Allusers@umflint.edu is a mandatory list. All UM-Flint faculty, staff, and students are automatically subscribed to this list and cannot unsubscribe under any circumstances.
• Only University Relations, ITS, and the UM-Flint Executive Officers can send to this list.
• Messages must be official UM business. The message must be needed by the recipients in order to perform their employment or academic functions (without the information, the recipient's ability to perform their function as a faculty or staff member will be impaired.)
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Relevant messages should be sent only once. No repeat or reminder messages will be allowed. Messages sent to allusers@umflint.edu should not also be sent to umf_fac_staff@list.umflint.edu.
• File limit size is 25 K or approximately 1-1.5 pages without graphics.

Guidelines for use of: umf_fac_staff@list.umflint.edu

• Umf_fac_staff@list.umflint.edu is a voluntary list. Users can elect to be removed or unsubscribed from the list at their request.
• Only users that are subscribed to this list are allowed to send to the list.
• Messages must be official UM business. The intent is to provide a means for communicating information about UM-Flint business activities without inundating the user with information that does not relate to his/her job. Appropriate messages may include information about offers of departmental services or planned events if these items relate to the professional development of UM-Flint faculty and staff. Other messages regarding solicitations, offers of services, or planned events that do not relate to the professional development of UM-Flint faculty and staff should be sent to the happenings@list.flint.umich.edu.
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Relevant messages should be sent only once. No repeat or reminder messages will be allowed.
• File limit size is 50K or approximately 3-5 pages without graphics.

Guidelines for use of: happenings@list.umflint.edu

• Happenings@list.umflint.edu is a voluntary list. Users can elect to be removed or unsubscribed from the list at their request.
• Only users that are subscribed to this list are allowed to send to the list.
• Messages can contain solicitations, offers of services, or information about planned events by University units that do not relate to the professional development of UM Flint faculty and staff.
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Messages that are sent to happenings@list.umflint.edu should not also be sent to umf_fac_staff@list.umflint.edu.
• File limit size is 50K or approximately 3-5 pages without graphics.
• Reminders may be sent to this list within the following guidelines:
  • If original message is sent out more than 2 weeks in advance they can send 3 messages total: original, 1 week prior, and 1 day prior to event.
  • If original is sent less than 2 weeks in advance they can send 2 messages total: 1 original and 1 day before event.

Guidelines for use of: classifieds@list.umflint.edu

• Classifieds@list.umflint.edu is a voluntary list. Users can elect to be removed or unsubscribed from the list at their request.
• Anything that you would expect to see in a newspaper classified advertisement is acceptable information that can be posted to classifieds@list.
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Relevant messages should be sent only once. No repeat or reminder messages will be allowed. Messages that are sent to classifieds@list should not be sent to any other list.

Guidelines for use of: umf-staff@umflint.edu

• The umf-staff@umflint.edu is a mandatory email list serve for all UMF staff. All UM-Flint staff are automatically subscribed to this list and cannot unsubscribe under any circumstances. Only the UM-Flint Executive Officers, Director of Human Resources and Staff Council Chair or their designees may send to the list.
• Messages must be related to official UM business that directly pertains to UM-Flint staff only. The intent is to provide a means for communicating information about UM-Flint activities related to staff without inundating the user with information that does not relate to their position. Appropriate messages may include information about planned events if these items relate to the professional development of UM-Flint staff as well as general information concerning staff affairs. Other messages regarding solicitations, offers of services, or planned events that do not relate to the professional development of UM-Flint staff should be sent to the happenings@list.umflint.edu.
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Relevant messages should be sent only once. No repeat or reminder messages will be allowed.

Guidelines for use of: faculty-group@umflint.edu

• The faculty-group@umflint.edu is a mandatory email list serve for all UMF faculty. UM-Flint faculty are automatically subscribed to this list and cannot unsubscribe under any circumstances. Only the Chancellor, Provost, Associate Provost, Deans and Chair of Faculty Council or their designees may send to the list.
• Messages must be related to official UM business that directly pertains to UM-Flint faculty only. The intent is to provide a means for communicating information about UM-Flint activities related to faculty without inundating the user with information that does not relate to their position. Appropriate messages may include information about planned events if these items relate to the professional development of UM-Flint faculty as well as general information concerning faculty affairs. Other messages regarding solicitations, offers of services, or planned events that do not relate to the professional development of UM-Flint faculty should be sent to the happenings@list.umflint.edu.
• Messages should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Relevant messages should be sent only once. No repeat or reminder messages will be allowed.

Guidelines for use of: sadnews@list.umflint.edu

• sadnews@list.umflint.edu is a voluntary list. Users can elect to be removed or unsubscribed from the list at their request.
• The purpose of the sadnews list is to inform the list members of faculty, staff, students or their family members who have departed. Please contact Karen Arnould from the Registrar's Office with your notice for the list. To become a list member please email Sidney Horton at shorton@umflint.edu or call 7-6629.
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Messages that are sent to sadnews@list should not be sent to any other list.

Guidelines for use of: allstudents@umflint.edu

A limited number of people/departments will be allowed to post messages to allstudents@umflint.edu. All departmental additions/deletions must be approved by the Technology Committee. Here is the current list of departments and approved sender(s) who are allowed to post messages to the list:

Academic Advising and Career Center: Johnny Young, Aimi Moss
Admissions: Kimberly Buster-Williams
CAS Dean's Office: Mary Packer
Cashier's Office: Laura Aghababian
Center for University Partnerships:
Chancellor's Office: Melody Bartholomew
Educational Opportunities Initiatives: Crystal Flynn
Events & Building Services: Peggy Vaughn
Facilities Management: Larry King
Financial Aid: Lori Vedder, Mary Horgan, Louanne Snyder
Graduate Programs: Mary Deibis
Human Resources: Diana Curran
ITS: Scott Arnst, Ken Heiser, Melissa Storch, Mark Turnpaugh, Dana Woolcock
Library: Paul Streby
Office of Extended Learning: Theresa Stevens
Office of Research: Susan Koehler, Andre Louis
Provost's Office: Sue Fabbro, Gerard Voldand
Public Safety: Gayle Bachman, Kathy Howe, Chalmers Sanders, Al Cozart
Recreation Center: Theresa Landis
Registrar's Office: Karen Arnould, Rhonda Banks
SEHS: Beulah Alexander
SHPS / UHWC: Randall Wilger
SOM: Nikki Taylor-Vargo, Jennifer Robishaw
SSEM: Mary Jo Sekelsky, Judith Dinsmore
Student Life: Jessie Hurse
Thompson Center for Learning & Teaching: Sandy Alberto
University Relations: Melissa Caudle, Jennifer Hogan, Mel Serow
Vice Chancellor for Administration: Bill Webb, Terry Bigelow
Women's Educational Center: Michelle Rosynsky
Writing Center: Bob Barnett, Jacob Blumner

Before the e-mail is sent to allstudents@umflint.edu, these guidelines should be followed to determine if the e-mail should rightfully be sent to the list. If the message does not meet these guidelines, the user should send the message to umf_students@list.umflint.edu (the Student Mail Digest) instead.

• The message should be official University business only.*
  • It should be relevant to the student's course of study OR
  • To announce changes in University published materials (e.g. changes to the course catalog, etc.) OR
  • To announce changes in the availability of campus-wide resources (e.g. changes to the Library hours due to semester changeover, etc.) OR
  • To announce changes to institutional policies (e.g. change in the fee structure for students, etc.)
• The message should be time-critical, meaning that its value to the student would be drastically reduced, or destroyed, by sending it via slower means.
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Relevant messages should be sent only once. No repeat or reminder messages will be allowed. Messages posted to allstudents@umflint.edu should not also be posted to umf_students@list.umflint.edu (the Student Mail Digest).
• No attachments are allowed to be sent to the list.
  * Due to numerous responses by several departments on campus, the Technology Committee has agreed to let the current list of departments send one email message per month to allstudents@umflint.edu to announce University sponsored programs that may not meet the guidelines addressed in point #1. Please contact Mark Turnpaugh in ITS at 766-6804 if you have any questions.

Guidelines for use of: Graduated-Students@umflint.edu

ITS will maintain an email group that contains all recently graduated students. Only departments with legitimate needs can send to this group. For more information, please consult the Graduated Student Account Policy.

• Messages must be official UM business. The intent is to provide a means for communicating information about UM-Flint activities that are UNIQUE to graduated students without inundating them with information that does not relate to them.
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Relevant messages should be sent only once. No repeat or reminder messages will be allowed.
• A limited number of people/departments will be allowed to post messages to Graduated-Students@umflint.edu. All departmental additions/deletions must be approved by the Technology Committee. Here is the current list of departments and approved sender(s) who are allowed to post messages to the list:

Academic Advising and Career Center: Johnny Young, Aimi Moss
Graduate Admissions: Brad Maki, Gerard Voland
Undergraduate Admissions: Kimberly Buster-Williams
Alumni Relations: Kristin Arntz
Information Technology Services: Scott Arnst, Ken Heiser
Registrar’s Office: Rhonda Banks, Brenda Pope

Guidelines for use of: newstudents@umflint.edu

Newstudents@umflint.edu is a mandatory list that all accepted students are placed into. New students will be moved to the newstudents@umflint.edu list five days before the start of their first semester and thereafter upon registration for classes.

Only departments with legitimate needs can send to this list.

• Messages must be official UM business. The intent is to provide a means for communicating information about UM-Flint activities that are UNIQUE to new students without inundating new students with information that does not relate to them. Messages regarding solicitations, offers of services, or planned events should be sent to the happenings@list.umflint.edu.
• The message should be conveyed in as brief a manner as possible. Please see Email Etiquette Tips for more information.
• Relevant messages should be sent only once. No repeat or reminder messages will be allowed.
• A limited number of people/departments will be allowed to post messages to newstudents@umflint.edu. All departmental additions/deletions must be approved by the Technology Committee. Here is the current list of departments and approved sender(s) who are allowed to post messages to the list:

Academic Advising and Career Center: Johnny Young, Aimi Moss
Admissions: Kimberly Buster-Williams, Jennifer Swank
Cashier's Office: Laura Aghababian
Financial Aid: Lori Vedder, Louanne Snyder
Provost's Office: Sue Fabbro, Gerard Voland
Registrar's Office: Karen Arnould, Rhonda Banks
SSEM: Mary Jo Sekelsky, Jay Gandhi

Computer Account Information

As a faculty or staff member at the University of Michigan-Flint, you are issued a Uniqname, and three accounts: LAN (Local Area Network), Outlook email account, and UMICH (Ann Arbor or Kerberos). (A UM-Flint employee may request a permanent email account upon retirement.) These items grant you access to the various computing services offered by the University.

Banner accounts are issued as necessary for those who use Banner and Access Reports.

New faculty, staff, and student employees, please submit this online Faculty/Staff Computing Guide, and view the online Faculty Orientation Presentation.

Uniqnames

A Uniqname is a general identifier used by UM-Flint. Your uniqname allows you to log in to your computer on campus, VPN from home, and also provides the first part of your email address. You will also be asked for your uniqname when requesting work tickets. Please contact the Helpdesk if you have forgotten or need assistance with your uniqname.

Passwords

If you need assistance with changing any of the following passwords (LAN, Outlook, Ann Arbor [or Kerberos], or Banner), please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 766-6804 or stop by the HelpDesk in 206 MSB or 3174 WSW.

UM-Flint faculty and staff must change their LAN and Banner computer passwords every 90 days. For more information, please consult the Password Policy.

LAN Passwords are used in conjunction with your uniqname to grant access to computing services on campus. To change your LAN password, please see this article.

LAN passwords are also used to access your email. You may access your email either on campus or from home using the Outlook application or OutlookWeb. For detailed information about installing and using Outlook, please consult our Outlook Web site. Password change information can be found in the Outlook FAQ section.

Ann Arbor Passwords (also known as Kerberos passwords) are used to access various university services when used with your uniqname@umich.edu. Ann Arbor passwords are also used to gain access to Wolverine Access, M-Pathways, M-Marketsite, some Library resources, Spruce accounts, and U-M Online Directory entries.

To change your Ann Arbor (Kerberos) password, please see this article. If you need assistance resetting your Ann Arbor password, bring picture identification to the ITS Helpdesk in 206 MSB or 3174 WSW.

Banner Passwords grant you access to Banner, UM-Flint's administrative data system. Please see this article to change your Banner password.

Email Addresses

Email Addresses for UM-Flint employees are as follows: uniqname@umflint.edu

You may access your email either on campus or from home using web-based email by typing http://email.umflint.edu in the browser (Internet Explorer 6 or higher recommended). For instructions on how to use Outlook Web Access, please see the Helpdesk website located at www.umflint.edu/helpdesk. For detailed information about installing and using Outlook, please consult the Email Support Center.

The supported software for employee email is Microsoft Outlook (Windows or Mac). For instructions on how to configure any of these programs please visit the Helpdesk website located at www.umflint.edu/helpdesk.

Outlook Mailbox storage capacity for faculty and staff follows these guidelines:

• Max Mailbox Size is 9 GB
• Mailbox warning at 8945 MB
• Can't send at 9048 MB
• Can't send or receive at 9355 MB
  
  NOTE: Messages left in your Deleted Items folder will be automatically deleted after 30 days.

Email Lists

Email Lists (List Serves) can be created to allow you to contact many people at once via email. These groups can include students of a particular course, employees of a department, or members of a club. Please view the Email List Form.

Personal and Department Directories

Personal directories (also known as H: Drives) are available for saving data on the campus server. Each UM-Flint employee is allotted 500 MB of space (view Server Policy for more information). Personal directories can be accessed by you when you are logged in to a computer on campus. You can identify your H: Drive in the list of directories on the computer, because it begins with your uniqname.

Within the Homedrive directory, faculty and staff will now find a folder called "homepage" which can be used to house personal web pages. There is an online gallery to showcase these web sites. Please visit the Homepage Gallery for more information. You can now create a blog at http://blogs.umflint.edu, which can also be listed in the gallery.

Departmental directories (also known as I: Drives) work in much the same way. The main difference is that I: Drives are accessible by any employee in your department with rights to the departmental directory. Up to 5 Gig is available to each department free of charge. More space can be allotted for a fee.

Both of these directories can be accessed from home using a VPN connection. See this article (both Mac and Windows machines) for more information, please see the ITS Server Usage Policies.

UMID

To help protect your privacy by keeping your social security number confidential, UM-Flint has issued identification numbers, called the UMID, for all students and employees. The UMID is a universal number used by all UM campuses and is sometimes referred to as the EMPL ID. If you are employed by the University, this number is also used for your payroll records. You should try to memorize this number so that you can use it to login to SIS and provide it to faculty and staff who may be assisting you. If you have additional questions, you may call the Office of the Registrar at (810) 762-3344.

Work Tickets

Please refer to the Work Tickets section for more information.

Networking

New Network Data Location - One-Time: Call for Estimate
Ethernet Patch Cablle - One-Time: $1.00/Per Ft.

Data Storage and Backup of Virtual Servers, Home Drives, and Departmental Drives

SAN and Disk to Disk with Tape backup - 1GB (Once-Per-Week Backup), 1 Weekly Backup, Yearly: $3.00

Web Hosting

Domain Name Cirtual Hosting on Unix(for example: http://its.umflint.edu) - Yearly: $15.00

Servers

Base Windows Server (including 1GB RAM, 16GB of data storage with once-per-week backup) - Yearly: $450.00
Base UNIX Server (including 1GB RAM, 16GB of data storage with once-per-week backup) - Yearly: $450.00
Enhanced Windows Server (including 1GB RAM, 2 CPU, 16GB of data storage with once-per-week backup) - Yearly: $600.00
Enhanced UNIX Server (including 1GB RAM, 2 CPU, 16GB of data storage with once-per-week backup) - Yearly: $600.00
1 GB Additional RAM - Yearly: $40.00
Additional data storage or backups - See pricing above in "Data Storage and Backups"
Rack space - per RU (rack unit) priciing to maintain and backup your own hardware server in our secure, environmentally controlled, UPS-protected data center - Yearly: $400

Miscellaneous

Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) user license fee - Free Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) user license annual maintenance - None

E-Mail Storage

1GB Capacity and 5 Weekly Backups - Yearly: $12.00

Student Housing Wired Network Connection Fee

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides wireless networking coverage for the entire student housing building as well as the entire campus. In the event that you desire a wired network connection in your bedroom or living room, you can do so by requesting a connection from ITS.

You will be charged at the time of your request a fee of $100 for the academic year (defined as the first move in day near the start of Fall semester until the last move out day during Summer semester) which you may pay via credit card, check or by paying cash at the cashier’s office and returning the receipt to the ITS main office, 905 NBC. If you wish to pay for the connection via our web store front using a credit card please visit http://www.umflint.edu/housing/order or you may stop by the ITS main office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with a check or receipt of cash paid at the Cashier’s office. The fee is nonrefundable nor prorated in any way. Once we receive payment, an ITS technician will contact you within three business days to coordinate a date and time to meet with you to complete the installation.

All computer use guidelines as defined at www.umich.edu/~policies and www.umflint.edu/its/policies/home.page are applicable to your use of this network connection. ITS reserves the right to disconnect your connection if you are found to be in violation of any of these policies.

I keep receiving a "permissions" error when I try to reach my homepage located on my H: drive by following the link displayed in the gallery listing. How can that be fixed?

Make sure that you have a file named "index.html" located in the "homepage" folder on your H: drive. If you don't put a file with this title in the homepage folder then you won't be able to link directly from the gallery and will receive a permissions error when you try to follow the link given by the gallery. Without an "index.html" file you will only be able to reach your web pages by typing in the full address. For example, if you only have a file named "mypage.html" in your homepage folder then you will have to type in "http://homepage.umflint.edu/~youruniqname/mypage.html" to view it.

If you have included a .htaccess file in your "homepage" folder on your H: drive, then you will need to delete it. Having both an "index.html" file and an ".htaccess" file in the "homepage" folder may cause the permissions error. If you do not have an ".htaccess" file in your "homepage" folder and you do have an "index.html" file in your "homepage" folder and you continue to receive the "permissions" error, then you may have a permissions problem on your homepage folder. Contact the ITSHelpDesk for assistance.

I'm not sure how to make a homepage, can someone in ITS do it for me? Or give me lessons on how to make one?

Unfortunately no one in ITS can make your homepage for you or train you in webpage design. Luckily making a webpage has become increasingly easier. There are many programs, such as FrontPage, that make web design possible for almost everyone. FrontPage is available in all ITS computer labs for student use. For more information on how to use FrontPage please refer to Microsoft's website: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/CH790018031033.aspx. Do not contact ITS or the HelpDesk for assistance with learning how to use FrontPage or help in writing your HTML code.

I've made my homepage, what do I do now?

Now that you have your homepage ready, refer to How to use Personal Homepages on www.umflint.edu/helpdesk for instructions on how to upload your homepage files to your H: drive and how to register your page with the HomePage Gallery. Double check that you have a file named "index.html" or else your gallery listing will not link properly to your homepage!

My homepage listing keeps disappearing from the Gallery searches and I have to edit the listing to get it to appear again. Why does this keep happening?

ITS will mark your listing as inactive if your links to your web site or blog are broken. Once your listing is marked as inactive it will not show up in the gallery searches. If your listing keeps disappearing from the gallery make sure all your links are working properly.

I am having trouble getting images and additional pages to display properly. I have double checked the links, and everything is correct, why won't they show up?

Unfortunately there is a glitch with the permissions used in your "homepage" folder. If you move something to your homepage folder, instead of copying/pasting it or creating there in the first place, it may not have the proper permissions set. To correct this problem you can do one of two things.

1. Create all files directly in your "homepage" folder, instead of moving them there.
2. Select the files/images that are causing problems in your "homepage" folder. Move them out of your "homepage" folder so they are no longer listed. Replace them in your "homepage" folder by selecting them in their new location outside of the "homepage" folder, right-clicking on them and selecting "Copy", open your "homepage" folder again, and "Paste" the files in your "homepage" folder.

Obtaining an Mcard

UM-Flint students, faculty, and staff can obtain a new or replacement Photo ID card (Mcard) by going to one of the UM-Flint Mcard Stations which are open during normal lab hours in 206 MSB and 3174 WSW (click here to see operating hours for these locations).

At the beginning of every semester, ITS distributes Mcards in the UPAV (near the bookstore). For the next distribution period, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 810-766-6804 or check the ITS Blog at http://blogs.umflint.edu/ITS.

A valid gov't issued picture identification card (such as a driver's license) is necessary to obtain your Mcard.

Mcard Uses

• Prove that you are a current student
• Picture identification for student services on campus
• Functions as a library card and a debit card for using the copiers in the Frances Willson Thompson Library
• Picture identification for UM-Flint Recreation Center
• Functions as a debit card for the Dining Dollars meal plan account in the Riverview Dining Room and the University Center Food Court (Stacks Deli, Grill 155, and Smart Market)
• Faculty and staff who pay for parking on the UM-Flint campus can easily use their Mcard for parking in the faculty/staff parking facilities on the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus.

Student Parking Permits

ITS distributes parking permits and/or validation stickers to students registered for the current semester in conjunction with the Mcard distribution at the beginning of the semester (preferred method) in the University Pavilion next to Subway.

New Students (registered for the current semester): Please be sure to bring your Picture ID along with the Make, Model, and License Plate Number for your vehicle to receive your Mcard Student ID and Parking Permit.

Returning Students who already have their Parking Permit(registered for the current semester): Please bring your Mcard and Parking Permit to receive your validation sticker.

Temporary Student Workers (not registered for the current semester): Parking permits for temporary appointments are available at the DPS administrative office. Parking permit form for Temporary Workers

Students can also obtain their parking permit during the remaining portion of the semester at the Mcard stations in the open computing labs at 206 MSB and 3174 WSW.

Mcard Parking Permit Stations

Mcard Parking Permit Stations are located in Open Computing Labs - see Lab Hours

• 206 Murchie Science Building (MSB)
• 3174 William S. White Building (WSW)

Check MCard Meal Plan

You are able to check the meal plan on your MCard by going to http://www.myplan.housing.umich.edu/. You will need your Uniqname and Kerberos password to login.

Stolen or Lost Mcards

There is a $10.00 fee to replace Mcards that are lost, stolen, or damaged. You must pay the fee at the Cashier's Office, located at 261 University Pavilion, and bring the receipt to the Mcard Station before the Mcard can be replaced.

No fee will be charged for Mcards that must be replaced because of name or department changes, expired cards, or a card that no longer functions due to normal wear. When requesting a no-fee replacement, your old Mcard must be returned at the Mcard Station prior to receiving the replacement.

Note: All photo ID and non photo ID cards are property of the University of Michigan and must be surrendered upon request.

Found Mcard

If an Mcard is found and returned to the Mcard Station, an email will notify the cardholder of where they can retrieve it.

Previous Mcards

Once a replacement Mcard is issued, all previous Mcards become invalid. If a cardholder locates a previously lost Mcard (after a replacement card is issued), the previously lost card cannot be re-activated or used to turn in to an ID Issuing Station to avoid paying a replacement fee or receive a refund.

History of Mcard and Student Parking Permit Projects

A team of ITS staff worked throughout 2005 to implement the use of the Mcard Photo ID card at the UM-Flint campus. Faculty and staff were issued their Mcard starting in Fall 2005. The team began by identifying two locations in Open Computing Labs that would serve as Mcard Stations. The team also has worked on ordering startup supplies such as card stock, color ribbons and card readers. Other tasks include documenting policies and procedures and training lab consultants to use the Mcard Station equipment.

Each station is made up of a camera, a computer with the Photo ID software installed and a card printer. The placement of these two stations was targeted for May 2005, so that testing with the cards could be done in the Library for checking out books and printing and in the Recreation Center for use of the facilities. Another implemented and planned usage for the Mcard is card swipe door entry for campus buildings, using the Mcard for debit purchase, and entry to parking ramps. In the future, other campus-wide or department-specific uses for the card can be adopted.

ITS used employee University Photographs (on file with University Relations) to print cards for all faculty and staff, and the cards were delivered to the departments in Fall 2005. ITS takes pictures of new faculty who attend a New Faculty Orientation each August, setting up a mobile Mcard station at the New Faculty Orientation Resource Fair. ITS began issuing Mcards to students in Winter 2006 semester and sets up a mobile Mcard station in the University Pavilion at the beginning of each semester.

In Fall of 2007, ITS assumed the responsibility of distributing parking permits to students.

Overview

ITS supports an integrated communications system that enables faculty, staff, and students to communicate quickly and easily from their computers. With Office Communicator you can send text messages in real time over the network securely via Instant Messaging. In addition to instant messaging, Office Communicator supports peer-to-peer audio and video, application sharing, whiteboards, group discussions, as well as presence awareness, the ability to detect another user's availability.

Currently this system is supported on PC's and Apple Computers through either the Microsoft Office Communicator 2005 client (PC), or the Microsoft Messenger client (Apple). In addition, you can access Live Communicator through the web from any computer at https://lc.umflint.edu/.

Connecting to External IM Services

Connections to three public IM services (AOL, MSN, and Yahoo) are also available for an additional fee. Public IM clients can communicate with you using your UM-Flint email address on all three services.

To order a public IM license, visit the MS Office LCS Order Form and select the number of licenses you wish to purchase. After receiving your order confirmation from central licensing, you will need to email NSS@list.umflint.edu and provide your license confirmation and the uniqname associated with the license.

Getting Started

Office Communicator Web Access

Hardware

• 30 - Dell Laptops

Software

• Windows 7
• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• QuickTime
• Real One Player
• Shockwave Flash

Mobile Classroom Examples

• 9/5/02 - J. Kupperman - EDU 421
• 9/6/02 - SOM NetPlus! Orientation
• 9/20/02 - ITS Palm Pilot Training Session
• 9/25/02 - Technology Roundtable

Reserve a Laptop Cart

Overview

As of August 8th, 2009 we will replacing the Uniprint Print Queuing System on campus.

The new system is called PaperCut and will be used in the following locations.

Murchie Science Building (MSB)

• Room 206 - 3 Black and White Printers and 1 Color Printer
• Room 501 - 1 Black and White Printer
• Room 507 - 1 Black and White Printer

French Hall (FH)

• Room 205 - 1 Black and White Printer
• Room 459 - 1 Black and White Printer

University Center(UCEN)

• Student Life Loft (3rd Floor) - 1 Black and White

Thompson Library

• 1 Black and White Printer on Every Floor

University Pavilion (UPAV)

• Academic Advising Loft (2nd Floor) - 1 Black and White Printer

William S. White (WSW)

• Room 3153 - 1 Black and White Printer
• Room 3176 - 1 Black and White Printer
• Room 3174 - 1 Black and White and 1 Color Printer
• Room 3175 - 1 Black and White Printer

Residental Housing

• Front Lobby - 1 Black and White Printer

One of the upgrades in the new system is you will see your printing amount in the form of pages left to print rather than a dollar value for a clearer understanding of your print account.

All current policies will apply to PaperCut and the amount of printing given to each user will remain the same as it was with Uniprint.

For detailed information on how to print in the labs on campus please review the quicknotes linked below.

http://www.umflint.edu/helpdesk and look under the category called Printing.

Change Passwords

Students can easily change passwords in SIS without the old password

• UM-Flint LAN Password
• UMICH (Kerberos) Password

Passwords are like Underwear...

• Change Yours Often!
• Don't Share Them with Friends!
• Be Mysterious!
• The Longer the Better!
• Don't Leave Yours Lying Around!

Passwords are like Underwear. . . Change Yours Often!

Information Technology Services (ITS) requires employees to change their passwords (LAN and Banner) every 90 days. When your password has expired, you will be prompted to change your password or you may change your password at anytime* following the instructions below. For instructions on changing your LAN, Ann Arbor, and Banner passwords, consult the Helpdesk Quicknotes.

Your SIS Account and PIN will not be affected by this change.

Passwords are like Underwear . . . Don't Share Them with Friends!

Do not share your password with ANYONE – not friends, coworkers or family members.

Your password is the only thing that that ensures privacy of your account. It is also your obligation to see that only you use your account. You are responsible for how your account is used, so do not let other people have access to it.

Please review the Proper Use of Information Technology at the University of Michigan-Flint and Access & Compliance Statement to see your responsibilities.

Passwords are like Underwear . . . Be Mysterious!

When creating your password don’t use anything that would be easy for someone to guess. For example, never use any part of your username or legal name. Don’t use your phone number, birth date, or license plate number.

Consult the HelpDesk Quicknote section entitled Passwords for more information on passwords.

Passwords are like Underwear . . . The Longer the Better!

A longer password equals better security. The longer your password is the harder it is for someone to figure out. Your password should be at least 8 characters long and contain a mix of numbers and letters.

Still need more help in creating a secure password? Consult the Helpdesk Quicknote section entitled Passwords for more information.

Passwords are like Underwear . . . Don’t Leave Yours Lying Around!

Keep your password hidden. Do not write your password down on a piece of paper. Instead commit it to memory!

Never put your password on sticky notes on your monitor or desk!

Reproduced with permission from the Office of Policy and Education, University of Michigan/Ann Arbor

Overview

Personal home pages (webpages or blogs) residing on UM-Flint web servers are created and maintained solely by the individual authors, not by the University of Michigan-Flint. The University does not endorse or actively monitor the content of these Web pages. These pages do not constitute official University business or statements, and the University accepts no responsibility for their content. All comments regarding the contents of personal Web pages are to be directed to the page author. Suspected violations of University User Advocate form.

Student, Faculty, and Staff should consult the Web Policies page before registering their already created Web page or blog in the UM-Flint Homepage Gallery. If you need help with any information, you can locate it using the ITS Helpdesk site at http://www.umflint.edu/helpdesk/.

Everyone is responsible for the accuracy of their Homepage Gallery listing. ITS reserves the right to inactivate (without notice) any listing that has a broken link to a web page or blog.

What's a blog? Faculty and staff can create theirs at http://blogs.umflint.edu.

UM-Flint students, faculty, and staff are eligible to create a blog at http://mblog.lib.umich.edu (U-M Ann Arbor).

Students, Faculty, and Staff may register to have their already created web page or blog listed in the Homepage Gallery.

If you experience problems with your web page listing, please refer to the FAQ (frequently asked questions) before contacting the HelpDesk.

If you are not logged in to a computer on campus, you will be asked to log in before you can register your web page. After clicking on one of the buttons below, just log in exactly as you log in to webmail. If you need assistance, please call the HelpDesk at (810) 766-6804 or email ITSHelpDesk@umflint.edu.

Get Listed - Remove or Edit Listing - Search the Gallery

Overview

A Podcasting committee, comprised of staff from ITS and OEL, began planning in Winter 2006 semester to investigate how to implement podcasting for both online and on-campus classes.

For a definition of podcasting, please visit http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7003.pdf.

A Technology Brown Bag was held on Wednesday, November 15, 2006, to introduce podcasting to the campus.

The Podcasting committee has been working on a solution for recording and making podcasts available for UM-Flint students who are attending classes both online and in the classroom. The plan is to use Free Hi-Q to record the lecture in MP3 format and the MP3 file is uploaded to a Blackboard course's Content Collection.

Then a lecture feed (xml file) for the course is generated. ITS has created a web-based Podcast Feed Generator to assist with this chore. The xml file is then uploaded into the Content Collection and the URL of the feed is provided to the students.

As of Thursday, November 9th, 2006, the open source Podcasting Building Block for Blackboard became available, and the Podcasting Committee will be looking at it for future installation. To view a demo of how Podcasts will work in Blackboard, please visit http://breeze.unl.edu/bbpodcast/.

Related Links

• Podcasts bring classrooms, labs to listeners
• U-M Dentistry collaborates with Apple to podcast lectures
• Educause Article - U-M Podcasting Pilot
• http://www.apple.com/education/solutions/itunes_u/
• http://www.podcastdirectory.com/category/Education
• http://www.digitalpodcast.com/browse-science_and_technology-17-1.html

History of the Podcasting Project

The team attended a teleconference/netmeeting with Tegrity on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, to talk about Tegrity's Blackboard Building block. For information about how podcasting works in Blackboard using Tegrity, please visit http://www.blackboard.com/company/press/release.aspx?id=800330. For more information about Tegrity, please consult http://www.tegrity.com/.

Another solution that the team investigated was WebPod Studio™, software to produce audio and video PodCasts. For more information about WebPod Studio™, please visit http://www.lionhardt.ca/wps/.

Overview

Below are lists of words, number sequences, and symbols that the password filter will not allow.

In addition, it will not allow any three consecutive letters/symbols from your uniqname or your display name (typed forward or backward). For example, if your uniqname was fredsmith, then you could not have smi or ims as a part of your password.

If the password is longer than 12 characters, then the uniqname and display name requirements still apply; however, the dictionary check will only verify that the password does not contain the symbols.

Words

changeme
password
start
computer
internet
ihavenopass
godblessyou
administrator
goblue

Number Sequences

12345678
00000000
11111111
22222222
33333333
44444444
55555555
66666666
77777777
88888888
99999999

Symbols

#
$
@
&
"
(
)
'
<
>
`
;
=
blank space

Current News

• Technology Today from ITS

Helpdesk Documentation

• Helpdesk Quicknotes

Computing Guides (PDF)

• Faculty and Staff
• Students

Annual Reports (PDF)

• 2011-2012
• 2010-2011
• 2009-2010
• 2008-2009
• 2007-2008
• 2006-2007
• 2005-2006
• 2004-2005
• 2003-2004
• 2002-2003
• 2001-2002
• 2000-2001
• 1999-2000

Archived Newsletters (PDF)

• Fall 2006
• Spring/Summer 2006
• Winter 2006
• Fall 2005
• Spring/Summer 2005
• Winter 2005
• Fall 2004
• Spring/Summer 2004
• Fall 2002

Access Requests - Accounts

• Students - Non-Enrolled (PDF)
• Alumni (PDF)
• Faculty and Staff (LAN and Banner)
• Banner Access Change Request - Faculty/Staff (PDF)
• ImageNow Document Imaging System - Faculty/Staff (PDF)

CD/DVD Duplication Service

• Order Form - Faculty/Staff/Student Organizations (PDF)

Email Lists and Mail-Enabled Public Folders

• Email List Request Form - Faculty/Staff/Student Organizations
• Mail-Enabled Public Folder Request Form - Faculty/Staff/Student Organizations

Equipment Reservation and Checkout through MCS

• Equipment Scheduling Policies and Procedures
• Equipment Order Form - Faculty/Staff
• Equipment Checkout and Responsibility Agreement (off-campus) - Faculty/Staff (PDF)

Software Installation on Instructional and Lab Computers

• Software Installation in Computer Labs Policy
• Request for Software Installation on Instructional Computers (PDF)

Requests for Blogs, Web, or Sharepoint (collaboration) Sites

• Create a blog - Faculty/Staff only (use your uniqname and LAN password)
• Request a Web site - Faculty/Staff/Student Organizations

Other

• Request to Host an IP-based TV Channel

Computer Account Information

As a student at the University of Michigan-Flint, you are issued a UMID, a Uniqname, a LAN (Local Area Network) password, and a UMICH (Ann Arbor or Kerberos) password. These items grant you access to the various computing services offered by the university.

You can view your computer account online using the Student Information Services (SIS).

• Navigate to SIS found at https://sis.umflint.edu
• Login using your UMID and PIN
• Click on the Personal Information menu
• Click My Campus Computer Account

The first time you view your student account, you will be asked to set your initial password. Whenever you need to change your password, you can change them in SIS.

For assistance with your computer account, stop into an open computer lab or call the Helpdesk at 810-766-6804.

Uniqname

A Uniqname is a general identifier used by UM-Flint. Your uniqname allows you to log in to your computer on campus and also provides the first part of your email address. Some services such as library catalogs and antivirus software which use the uniqname may require the UMICH (also called Ann Arbor or Kerberos) password. Your uniqname and other information will be listed in U-M Ann Arbor's Online Directory at http://directory.umich.edu/.

Passwords

What Are All These Passwords For? (including How to Change Them)

• LAN Passwords are used in conjunction with your uniqname to grant access to computing services on campus. If you need assistance resetting the LAN password, bring picture identification to the Helpdesk in 206 MSB, or 3174 WSW
• Ann Arbor Passwords (also known as Kerberos passwords) are used to gain access to Library resources, and UM Online Directory entries.
  To change your Ann Arbor (Kerberos) password please login to SIS, click Personal Information, then click My Campus Computer Account. If you need assistance resetting your Ann Arbor password, bring picture identification to any ITS HelpDesk location. Locations can be found at www.umflint.edu/helpdesk.

Email Addresses

Email Addresses for UM-Flint students are as follows: uniqname@umflint.edu

• You may access your email either on campus or from home using web-based email by typing http://email.umflint.edu in the browser
• For instructions on how to use Outlook Web Access, please see the Email Category on the Helpdesk Webpage (www.umflint.edu/helpdesk).
• ITS supports the use of Webmail, Outlook 2007 and higher, Entourage, and Mac Mail version 4.4 and Higher. Any applications outside of this list may or may not work with our mail system.
• Microsoft Exchange is the only supported protocol at UM-Flint. IMAP/SMTP is turned on and ITS can provide this information upon request but this protocol is not supported by the Helpdesk. Our mail system does not support POP connections.
• Please be aware that the size limit for messages (including attachments) is 60 MB.
• Outlook Mailbox storage capacity for students follows these guidelines:
  • Mailbox Max Size is 2 GB
  • Mailbox warning at 1945 MB
  • Can't send at 2048 MB
  • Can't send or receive at 2355 MB

NOTE: Messages left in your Deleted Items folder will be automatically deleted after 30 days.

After creating an email account students:

• begin to receive Mail Digest
• have access to special features like email Signatures

ITS highly recommends that you use your UM-Flint student email account to view campus-related messages and to communicate with your professors and fellow students.

Personal Directories

Personal directories, also known as your H: Drive or Homedrive (What is your Personal Directory?), are available for saving data on the campus server. Each student receives 500 MB of storage that can be used to store personal files (view Server Policy for more information). You can easily access your personal directory when you are logged into a computer on campus. You can identify your H: Drive in the list of directories on the computer, because it begins with your uniqname.

Within their Homedrive directory, students will find a folder called "homepage" which can be used to house personal web pages. Consult the Helpdesk website for instructions on using Homepages. ITS has provided an online gallery to showcase these web sites. Please visit the Homepage Gallery to register your website, blog, or social site (MySpace, FaceBook, etc.)

Your Homedrive and Homepage directories can be accessed from your home computer using a VPN connection. See the Helpdesk website (www.umflint.edu/helpdesk) for instructions on using https://vpn.umflint.edu.

UMID

To help protect your privacy by keeping your social security number confidential, UM-Flint has issued identification numbers, called the UMID, for all students. The UMID is a universal number used by all UM campuses and is sometimes referred to as the EMPL ID. If you are employed by the University, this number is also used for your payroll records. You should try to memorize this number so that you can use it to login to SIS and provide it to faculty and staff who may be assisting you. When you login to SIS please following these steps to view your UMID: Click on Personal Information, then click on View Your UMID. If you have additional questions about your UMID, contact information is available online or call the Office of the Registrar at (810) 762-3344.

Registration Help

All registration at UM-Flint is done via the Internet on the Student Information Services (SIS) website. Admitted students need only to obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in order to register online. See instructions below on how to get your PIN.

• If you have forgotten your PIN, and you have already supplied your personal Security Question within SIS, then follow these simple instructions:
  1. Go to SIS - www.umflint.edu/sis
  2. Enter your User ID and click the Forgot Pin? button at the bottom of the login screen.
• If you have not yet supplied a Security Question, you may call the ITS Helpdesk at (810) 766-6804 to have your PIN reset.

Our new Software Store is online!

Visit http://itstore.umflint.edu/ to purchase your software! You will need to log in with your Uniqname and LAN Password.

Software Sales Hours

Software can be picked up in 206 MSB Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.

Software can be purchased online 24-7 at https://itstore.umflint.edu.

Overview

The University has negotiated a Campus Agreement with Microsoft Corporation that allows the distribution of commonly used Microsoft products at significantly reduced costs. The savings are available to all U-M departments. UM-Flint students, faculty, and staff can also purchase Microsoft products at incredible savings for use on their personal computers as long as they are performing university business.

For more information on this program, see Frequently Asked Questions. Complete details are available in the Microsoft Licensing Product Use Rights document.

Additionally, students, faculty, and staff are eligible to purchase hardware and limited non-Microsoft software for home use at discounted prices through the U-M Computer Showcase in Ann Arbor. Purchase information is online at http://showcase.itcs.umich.edu/ or call (734) 647-SALES. UM-Flint students, faculty and staff are not eligible to purchase Microsoft products through UM-Ann Arbor.

Items marked with * are part of the Clearance Sale and are available at the low price listed only while limited supplies last!

Software for Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

Microsoft Products for Windows

• Windows 8 Pro Operating System 32 and 64 bit (upgrade-only) - $20.00
• Windows 7 Ultimate* Operating System, 32- and 64-bit (Upgrade-only license, DVD format) - $14
• Microsoft Office 2013 Professional Plus - $50
• Microsoft Project 2010 - $115.54
• Microsoft Project 2007 Professional Edition* - $50.00
• Microsoft Visio 2007 Professional Edition* - $21.20

Microsoft Products for Macintosh

• Microsoft Office 2011 for Macintosh - $50.00

Other Products

• Adobe CS6 Design & Web Premium (Works with Mac and Windows) - $327.54

Important Purchasing Information

When purchasing software for personal use, please be aware of the following information:

• There are no exchanges or returns for any products with the exception of products that are found to be defective by ITS. All defective products must be returned to us within 10 days of purchase date.
• Only one copy of each product may be purchased by each individual.
• Microsoft products purchased by students, faculty, and staff for personal use are full featured, but each individual product must be registered with Microsoft before it can be used. It is limited to two installations (view IMPORTANT installation information).
• At the time of purchase, each individual must read and sign an End User License Agreement (EULA). Your signature indicates you agree to be bound by the terms of the EULA.
  • Microsoft Campus Agreement for Student Users
  • Microsoft Campus Agreement for Faculty and Staff Work-At-Home Users
  • Microsoft Visio and Project Campus Agreement for Students/Faculty/Staff User

Ordering Software

Our new Software Store is online! Visit http://itstore.umflint.edu/ to purchase your software. You will need to log in with your Uniqname and LAN password.

Reminder: There is a $7.00 shipping charge.

Overview

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides wireless networking coverage for the entire student housing building which you can use to connect your gaming console (Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo DS or Wii, or Sony PlayStation 2, 3 or PSP) to the Internet.

In order to establish this connection you will need to bring your gaming console to the ITS HelpDesk located in 206 Murchie Science Building along with the connections to power the console and component cables (Yellow, Red, White) or SVGA (computer monitor) to connect to a television so the HelpDesk can obtain the network MAC address.

At that time the ITS HelpDesk will provide you with a quicknote to help you configure your console to connect to our wireless network.

Please keep in mind that not all wireless networking cards are compatible with our wireless network, however we will do our best to make sure that your game console can connect.

Overview

The ITS Technology Center is supported by ITS Mediated Classroom Services (MCS) staff, who are available by appointment for specialized assistance with campus-related computing projects. The ITS Technology Center also provides the campus community with tools for multimedia projects. The facility is available for students, faculty, and staff to use for campus-related video projects.

Location

Located off of 206 MSB, at the back of the ITS Helpdesk.

Hours of Operation

The hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Appointments are suggested to avoid scheduling conflicts. Please consult the Reservations section of this page for completed details.

Reservations

A room reservation is necessary to guarantee availability of the facility. (Make an appointment with ITS staff for basic assistance with learning to operate the equipment or software).

The ITS Technology Center is available on a “first come-first served” basis during regular hours. However, clients must relinquish the room at the given time if another client has a previous reservation.

To make a reservation, you may place your appointment by contacting MCS at mcs@umflint.edu or (810) 237-6628 to reserve the room.

Clients may forfeit time reserved if they fail to show or call within 10-minutes of their scheduled time.

Equipment Available

Plasma TV with HDMI and VGA connections for use with laptops.
Microphone for audio recording.
Scanner.
Two computers
DVD/Blu-ray burner
Video production/editing software
Picture editing software

While there is no charge to use the equipment in the center, a small supply of media (such as blank VHS videotape, CD and DVD) is available for purchase if needed. (You may bring your own media.)

Blank Media

CD-R: $1.00
DVD+R: $1.50
VHS videotape (T120): $1.00

Video/Still Camera Equipment Checkout Policies

Please consult these policies:

• ITS Technology Center Policies
• MCS Equipment Order Policies

Suggested Uses

The facility is available for the following projects:

• Video Capture and Editing
  Dell PC with All-in-Wonder and Firewire capture is available for capturing and editing video from multiple formats and camcorders. You will be able to burn your video to DVD or stream it over the Internet (faculty/staff only).
• Scanning and Photo Editing
  Basic assistance with Photoshop can be provided.
• Presentation Practice
  This service is for students and faculty wishing to videotape themselves giving a presentation/lecture. The student is able to view the videotape on the TV/VCR located in the VPC or copy the videotape to view later or to give to their instructor. Faculty members will receive assistance with posting their lecture video online.
• Video Duplication*
  The following equipment is provided for the purpose of duplicating a VHS** videotape to VHS or DVD format, or duplicating a DVD** to VHS format:
  • TV
  • DVD/VCR Combination Player
  • DVD/VCR Recorder
    
    * Please note that the equipment provided is not commercial-grade and is not meant for large volume duplication projects. VHS duplication services can be found online at http://www.discmakers.com/
    
    ** Media to be duplicated must be non-copyrighted and campus-related.
• CD/DVD Duplication
  Please visit the Duplication Service page for complete information.

Support

• ITS staff is not available to videotape events.
• ITS staff will not provide editing or production services.
• To make sure that ITS staff is available to provide basic instruction on the use of the equipment, please make an appointment by contacting MCS at (810) 237-6628 or mcs@umflint.edu.
• ITS staff will make every effort to provide limited guidance for simple video projects, such as connecting the camcorder via firewire to the computer, capturing the video and then burning a DVD.
• Video editing is both an artistic and technical process and can become very complex. ITS staff has limited editing skills and any project that requires expertise beyond the basics will have to be unassisted.
• Faculty who are teaching an online class may be eligible for video production assistance from the Office of Extended Learning.

Overview

The Technology Committee shall consist of five faculty members, including one from each instructional unit, and two student members. The Director of Information Technology Services (ITS) shall be a member, ex officio.

The committee shall advise the Director of ITS on the issues and needs of instructional technology and budgetary priorities within ITS. The committee shall make recommendations for the allocation of technology grant funds.

Each year at the end of the Fall semester, if funding is available, the Technology Committee solicits proposals from faculty for software purchases.

There is also an Instructional Technology Fee Committee, which solicits proposals from faculty and staff for hardware purchases if funding is available at the end of the Winter semester.

Technology Committee Members

Scott Arnst, ex officio - Information Technology Services
Marilyn Filter - Nursing
Quentin Galerneau - CSEP
Kui-Bin Im - Library
Jeff Kupperman - Education
Seth Barnes - Student Representative
Hillary Heinze - Psychology
Harvey Sherman - Information Technology Services

NOTE: The Technology Committee was formerly known as the Academic Computing Advisory Committee (ACAC).

Overview

ITS invites the campus community--which includes students, faculty, staff, plus friends and family--to take advantage of our agreements with Apple which provide discounts for personal purchases computer technology. The UM-Ann Arbor Computer Showcase is for students, faculty, and staff for personal purchases.

Departmental purchases of computer software and hardware should be made through M-Marketsite which is available on the Wolverine Access menu at http://wolverineaccess.umich.edu/.

Hardware and Software Sales

• ITS Software Sales (Microsoft and more!)
• M-Marketsite (Faculty and Staff)
• UM-Ann Arbor Computer Showcase

Overview

Although the student-generated Technology Fee has had a tremendous impact on providing a permanent funding source needed to implement the UM-Flint Technology Plan, acquiring base funding for full implementation of the UM-Flint Technology Plan remains a significant challenge.

The current Technology Fee is $96.00 for full-time students and $48.00 for part-time students.

In 2008-2009, ITS utilized the funding by offering $15,000 for faculty software requests, contributing to the campus computer lab maintenance costs, purchasing a new storage area network and several new servers, implementing a secondary internet conection, paying the annual maintenance costs for current equipment and systems, upgrading computers across campus, and providing a portion of the support for MCS.

There are many Technology Plan items still awaiting base funding including faculty/staff office equipment, infrastructure, mediated classroom services, maintenance contracts, and other supported software.

Technology Fee Committee Members

Scott Arnst - ITS
Mary Deibis - Graduate Programs
Donna Fry - Physical Therapy
Jay Gandhi - SSEM
Linda Hicks - CSESP
Kui-Bin Im - Library
Gerard Voland - Associate Provost & Committee CHairperson
Harvey Sherman - ITS
Bethany Taylor - Student

Campus Telephone Services

New telephone service, including voice mail, as well as changes to existing telephone services should be reported directly to ITCom. Campus-wide outages should be reported to ITS at (810) 762-3123. Individual technical difficulties (static, etc.) should be reported directly to ITCom.

• UM Exchange Voice Mail (ITCom)

On-Campus Resources

ITS Training at UM-Flint
Individual training consultations are available for faculty and staff (including student workers) on all of the technology software listed below; however, for most, no formal training classes will be scheduled. Individual training consultations in new technologies such as Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista operating system can be requested by contacting ITS Training.

• Banner
  Computer-based training is available for Banner. The Banner General Navigation training is required for all new users in the form of a self-paced computer-based tutorial (CBT).

• Microsoft Office
  The free ITS workshops in Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word) were discontinued in 2003 due to budget cuts. Students, faculty and staff who are having a specific problem while using one of the Microsoft Office software packages may call the ITS HelpDesk at (810) 766-6804 for assistance. Faculty and staff may schedule a one-to-one consultation in the ITS Technology Center or your office. Fee-based workshops are also available through ITCS at U-M Ann Arbor. Online training is available through Microsoft (see below).

• Multimedia
  • Blogging (UM-Flint Blogs utilizing WordPress MU)
  • Captivate
  • Flash
  • Photoshop
  • Podcasting
  • PowerPoint for Faculty
  • Video Production

• Sharepoint
  ITS provides a Sharepoint collaboration portal for committees to share documents and discussions and for departmental intranets. ITS can also provide a basic overview of how to use Sharepoint to the committee and also training for the site administrator. Please visit http://portal.umflint.edu/ to view example sites and a listing of current sites. This Helpdesk Article has basic instructions for using Sharepoint. To request a Sharepoint site, please use the form at http://www.umflint.edu/its/forms/webpagerequest.page.

• Classroom Presentation Equipment
  In order to enhance our students' learning experience, ITS would like to invite faculty and staff to schedule a visit to any of the mediated classrooms for a hands-on demonstration of the Crestron MediaManager and Smart Cart presentation equipment that is available for classroom use.

  • Contact MCS to schedule an appointment for your individual training
  • Request training online using the MCS order form
  • Training materials are available at www.umflint.edu/its/mcs/training/home.page

• Web Development

  • Adobe PDF

  • Content Management System (CMS) Training
    Please view the CMS instructional documents in the Webguide at http://www.umflint.edu/webguide/ for complete instructions and style tips for creating departmental web sites. Individual training sessions can be scheduled by contacting ITS Training.

  • Forms Training
    Please view the FormAssembly instructional documents within the Webguide at http://www.umflint.edu/webguide/formassembly.htm for complete instructions and information on how to get started and apply for a login to FormAssembly. Individual training sessions can be scheduled by contacting ITS Training

• Other Resources
  Additional ITS resources are available for faculty and staff (including student workers):

  • ITS Quicknotes
    The Quicknotes are an easy and fast way to learn campus-related technology. For a complete listing of Quicknotes, please visit http://www.umflint.edu/helpdesk/.

  • ITS Technology Center
    Although there are few scheduled classes in technology, ITS staff and HelpDesk consultants are available to assist you with your computing projects. Also, the http://www.umflint.edu/its/labs/home.page.

  • Library of QuickSource Guides
    In the ITS Technology Center, ITS has assembled resources that can be checked out by faculty and staff. One recent addition is a variety of QuickSource Guides. A few of the topics are: Microsoft Office 2007: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word; Macintosh and more. View the entire list of Quicksource Guides (must login with your uniqname@umflint.edu and LAN password).

  • One-on-One Training and Consulting
    Perhaps you'd like assistance with your project with a helpful coach by your side? Our consultants are comfortable helping you solve a particular problem one-on-one. To set up an appointment or request more information, contact ITS Training (see the "Contact ITS Training" information on the right).

  • Special Request Training
    If your department or small group would like a training session exclusively for yourselves, let us know and ITS Training will help you locate technology training opportunities on campus or off-campus

Other Technology Training at UM-Flint

• Technology Brown Bags
  Thompson Center for Learning and Teaching partners with ITS and Extended Learning to host "Technology Brown Bag" sessions throughout the year that introduce new technologies to the campus community.

• Office of Extended Learning
  Training is available for faculty planning to teach online courses through the UM-Flint Online Program. Please visit http://www.umflint.edu/oel/training.htm for more information on courses and registration. Professional development online computer classes are available thru UM-Flint's Office of Extended Learning. Please visit http://www.umflint.edu/oel/k12.htm for more information on professional development courses and to register.

Off-Campus Resources

• Amaizing U
  Imagine discovering something new today that you can use to improve your life tomorrow. It's possible with the "Amaizing U" non-credit lifelong learning classes! These online classes feature personal instruction and practical applications in a format that is shorter and more narrowly focused than you would find in a traditional setting, but still gives you that edge in the workplace. Offered through University Outreach at http://www.ed2go.com/umflint/.

• ITCS Workshops at UM-Ann Arbor
  IT Education Services, a division of Information Technology Central Services (formerly ITD) at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, offers many instructor-led workshops on the Ann Arbor campus which are open to UM-Flint faculty, staff and students for a fee.

• Hewlett Packard Online Training
  ITS recommends visiting the HP Learning Center for free online classes in a variety of IT topics, located at http://www.hp.com/education/.

• New Horizons Workshops
  ITS recommends contacting New Horizons of Flint to set up group workshops and individual trainings. http://www.newhorizons.com/content/centerSearchResults.aspx?SiteId=325

Overview

A Uniqname is a general identifier used by UM-Flint. Your uniqname allows you to log in to your computer on campus and also provides the first part of your email address. Some services such as library catalogs and antivirus software which use the uniqname may require the UMICH (also called Ann Arbor or Kerberos) password. Your uniqname and other information will be listed in U-M Ann Arbor's Online Directory at http://directory.umich.edu/.

Uniqname Change Request

Overview

The UM-Flint User Advocate Committee is an ad-hoc committee charged with reviewing alleged violations of University policies concerning information technology and determining appropriate penalties. Committee membership includes students, faculty, and staff members (including one staff member from the Department of Public Safety) from UM-Flint.

The User Advocate Committee utilizes various online resources when reviewing alleged violations of University policies.

UM-Flint Policies

• Proper Use Computing Policy

UM-Ann Arbor Policies

• Information Technology Policies and Guidelines
• UM Proper Use Policy (SPG 601.7)
• Guidelines for Implementing the Proper Use Policy at the University of Michigan
• Identity Misrepresentation (SPG 601.19)
• Privacy of Email and Files (SPG 601.11)
• Electronic Access to Potentially Offensive Material (SPG 601.16)
• Ethical and Legal Use of Digital Media: A Guide for Students, Faculty, and Staff of the University of Michigan
• Information Technology (IT) User Advocate at the University of Michigan

Reporting Suspected Violations

• To report a suspected copyright violation, please consult information from the UM-Ann Arbor Information Technology (IT) User Advocate site located at http://www.umich.edu/~itua/copyright/index.html.
• To report any other suspected violation of information technology for UM-Flint faculty, staff, and students, please use the online User Advocate form located at http://www.umflint.edu/its/forms/useradvocate.page.

What is a “spam” email?

Spam is unsolicited junk email sent out to a large distribution list. It runs the gamut from health products and replica watches to get-rich-quick schemes.

What is a “phishing” email?

A phishing email is a spam email that attempts to trick the receiver into revealing confidential information—such as birth date, credit card/banking information, passwords, or social security number—by claiming to be an organization that the receiver trusts. If this information is given to the phisher, it can be used to steal money from the person’s bank account or compromise their identity.

What is “identity theft”?

Identity theft occurs when someone impersonates you by using your name or other confidential information to steal your money or commit other crimes against you or in your name. To find out more about what to do if your identity is stolen—including how to place a “fraud alert” with the credit reporting companies—the Federal Trade Commission has an Identity Theft site at http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/identity-theft.aspx
What is University of Michigan doing about all these spam/phishing emails?

You can read about what we do to block spam and phishing emails here:
http://www.umflint.edu/helpdesk/pages/UM%20Flint%20Spam%20Stats.html

Is there anything I can do to cut down on all this spam?

Yes! We recommend that you add a spam filter to your Outlook email. Directions are here:

• Quicknote: Creating a Spam Filter for Outlook 2010
• Quicknote: Creating a Spam Filter for Outlook 2007
• Quicknote: Creating a Spam Filter for Outlook 2003
• Quicknote: Creating a Spam Filter for Outlook 2011 (Mac)
• Quicknote: Creating a Spam Filter for Entourage 2008 (Mac)

I just received a phishing email; now what?

Please file a ticket with the ITS HelpDesk at (810) 766-6804 or ITSHelpDesk@umflint.edu, sending us the original email as well as the message headers. You can learn how to do it here: http://www.umflint.edu/helpdesk/perm/microsoft-office/finding-internet-headers-for-phishing-emails-in-outlook-20032007-2/

Thanks for helping keep our network safe!

All UMF students, faculty, and staff are eligible to receive free anti-virus software. For more information on how to obtain the free anti-virus software please refer to this article regarding Usage of Antivirus Software.

For recent notices from ITS Security Services please visit the ITS Security Services blog at http://blogs.umflint.edu/itssecurityservices/.

For information from on Phishing Alerts from Ann Arbor please visit: http://safecomputing.umich.edu/main/phishing_alerts/2009/10.29.2009%20-%20Information%20Technology%20Central%20Services%20-%20Account%20Upgrade%20Notification.html

Overview

During Winter 2005, a team of ITS staff, lead by Harvey Sherman, began experimenting with Voice Over IP (VOIP) technology. The main purpose of this initiative is to provide campus telephone access in the classrooms at no cost to the University.

Several ITS staff have been interviewed by Channel 12 about either using or working with VOIP technology.

In Fall 2005, several VOIP phones were installed in general classrooms in the William S. White Building. The phones are located on the wall in the front of the room and are wired into the campus network.

In Winter 2006, all phones are installed in WSW and MSB.

Blogs

Faculty and staff now have the ability to create and maintain a blog hosted on university servers. To create or view the blogs, please visit http://blogs.umflint.edu.

Currently students can not create blogs hosted on university servers, but they can link to personal blogs hosted on other sites through the Homepage Gallery.

CD/DVD Duplication

For large projects and other university related needs current UM-Flint faculty, staff and student organizations can utilize the CD/DVD duplication service provided by ITS. For more information please refer to the CD/DVD Duplication homepage.

Homepages (Personal Webpages)

Students, faculty, and staff, and students can create personal webpages using space provided by the university on their H: drive. For information on creating your personal webpage please refer to these Quicknotes:

• What is your Personal Homepage?
• For additional information on how to create a personal webpage hosted by the university, please visit the Homepage Gallery FAQ page.

ITS Technology Center

Located in room 206E of the Murchie Science Building (inside the 206 MSB Computer Lab), the ITS Technology Center provides many valuable video and multimedia editing tools tools for the campus community. The room can be used by any student, faculty, or staff member who has a campus-related project to complete.

Complete details are available on the ITS Technology Center page.

Podcasting

ITS is currently working to implement podcasting in both online and on-campus classes. For more information on the current state of the project please visit the Podcasting Initiative page.

University Web Site (Departmental pages)

The ITS webmaster, in conjunction with University Relations Department content advisors, provides assistance for departmental web pages.

The Content Management System (CMS) should be used for creating web pages within the www.umflint.edu domain. Instructions for using the CMS and style guides can be found at http://www.umflint.edu/webguide.

Web-based forms and database development is another area where several units within ITS can offer expertise and assistance.

Department intranet and committee sites are available at http://portal.umflint.edu which utilizes Microsoft Sharepoint technology

Faculty, staff, and student organizations can also request web page space on the Spruce (unix) server. The address for these faculty and staff pages is http://www.umflint.edu/~uniqname.

The Web Page Request Form is available at http://www.umflint.edu/its/forms/webpagerequest.page.

What is wireless networking?

Wireless networking is the use of radio frequency signals to connect portable workstations - such as laptops or PDAs - to an Ethernet LAN. The present standard for wireless Ethernet is called 802.11b and specifies an 11 Megabit/second data transmission rate.

Today's wireless networks are composed of two primary components, an access point and a wireless PCMCIA adapter. An access point converts the wired Ethernet signals to radio waves and are typically installed in ceilings or mounted high in a wall. The wireless PCMCIA adapter looks and acts like a regular Ethernet card but the antenna protrudes slightly from the laptop and the battery life of the laptop is slightly decreased.

What is the advantage of a wireless network?

A wireless network offers the freedom and convenience of being able to connect to the network with a portable computer from virtually anywhere on campus. However it is important to remember that wireless access is intended to supplement wired ethernet access, not replace it.

What can I do when connected to a Wireless network?

Even though wireless networks look attractive for use everywhere, wired networks still give the best performance and speed. In general, a wireless connection works just like a wired ethernet connection. Wireless access may be up to 11 megabits per second. This bandwidth, however, is shared among all users connected via wireless in a given area. This means that network speeds may be noticeably slower when many people are using wireless, and generally will not be as fast as wired ethernet. For permanent network connections, a wired network is the best solution.

You can use wireless with your laptop computer for E-mail, web browsing, home directory access (web or FTP), and gaming. You should not use wireless for streaming audio/video, very large downloads or very intensive graphic websites.

What makes a computer compatible?

Any computer equipped with a wireless access card that conforms to the Wi-Fi™ standard (otherwise known as IEEE 802.11b) for wireless internetworking is compatible. Although most people use this technology with laptop computers, desktop computers can also be made compatible through the use of adapters.

I have a Macintosh computer. Are they compatible?

Absolutely. In fact, Apple's AirPort™ system is probably the best-known Wi-Fi™ system in use today. And even if you didn't purchase an AirPortTM card with your computer, you can still purchase a card and add it to your computer to establish wireless access.

I have a hand-held computer (PDA, Palm, etc.). Can I connect to the network?

Currently, students' hand-held computers (PDAs, Palms, etc.) are not supported for wireless network access.

What do I need to buy to get connected?

You will need to purchase a wireless card that conforms to 802.11b specifications that is Wi-Fi™ certified. We are recommending the Cisco 350 card as this has proven to perform the best with our access points. Visit your local computer store to purchase a wireless card.

Can anybody connect to the U of M - Flint wireless network?

No. You need to be an authenticated user with a LAN ID in order to connect to the wireless network.

Why do I need authentication?

Just like the wired network, authentication exists on the wireless network to ensure that only registered students are able to use the network.

Where can I access the wireless network on campus?

There is currently network connectivity throughout all buildings that house student activities. These are French Hall, the University Center (UCEN), the Thompson Library, the William S. White building, the Murchie Science Building (MSB) and the University Pavilion. This will allow personal computers equipped with wireless cards to be used throughout each building. Students and faculty should find the added bonus of some outside coverage north of the Library by the river and south of UCEN in the plaza.

Does a wireless card use a lot of power?

Yes. Be aware that a laptop's batteries will deplete much faster while using Wireless.

How do I know if I'm connected?

You can check your Network Connectivity status by looking at the Status and Activity indicators on the Wireless PC Card Antenna. The Status light will blink when a connection is made. The Activity light will blink when data are transmitted.

What is an SSID, or Network Name?

SSID stands for Service Set Identifier. The SSID, also called the Network Name, is a name that identifies a wireless network. Each wireless network in any given area will have a unique SSID. In order to connect to a wireless network your computer must know the SSID for the network you want to use. Depending on your system this name can either be automatically configured or you may need to specify the SSID manually.

General Information

As a current UM-Flint student or employee, you are able to access to the UM-Flint Wireless Network using your laptop computer. Currently, students' hand-held computers (PDA, Palm, Pocket PC, etc.) are not supported for wireless network access. Faculty and staff may reserve a mobile laptop cart which contains 30 wireless laptop computers for students to use in class. When you are connected to the wireless network you are able to access the following services:

• Internet
• Email
• Your H Drive (FTP)
• PaperCut Printing System

For further assistance on how to set up your computer to access the wireless network, please select the appropriate link from the right for your operating system.

Windows Users

Most wireless cards that are 802.11b compatible can be used with the UMF wireless network. Visit your local computer store to purchase a wireless card.

• Quicknote List - Connecting your computer to the Wireless network at UM-Flint

Macintosh Users

An AirPort-ready Macintosh (iBook, iMac, PowerBook G4, or Power Mac G4) with an AirPort Card is required. You can easily install the AirPort Card in an AirPort-ready computer. Simply use the AirPort Setup Assistant software to walk you through the setup process and it will automatically configure your computer for Internet access.

• Macintosh Quicknotes - Using your Mac at UM-Flint

Please contact the HelpDesk if you have other questions or concerns.

Overview

Work tickets are requests given through the ITS HelpDesk to Desktop Computer Services (DCS) when intensive work or repair is needed on a University-owned computer. Faculty/Staff members must contact the HelpDesk, give their uniqname, and describe their work request to place work tickets. Tickets are also opened in the event that a HelpDesk consultant is unable to troubleshoot a call session any further. When a work ticket is placed, you will be given a Call ID number to use if you wish to update or follow up on the work request.

DCS is allowed a maximum of three business days to contact customers about work tickets. If you have not been contacted within three days, or have other questions regarding your work ticket, please contact the HelpDesk and give your Call ID number or your uniqname. When the work you requested has been completed, you will receive an email with a link to an online Customer Satisfaction Survey.