To ease the strain, will implement a video retention policy on June 1 that will establish a timeframe for how long Zoom video recordings will remain stored within the platform. However, those same recordings will continue to be automatically copied to Kaltura, where they can be stored indefinitely for seamless downloading and sharing, according to Associate Vice President for Technology and Chief Information Officer Christopher Waters.

“This new retention policy will not only optimize the allotted cloud storage space for ������Ƶ faculty, staff and students who use the service, but also help to ensure the service continues to run smoothly for all users,” he said.

Beginning June 1, video recordings saved to Zoom’s cloud storage service will only be retained for 90 days from the date of the recording.  After 90 days, recordings are moved to the user’s “Trash,” and if necessary, can be restored for a limited amount of time. However, after 120 days, video recordings will be permanently deleted. At that time or at any time prior, ������Ƶ users may visit Kaltura or Moodle to access past recordings.

Though the new retention period will help to manage cloud storage within Zoom, ������Ƶ users can also help, Waters said.

“We offer a number of file storage and sharing services, like Kaltura, Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft Stream, to help faculty, staff and students organize and share materials, and we encourage them to manage their own video recordings regularly to ensure they don’t lose valuable content,” he said.

������Ƶ users can log into Kaltura to access, download or share Zoom video recordings, or bring recordings directly into a Moodle course using the video resource feature. Video recordings also are accessible from the My Media section in Moodle, linked at the bottom of the left column navigation.

In addition to the automatic copy of recordings in Kaltura, Zoom users may also take advantage of other Microsoft applications, such as OneDrive or Stream to store, organize and share video recordings with internal and external viewers. .

For questions or to report an issue, please contact the Technology Service Desk at 336-278-5200 or .

For the latest technology updates, visit the Technology Blog and follow us on ,�������Ի���.

Higher education institutions are often prime targets for cybercriminals. Sophisticated phishing attacks and other hacking innovations constantly look for ways to infiltrate critical systems and steal sensitive information through an organization’s most vulnerable areas. To counter these threats,��a  showed 92 percent of U.S. institutions were tracking, planning,��had partially or fully deployed institution-wide MFA on their campuses.

At ������Ƶ, MFA is among a growing list of security and awareness measures happening behind the scenes to educate the community about increasing threats and enhance online safety for all users, on and off campus. Adding students to the enrollment initiative is a critical next step, according to Gary Sheehan, ������Ƶ’s director of information security. Opening enrollment now allows students ample time to acclimate to the new authentication process before the new school term in the fall, he said.

“Even for student accounts, password theft is constantly evolving as hackers use methods like keylogging, phishing and email spoofing to gain access,” Sheehan said. “MFA enables us to deploy a security strategy that protects our platforms and community, reduces our risk for cyber threats and further provide protections in such a way that access remains easy for authorized users.”

Also referred to as two-factor authentication,��MFA adds layers of password security to critical university systems�����Ի���reduces the number of compromised accounts by making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to log in with stolen passwords.

Though you may not realize it, you likely already use MFA when accessing online accounts for banking, credit cards and other services, Sheehan said.

“When you access an ATM or use a debit card for purchases you typically need the card (something you have) and a pin number (something you know),” he said. “Whenever a merchant, bank, medical provider or retailer requires you to provide a password or pin, along with something you have to complete a transaction, you are using multi-factor authentication.”

At ������Ƶ, the MFA process involves the use of the Duo Security app and two or more devices to deliver security tokens that allow users to access single sign-on services like email, Moodle, LinkedIn Learning and other applications. With Duo Security, tokens are typically communicated through a push to a mobile device or call to a landline phone.

“Since passwords can be compromised and are vulnerable to sharing, adding multi-factor authentication to the login process requires the user to know something (the password) and have something (the token), in order to gain access,” Sheehan said.

All ������Ƶ students are encouraged to enroll in MFA before the deadlines noted above. After those dates,��email, Moodle and other single sign-on services will be inaccessible until MFA enrollment is complete. For help getting started, visit the  in the IT Self-Service Portal Knowledge Base or . If you have questions or need to report an issue, please contact the Technology Service Desk at 336-278-5200.

For additional online safety resources and to sign up for alerts, . To stay aware of active cyber-attacks and other threats on campus, Sheehan encourages users to sign up for information security alerts.

“You are the shield,” he said. “We all play an important role in keeping our community safe.”

How does Duo Security work?

To enhance online safety measures at ������Ƶ, is implementing a mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) initiative. All faculty and staff must enroll in MFA using Duo Security by Dec. 31.

Also referred to as two-factor authentication, MFA will add layers of password security to critical university systems and reduce the number of compromised accounts that impact the ������Ƶ community. This makes it harder for unauthorized individuals to log in as if they were you.

“Password theft is constantly evolving as hackers employ methods like keylogging, phishing and email spoofing,” said Gary Sheehan, director of information security. “Our goal is to provide protections in such a way that access remains easy for authorized users. MFA enables us to deploy a security strategy that protects our platforms and community, reduces our risk for cyber threats and boosts the flexibility and productivity of our entire workforce.”

With this initiative, ������Ƶ joins a growing list of campuses nationwide that mandated MFA for faculty and staff. A showed that 92 percent of U.S.-based institutions were either tracking, planning, have partially deployed or deployed institution-wide MFA on their campuses.

Though you may not realize it, you likely already use MFA when accessing online accounts for banking,��credit cards and other services, Sheehan said.

“When you access an ATM or use a debit card for purchases you typically need the card (something you have) and a pin number (something you know),” he said. “Whenever a merchant, bank, medical provider or retailer requires you to provide a password or pin, along with something you have to complete a transaction, you are using multi-factor authentication.”

At ������Ƶ, the MFA process involves the use of two or more devices to deliver security tokens that allow access to single sign on services like email, Moodle, LinkedIn Learning and other applications. With Duo Security, tokens are typically communicated to the user via a mobile or landline phone.

“Your information is safer because thieves would need to steal both your password and your MFA token,” Sheehan said. “Since passwords can be compromised and are vulnerable to sharing, adding multi-factor authentication to the login process requires the user to know something (the password) and have something (the token).”

MFA is only one facet of a broader security strategy to protect data, campus technology resources and the existence of a safe computing environment at ������Ƶ. Security and compliance are best achieved when they are not implemented using a single point of failure, Sheehan said.

“Think about how you protect your valuable assets — by locking doors and windows, adding an alarm system or outdoor motion lights to detect intruders,” he said. “In addition to MFA, we have implemented a security awareness program to share safety tips on how to protect data and personal information. We use anti-virus, anti-malware and other controls to protect against harmful email links and websites, and we monitor the environment to ensure sensitive data and information is not accidentally shared with unauthorized users.”

To stay aware of active cyber-attacks and other threats on campus, Sheehan encourages users to sign up for information security alerts.

“You are the shield,” he said. “We all play an important role in keeping our community safe.”

As the fall semester draws to a close, faculty and staff are encouraged to enroll in MFA ahead of the upcoming holiday break and Dec. 31 deadline. For help getting started, visit the in the IT Self-Service Portal Knowledge Base.

After Dec. 31, email, Moodle and other single sign on services will be inaccessible until MFA enrollment is complete. Please contact the Technology Service Desk at 336-278-5200 if you have questions or need to report an issue. For additional online safety resources and to sign up for alerts, visit the .

Maker Hub Consultants Leah Cooper and Emma Goering eagerly took the lead in developing the Take & Make Kit initiative.

“We started it because we wanted people to experience the Maker Hub while staying safe and comfortable during the pandemic,” Cooper said. “The kits allow users to take a break from school and stress, while letting their creative minds take over.”

Senior Instructional Technologist in Teaching and Learning Technologies Dan Reis, who leads ������Ƶ’s Maker Hubs, supported the idea and the initiative expanded from there.

Take & Make projects have included fabric coffee sleeves, friendship bracelets, cashmere scrunchies and headbands, kitchen towels, makeup wipes and face coverings. So far, the Maker Hub and campus partners have distributed more than 650 kits. Many students try one project and come back eager to try another.

“I’ve seen a lot of positive responses from these kits,” Cooper said. “They’ve helped students find some happiness and feel a sense of productivity during this uncertain time.”

The same sentiment was echoed by Ellie Cook ’21, who used a Take & Make kit to create reusable makeup wipes.

“I did not think I had the skills necessary to complete this project, but the kit offered clear step-by-step instructions,” Cook said of her experience. “Much to my surprise, I successfully sewed the makeup wipes and boosted my confidence in doing so. I am proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone to try something new. I look forward to creating many more Take & Make Kits in the future.”

Since launch, the Maker Hub’s Take & Make Kits have grown in popularity — even catching the attention of President Connie Book. In October, President Book attended a virtual friendship bracelet workshop with ������Ƶ students. Goering co-led the event.

“The Take & Make event with President Book was such a neat idea,” Goering said. “She seemed to be interested in the Maker Hub and all of the services that we offer. The Take & Make Kits were created to give students a quick and easy DIY project they can take on the go. For someone as busy as President Book, this is so beneficial.”

To further support students during this unusual semester, the kits also include handouts about counseling services and other support available to students. Campus partners for the Take & Make Kits include Campus Recreation and Wellness, the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE),��Counseling Services and Student Care and Outreach.

Take & Make Kits will be available during Winter Term and spring semester. For more information, visit the Maker Hub website.

Now in its sixth year, the program has provided dozens of undergraduate and graduate students with resources, mentorship and $300 to explore and bring their ideas to life.

“Kickbox is one of my favorite things we do at the Maker Hub and I’m glad we’re doing it again in 2021,” said Dan Reis, senior instructional technologist for Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT). “I really like watching the students dig into their projects and make significant progress throughout the semester.”

Kickbox applications will be accepted through Nov. 23. To apply, students just need to have an idea, Reis said. In addition, students must secure a faculty or staff sponsor that will support their project. The Maker Hub will host a virtual information session via Zoom for interested students on Friday, Nov. 13 at 3:15 p.m. Students must register to attend.

Past projects have featured 3D printing, robotics, jewelry making, wearable technology, laser engraving and other technologies.

Honors Fellow, engineering major and track and field athlete Madison George used her 2020 ������Ƶ Kickbox to design and prototype the first women’s pole-vaulting shoe that is fully customizable based on the arch and overall foot measurements of the wearer.

“Currently, pole vault spikes don’t come in women’s sizes, so this could potentially help to represent the population of female athletes in the sport, as well as prevent injury because it’s completely customizable,” she said.

Through the Kickbox program, she has received guidance from an ������Ƶ alumnus who works with 3D printing company tasked with designing a 3D printed midsole for Adidas running shoes, and the owner of a company that designs soccer cleats for women.

In the spring, Mikayla Ford, Angy Aguilar and Ciani Foy used their 2020 Kickbox to create Stem-ista — a board game designed to expose young girls to careers and opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and ultimately help to increase the number of women who pursue careers in related fields. These ������Ƶ undergrads agree that valuable resources and feedback have been essential to the refinement of their project.

“I have learned, not only the importance of reiterating a prototype, but the benefits of doing so,” Ford said. “Our game has developed and evolved so much since its inception because we kept refining our ideas and kept improving them.”

“Constructive feedback is pertinent to the design process and evolution of the final product,” Foy said. “Your first design is not going to be the last one and everyone is not going to like it. Build from the advice and criticism – great results will come from doing so.”

Although the project has gone through numerous iterations, the purpose behind it remains the same, Aguilar said.

“I have learned the importance of the ‘why’ behind an innovation,” she said. “Our ‘why,’ or purpose, has been the driving force enabling us to make decisions that influence what we do and how we do it.”

������Ƶ Kickbox recipients will be selected and notified by mid-December. To learn more about requirements, review sponsor expectations and submit your application, . Details about past projects also are available.

Here are a few ways you can break away from the isolation of remote work and reconnect with colleagues online.

Build a Virtual Office Space in Microsoft Teams

Create a virtual office space for you and your coworkers to meet using Microsoft Teams. An interactive hub for communication and collaboration, Teams boasts options for live chat, audio and video conferencing, file sharing and more to help you stay connected with colleagues. Teams also integrates with other Office 365 services, including OneDrive, Planner, Word and PowerPoint, as well as third-party applications for a dynamic and secure work environment to help you stay productive with work tasks.

Consider establishing a regular check-in process with your department to set priorities and discuss projects for the week via Teams. You can use the posts feature to chat and share updates or schedule audio or video calls to increase engagement.

While Jaleh Hagigh, Director of Campaign Communications and Events, will always prefer in-person interactions with her University Advancement colleagues, virtual meetings have been a productive and fun way to stay connected with her team.

“There’s no question – seeing my colleagues on screen, including photo bombs by their kids and pets, is the highlight of the day,” she said. “I’ve always thought we are at our best at ������Ƶ when we work as a team and when face-to-face interactions aren’t possible, online tools help bridge the physical divide. We talk a lot about the relationship-rich education we deliver to students and those relationships are equally important to staff as well.”

Meet for College Coffee

Long live ������Ƶ and its beloved tradition of College Coffee. Though Phi Beta Kappa Plaza Commons is a lot quieter these Tuesdays, this weekly event has always been a celebration of community over location. It’s also a great opportunity for Employee Resource Groups, committees and other bodies to fellowship with members, take a break from work tasks and relieve the stress that prolonged social distancing measures can cause. The Women’s Forum at ������Ƶ is among groups that recently hosted a virtual College Coffee event that drew more than a dozen members.

Grab your cup and login to Webex or Microsoft Teams for a video call with colleagues at the same 9:40 a.m. time that you’re used to. Webex’s grid view option makes it easy to see all participants at once, while in this scenario, Teams works best for smaller groups. Set a theme each week or take turns asking and answering questions and use #������ƵStayingConnected to share snapshots from your event via social media.

Break or Break Bread Virtually

Lunch, dinner or other daily breaks are often prime times to catch up and share laughs with friends on campus. However, with stay-at-home orders our new normal, taking a break or breaking bread with a buddy might seem impossible – but it doesn’t have to be. Schedule a virtual meet-up instead. You don’t have to stay glued to your computer. If you’re headed outside to stretch your legs, keep your conversation going with the Microsoft Teams mobile app. Or, join friends for a virtual lunch or dinner from your favorite cozy spot using Webex or Microsoft Teams.

When Rochelle Ford, Dean of the School of Communications and Professor of Strategic Communications, came to ������Ƶ in the fall of 2018, she started a Dining with the Dean series to get to know students outside of the classroom. Rather than cancel upcoming events this semester, she moved the series online. On March 26, she and faculty hosted the first virtual event with Interactive Media graduate students. A second event for undergraduate students is planned, in addition other virtual sessions, including networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals.

“������Ƶ is known for its residential campus, engaged learning and mentoring,” Ford said. “We don’t want to lose that close feel. So, instead of having dinner in-person, we did it via Webex.”

There was no major agenda for the event, Ford and faculty simply wanted to talk to students about how they were feeling, what they were doing to adjust, how they were approaching self-care, and of course, what was going well in classes and what wasn’t, Ford said.

“Being in a physical distancing environment doesn’t mean we can’t be social,” she said. “We are stronger together, and the more we can avoid isolation, the stronger we will be at the end of this period.”

Host Team Building Activities

Let’s face it – we spend a lot of time at work. As such, we often get to know a good bit about our coworkers, which not only helps to cultivate community, but also can foster happiness and promote productivity. Though your office may be quiet these days, a little creativity and a few open minds can help you enliven your team’s morale online. A quick internet search highlights an array of fun ideas for virtual and remote activities that you can organize for your team. In Microsoft Teams, use file sharing to facilitate a fun exercise at the start of your next meeting, use the screen sharing feature to lead a virtual tour of your favorite attraction, create a channel to share pet pictures or use other features to create games for your team to play online. Explore other ideas from Museum Hack or develop your own.

At the end of the day, whether it’s a video call, instant message or classic conversation by phone, it’s less about the tool and more about maintaining community bonds, said Patrick Rudd, Coordinator of Library Instruction and Outreach Services and Assistant Librarian.

He uses a variety of tools to engage regularly with colleagues, teaching faculty and students. In addition to work-related meetings, he and other Belk Library colleagues are creating and sustaining community through an online eBook club.

“Connecting with people – it’s what my life, both personally and professionally, is all about,” Rudd said. “With these tools, I can still do that. I’ve been grateful for it.”

Visit our for a step-by-step guide to getting started in Microsoft Teams. Also, visit the IT Self-Service Portal to learn more about and .

“It’s a good feeling to have a colleague value your actions enough to submit a nomination,” Seay said of the honor. “It’s reassuring to know that your efforts are noticed.”

The award, presented by the , recognizes IT staff who go above and beyond to offer exceptional customer service, support campus-wide initiatives and make other noteworthy contributions that positively impact the ������Ƶ community. Individuals must be nominated for consideration.

Seay joined IT nearly five years ago. In his role, he helps to maintain network internet connectivity throughout campus by ensuring problems are fixed promptly and to the satisfaction of all users.

“His work ethic and positive attitude towards co-workers, students, faculty and staff is contagious,” said Rob Readling, Operations Manager/Network Engineer.” Ben always treats others with respect and courtesy.”

Often eager to assist colleagues, Seay has devoted time after-hours for service support or to simply help move a project along, according to Associate Director of Infrastructure Joel Bowman. Furthermore, he said, Seay’s expertise with Cisco products during an update of wireless access points on campus was essential to the success of the project and made him a go-to expert for colleagues.

“Ben has been instrumental with our continued efforts to upgrade and improve network services,” Bowman said. “His experience with network configurations and hardware gives way to timely fixes and he is always available to lend a hand.”

In addition, Seay’s sense of humor and quick wit make him a great person to work with, said Telecommunications Technician Tom Hall.

“He makes everyone he works with feel comfortable,” Hall said. “When he is talking with anyone who is experiencing a problem, he makes them feel as if they are the only customer he has. He goes to great lengths to make each caller feel as though they are truly special.”

In the year to come, Seay looks forward to professional growth through training and additional certifications, while also contributing to various technology advancements on campus.

Since its inception, the program has helped 50 ������Ƶ students explore their ideas. Through the initiative, any student with the drive to build something can acquire mentorship, resources and $300 to help bring their ideas to life.

“We’re excited to celebrate five years of the ������Ƶ Kickbox initiative,” said Dan Reis, senior instructional technologist for Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT). “The program has helped dozens of ������Ƶ students realize their goals.

Applications are open through Nov. 18 for 2020 Kickboxers. The Maker Hub will host an information session for interested students on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 4:15 to 5 p.m. at its downtown ������Ƶ location.

To apply, students need to do three things: have an idea, talk to a faculty or staff member about the idea and complete an online application.

Past projects include a 3D-printed prosthetic, an organic chemistry lab, a robotic hand, a drone, jewelry, a smart mirror and more.

Alexandra Grillo ’20 used her 2019 ������Ƶ Kickbox to explore ways to offer clinical psychologist experience with clients in a simulated environment.

“I learned how to search for innovative ideas in my daily life,” she said.

Daniel Yameen ’21, also a 2019 Kickboxer, examined home automation with a Raspberry Pi and mobile phone application, which he used to control appliances and lights around his home. For him, ������Ƶ Kickbox is a great way for students to challenge themselves.

“Push your limits,” he said. “Get out of your comfort zone. Learn something new. Have fun.”

������Ƶ Kickbox recipients will be selected and notified by mid-December. To learn more about requirements and sponsor expectations and to view past projects, .

“It is an honor to be recognized,” Brenner said of the award, which is presented each month to an exceptional member of the IT �ٱ𲹳�.��“A lot of work has gone into managing the technology for our live events, particularly athletics broadcasts, so this recognition means a lot to me and those who have helped me in the success of those events.”

As a video production engineer, Brenner provides broadcast support for the School of Communications, athletics and a wide range of special events at ������Ƶ. Working closely with Chief Engineer Jeff James and a crew of student staff, he is a familiar sight at venues across campus where he manages a host of state-of-the-art equipment.

“In the relatively short time Quintin has been working full time at ������Ƶ, he has established himself as a hard worker and a creative problem solver,” said Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Technologies Brent Smith, who supervises Brenner. “Q attacks every project with determination. He is quiet, deliberate and he gets the job done.”

Last summer, Brenner played a pivotal role in bringing the fiber-connected “hub and spoke” production network model for video coverage of ������Ƶ athletic competitions to fruition, Smith said. Beginning with football coverage last season, video broadcasts from all major sports venues are controlled from the Schar Center control room.

Though challenging, it was a project that Brenner is most proud of.

“Playing a part in getting our broadcast facilities networked back to a central control room and constantly improving on that workflow has been a point of pride for me,” he said. “That initiative has really expanded our broadcast capabilities to be on par with prolific universities like those in the ACC and SEC.”

Brian Dudiak, assistant athletic director for facilities and event management, often works with Brenner to coordinate sports-related broadcasts.

“Perhaps his best attribute is the passion he exudes for his work,” Dudiak said. “It’s easy to tell he really enjoys what he does, and I don’t know if Q ever stops. If he isn’t solving a problem, he’s looking for ways to improve things. He’s extremely creative, hard-working and dedicated.”

Brenner, a 2014 ������Ƶ graduate, has been a member of IT’s Teaching and Learning Technologies team for nearly three years. In addition to day-to-day tasks, he enjoys mentoring students and looks forward to his continued growth in the field.

“I really enjoy being able to consistently learn about and use new broadcast and networking technologies in this job,” he said.

Visit the Technology blog to .

TeamDynamix, which will replace Cherwell, is a robust tool that allows Information Technology to streamline processes and enhance customer service, according to Service Design Manager Ryan Gay.

“This system will allow all of Information Technology to support students, faculty, and staff with their technology needs in a more streamlined fashion. Further, TeamDynamix utilizes a “News Feed” system when commenting on requests that folks are familiar with from social media platforms. This will increase IT staff’s ability to communicate with those who have submitted tickets for assistance. Additionally, an enhanced workflow system will allow IT to automate more processes, which in some instances will reduce time to resolution,” he said.

Designed with ������Ƶ’s signature look and feel, the new IT Service Catalog offered through TeamDynamix boasts a streamlined interface and prominent search functionality. Each catalog listing offers details about who the service is available to, benefits and key features, associated costs, related policies, and more.

In addition, students, faculty, and staff can complete a form to submit a request or report issues with a service, alleviating the need for submissions via email. By logging in with their ������Ƶ email credentials, they can also track the progress of service requests, communicate with IT staff or, if necessary, cancel a request.

When assistance isn’t needed, students, faculty, and staff can search for an array of how-to guidance in the Knowledge Base, which replaced the ������Ƶ Technology Wiki.

“The Technology Wiki was greatly used by folks around campus. However, the system itself was old and was difficult to navigate and didn’t leverage current interface features commonly used in Knowledge Bases. By integrating our Knowledge Base with our Service Catalog, students, faculty, and staff will have a one-stop interface to receive technology assistance. Related Articles featured on Service pages point them directly to commonly associated documentation, helping to cement the connection between “how-to” and support. Folks can even Favorite an article that they use frequently for easy access later on,” he said.

To learn more, explore ������Ƶ’s new .