Reposting of e-newsletter sent to Rice faculty, staff, and graduate students on 11-1-16.
Office of Information Technology
Campus Technology News
Fall 2016
Classroom Technology
Interested in what technology is available in a specific classroom or how to use it? Search the updated classroom database by building or by technology needs at http://rooms.tlst.rice.edu/.
Canvas Update
This fall about 250 courses and almost 4,000 students are using Canvas, Rice’s new Learning Management System. The goal is for all courses to use Canvas by the start of the fall 2017 semester.
If you would like OIT to convert your OWL-Space courses to Canvas by the spring 2017 semester, complete the online migration request form by December 9. Use the same form if you want an early start on your fall 2017 courses as well.
Interested in learning more about Canvas? OIT is offering a number of workshops over the next few months or for informal drop-in support, check out Canvas Happy Hours on select Fridays from 2 – 4 pm in Brochstein Pavilion.
Advisory: MacOS Sierra
OIT recommends not upgrading to Apple’s latest version of the Macintosh operating system, Sierra, at this time. OIT has identified some compatibility issues with certain software packages running under macOS Sierra 10.12. For a list of known compatibility issues, visit the OIT Knowledgebase page on macOS Sierra. If you have any additional questions, consult with your Division Representative by opening a Help Desk ticket or calling the OIT Help Desk at 713-348-4357.
Campus Wired Network Upgrade Almost Complete
The wired network deployment of RiceNet3 project will be complete before Thanksgiving recess. The new equipment has been installed into every building, and all client computers are connected. The last few changes to building uplinks from RiceNet2 to RiceNet3 are currently underway.
This network refresh consists of higher bandwidth, more support for network-powered devices, and a complete backup power system for the entire network. Additionally, RiceNet3 also provides a framework for the deployment of new and more advanced services such as a more secure network logon, significant improvements in the detection and prevention of security threats, and more effective management and monitoring. Upon completion, the wired network will also provide a foundation for initiation and deployment of Rice’s next generation wireless network platform.
Improvements to Technology Support of Administrative Functions
This fall OIT has been implementing and improving technology solutions that support Rice’s business processes. Recent projects include:
DegreeWorks Upgrade – New key features includes a web interface for scripting degree requirements and the ability to extend degree requirements to other campus websites.
Acquia Web Deployment – Campus websites continue to migrate to the Acquia cloud platform for the Drupal content management system. A major enhancement was the integration with Rice directory information.
PTO (Paid Time Off) Application – Working with HR to develop a benefit time tracking and reporting system that allows employees to enter benefit time taken for the month and submit it to their supervisor for approval. The application is a part of the Esther system and is currently being deployed to campus.
UG Application for Degree – The annual update to the Undergraduate Application for Degree went live August 1 that allows graduating seniors to make their application for degree through Esther.
Visitor Project Phase 3 – The third phase of the Visitor Tracking System went live this fall. The Visitor Tracking System facilitates the registration and approval of visitors to the Rice campus and their access to use Rice resources.
FARIS – Set up the new Faculty and Researcher Information System (FARIS), which is replacing FIS as the system that tenured and tenure-track faculty use to submit their Faculty Annual Reports.
Read more
OIT Annual Report
Read OIT’s Annual Report for 2015-2016 and learn how OIT supported the university’s mission through innovative uses of technology last year.
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