Tis the season for holiday feasts and holiday shopping! ITS is happy to share our top gift recommendations for everyone on your list this year. If you have any questions about our gift picks, let us know! Click here for ITS contact information. Here in New England, summer is fleeting, so we need to make the most of every sunny day!…
October 2025
Safeguarding Higher Education
As autumn settles in, October brings more than just fall foliage and midterms, it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month! This annual observance is a crucial reminder: in an era of digital transformation, protecting personal and institutional information is everyone’s responsibility. Why Cybersecurity Matters in Higher Education Higher education institutions are targets for cybercriminals. We house vast amounts of sensitive data: student records,…
October 2025
What Happens When…
Have you ever wondered what happens when someone in the Clark community gets a phishing email? How does ITS respond to help protect the security of our technology and information? A prime target for attackers is to get their hands on your Clark Account. Clark Accounts are trusted by folks inside and outside of Clark, so emails sent from our…
October 2025
More Than Just a Password: Why MFA Matters
You hear it everywhere – your bank, your email account, the Help Desk, and even this newsletter! But what is MFA, and why is it so important? What Is MFA? Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires you to provide two or more pieces of evidence (or “factors”) to verify your identity when logging into an account. These factors…
October 2025
Cybersecurity Careers: More Than Just IT Skills
While we’ve spent time talking about how to stay safe online, it’s also a good opportunity to look at cybersecurity as a career path, especially for students thinking about what comes next. As digital threats evolve, so does the demand for professionals who can protect data, systems, and people. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. The…
Get to Know Us, October 2025
Get to Know Us: Jeffrey Lamontagne
This issue, we meet Jeffrey Lamontagne, our Information Security Engineer! He grew up just south of Worcester, and started off planning a radio career, but his knack for building gaming PCs steered him into IT instead. After working his way up from Help Desk Technician to System Administrator at a software company, he eventually joined Clark’s System Administration team before…
February 2025
Black Technologists Who Changed the World
February is Black History Month, which celebrates and honors “the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout [American] history,” in the words of former president Gerald Ford. Clark ITS would like to highlight a few pioneers, both past and present, who made incredible contributions to the field of technology. Dr. Valerie Thomas, inventor of 3D…
Data Privacy and Security, February 2025
Cybersecurity and Valentine’s Day: A Heartfelt Lesson
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Clarksville, lived a young woman named Maya. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, she wanted to surprise her partner, Alex, with a special gift. She decided to buy an exquisite piece of jewelry from an online store she had discovered through a social media ad. Excited, Maya clicked on the…
Digital and Information Fluency, February 2025, Tips and Tricks
Tech Tips: Common Tech Vocab
Last month, we covered some common tech acronyms used both on campus and within the wider world of technology. This month we’re going over some more tech terms you might hear from members of ITS, in future editions of Bits & Bytes, or when contacting the Help Desk. Asset tag All Clark-managed devices–including chargers, desk phones, and more—have an asset…
Announcement, February 2025
FYI from ITS
A few reminders and announcements! Moving tech equipment? Let us help! If you need to move monitors, computers, docks, or other equipment to a different office, give the ITS Help Desk a call. We’ll work with you to make sure everything’s set up correctly and update the equipment in our system, so we know where to find it for future…
February 2025
Operating System Upgrades Available for Both PCs and Macs
While ITS recently announced that Clark-managed PCs are now eligible for upgrades to Windows 11, don’t worry—the Macs aren’t missing out! Clark-managed Macs (as well as most personal Mac devices) can now upgrade to macOS Sequoia. Regardless of which computer you use here at Clark, you can conveniently upgrade your operating system on your own schedule—no need to coordinate with…
February 2025, Get to Know Us
Get to Know Us: Joanne Dolan
This month, say hello to Joanne Dolan, the Director of Academic Technology and Client Support, who has been with Clark for almost 10 years. Born and bred in Dublin, Ireland, Joanne got wanderlust while studying Computer Science at Trinity College Dublin. Over the following years, she worked as a director of a sports and tech summer camp in Washington DC,…
January 2025, Training, Workshops
Technology Training Workshops Spring 2025
The technology training specialist is pleased to announce the Spring 2025 tech training workshop schedule for faculty and staff. Sharpen your skills and connect with different people across campus in these hour-long sessions, hosted both in-person and virtually. New this year! Attend any 2 workshops and complete 1 pre-selected LinkedIn Learning module to earn a Digital Learner badge to add…
Digital and Information Fluency, January 2025, Tips and Tricks
Tech Tips: Common Tech Acronyms
Since the very beginning of the internet (the predecessor of which was called ARPANET, or Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), acronyms have abounded in our digital spaces and in the devices we use to get there. Below, ITS has included a list of some of the most used around campus. Some of these are specific to Clark, while others are…
Digital and Information Fluency, January 2025, Windows 11
Winter Wonderland: Embracing Windows 11
Once upon a frosty winter, in a small town blanketed with snow, there was a cozy little office full of hardworking, cheerful employees. The office hummed with the sounds of typing and the occasional clink of a coffee mug, but as the winter deepened, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The arrival of a new year brought with it…
Get to Know Us, January 2025, Our Favorite Apps, Tips and Tricks
New Year’s Resolutions by ITS
The start of a new year often inspires us to make new resolutions. Maybe you’d like to learn a new language or take care of your health. Keep reading to learn more about ITS’s resolutions and how we’re planning to keep them. Stretch every day Tess Walsh, the technology training specialist, is determined to stretch more in 2025 for increased…
Get to Know Us, January 2025
Get to Know Us: Efrem Sidi-Shire
This month we meet one of ITS’s incredible student workers: Efrem! Efrem is a senior at Clark and one of ITS’s Help Desk Student Supervisors. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he is a dual citizen of the United States and England studying political science and Spanish. Last year, he studied abroad in Argentina and highly recommends a visit there for…
Data Privacy and Security, December 2024, MFA
Merry MFA: A Fictional Tale of Cybersecurity
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Clarksville, the holiday season was in full swing. The streets were adorned with twinkling lights, storefronts showcased festive displays, and the air was filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies. Amidst the holiday cheer, a student named Anita was eagerly preparing to travel to visit her family for the holidays. …
December 2024, LMS, Tips and Tricks
Tech Check: Finals Week
While you’re preparing for projects, presentations, and exams this week, check in with your tech to make sure you’re saving time, staying organized, and studying smart! Canvas If you’d like to save any readings, presentations, or other material from this semester’s courses for future reference, make sure to export or download these files and organize them on your computer or…
December 2024, Fun
Cyber-Celebrate the Season
Technology can help you connect, give back, and have fun this holiday season, no matter how you choose to celebrate. Host a virtual party Connect with loved ones near and far via video chat! Use free tools like Random Trivia Generator and Teleparty to play games or watch movies together or take turns telling stories around a virtual fireplace. Don’t…
Announcement, December 2024, Kaltura, Panopto
Announcement: Kaltura to Replace Panopto in 2025
ITS is excited to announce that Clark University will transition to a new video management system, Kaltura, during the summer of 2025. Kaltura offers a robust, versatile, user-friendly video platform and is a market leader in higher education. Kaltura will provide students, faculty, and staff with the same features that they love about Panopto but with many more benefits, such…
December 2024, ITS Help Desk
ITS Help Desk Holiday Break Hours
The ITS Help Desk will operate on its normal schedule (8 am – 12 am, Monday-Thursday) until the end of exams. December Wednesday, Dec. 18 – Friday, Dec. 20: 8 am – 5 pm Saturday, Dec. 21 – Sunday, Dec. 22: CLOSED Monday, Dec. 23: 10 am – 2 pm (operating remotely, no walk-up service available) Tuesday, Dec. 24 –…
Get to Know Us, Gift Guide, November 2024, Windows 11
ITS Gift Guide 2024!
Tis the season for holiday feasts and holiday shopping! ITS is happy to share our top gift recommendations for everyone on your list this year. If you have any questions about our gift picks, let us know! Click here for ITS contact information. While Clarkies have access to The New York Times and its many recipes through Goddard Library, not…
Announcement, Digital and Information Fluency, October 2024
Meet Windows 11
Beginning this fall, Clark ITS will begin transitioning campus devices to the Windows 11 operating system. Windows 11, the latest operating system for PCs, is similar to the university’s current operating system of Windows 10 but introduces a revamped interface, new productivity features, and enhanced gaming capabilities. With a focus on creativity and productivity, Windows 11 offers a centered Start…
Data Privacy and Security, October 2024
The Phishing Phantom: A Spooky Story About the Importance of Cybersecurity
Emma sat at her desk, the soft glow of her computer screen illuminating the darkened room. It was almost Halloween, so it had been a long day at the candy factory, where she worked designing colorful paper wrappers for delicious delicacies. Emma was eager to finalize her design for Frankenfudge before going home. As she sifted through her emails, one…
October 2024, Resources, Tool Spotlight, Zoom
Tool Spotlight: AI Companion in Zoom
Take your meetings to the next level with AI Companion, a recently added feature within Zoom meetings. When enabled by the meeting host, AI Companion will automatically summarize a meeting hosted on Zoom, organizing different topics into chapters and automatically identifying highlights such as next steps. AI Companion automatically shares its summary with the meeting host, who can then choose…
Get to Know Us, October 2024
Get to Know Us: Shasha Yu
This month, we meet Shasha Yu, a Business Analyst & Report Writer in ITS. Shasha has been with Clark University for 3 years. Before joining Clark, she gained extensive experience in IT project development and management in China, as well as conducting computer science study and research in computer science in the UK. A naturally curious person who loves to…
September 2024, Tips and Tricks
Digital Housekeeping: Tips & Tricks from the Experts
The start of fall and a new semester is the perfect time to buy school supplies, pick apples, and do some digital housekeeping. Here are our top tips for taking care of your device and your data in preparation for the new academic year. Set aside part of your day to organize and review files Did you know that the…
LIL, September 2024
Advance Your Skills with LinkedIn Learning
The start of school is the perfect time to brush up on your skills so you can be confident, happy, and productive for the upcoming academic year. Clark University provides free LinkedIn Learning access to all members of the campus community. Practice public speaking, explore Excel, or manage mindfulness skills! Click here to access LinkedIn Learning. ITS has curated a…
September 2024, Teams Phones
Teams Phones Update
The networking and telecommunications team has continued working hard over the summer to seamlessly transition more individuals and departments to Teams phones. As of September 1, 49 of 90 departments have begun successfully using Teams phones and 72.4% of individual phone users have been migrated to the new system. Benefits Teams Phones, which make and receive calls using the internet,…
September 2024
Smart School Supplies
Tess Walsh, the technology training specialist, used to teach college writing classes and loves to learn about new technology that supports learning. Here are some of her favorite “smart” school supplies for reading, writing, and learning. Kindle App Did you know you don’t need a Kindle to read digitally? Anyone with an Amazon account can download the Kindle App for…
Get to Know Us, Resources, September 2024
Get to Know Us: ITS Bot
ITS Bot is an automated support assistant designed to answer ITS-related questions quickly and connect you to the Clark-supported technology solutions you need. Say hi to ITS Bot here! ITS Bot has been answering questions on the Clark ITS website since 2023. Prior to arriving in Worcester, they “grew up” in Raleigh, NC with over 700 siblings as part of…
Resources
Teaching with Technology – Fall 2024
ITS is excited to support your teaching during Fall 2024 and have included a range of services below. If you have any additional questions, concerns or suggestions, we recommend contacting the Help Desk (helpdesk@clarku.edu) so that we can direct your request to the most appropriate department for the quickest response. Table of Contents Banner Resources Classroom Technology Other Technology Student…
April 2024, Data Privacy and Security, December 2022
MFA and Travel
You have your passport, you have your bags packed, and you’re excited to get going. But wait! If you plan on connecting to your Clark account when travelling, preparing your MFA in advance can make your trip much easier. When travelling or otherwise, ITS recommends using the Microsoft Authenticator app as your primary MFA factor. This app can be installed…
April 2024, Tool Spotlight
Tool Spotlight: Adobe Firefly
The newest addition to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Adobe Firefly is a browser-based app that uses “generative AI and simple text prompts to bring your ideas to life.” Firefly, drawing on the extensive Adobe Stock image library, can generate artistic or photorealistic images of almost anything you can imagine. Adobe Firefly also offers a generative fill function, which you…
April 2024, Our Favorite Apps
Our Favorite Apps: Hoopla & AntiStress
Jarrod Evans, ITS’s Help Desk Technician, has two apps he loves and uses constantly: Hoopla and AntiStress. Hoopla Hoopla—available on the web, as well as in the App Store and Play Store—is related to last month’s pick Libby. Hoopla uses your library card to provide access to magazines, comic books, movies, music, and TV shows. Stream, listen, and read for…
April 2024, Teams Phones
Telephone Services Migration Progresses Smoothly
Clark University’s transition to Microsoft Teams Phone is making significant headway! As of today, 44% of users and 23 out of 87 departments have successfully migrated from the legacy phone system to Teams. Modern and cloud-based solution offers numerous benefits, such as: Enhanced Collaboration: Make and receive calls directly within the Teams app, on any device with an internet connection. …
April 2024, Get to Know Us
Get to Know Us: Becky Tamm-Shettler
This month, we meet Becky Tamm-Shettler, Clark University’s Endpoint Systems Manager. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Becky has worked in higher education technology for over 30 years, with the past year here at Clark. The best part of her experience working here so far, she says, is getting to spend every day with the incredibly conscientious Endpoint team and connecting…
Announcement, April 2024
Announcing: ClarkYouBeta
Beginning today, a new version of ClarkYou – ClarkYouBeta – is available for you to experience and give feedback on. ClarkYou is the portal to many Clark services and applications. However as the technology behind ClarkYou ages a transition to a more responsive, modern platform is needed. ClarkYouBeta is built to offer much of the same functionality but with a…
April 2024, By the Numbers
ITS Survey: Thank You & Some Quick Answers
In February of this year, many of you received invitations to participate in a survey about Clark’s Information Technology Services. Over 1000 Clarkies participated by answering questions about classroom technology, networking, support, and much more. And we want to say a big thank you! Your feedback will help us evaluate our services, set future prioritizations, and better meet your needs.…