October 2021

Ask ITS – Your Questions Answered!

Last month, we invited you to “Ask ITS”, an opportunity to ask us all of your burning IT questions. We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. However, if you have more questions, don’t wait until the next time we invite you to ask. If you have any general questions about ITS, article ideas, or technology you’d like to know more about, click here at any time to submit your questions or ideas.

If you have a personal technology question (I need to change my password, I need help with Moodle, etc.) please contact the Help Desk for more immediate support.

Your Questions

Why can’t I use my Smart Device on campus?

Good news! Our new Gadget network allows many smart devices to connect to our network from campus offices and residences. This includes Amazon Dots/Echos/Shows, Apple Homepods, Google Homes, and various smart plugs and bulbs.

Click here (and choose Gadgets) to learn more about how to connect your smart devices on campus.

How can students work for ITS?

Student employees are a critical part of the ITS department. From staffing the Help Desk 7 days a week, to helping customize our Moodle, to printing posters for Fall Fest, students help ITS meet your needs every day. We also take pride in the training and professional development we offer our students to become thoughtful, technology-literate, community members. While not all of our student employees go on to pursue careers in IT, many of them leave our positions better able to use technology to accomplish future goals.

While the majority of our positions are filled in Spring for the following academic year, some positions are hired throughout the year – all via Handshake. Click here to learn more about some of the ITS student jobs available.

How many classes use Moodle?

While faculty aren’t required to use Moodle to support their teaching, this semester (Fall 2021) 91% of regular courses are using a visible Moodle course.

How can I get training on …

We often get questions about training on our various software and systems. While we don’t have a dedicated training office, we approach supporting technology-literacy in a few different ways.

  • For certain priority technology on campus – such as Banner, Moodle, classroom technology, etc. – designated ITS departments are available to support with group training, individual consultations or documentation
    • Academic Technology Services (ATS) is available to support software that supports teaching and learning such as Moodle, Zoom for Teaching, Turnitin, Panopto, etc. Click here to learn more about support from ATS.
    • Administrative Information Services (AIS) is available to help with software such as Banner, Argos, BI Query, etc. Contact the Help Desk to learn more about how AIS can help.
    • Media Services is available to help faculty and staff learn more about the presentation technology in the classrooms, and Zoom for Events. Contact the Help Desk to organize training with a Media Services representative.
  • For other software – such as Microsoft Office, WordPress, Adobe, etc. – we recommend starting with LinkedIn Learning. Our subscription to LinkedIn Learning allows you to access hours of training on a wide range of software at a time that is convenient for you. Click here to access LinkedIn Learning.
  • For a small number of specialist software, Clark has purchased extended support options from our vendors. A great example of this is Qualtrics, where all members of our community can contact Qualtrics experts 24/7 for support with the survey tool. Click here for more information on Qualtrics Support.

In short, if you’re unsure on who to ask about support options, contact the Help Desk so we can get your request to the right person as quickly as possible.

Why do we have to call the Help Desk for everything?

ITS is a department of 38 IT professionals, resident in various buildings across campus, and with a wide-range of specialties. By centralizing incoming requests and issues to a single group like the Help Desk, we can prioritize requests, identify systemic issues quickly, and direct concerns to the correct member of the staff as quickly as possible. It also helps us accurately log, report, and analyze requests coming in to ensure that we provide effective and efficient service to the community.