Parent Newsletter February 2008
Dr. Dawn Remmers, Director, University Advising, Student Success and Testing Services, University of Texas at Arlington
My job would be much more difficult if it didn’t include the technology I now take for granted. Each day I become more aware of how technologically advanced our campus has become and how critical it is to our daily operations.
There are probably very few areas not affected by technology. Our students are incredibly savvy as we lead them through advising, class selection and payment options – all online. Students now bring laptops to class for note taking and carry iPods and PDA’s to transmit messages.
This edition of the Parent Newsletter focuses on computers and how your student can keep their computer safe while attending UT Arlington. Great tips and valuable information on how to stop spam is covered in this month’s Topic of the Month as well.
Be sure to view our upcoming calendar of events for a special visitor to UT Arlington this month. And, the basketball season is underway with UT Arlington’s Homecoming game coming up Saturday, February 16th – encourage your student to support our team at all home games – GO MAVERICKS!
by Sean Lanham, Director, IT Security
Protecting Your Computers
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) periodically must address compromised systems on campus and requests all faculty, staff and students to be vigilant in protecting their computers and the data on them.
By following some simple precautions, many system vulnerabilities may be prevented saving time, money, and allowing for uninterrupted access to computers, documents, and network resources.
What can students do to help minimize security risks on campus?
Students are asked to read and adhere to all OIT policies, procedures and/or practice standards. This document can be found here.
They are also urged to use a strong password and to configure self service identification questions. This identification process can be processed by clicking here.
Students may obtain and use current anti-virus software at this OIT website. They are encouraged to install all vendor suggested critical updates, properly backup all important data, protect sensitive data such as Social Security Number and credit card numbers, and never send sensitive information via email!
Students are encouraged to check the source of email and never open email attachments from unknown senders; never leave your computer logged on unattended; and, always report security violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you PLEASE stop the spam?
Responding to the constant problem of spam and recognizing the challenges of reducing it as much as possible, OIT continually investigates ways to prevent campus inboxes from becoming inundated with unsolicited email. In January of 2006, OIT implemented the personal spam quarantine as the next step in its anti spam management plan. The anti-spam system quarantines all UT Arlington identified spam from delivery to your email inbox. The quarantine allows you to view, release or delete messages that are identified by the system as spam. The online quarantine can be accessed using your NetID here.
The quarantine will also send periodic summary messages that contain links to view and release messages from your quarantine. We recognize that it is impossible to correctly identify all messages with 100% accuracy. Therefore, the quarantine is a beneficial tool that can be used to personally retrieve any misidentified messages. We will continue to fine tune our process over time. Students can help us by forwarding any Spam that does make its way into your mailbox to spam@uta.edu.
Why does that bank keep emailing me?
Many of you may have received email from financial institutions or popular websites that you trust. The email and the website it often sends you to, looks legitimate and typically informs you of the need to “update” or “validate” your account information. This type of email is commonly referred to as “phishing” and is a widely used form of identity theft. Phishing email attacks are designed to imitate trusted companies and convince the user to divulge personal data such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, passwords, account information, or other sensitive information. Although there is no one way to completely stop these malicious attacks, the following basic steps can help protect you from phishing:
1. Never reply or click on a link in the suspicious email. Legitimate companies don’t ask for sensitive information via email.
2. Never email personal, financial, or sensitive data. If you are providing sensitive information through a website, look for indicators that the site is secure, such as a URL that begins with https:// or a lock icon in the browser’s status bar.
3. Call your financial institution, using a phone number you know is genuine, if you are concerned about the legitimacy of an email or the status of your account.
4. Review your credit card and bank statements and look for unauthorized charges.
5. Be sure your computer has anti-virus software installed and that it is up to date.
6. Be cautious when opening any attachment or downloading a file from an email you receive, regardless of who sent it.
Who can students call if they have a security problem?
General questions can always be answered by the Help Desk at 817-272-2208 (2-2208 from a campus phone). However, if there are specific questions regarding security issues, please feel free to contact OIT Security Services at 817-272-2271.
The most common calls to the Help Desk are related to account and password issues, especially during registration and grade entry periods.
In 2006, OIT introduced Password Self Help. If students forget their NetID password they no longer have to show your identification to the Help Desk staff. You can change it yourself at the Password Self Help Web page.
TIPS
Are the phones busy when you call the Help Desk? Send an e-mail!
Help Desk call volume has increased over the years and sometimes we are just simply swamped with calls. If the lines are busy when you call, you can e-mail helpdesk@uta.edu. Email is processed into our call tracking system within an hour of receiving your message. If your issue is one that someone from the Help Desk can resolve, they will call you back at the earliest opportunity, if not, the issue will be escalated to second-tier support.
OIT Computing Help Desk Hours of Operation
Monday thru Thurs 7 am – 12 am
Friday 7 am – 8 pm
Saturday 9 am – 8 pm
Sunday 9 am – 12 am
OIT Computing Help Desk Support Options
Walk-in office 1st floor Central Library
Telephone – (817) 272-2208
Email – helpdesk@uta.edu
Online Chat
by Lynne Von Roeder, M.Ed., Academic Advisor, University of Texas at Arlington
The Internet – Very Useful Major and Career Resources
We all know there is limitless information on the internet and we can access that information through our computers, a BlackBerry or even our cell phone. But how do you know what is credible, legitimate information? Let me share with you some of my most recommended sites:
For Information on Majors:
At UTA, You can explore the majors offered here and what you might be able to do with that major at this website, MAJORS. For all majors in general, try this site sponsored by the Princeton Review.
College Board – The SAT folks – has a very good website that links majors to colleges -click here. At Education World’s Site, you can find a lot of wonderful information like college and career assessments as well as information on professional development.
For Information on Careers:
Find solid facts and figures on every job reported to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics in the Occupational Handbook. This site addresses not only the work that each job entails but educational and certification needs, average salaries, job growth forecasts and links to national resources for more information. This site will even list the top ten jobs for the future based on hard numbers.
ONET believes in making occupational information interactive and accessible for all. They also have some excellent job and internship search resources.
Find additional salary information for many business type careers by state at the Wall Street Journal’s website.
Happy Surfing!
by Liz Hannabas, Coordinator of Advisor Outreach, University of Texas at Arlington
Suzanne Montague, Vice President of Information Technology
This month’s Maverick leads the field as UT Arlington advances into the area of information technology. Suzanne Montague, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer has dedicated more than two decades to UT Arlington’s computer expansion.
Responsible for the operation and integration of information systems, resources and services in support of administrative, academic, research and student computing, Suzanne keeps this campus moving into the future.
She’s particularly proud of the implementation of a new student information system – MyMav – “This project involved everyone on campus.” Suzanne has also been a part of many more projects. “Other changes include the new campus Data Center (a high-end facility that hosts and protects the university’s electronic information), MavSpace (a web document storage system for faculty, staff, and students), the Student Initiative for Technology (SIFT) committee (a group of student representatives that work with the Office of Information Technology to provide input/direction for IT initiatives), and the expanding wireless network across campus (with many thanks to Student Congress SIFT for funding the project).”
Starting out as a Systems Analyst, Suzanne has worked hard to get to her current position and she’s proud to call herself a “Maverick”! Her definition of an ideal Maverick reflects that pride. “Someone who loves UT Arlington, who is proud of our campus excellence and uniqueness, who strives to find new and exciting ways to make UT Arlington the best that it can be and encourages others to do the same; someone who works diligently to provide great services to the campus community, and who promotes the campus to others.”
Excellence and commitment to UT Arlington, that’s why Suzanne Montague is the University Advising Center’s Maverick of the Month – Congratulations!
by Jeff Sorensen, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Campus Improvements
When the technology fee was first established it was designed to fund student technology initiatives. Over the years this has meant the installation of the campus wireless network, laptop computers available for check out in the library, numerous technology upgrades in all of the schools and colleges, re-equipping of Student Publications for production of the Shorthorn, upgrading of the student email system and most recently the refurbishing of the Ransom Hall computer center.
Last year, the Student Advisory Committee allocated funding to modernize Video Services’ remote filming equipment, to continue the expansion and upgrade of the wireless network, to provide for new technologies for the outdoor film series and student elections, to provide for additional laptop computer check outs, and to provide a major upgrade to a College computer lab.
The University’s Student Congress plays an important role in placing students on university-wide committees. This provides a high level of student input into university policy, like the use of funds from the technology fee. If your student is interested in making a difference have them contact the office by email or visit their office, located in the University Center, lower level, suite 150.
February is Black History Month
UT Arlington Multicultural Mavericks are proud to present a celebration of Black History this month.
All students, staff and faculty are invited to participate and raise their awareness of the positive impact that the African American and Black community have made on our society. Click here an entire list events beginning Friday, February 1st.
Planetarium to Feature a Spanish Language Program
The Planetarium at UT Arlington has announced its spring schedule with the start of the New Year. The schedule runs through March 16 and features a Spanish-language time slot.
“Wonders of the Universe” and “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” are at 7 and 8 p.m., respectively, on Fridays. “Stars at Night are Big and Bright,” and “Wonders of the Universe” will be offered at 1 and 2:30 p.m., respectively, on Saturdays.
“Stars at Night are Big and Bright,” “Wonders of the Universe” and “Maravillas del Universo” will be featured at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m., respectively, on Sundays.
The Planetarium also is available for school groups, birthday parties and other private functions. Call (817) 272-0123 or visit their website for more information.
Tuition Raffle Tickets Still on Sale!
The Tuition Raffle drawing will take place during UT Arlington’s Homecoming/Blue and White Bash. Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased from Student Alumni Association members or through the Alumni Association website by clicking here. 1st place: full year of tuition (up to 12 hours per semester), 2nd place: one semester’s tuition, 3rd place: $500.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee is coming to UT Arlington
The two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker will discuss his life and career at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, in Texas Hall. Lee’s films include “He Got Game,” “Inside Man,” “Malcolm X,” “Mo Better Blues,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “4 Little Girls,” as well as the critically acclaimed four-part HBO series “When the Levees Broke.” Tickets for Lee’s lecture are $15 for the public. A $50 ticket, which includes a reception with Lee, is available in limited supply. Call (817) 272-2963 or visit utatickets@uta.edu to purchase tickets.
Flu Shots Available
Health Services will give the flu vaccine from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Health Center, 605 S. West St. Cost is $15 and is payable by cash, check, credit card and student account (the last option good for enrolled students only). Health Services will continue giving the shots throughout flu season while supplies last. Bring your Mav Express ID card for check in. UTA student insurance covers this vaccine.
Important Dates to Remember
February 11-16 Homecoming
March 17-21 Spring Break – no classes
March 28 Last Day to Drop with Automatic “W” for Spring Session
View the complete Spring Academic Calendar here.
Is your student looking for some fun activities? Campus Recreation keeps its calendar busy with events all semester long. Click here to view all upcoming events.
Academic Calendar | Featured Events | Full Calendar
To view archived copies of this newsletter visit www.uta.edu/studentsuccess-home and click on the Parent E-Newsletter link at the bottom of the page.