SFA ITS supports managed laptops, desktops, tablets, and signage players. Software and hardware issues should be directed to sfatech@uconn.edu so that a ticket can be logged. SFA ITS is responsible for ensuring that all SFA workstations are properly managed to allow for security, stability, and feature updates to be properly applied, as well as to enable UConn-specific functionality. If you are experiencing issues upgrading software or your operating system, you can reach out for assistance. Hardware issues covered under warranty can either be fixed in-house or mailed out for repair. If an employee's 1:1 machine needs to be taken in for repair, loaner devices are available, though make and model will vary depending on stock.

Device upgrades

University and school standard is to upgrade workstations every 4-years whenever possible. Priority should be given to mission-critical workstations, such as 1:1 employee devices and student-facing instructional devices (i.e. classroom PCs). SFA ITS maintains an inventory of school-wide equipment to best plan for upgrades that coincide with the University PC Refresh Program. If you are interested in upgrading your machine, you can reach out to sfatech@uconn.edu with the device's serial number, service tag, or UConn asset tag (5 digit sticker starting with C, D, or G.) We will tell you where you fall in the lifecycle and what options you have for device replacement.

Devices that are assigned 1:1 to an employee may be centrally funded by SFA depending on the lifecycle of your current machine. Devices with other uses such as student workstations and equipment kiosks will need to be funded by the department directly. Devices assigned to a centrally-managed classroom (such as ARTB 106 and BISH 146) follow the lifecycle of the A/V equipment and are handled by the Academic IT group in ITS. All workstations are to be purchased through HuskyBuy with a university contract warranty. SFA ITS can assist with quoting custom/higher specification machines for specialized uses. Personally-owned devices and devices bought externally (Amazon, Best Buy, etc.) are to not be used for university computing.

Faculty and staff

SFA ITS has a small stock of loaner Macs and Dells for situations where an employee's 1:1 device is out of order and being repaired. Reach out to sfatech@uconn.edu to inquire about availability.

Faculty & staff can borrow some devices for meetings and small instruction. See the technology available for loan.

Teaching assistants and adjunct faculty

ITS has initiated a laptop loan program for adjunct faculty and teaching assistants. GAs and adjuncts may request and be loaned a Dell laptop for the duration of the semester. Laptops are loaned on a semester-by-semester basis but may be extended at the end of each semester if you remain employed. If this applies, you will receive an automated message at the end of each semester to extend your loan through the ticketing system.

Data security is a primary goal of this program. Instructors and Teaching Assistants interact with student data, which the University is obligated to protect. The university-issued laptops are enrolled in a device management platform, which ensures that they have up-to-date security and comply with university policies. If they are lost, stolen, or compromised, ITS can remotely manage the issue and minimize data exposure.

GAs and adjuncts can submit a request via the following form: https://s.uconn.edu/adjunctgalaptoploan Devices are limited so we recommend submitting requests early.

SFA students

UConn students may loan university-owned devices from the ITS Technology Support Center in Homer Babbidge Library. This includes iPads and Windows laptops. This is a first-come, first-served service. For more information, see https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/26055606857/Loaner+Equipment+Request+Forms

Email (Outlook)

UConn uses Microsoft Outlook for email and calendar. It is automatically installed on university computers and you can install it on your personal devices for convenient access.

• Install Outlook and Microsoft 365 on your personal device
• Get started with using Outlook

Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.

UConn uses the Microsoft 365 suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. University computers have the suite preinstalled and you can install it on up to 5 personal devices if you choose.

• Install Microsoft 365 apps on your personal devices
• Learn more about Microsoft 365

UConn employees store their work-related data in the cloud using Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint. The Microsoft cloud is a safe space to store data that only is accessible by you and the people you grant access to. OneDrive and SharePoint offer plentiful storage to allow access to your data across all of your devices, safely backed up in case your computer stops working.

What is OneDrive?

Microsoft OneDrive is cloud storage at UConn meant for storing your individual files: work-related data that you create and work on yourself and sometimes share with others. When you leave UConn, these files are deleted. If you move to a new department, these files move with you.

What is SharePoint?

SharePoint is used for shared file storage: work-related files that are meant to be collaborated on, or viewed, by your group upon the file’s creation. It is best practice to put all of your departmental, or group, work in a SharePoint site because the files are owned by the site rather than individuals. If you leave the department or university, the files are unaffected.

More information about the difference between OneDrive and SharePoint: https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/26474643506/OneDrive+vs+SharePoint

Get started

• Using OneDrive
• Using SharePoint
• Reduce your storage usage

Phishing

Phishing attacks are on the rise, both at UConn and across the world. Information Technology Services works to secure your mailbox and filter these messages out, but you must stay vigilant when they come through. Phishing attacks will attempt to get into your account, putting your data, your colleagues' data, student data, and university resources at risk. Phishing attacks are indiscriminate and will target anyone and everyone.

Know what to look for and how to react to suspicious emails. Visit http://security.uconn.edu/be-on-alert-for-phishing/ for identifying 'red flags' in emails.

Report phishing

Use the Report feature in Outlook, available on the ribbon in both the desktop client and web version. This Outlook reporting tool enables you to send the data directly to Microsoft. The Information Security Office monitors these reports and incidents within the Microsoft 365 environment and can take additional action as needed.

More information: https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/26461306921/Report+Phishing+and+Junk+Emails+in+Outlook

Security and identity control

LastPass is now available through UConn for managing your passwords and accounts. Details and instructions for setting this up can be found here: https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/26149945350/LastPass+for+UConn+Accounts

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is required to log into sites and services that use your NetID or UConn email.  Add the Duo app to your smartphone. For more information about Duo 2FA, visit: https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10726900331

Connect with others within the university (students, faculty, staff) or externally using either Webex or Microsoft Teams.

Webex : Use Webex for one-on-one or group sessions, virtual office hours, break-out rooms, or participate in committee work.

Microsoft Teams : Connect with others using video, audio, and chat. Use either the desktop client or web browser.

If you are experiencing an issue, please first check the university IT System Status for any known issues including email, Wi-Fi, HuskyCT, and UConn websites.

Information Technology Services publishes an expansive knowledge base of how-to articles at kb.uconn.edu.

Contact ITS at techsupport@uconn.edu, live chat at techsupport.uconn.edu, or phone: 6-4357  (6-HELP)

Reach out to the ITS Technology Support Center directly if you are experiencing any of the following issues and are unable to resolve them on your own:

• Email and calendar issues. Outlook client and Office 365 online.
• Microsoft 365 apps and Microsoft Office programs. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• NetID management. Activation, password reset, etc.
• Telephone and voicemail.
• Networking. Wireless access and wall jacks.
• University-supported software applications. HuskyCT/Blackboard, Student Administration/PeopleSoft, Kuali Financial Systems, etc.
• Centrally-controlled classrooms. Art 106, Art 107, Art 228, DRMU 219A, DRMU 219B, BISH 006, BISH 007, BISH 136, BISH 146