Fall 2025 Staff Technology Update
Summer has come to a close and the SPU students and faculty are returning to campus. It's been a busy summer in IT. Whether you are working in-person, hybrid, or remote, there are steps you can take to make sure campus technology is a valuable resource and not a stumbling block. Click on the links below for details and to see campus technology updates we have to share with you.
IT Support
IT Support ContactSubmit an IT Support Ticket Office HoursSummer Hours (through Sept. 26th) Academic Hours (beginning Sept. 29th) Walk-in hours |
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Setting Yourself Up for Success
Technology Services Catalog
Could your work benefit from new tools or technologies? SPU may already provide the tools you need. Browse through the Technology Services Catalog to see all the software and systems available to you. Also check out the IT Services page to look at business services that IT offers including consultations on your area's operations.
Plan Your Return to Campus
Make Sure Your Windows Computer is Ready for the School Year
Windows 11 Migration
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 10, 2025. To protect campus security and ensure compliance, all SPU-managed devices must be updated to Windows 11. Any SPU device not updated by the deadline will be deactivated until it has been updated.
If your computer has not yet been updated, please schedule an appointment with IT Support by emailing itsupport@spu.edu, calling 206-281-2982, or using our Bookings page.
For tutorials and resources on Windows 11, visit the Windows 11 training resources on the SPU Wiki.
Is Your Computer Connected to SPU?
IT works behind the scenes to make sure your SPU-issued Windows computer is updated with the latest security patches, performing optimally, and has access to the SPU Software Center. Device management is crucial in protecting and securing sensitive information, and you can do your part by making sure your SPU computer connects to our management domain.
To ensure your device is secure and connecting properly, please follow the instructions on the Software Center page to load and install an application. If you are unable to load the Software Center or the installation does not succeed, please contact IT Support so we can make sure this service, as well as other update services are running correctly on your computer.
System Updates and VPN Connection
If your computer has been off the campus network or not connected to Always on VPN ("SPU-AOVPN") for an extended time, it may require several hours of updates when reconnected. To avoid disruption, connect to SPU-AOVPN before returning or plan time for updates to run once you’re back on campus. If you cannot connect to SPU-AOVPN, please schedule support to ensure your computer is secure and up to date.
Software Updates
Some applications will not function unless they are on the current version. Please make sure your software is updated before your first class session.
Office Equipment
Gather any office equipment that you took home for the summer. Possible items may include your computer, monitor(s), docking station, cables, keyboard, mouse, printer, headset, webcam, office chair, etc. Carefully package your equipment when transporting to avoid costly damage.
Budget Constraints
Due to budget constraints, IT is limited in some services we have historically been able to provide. This includes certain repairs, replacements of computers or accessories, and other IT inventory supplies.
Requests such as a replacement device or an extra computer charger may not always be fulfilled.
All requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If you need assistance, please contact IT Support. We will do our best to provide solutions or alternative options.
Protecting Student Privacy
We all value our privacy and are frustrated when others are careless with the sensitive information, we entrust them with. You are entrusted with sensitive information about students and others the Seattle Pacific University community and you share in the responsibility to protect our students by complying with regulations and University policies. The Regulated Data Chart provides a simple overview of which places have the security and contractual protections to store certain types of sensitive Regulated Data. You can also learn more about campus Data Policy, Data Laws and Regulations, and Handling Confidential Data responsibly.
Using a Personal Computer for Work
Personal computers and departmentally purchased computers (unmanaged) do not have the same security and regulatory compliance protections that SPU-managed computers purchased and managed by IT have. Personal devices or cloud resources (Google Docs, DropBox, etc.) used for work purposes are subject to eDiscovery and can be confiscated or seized if they are suspected to contain information related to a lawsuit against the institution. Protect our student's data, yourself, your property, and the University by following the Use of Personal / Un-Managed Devices for Work policy.
Use OneDrive for Cloud File Storage
Storage platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive are not compliant for sensitive or regulated University data, such as information protect by FERPA. OneDrive for Business is the contractually protected platform approved for storing sensitive documents in the cloud.
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing and Copyright Compliance
File sharing software that copies and distributes songs, movies, videos, games, and software applications without the permission of the owner is a Copyright Law violation that can subject you to criminal and civil liability. Content owners use technological means to track the file sharing of their intellectual property on the Internet. SPU is required by law to inform you if we are aware, you have violated copyright law and must provide your information to copyright owners for legal action if you do not cease illegal activity. You are responsible for the activities of your computer when connected to the campus network. See Copyright Basics and DMCA Copyright Compliance / Peer-to-Peer File Sharing for more information about copyright compliance.
Watch Out for Scams
While many illegitimate messages are filtered out of your inbox some may still get through.
SPU will NEVER ask you to send or verify your login credentials or other personal/confidential information via email. Your account credentials should not be shared with anyone!
Phishing
Phishing scams often come in the form of email messages attempting to steal your username and password. PLEASE DO NOT reply to these messages or follow web links where you must confirm or enter your username and password. If you have questions about the legitimacy of a message, please forward it to itsupport@spu.edu and we can assist. See this Cybersecurity Awareness Month blog post about phishing for additional information.
Password
To ensure your passwords are as secure as possible, make them at least 16 characters long, use a random combination of mixed-case letters, numbers, and symbols—or create a memorable passphrase consisting of 4 to 7 unrelated words with or without spaces—and make sure to use a unique password for each of your accounts, such as k8dfh8c@Pfv0gB2 for your bank, legal tiny facility freehand probable enamel for your email account, and e246gs%mFs#3tv6 for your social media, thereby significantly enhancing your overall online security.
Stewardship of University Resources
IT will continue to make fiscal responsibility and stewardship of university resources a priority. As requests for software or equipment come up, or contracts are renewed, IT will continue to evaluate and ensure we are maximizing the value of our technology investments and supporting long-term sustainability.