Fall 2025 Faculty Technology Update
Summer is coming to a close and the SPU community is beginning to return in mass to campus. It's been a busy summer in IT. Whether you are instructing in-person classes, 100% online, or hybrid, there are steps you can take to make sure campus technology is a valuable resource and not a stumbling block. Please, add checking out your classrooms and updating your computer to your return to campus plans. Click on the links to the right or scroll down for details and to see campus technology updates we want to share with you.
IT Support
Need help with Banner or logging into Canvas? Computer running slowly or might have a virus? IT Support is here to help!
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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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.
Preparing Your Classroom
Classroom Changes and Updates
Over the summer, IT was able to replace the audiovisual systems in 13 rooms, including installing an additional hybrid room on second floor Demaray Hall. Included in these upgrades are tabletop controllers—so there is no need to reach under the desk anymore—and new document cameras. The following rooms were updated: BERT1, BERT2, BERT4, BERT5, DH254, DH259, DH261 (hybrid room), DH353, DH354, DH355, DH358, DH359, and DH360.
Due to budget constraints, although we still prioritized full system refreshes, we collaborated with ETM and other areas as appropriate and decided to simplify the Podium setup. Meaning, there is no longer an option to connect a laptop input nor a dedicated document camera input. However, the new document cameras are now accessible through the podium PC directly. Read more about Simplified Classrooms and find new doc cam instructions here. By defaulting to PC-only rooms, we were able to save thousands of dollars per room, which allows us to pursue more classroom upgrades.
As for the new PC-only hybrid room in DH261, since the new room camera and instructor microphone are directly connected to the podium PC and set as the default audio & camera inputs, it simplifies use during lecture recordings & online meetings. Simply sign into your Teams meeting or Panopto account and begin capturing! You can find the full instructions here.
Windows 11
Additionally, with all podiums now upgraded to Windows 11, we want to highlight two important changes you should be aware of when using classroom podiums.
Please note that you will now need to sign in with full SPU Email (including the "@spu.edu") as the username when signing into podiums.
All podiums will now default to extended display on classroom monitors.
When first signing into the classroom podium, the monitors are set up to Extended Display by default. This means the classroom monitors will not mirror the main screen (which has been our practice in previous years); instead, each monitor will display separate content. You can move your cursor and windows between these screens.
If you'd prefer all monitors to display the same content as the main screen, you can change the setting to Duplicate Display. For step-by-step instructions, please refer to this SPU wiki page. Please note that by changing these settings, this will remain the same for the next person using the same classroom. |
Please Check Your Classrooms in Advance!
In-Person Classes
Stop by your classroom and log in to the podium computer or try plugging in your laptop if you plan to use it for your lessons to make sure you have the right adaptors. Do a quick run-through of a presentation and test any specialized software. If you spot any problems, please contact IT Support at 206-281-2982 or http://www.spu.edu/cishelpdesk .
If you need a refresher on how to operate the podium PCs or other presenting technologies in classrooms, please first refer to the recorded lesson on SPU Classroom Technology. To schedule a one-on-one training with an IT Support technician, please also contact our office.
If you might need to record or stream your in-person class to support a student not able to be in the room, please test your webcam and microphone with the computer in the classroom (or be prepared to bring your laptop). If you have any questions about recording, sharing the recording with your class, or need a webcam and microphone please contact Educational Technology and Media at etmhelp@spu.edu for advice as soon as possible.
Please do not unplug, power off equipment, or move computer podium cables. Before leaving your classroom, please return the podium equipment exactly how you found it. |
Online Classes
If you will teach online, please ensure you have a Canvas course set up. If you are teaching synchronously, please also familiarize yourself with setting up a Teams meetings in the Canvas integration. Please see ETM's help pages here.
Training and Support
SPU Classroom Technology Training
If you need a refresher on podium operations, see the SPU Classroom Technology video or schedule a one-on-one session with IT Support.
Subjects covered specifically in the video are:
00:00-25:45 - review of existing technology in classrooms (computer podium, projector controls, document camera), troubleshooting potential technology issues
25:45-38:00 - recording lessons in an on-campus classroom (Panopto), hardware needed to record, recording challenges in the classroom
For recording and media questions, contact ETM at etmhelp@spu.edu.
Emergency Classroom Support
Even with good preparation it is always possible that some technology will not function as expected in the classroom. It is IT Support's priority to assist you in these cases.
If you run into technology problems in your classroom, call IT Support at 206-281-2982. We will do everything we can to provide assistance on the phone or dispatch a technician to your room as soon as possible.
Our goal is to correct technology issues before they turn into a classroom crisis. If you experience any trouble at all during a class period but can't wait for support, please be sure and let us know about it later by emailing us at itsupport@spu.edu.
Software in Classrooms and Academic Labs
All classroom and lab computers have a broad range of software installed and configured, but please let IT Support know if anything is missing. Additionally, if there are any new software needs, please inform IT Support as soon as possible. There is often a review and testing process required for new software.
For more information on how to request new software for academic computers or how to request an update to existing software, see here.
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.