Is Your Computer Connected to SPU?

CIS 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 (we recommend using this time to make sure Zoom is on the current version 5.10.7). If you are unable to load the Software Center or the installation does not succeed, please contact CIS so we can make sure this service, as well as other update services are running correctly on your computer.

Software Updates

Some software tools, such as Zoom, won't work unless you are on the current version.  Make sure these tools are updated before you need them in class. If you didn't already install the latest version of Zoom from the Software Center on your computer (see above), do so now and check if other software updates are available.

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. 

Please Check Your Classrooms!

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 the CIS Help Desk at 206-281-2982 or 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 a CIS technician, please contact the CIS HelpDesk at 206-281-2982 or www.spu.edu/cishelpdesk.

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 with Zoom or Panopto, 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.

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 Zoom class and make sure Zoom is updated to the latest version. Start here for information about features available on Zoom and how to get signed up. A Zoom Licensed account should be used for any class instruction. This will allow you to host a class over Zoom class of unlimited duration and with up to 300 participants.

Can I Have a Mac?

Yes!  If you or your instruction would benefit from using a Apple Mac instead of a standard PC you may select one at your next upgrade cycle. Some Mac options may have an additional fee due to higher cost.  See the Centralized PC Purchasing Policy for details.   

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 CIS 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.  

CIS Staffing Shortage

Like many administrative offices, CIS continues to experience staffing shortages.  The dedicated folks in CIS thank you in advance for your patience as we churn through your support requests at a slower pace than either of us would like.  If you know someone who would be a good addition to the CIS team, the department is offering a $1000 referral bonus for hires that retain for at least 6 months.

Classrooms and Technology

Over forty classrooms have had technology updates over the summer completing the transition to all digital equipment.  All classrooms should now have the same core technology for you to use, simplifying moving from room to room.

The Future of Classroom Technology

CIS is working with Educational Technology and Media (ETM) to plan for the future evolution of classrooms.  If you'd like to be part of that process, please reach out to John Robertson.

SPU Classroom Technology Training

CIS has published various technology training videos over the past year including one co-hosted with ETM on Classroom Technology.  You can find this and other recordings here .

Subjects covered specifically in the SPU Classroom Technology 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

Emergency Classroom Support

Even with good preparation it is always possible that some technology will not function as expected in the classroom. It is CIS's priority to assist you in these cases.

If you run into technology problems in your classroom, call the  CIS HelpDesk at 206-281-2982. We will do everything we can to provide assistance on the phone or immediately dispatch a technician to your room.

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.

Software in Classrooms and Academic Labs

All classroom and lab computers have a broad range of software installed and configured, but please let the CIS HelpDesk know if anything is missing. Additionally, if there are any new software needs, please inform the CIS HelpDesk 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 .

Need a Webcam or Mic?

If you need a webcam or microphone for teaching, please contact Educational Technology and Media at etmhelp@spu.edu or at 206-281-2170.

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.