Students Helping Students Learn Tech

Many classes or fields require technology skills in order for students to succeed. Those from technologically underserved communities may have difficulty mastering new apps, creating a barrier to learning and creating a sense of not belonging. 

Invite a Tech Ambassador to come to a class or recitation session to present an overview of the software and systems you will be using! They can provide peer-to-peer training to help your students feel confident and be prepared to excel in your class. From using Teams for a group project or a shared OneNote notebook to using Word for a term paper or Excel's advanced functions, Tech Ambassadors can help.

Changes Coming to LastPass Master Password Requirements

LastPass, the University’s Password Manager, will require even stronger master passwords to keep up with ever-evolving cybersecurity threats. Beginning in mid-October, master passwords must be a minimum of 12 characters that include at least one number, one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, and one special character. Pitt IT recommends that users update your master password now and set up account recovery in case a master password is ever lost or forgotten.

Pitt IT Has Gone Green

All three of Pitt Information Technology's on-campus locations have been designated as Sustainable Oak - the highest ‘green office’ rating from Pitt Sustainability. A Sustainable Oak office has achieved 75% or more progress in achieving sustainable actions and activities across nine different areas: energy, transportation, purchasing, waste, printing, food, engagement, equity, and health & wellbeing.

Summer Security Upgrade

A new security feature implemented this summer provides enhanced protection against unauthorized access and other security threats. You will need to use GlobalProtect on devices that connect with a cable to the wired network on campus. There are no changes to connecting to Wi-Fi. You can install GlobalProtect via the Software Download Service. 

Teaming Up for Teens in Tech

This summer, a half dozen high school students spent six weeks working with Pitt IT. It wasn't your average summer job. These students were participating in the Neighborhood Learning Alliance's Summer High School U program, a free program for low-income high schoolers around Pittsburgh. Read more about how Pitt IT and the NLA partnered to help inspire the IT pros of tomorrow.

Now You Know IT

New to Pitt or didn't quite keep up with Pitt IT over the summer? No worries, we've got you covered. Check out these Panther Bytes blogs to get you up to speed.

• IT Help When and How You Need It
• IT Support for Nontraditional Classes
• Scheduling Your Life with Outlook Calendar
• Take Your Lab Classes to the Cloud
• Exploring Microsoft 365: 5 Neat Features You’re Not Using
• Safely Navigating the Digital Minefield
• DIY with Your Computing Account
• Good GAAD! Digital Accessibility Matters

New LinkedIn Learning Courses

LinkedIn Learning is the perfect resource for those who are looking to learn new skills or sharpen old ones. Log into LinkedIn Learning at linkedinlearning.pitt.edu with your Pitt credentials and check out these new courses:

• Quality Management for Operational Excellence

• Learning Infographic Design

• Excel: Mastering Pivot Table Dashboards and Reports

• Understanding Intersectionality
• Building ChatGPT Plugins: How They Work and How to Use Them