Finishing Fall, Starting Spring

The end of the fall semester is just about here. While students are taking a big sigh of relief that finals are over, faculty and staff still have a lot of work to do to wrap up the term and prepare for spring classes.

Submitting final grades: Instructors should use the PeopleSoft Faculty Center to enter final grades for all students by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19. To access it, search for "PeopleSoft Faculty Center" at my.pitt.edu.
Finalizing spring term Canvas courses: Having a well-organized Canvas course helps students understand your expectations and succeed in your course. We recommend giving online courses a careful review, even if you've taught the course several times. Consider enabling NameCoach rosters in your course so you and your students know how to pronounce everyone's name.
Welcoming new students, faculty, and staff: There are many students who start college or transfer to Pitt in the spring term, as well as new faculty and staff who join PItt mid-year. Direct new folks to technology.pitt.edu to help them learn all about the IT resources available at the University. Pitt IT Tech Ambassadors are available to help you welcome new students through an on-site presentation.

Certifying Graduation Eligibility

Advisers, staff, and faculty are hard at work confirming that the thousands of students who have applied to graduate have met the requirements to do so. See how Pitt IT worked with SCI and CBA to make the process a lot easier.

GlobalProtect Your Data

PittNet VPN (GlobalProtect) helps safeguard the computers and data on campus. The GlobalProtect client checks the identity of each user to be sure they are authorized to use Pitt's IT resources. It is required when connecting with a cable to the wired network on the Pittsburgh campus. GlobalProtect provides simplified access, enhanced security, and streamlined support. Make the move to GlobalProtect.

Safe Last-Minute Shopping

Some people have holiday shopping done in July. And some have barely begun mid-way through December! If you're looking for some last-minute tech gifts or online deals, be wary of the grinch-bots that abound this holiday season. Check out our tips for safe online shopping before crossing off those last gifts.

IT Help Over the Holidays

We hope you’ll be taking some much-needed time off to relax and rejuvenate this winter break. But if you experience problems accessing Pitt IT services, the 24/7 IT Help Desk is ready and able to help. We’re here 24/7 via chat, phone, email, or online form.

Keep Learning Over Break

Winter break can be a great time to take a LinkedIn Learning course or even complete a full learning path. Use some downtime to grow your skillset. Here are some of LinkedIn Learning's newest classes:

Excel and ChatGPT: Data Analysis and Power Tips
The Data Skills Survival Kit
OneDrive Quick Tips
Advanced Microsoft Project
Unlearning Silence

Now You Know IT

The fall term went by at supersonic speed! It's no wonder you may have missed a few IT blogs along the way. No worries, we've got you covered. Check out these Panther Bytes blogs to get up to speed.