Collaborating efficiently with your colleagues is an important part of everyday work. Making sure that all of the loose ends of a large project end up in a nice bow at the end of the day can be a daunting task. There are all kinds of collaboration and communication platforms that have popped up in recent years, allowing teams to quickly come together to share and store information. One of these platforms is Microsoft Teams, and OIT will be introducing Teams to campus in the coming months!
Category: Microsoft
Microsoft Certifications: 700 and Counting
Over 700 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications have been issued since the MOS pilot program began in September 2017. This semester, nearly 300 students from Cox, Dedman, and Simmons will be participating in the program as faculty representing eight class sections are utilizing the Microsoft Office exams in their coursework. In total, OIT has worked with 24 class sections since the pilot program’s inception. Continue reading Microsoft Certifications: 700 and Counting
Microsoft’s Windows 7 Update Support Ends January 2020
Like Windows Vista and XP before it, Windows 7 will reach the end of its update support cycle early next year.
Full support and updates for Windows 7 have been halted since 2015, but January 14, 2020, will mark the day when even critical security updates stop for the operating system that made its big debut in 2009. That year was the heyday of the tiny and eccentric netbook craze, FarmVille was big on a burgeoning Facebook, and some tech news outlets were claiming that Apple’s rumored tablet computer would never happen. A lot has changed in the tech world since 2009, but Windows 7 has been one of the most long-lasting and popular versions of Windows. But nothing lasts forever in the IT realm. Continue reading Microsoft’s Windows 7 Update Support Ends January 2020
Microsoft Office Certification Pilot Program Extended for Additional Year
If you haven’t taken advantage of SMU’s Microsoft Office Pilot Program, it may be time to take a closer look! Last year, OIT announced a one-year pilot program to gauge interest in Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications. During the pilot, Microsoft Office Specialist exam certifications in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word have been offered for free to current SMU students, faculty, and staff. This industry-standard certification validates technical skills and speaks volumes to prospective employers. SMU students have quickly recognized this value as many who took this as a requirement for a course are returning to the labs to complete additional certifications. Continue reading Microsoft Office Certification Pilot Program Extended for Additional Year
Get Microsoft Certified This Summer!
During the recent SMU Staff Association picnic many of our staff expressed an interest to participate in the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification [Pilot] program. Continually, we hear, “But, I need someone to do this with…” While much of the program is self-study we thought we’d provide a collaborative opportunity to help you boost your learning and get certified! Continue reading Get Microsoft Certified This Summer!
MOS Certifications Provide Edge in Multiple Disciplines
Within SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences, students not only receive a comprehensive liberal arts education; They also have an edge in career preparedness. Through the Dedman Edge, students can supplement their education by focusing on skills frequently demanded by employers. These skills include graphic design, marketing, social media, data science/analysis, and more. Dr. Nancy Campbell with the sociology department is using the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification program to integrate the Dedman Edge directly into her courses.
Continue reading MOS Certifications Provide Edge in Multiple Disciplines
Latest Microsoft Certified Master Excels in Job Market
Julia Brooks was a consultant for six years before returning to school to earn her MBA at the Cox School of Business. She was already well-versed in Microsoft Office, and her hard work has paid off as she has accepted an offer of employment from JP Morgan Chase last fall! Continue reading Latest Microsoft Certified Master Excels in Job Market
SMU Staff Engage in Microsoft Office Certification Pilot Program
Over two dozen Microsoft Office certifications have been issued to staff since the program’s launch in September. “I’m excited to see staff begin to engage in this learning opportunity,” explained Rachel Mulry, Director of OIT Customer Service. “While we have a history of offering training in Microsoft technologies we have never been able to meet the demand to train to all the various skill levels we have on campus. This opportunity allows our staff to learn these applications at a much deeper level, and earn certifications at either a core (intermediate) or expert level. Teams and managers alike benefit from this program as employees quickly use their new knowledge on the job.” Continue reading SMU Staff Engage in Microsoft Office Certification Pilot Program
MOS Certifications Make Difference in Classroom
Fall 2017 was the first semester that featured a course that included Microsoft Office Certification as a requirement. The class was a great success and served as a prime example of how essential Office skills are both in the classroom and the workplace. Continue reading MOS Certifications Make Difference in Classroom
MOS Cert Pilot Program Gets First Certified Master
The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification pilot program has been a great success, and a Lyle student has just reached the ultimate milestone by achieving Microsoft Office Master status!
Continue reading MOS Cert Pilot Program Gets First Certified Master