Apple just released the iOS 9.3.3 update, the final version for iOS 9 before the new iOS 10 this fall. For this reason, Apple allowed for extra testing time taking over two months with five separate betas to ensure the OS is as secure and stable as possible. With this update, Apple patches security holes in iOS 9‘s Calendar, CoreGraphics, FaceTime, and Safari apps. Each of these fixes addresses the ability for hackers to run unauthorized code or expose private information. Continue reading Security Holes in iOS 9 Patched with Update
macOS Sierra: Apple’s New Era Operating System
In the past few years, Apple has worked to integrate features from their highly successful iOS to the desktop realm. The newest version, macOS Sierra, is the most integrated version yet. The connection between the Mac desktop and Apple’s mobile devices is stronger than ever. Continue reading macOS Sierra: Apple’s New Era Operating System
Web links rewritten by new anti-spam feature
On Tuesday, July 2, SMU implemented a new feature as part of our anti-spam defense to rewrites web links considered questionable, included in inbound emails. The purpose of the rewrite is to prevent phishing and malware scams by forwarding certain web requests to a proxy service for analysis. While some benign links might be overwritten, the service protects against “zero-hour” exploits where the threat could be unknown. If a link is still considered suspect at the time it is clicked, the you will receive a prompt to either decline or proceed to the website in question.
The URL rewrite policy was recently adjusted on Thursday, July 7, and our team will continue to monitor the service to ensure that the policy is neither too lenient, nor too aggressive when rewriting the web links. Please contact the IT Help Desk at help@smu.edu if you have any questions regarding this change.
Save the Date: Canvas Boot Camp – August 16, 17 & 18
This August the Academic Technology team and IT Training have partnered to arm faculty and staff with Canvas instruction and resources during a two days for a Canvas Boot Camp. These workshops have been created to answer those critical questions instructors may have at the onset of a new semester.
You may be asking yourself, “What methods of communication does Canvas offer?” “Can I create online tests?” “How can I track what files my student have accessed?” “How do I use the Grade book?” and even, “Where do I go for help?” It might be a little overwhelming, but don’t worry. All these questions and more will be answered during the Canvas Boot Camp.
Registration is not required to these drop-in sessions. However, seating is limited and we will be accommodating those on a first-come-first-served basis. Can’t make it to Canvas during the day? Consider joining us for Canvas Nights!
Canvas Boot Camp sessions include: Continue reading Save the Date: Canvas Boot Camp – August 16, 17 & 18
Important Changes to Courses.SMU
UPDATE:
Due to an unprecedented chain of events yesterday, June 29th, SMU was unable to login to Canvas for several hours. The connection between SMU and Canvas has since been restored.
These events yesterday disrupted our expected timeline, and in order to recover and move forward, access to Blackboard via courses.smu.edu has been removed 24 hours earlier than scheduled. If you need your materials off of Blackboard, please contact your academic technology director in your college, or put in a ticket at the Helpdesk.
| Direct Support Contacts: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| James Pan | Dedman School of Law/Perkins School of Theology | pan@smu.edu | 214.768.1820 |
| Jeff Liew | Cox School of Business | jliew@smu.edu | 214.768.4770 |
| Scott Martin | Simmons School of Education | smartin@smu.edu | 214.768.4864 |
| Merlin Wilkerson | Lyle School of Engineering | merlin@smu.edu | 214.768.8649 |
| Mousumi Tanha | Meadows School of Arts | mtanha@smu.edu | 214.768.2548 |
| Michael Robertson | Dedman College | robertsonm@smu.edu | 214.768.1148 |
| Steve Snider | Guildhall | ssnider@smu.edu | 214.768.1879 |
July 1st is going to be a big day for learning management systems at SMU. There will be some significant changes to Courses.SMU as we move away from Blackboard to Canvas. As advertised throughout the 2015-2016 academic year, the following changes will take effect on June 30th.
