OIT Summer Updates: Strengthening Campus Technology for the Year Ahead

Over the summer, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) advanced several projects and service improvements designed to make campus technology more secure, reliable and easier to use. 

From streamlining Microsoft access and expanding multi-factor authentication to improving classroom tools, walk-in support and Wi-Fi connectivity, these updates support students, faculty and staff as the academic year begins.

In-Person Support Tables During the First Seven Days of Classes

To help students, faculty and staff get connected and ready for the semester, OIT will provide in-person support tables during the first seven days of classes. Campus community members can stop by for help with CU Secure Wi-Fi, device registration, MFA, Microsoft services, Canvas, Zoom and other common technology questions.

Microsoft MFA Expansion Streamlines Sign-In and Strengthens Security

OIT also continued work to streamline campus multi-factor authentication (MFA). Beginning June 3, additional campus services began requiring Microsoft MFA, and some services that previously used Duo MFA transitioned to Microsoft MFA. This change creates a more consistent sign-in experience while strengthening protection for campus systems and data.

Microsoft MFA is now used for Microsoft 365 services such as Outlook, OneDrive and Teams, as well as other campus applications including Buff Portal, MyCUInfo, Canvas, Google Workspace, Zoom, VPN and more. Campus community members who already use Microsoft MFA do not need to change their setup, but they may notice a different login experience when accessing some services.

Classroom Capture Expands Teaching and Learning Support

OIT expanded Classroom Capture to more than 70 classrooms across campus and enhanced the service with automation and Canvas integration features. Classroom Capture allows instructors to record lectures and make them available to students through Canvas, helping students review course material, catch up after an absence and revisit key concepts throughout the semester.

Recent improvements include automated scheduling, confirmation emails with recording details, easier Canvas sharing through a Classroom Capture Videos button, and expanded instructor access to manage recordings in My Mediasite. These enhancements are intended to make lecture recording easier for instructors and more useful for students.

More Transparent Microsoft Licensing Automation

OIT launched the latest phase of Microsoft licensing automation on June 16, creating a more predictable process for assigning, adjusting and removing Microsoft licenses when someone's role at CU Boulder changes. The automation helps ensure that faculty, staff, students, retirees, alumni and affiliates receive the Microsoft services appropriate to their campus role while supporting responsible stewardship of university resources.

For most current CU Boulder students, faculty and staff, no action is needed. Those whose eligibility changes will receive timely email notifications explaining what is changing, when it will happen and where to find self-service resources, including Microsoft license comparison information and digital offboarding guidance.

Buff Techs Walk-In Support Returns to Norlin

As students, faculty and staff return to campus, Buff Techs desktop support continues to provide no-cost technology help for personal and university-owned devices. In addition to support at the Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE), Buff Techs walk-in support is available during the fall and spring semesters in Norlin Library.

Buff Techs can help with troubleshooting and diagnostics, software installation, operating system support, malware removal, Canvas and Zoom issues, laptop registration and referrals to the appropriate OIT team when additional assistance is needed. Appointments and walk-ins are available during business hours, with appointments taking priority.

ChatGPT Edu Access and Training

CU Boulder's ChatGPT Edu service continued to expand over the summer. ChatGPT Edu provides an institutionally supported generative AI environment with stronger privacy protections than public AI tools. Faculty and staff access launched in the spring, and student access became available on Aug. 14.

Before accessing ChatGPT Edu, students, faculty and staff must complete a 30-minute online training focused on AI privacy, data protection and appropriate use. The service is optional and does not replace other approved AI tools, such as Microsoft Copilot. Instructors will continue to determine how AI may be used in individual courses and assignments.

PlayPosit Migrates to WeVideo

OIT supported the transition from PlayPosit to WeVideo Interactive on May 22, following WeVideo's acquisition of PlayPosit.

WeVideo allows instructors to create interactive video lessons by layering quiz questions, text prompts, images and other engagement elements over video content from sources such as YouTube, Canvas Studio or Vimeo. The tool supports flipped classroom models, comprehension checks, formative assessment and student engagement analytics.

CU Secure Wi-Fi Supports a Safer, More Seamless Connection

CU Secure Wi-Fi remains the recommended Wi-Fi network for CU Boulder faculty, staff and students. The network provides enterprise-grade encryption, two years of password-free connections after device registration, seamless handling of private Wi-Fi address rotation and access to internal campus resources.

Campus community members with an active IdentiKey can register their devices at wifi.colorado.edu. University devices enrolled in Secure Computing should already have the CU Secure certificate installed and no further action should be needed.

Getting Help

OIT encourages the campus community to visit the OIT website for service details, support resources and the latest technology news. For help with any OIT service, contact the IT Service Center at oithelp@colorado.edu or 303-735-4357.