Employee News

Wrap up 2024

Nancy Portner — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:06:48 +0000

Wrap up 2024 Nancy Portner Tue, 11/12/2024 - 15:06

The new year is fast approaching, which means tax season is just around the corner. Before the year ends, verify that your personal information and pay is accurate now to ensure a worry-free tax season.

Important tasks for year-end payroll

Review and update your mailing address in the employee portal by Dec. 15 to ensure you receive your W-2 and/or 1042-S forms.
Verify your Social Security number.

Review your W-4 and double-check your tax withholdings with the IRS Withholding Estimator. Reminder for international employees: You should not make changes to your W-4 without first consulting an international tax specialist.

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Mark your calendars! Thanksgiving and Winter Break

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:19:30 +0000

Mark your calendars! Thanksgiving and Winter Break Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:19

Holidays for 2024

November 28, Thursday, Thanksgiving
November 29, Friday, Day after Thanksgiving

Winter Break - December 25, 2024 to January 1, 2025

December 25, Wednesday, Holiday
December 26, Thursday, Holiday
December 27, Friday, Administrative leave
December 30, Monday, Administrative leave
December 31, Tuesday, Administrative leave
January 1, Wednesday, Holiday

*Winter break includes three holidays and will be used on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan.1 and the Chancellor has granted three administrative leave days which will be used on Dec. 27, Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ will resume campus operations on Thursday, January 2, 2025

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Join the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Microsoft 365 User Group

Nancy Portner — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 14:01:53 +0000

Join the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Microsoft 365 User Group Nancy Portner Sat, 11/09/2024 - 07:01

Looking to get more out of Microsoft 365 products? Join OIT’s Microsoft 365 User Group! More than 500 faculty and staff at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ have joined the Microsoft 365 user group in Microsoft Teams. The user group is a great place to find new ways of using apps, sharing innovative ideas, and making work easier and more fun. Whether you're a newbie or a pro, there's something here for you to explore and enjoy.

What to expect from the Microsoft 365 User Group

A Supportive Community: At its core, the Microsoft 365 user group fosters a sense of community providing a forum for sharing experiences, troubleshooting issues, and celebrating successes.

Seamless Collaboration: One of the primary benefits of the Microsoft 365 user group is its ability to enhance collaboration across the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ community. Tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive facilitate real-time communication and document sharing campuswide enabling seamless collaboration.

Ideas for Streamlining Administrative Processes: Administrative efficiency is crucial in any organization, where managing schedules, resources, and communications can be complex. The user group can provide knowledge, resources and support to ensure that tools like Outlook, Teams, and Power Automate are utilized to their full potential.

Productivity and Learning: Microsoft 365’s suite of applications offers innovative ways to enhance productivity and learning. Members can create interactive content, conduct assessments, and engage through diverse multimedia formats. The user group serves as a platform for sharing innovative strategies and technological integration, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Ensuring Security and Compliance: With increasing concerns about data security and regulatory compliance, the user group is a great place to go for guidance on utilizing Microsoft’s advanced security features, safeguarding sensitive information, and maintaining integrity.

Professional Development: Join the biweekly discussion and demo sessions online or in person every Thursday. These sessions are tailored to the needs of our community and cover a variety of topics. Recent demos include an overview of Microsoft Power Apps, information about Microsoft’s Copilot AI, task management tools and some of OIT’s tips and tricks for getting the most out of email and calendars.

Get Involved

Join the Microsoft 365 user group in Microsoft Teams.
Once you have joined the team, set notifications on the Teams channel related to topics you are especially interested in.
Attend the biweekly Microsoft 365 demo and discussion series held on Thursdays from 12-1:00 PM in Teams or in-person at the EH&S conference room (Environmental Health & Safety Center, 1000 Regent Dr. 2nd floor, room 220).
Can’t attend the demo? Each session is recorded so you can catch up later! The recording and presentation can be accessed through the Team or on the Microsoft 365 SharePoint page.
If you are interested in a one-on-one, team, or department consultation on any Microsoft 365 topic, please visit the Messaging & Collaboration Team’s training page to schedule time with our team.
Need help or having trouble with access? Contact the IT Service Center for assistance at 303-735-4357 or

oithelp@colorado.edu.

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Call for Involvement - Take Your Kids to Work Day - April 24

Nancy Portner — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 13:58:09 +0000

Call for Involvement - Take Your Kids to Work Day - April 24 Nancy Portner Sat, 11/09/2024 - 06:58

In an effort to make the day enjoyable for employees and their kids of all ages, we are seeking your collaboration! We would like to organize a list of activities offered throughout the day for our employees. We are also planning an end-of-day celebration in the afternoon. Please let us know if your unit would like to participate by providing activities, tours, admission, etc., or if you would like a table at the afternoon event. We realize there is a decent amount of time before this event and hope that getting the word out early will help units plan a way to be involved and make it a great day! Submissions are due by April 1st. Thank you!

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��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Staff Council Hosts December Campus Blood Drive Dec. 3-5

Nancy Portner — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 13:53:39 +0000

��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Staff Council Hosts December Campus Blood Drive Dec. 3-5 Nancy Portner Sat, 11/09/2024 - 06:53

The holidays are a time for compassion and generosity, and one meaningful way to show care for others is by donating blood. ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Staff Council and longtime partner Vitalant are excited to announce an upcoming blood drive! Each donation can save up to three lives, making a direct impact on individuals in our community facing medical emergencies, surgeries, or chronic illnesses. Let’s come together to share the gift of life this season, turning our goodwill into action.

Where: Student Recreation Center, Ice Rink Overlook
When:

Tuesday December 3rd, 2024: 10:00 AM- 2:30 PM
- Tuesday Appointment Link
Wednesday December 4th, 2024: 10:00 AM- 2:30 PM
- Wednesday Appointment Link
Thursday December 5th, 2024: 10:00 AM- 2:30 PM
- Thursday Appointment Link

Why: Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donating blood is a selfless and impactful act of kindness, and each donation can save up to three different lives. Hospitals in the area and medical facilities rely on voluntary blood donors to provide a steady blood supply for medical procedures, surgeries, and emergencies.

We are committed to achieving our blood drive goals, and Staff Council is confident that the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ community will rise to the occasion. With your support and participation, we can surpass our December goal of sixty units per day and make a remarkable impact with each donation.

How to prepare:

Review eligibility criteria: Donor Eligibility
Eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated before your donation appointment.
Bring a valid photo ID.
Try and get a good night’s sleep the day before.

Staff Council is committed to inclusivity and understands that some may not be eligible to donate. We invite all to be involved in other ways. For more information about volunteering at our events, please contact Staff Council.

This December, join us for the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Staff Council Blood Drive and unite with others to make a meaningful impact in our community. By donating blood on December 3, 4, and 5, 2024, you can help save lives and bring hope to those in need. Together, we can create a powerful difference for countless individuals in our community!

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Staff Appreciation Breakfast: Thurs. Dec. 12

Nancy Portner — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:24:28 +0000

Staff Appreciation Breakfast: Thurs. Dec. 12 Nancy Portner Fri, 11/01/2024 - 11:24

The annual Employee Appreciation Breakfast will be held on December 12th from 7:00 am – 9:30 am in the Glenn Miller Ballroom at the UMC. Donations of non-perishable food and personal care items will be collected on behalf of area pantries. BuffOne card required for admission.

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UCB Wireless Re-Registration Requirements Coming Soon to a Device Near You

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:50:37 +0000

UCB Wireless Re-Registration Requirements Coming Soon to a Device Near You Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/26/2024 - 10:50

OIT has started the process of requiring re-registration of wireless devices connecting to UCB Wireless. The affects all wireless devices (laptops, phones, tablets, etc.). If you are required to re-register when opening a web browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.) you will be re-directed to nac.int.colorado.edu where you will be prompted to accept the Acceptable Use Policy and then log in with your identikey username and password. Note that if your device has been de-registered and you are not using a web browser (e.g. using Outlook or Meridian) and you can not connect even though your wireless settings show connected you will need open a web browser and re-register. For more information please visit https://oit.colorado.edu/services/network-internet-services/wireless-internet/ucb-wireless#howtoget.

As always if you have any question please feel free to reach out to anyone on the I&R IT team.

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iPhone and iPads - Set Private Wi-Fi Address setting to "off" for ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ networks

Anonymous — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 19:59:28 +0000

iPhone and iPads - Set Private Wi-Fi Address setting to "off" for ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ networks Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 09/18/2024 - 13:59

Apple’s Private Wi-Fi Address feature, recently introduced in macOS Sequoia and updated for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, could cause connectivity issues for ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Wi-Fi networks. The Private Wi-Fi Address setting should be set to "off.” The same is true if you update your iWatch or VisionPro.

The Private Wi-Fi Address feature provides users a higher level of privacy by periodically changing a device’s locally administered hardware address, known as a MAC address. Frequently changing your MAC address on a network makes it harder to track your device and its activity over time. This is why it is advisable to set your Private Wi-Fi Address to “rotating” for public networks like coffee shops or airports.

Since the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Wi-Fi networks, UCB Wireless and UCB Guest, require users to register their device, rotating or changing your MAC address will force the device to go through the network registration process each time the MAC address changes. This could result in your devices frequently dropping their network connection. This is why for UCB Wireless and UCB Guest, and even eduroam, OIT strongly recommends turning the Private Wi-Fi Address setting to “off” on these networks.

Here is how to turn off the Private Wi-Fi Address setting on a Mac and here’s how to turn it off on an iPhone and iPad.

Because Private Wi-Fi Address is a per-network setting, OIT's recommendations are only for ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ networks. For all campus Wi-Fi users with an IdentiKey, we continue to recommend that you connect to UCB Wireless rather than UCB Guest since UCB Guest restricts access to certain campus resources. As OIT investigates the network performance impacts of Private Wi-Fi Address, OIT also recommends that eduroam users turn off Private Wi-Fi Address at this time for better stability.

��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Apple's website for more information about Private Wi-Fi Address.

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I&S is now I&R

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:26:48 +0000

I&S is now I&R Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/17/2024 - 12:26

Dear Infrastructure and Sustainability team,

I am writing to share with you some sustainability-related organizational changes we are making within Strategic Resources and Support, including changing the name of the Office of Infrastructure and Sustainability.

Why we’re making these changes

With Chancellor Justin Schwartz’s creation of a new vice chancellor for sustainability position that will lead the university’s efforts to combine strides in academic, research and operational sustainability, SRS is making these strategic changes now to best align our people and operations in support of university goals and the new campus structure.

What’s changing

The Office of Infrastructure and Sustainability will become the Office of Infrastructure and Resilience, and Chris Ewing’s title will change to vice chancellor for infrastructure and resilience. This will not fundamentally change the work of the organization. Taking action to incorporate sustainable operations across our campus and deliver upon the goals of the Climate Action Plan will remain a key driver of the team’s work. However, the name change will help avoid overlap/confusion with the new vice chancellor’s office.

Chief Sustainability Officer Heidi VanGenderenwill take on the title of senior advisor for sustainability and climate, reporting to Deputy COO Jennifer McDuffie in my office. Heidi’s duties will include, among others, advising campus leadership, advancing strategic sustainability initiatives, onboarding of the new vice chancellor for sustainability, collaborating on implementation of the Climate Action Plan, and continuing to help broaden the local, regional and international reputation of ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ.
The Office of Infrastructure and Resilience is creating a new director of sustainable operations role that will help I&R continue to infuse sustainability across its full portfolio of work in coordination with the new VC for sustainability. The director will focus on implementation of the Climate Action Plan and other campus sustainability recommendations in our built environment.

Timeline and next steps

The I&S name change and Heidi’s new position take effect immediately, though there will be a transition period for the name change as we work to inform campus partners and update websites and other collateral. The new director of sustainable operations role will be posted online in the coming weeks, and I encourage you to share the posting with your networks.

Gratitude

I am grateful for Chris and Heidi for their university-first approach and flexibility as we navigate this period of transition. And I am grateful for all of you for your dedication and adaptability. Climate action and sustainability, now more than ever, are the work of everyone on campus – but particularly so for this group, whose efforts will play such an important role in decarbonizing our campus and achieving the ambitious goals laid out in our Climate Action Plan. These changes will help us augment the collective efforts we will be making as a university.

Sincerely,

Pat

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Zoom tips and tricks

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 19:48:17 +0000

Zoom tips and tricks Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/28/2024 - 13:48

In our digital world, Zoom has become a key tool for virtual meetings, online classes, and working from home. Whether you’re new to Zoom or looking to improve your skills, knowing how to use it effectively can make your online experiences better. This article shares practical tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Zoom, from improving video and sound quality to using useful features that make meetings more productive and fun. With these easy-to-follow suggestions, you'll be able to navigate Zoom like a pro.

On the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Zoom website, login with your CU identikey then head to "Your Account" in the top-right to manage your profile.

You can change details under the "Profile" tab such as your name, picture, default meeting ID, password and time zone.

Next, head to "Settings." Here, you can adjust settings implemented by default, including whether or not video is automatically enabled when you -- or participants -- join a meeting; and whether or not participants can join a scheduled meeting before the host arrives.

Changing your Zoom background on the desktop app

1. Open Zoom.

2. Click your name in the top right corner.

3. Click Settings.

4. Click Background & Effects in the panel on the left to open a new page that shows a carousel of preloaded Zoom backgrounds.

5. Click the background image you want to use, and it will automatically change your video.

6. After clicking on your choice, you can exit the menu and the background should be applied to your next Zoom call.

How to add a customized virtual Zoom background on desktop

1. Open Zoom.

2. Click your name in the top right corner.

3. Click Settings.

4. Click Background & Effects in the panel on the left to open a new page that shows a carousel of preloaded Zoom backgrounds.

5. Click the '+' icon to the right of Virtual Backgrounds, Video Filters and Avatars. Click Add Image.

6. Choose the image you want to add and click Open. Your custom background will be applied automatically to your next Zoom call. It will also be added to the carousel of Virtual Backgrounds for easy access.

7. To get rid of a photo you uploaded, tap the X in its top left corner in the carousel.

Advanced tips and tricks

Now that the basics have been covered, there is a range of settings and features that more experienced users might want to use.

Let's head back over to the web portal to run through a few options. If you are using the desktop application, you can quickly access this area by going to "Settings".

You can find features including:

Breakout room: split meeting participants into separate, smaller rooms. This can also be done before a meeting begins to prevent logistical problems (here's how).
Virtual backgrounds: enabling/disabling
Encryption: By default, Zoom requires encryption for all data transferred between the Zoom cloud, Zoom client, and Zoom Room. You can also require encryption for 3rd party endpoints (SIP/H.323).
Waiting room: a feature to keep participants in a 'waiting area' until the host is ready for them -- particularly handy for remote interviews or office hours. This feature is now on as default.
Private chat: Allow or restrict direct messages by participants
Auto-save chat: You can enable chat records to be automatically saved
Feedback: You can enable an end-of-meeting experience feedback survey to display
Report to Zoom: You can allow users to report others for inappropriate behavior during meetings
Far end camera control: You can allow others to seize control of your camera during meetings

More information on ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ's Zoom software can be found on the OIT Zoom webpage.

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Employee News

Wrap up 2024

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Mark your calendars! Thanksgiving and Winter Break

Holidays for 2024

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Join the ����������ý�Ļ���Ʒ Microsoft 365 User Group

What to expect from the Microsoft 365 User Group

Get Involved

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Call for Involvement - Take Your Kids to Work Day - April 24

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����������ý�Ļ���Ʒ Staff Council Hosts December Campus Blood Drive Dec. 3-5

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Staff Appreciation Breakfast: Thurs. Dec. 12

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UCB Wireless Re-Registration Requirements Coming Soon to a Device Near You

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iPhone and iPads - Set Private Wi-Fi Address setting to "off" for ����������ý�Ļ���Ʒ networks

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I&S is now I&R

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Zoom tips and tricks

Changing your Zoom background on the desktop app

How to add a customized virtual Zoom background on desktop

Advanced tips and tricks

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Join the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Microsoft 365 User Group

��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Staff Council Hosts December Campus Blood Drive Dec. 3-5

iPhone and iPads - Set Private Wi-Fi Address setting to "off" for ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ networks