Over the summer, IT will be working hard to update and replace technology. In addition to the large projects, we will continue our standard upkeep and security updates on our wireless, printers, and servers. Please review the rest of the document for the changes and improvements.
Your feedback regarding faculty suite printers was essential, and the replacement originally scheduled for December 2024 was pushed back to after July 2025. During the week of August 4, many college printers, including faculty suites, will be replaced, whereas 20 printers will be removed. A review of printer utilization will occur at three and six months to ensure that the printers are properly utilized.
Training. The new printer models will be the same “family” of printers, and we anticipate very few changes to the printer interface. However, to support any changes to our technological environment, we will provide training during the printer implementation, the week of August 4 and August 21 and 22, when faculty and seasonal staff return. More details will be provided, along with the faculty development day information.
Windows 11 Update - All computers need to either be replaced or upgraded by October 10, 2025.
Update OS, no new computer
Employees who will be updating their operating system but are not receiving new computers will be able to update their computers in one of two ways.
Update in Place – Windows 11 will be updated while keeping all other applications intact.
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Pro: All settings and applications remain intact.
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Con: There may be residual issues with the update, which would require a re-image.
Re-image – Windows 11 will be installed on the computer, wiping the device and providing a ‘clean’ slate.
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Pro: A clean image will equate to no residual Windows 10 or other left-over settings or profiles that may clog/bog down the computer
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Con: If you forget to back up a setting or file, you will lose this information.
Employees who work during the summer can schedule time with the IT department to update their operating system. We will also begin reaching out to employees beginning Monday, May 19.
Labs. Lab computers not used for teaching over the summer will be reimaged as soon as the summer semester ends.
Employees working over the summer will be notified when the new computers arrive. An onboarding document will be provided to ensure we capture any specialized settings or applications and have those software/settings pre-installed or pre-configured before the device is distributed. We anticipate new computers arriving after the start of the fiscal year, July 1, 2025.
Labs. Lab computers not used for teaching over the summer will be replaced with new computers, and the software will be tested. The lab computers will be replaced as soon as the summer semester ends. Some labs may be updated with computers taken from other locations.
TL;DR: IT's doing some summer tech magic! Expect printer replacements (including faculty suites week of Aug 4th, some removals), printer training Aug 4th & 21st/22nd. Choose between keeping your files with the Windows 11 update (might have minor issues) or a fresh start (backup first!). Lab computers get reimaged or replaced after the summer semester completes. New computer recipients will get an onboarding doc.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
If I do not have a chance to speak with you, have a great end to the spring semester!