All posts by ito0

Workday Interface Changes

Exciting changes coming to the Workday homepage this January!

Inbox Reimagined

In an effort to streamline and improve usability, the Workday “Inbox” is being moved to ‘My Tasks.”  The “My Tasks” feature will have enhanced search capabilities and will enable high-volume users to easily filter, sort, and search for their tasks, as well as save their searches.

Visit the Workday Support Site

Benefits & Pay Hub

Replacing the individual Benefits App and Pay App is a new, combined, Benefits & Pay Hub. You will find it as a new app in your Application Menu. This is the new location to view your tax documents, payslips, and update benefit elections. 

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions about the Benefits & Pay Hub. 

User Guides

Jobs Hub

The Careers application is being updated to the Jobs Hub. New opportunities are continually posted to the Jobs Hub for our employees to explore. If you are a hiring manager or search committee manager, please access the Job Requisition Workspace application for recruiting resources. Students who are interested in working on campus, or for off-campus work study can also use this app to access the Student Job Board. 

Navigating Gmail’s Shift from HTML to Standard View for Accessibility

Google’s decision to phase out the Basic HTML view of Gmail, a mainstay for screen reader users, marks a significant move towards a more accessible web. By early 2024, users are encouraged to transition to the Standard view, which has seen numerous enhancements in usability and accessibility.

What’s Changing?

The Basic HTML view, familiar to many in the university’s accessibility community, is set to be disabled in favor of the more feature-rich Standard view. Google has prepared resources, including a detailed guide, to assist screen reader users in adapting to this change.

Improved Accessibility in Standard View

Google has significantly upgraded the Standard view, focusing on easier navigation for keyboard and screen reader users. This improvement is part of Google’s commitment to enhancing digital accessibility for all users.

Implications for University Community

This transition is pivotal for our university community, particularly for those who depend on screen readers. While adapting may present initial challenges, the enhanced features and improved accessibility of the Standard view offer long-term benefits.

Embracing the Change

As we move towards a more inclusive digital environment, Google’s support resources are invaluable for a smooth transition. For more information and access to the guide, visit Google’s Support Page.

Annual Password Changes are Coming

Changing passwords regularly is a good practice for maintaining digital security.  Simmons is moving towards an annual password change requirement.  If you haven’t changed your password in the last year, please consider doing so now.  Test your password strength and follow these instructions.

Security Against Unauthorized Access:  Regularly changing passwords reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.  If someone gains access to your password, changing it promptly can prevent continued unauthorized use.

Don’t re-use passwords:  Using unique passwords for each site localizes the risk in the event of a password breach.  Cybercriminals often use credential stuffing attacks, where they use leaked username and password combinations to gain unauthorized access to multiple accounts.

Password Complexity:  Changing passwords provides an opportunity to update and strengthen the complexity of passwords.  This includes using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, making it harder for attackers to guess or crack passwords.  Avoid patterns (qwerty, 12345, abcdefg, etc.), and passwords that are easy to guess (Simmons2024!).

Preventing Identity Theft:  Regularly updating passwords is a proactive measure against identity theft.  If your login credentials are stolen, changing the password promptly can prevent criminals from using your identity for malicious purposes.

Moodle Upgrade

Earlier in January, Simmons Moodle was upgraded to version 4.1.  This new version provides an improved user experience that is simplified, responsive, and more consistent.  Thank you for your understanding during this process.

Please explore some of the new features found in Moodle by reviewing the “What’s New in Simmons Moodle” page that is linked at the top of your Moodle Dashboard.  If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected], or by using the “?” symbol in the bottom-right corner of your Moodle page.