All posts by ito0

Digital Spring Cleaning: Refresh Your Online Presence

Your online presence plays a crucial role in shaping your personal brand and future career prospects. Just like your dorm room, your digital life can accumulate clutter over time. This spring, take the opportunity to declutter and refresh your online presence with these essential tips.

Review your social media profiles
Start by auditing your social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Ensure that your profiles showcase your best self and align with your professional goals. Update your profile pictures, bio sections, and privacy settings. Remove any outdated or inappropriate content that may not reflect positively on you.

Clean up your digital footprint
Conduct a thorough search of your name on various search engines to see what information appears. If you find any unwanted or inaccurate content, take steps to remove it or contact the website owner. Be proactive in managing your digital footprint by setting up Google Alerts for your name to stay informed about any new mentions.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is a powerful platform to network with professionals and explore career opportunities. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date. Add a professional profile picture, write a compelling summary, and highlight your education, skills, and experience. Join relevant groups and engage with content related to your field of study.

Refresh your personal website or blog
If you have a personal website or blog, take the time to update its design and content. Ensure that it showcases your best work, projects, and achievements. Consider adding new blog posts or case studies that demonstrate your expertise and passion for your chosen field.

Manage your email subscriptions
Over time, your email inbox can become cluttered with newsletters and subscriptions you no longer find valuable. Take a few minutes to unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and organize your remaining subscriptions into folders. This will help you stay focused on important communication and reduce digital distractions.

Secure your online accounts
Cybersecurity is crucial in today’s digital landscape. Ensure that all your online accounts have strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.

By following these digital spring cleaning tips, you can refresh your online presence and create a positive digital brand that will serve you well throughout your Simmons years and beyond. Remember, investing time in maintaining a professional and authentic online presence is an essential part of your personal and career development.

Digital Security Tips for Summer Travels

As summer approaches and many of us prepare for conferences, research trips, or well-deserved vacations, it’s crucial to prioritize digital security while traveling. In this newsletter, we’ll share essential tips to help you protect your data and devices when you’re away from the office.

  1. Update your devices Before departing, ensure your laptops, smartphones, and tablets are updated with the latest security patches and software versions. This reduces the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited by cybercriminals.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Activate 2FA on your important accounts, such as email and cloud storage services. This adds an extra layer of protection, requiring a second form of verification (e.g., a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password.
  3. Use a virtual private network (VPN). When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, or cafes, use a trusted VPN service to encrypt your internet traffic. This prevents others from intercepting your data. Simmons provides a VPN for faculty and staff, which you can set up before your trip.
  4. Be cautious with public USB charging ports. Avoid using public USB charging ports in airports or other locations, as they may be compromised. Instead, use your own power adapter and a wall outlet, or carry a portable battery pack.
  5. Enable device encryption. Encrypt your laptop’s hard drive and your smartphone’s storage. This ensures that your data remains protected even if your device is lost or stolen. Most modern devices have built-in encryption options in their settings.
  6. Use a privacy screen Consider using a privacy screen on your laptop to prevent others from viewing your screen in public spaces. These thin, adhesive filters make your screen appear dark to anyone not directly in front of it.
  7. Be mindful of your surroundings. Be aware of your environment when working on sensitive information in public spaces. Choose a spot where others can’t easily see your screen or overhear your conversations.
  8. Keep your devices with you. Never leave your devices unattended in public places, even for a short time. If you must leave your laptop in a hotel room, consider using a portable lock to secure it to a fixed object.

By following these digital security best practices, you can help safeguard your data and devices while traveling. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our IT support team.

Safe travels and stay secure!

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 HR@simmons.edu 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.