Over the summer and throughout the fall semester, Simmons Technology worked to replace the aging WiFi network infrastructure on both the academic and residence campuses. We are pleased to announce that our work is now complete and that Simmons College has an entirely new and improved WiFi network. This significant upgrade provides double the previous bandwidth and improves coverage in all areas on campus, giving you a strong connection no matter where you are.

For the best connection to the upgraded wireless network, we recommend connecting your computers and mobile devices to the Simmons Secure network. For devices such as gaming consoles, you’ll need to choose the Simmons network in order to get online.

If you need help connecting your devices to the new network or experience any issues with WiFi on either campus, please contact the Service Desk (617-521-2222) for assistance.

Over winter break, Simmons Technology has continued the technical work necessary to implement an important College-wide policy that allows students to use a first name other than their legal first name at Simmons.

As a result, all Simmons students can now update their first name and have it reflected in Moodle in addition to their email alias, Campus Card, and the AARC class roster. We are working to make this option available in additional College systems and to streamline the process.

For more information about how to update your first name and to learn about how this differs from a legal name change, visit the Registrar’s page on Name and Address Changes.

If you have any questions, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222 or [email protected].

In April, Duo Mobile—the platform we use for two-step verification when logging into Simmons systems—will discontinue support for their mobile application for anyone using the iOS 9 or Android 5 operating systems on their mobile devices. This change will not affect your use of the app if you’ve already installed it on your device, and you can continue using it to authenticate when logging into Simmons systems. However, you may no longer be able to download (or reinstall) the Duo Mobile app until you update your device’s operating system.

While these changes won’t affect anyone who has already installed the app, Simmons Technology strongly encourages you to update your mobile device’s operating system. Updating ensures that your device has the latest security enhancements and provides you with a better experience when using most apps. See the following links if you need help with updating your operating system:

• iOS
• Android

If you have questions about updating your mobile operating system or about using the Duo Mobile app for two-step verification, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222 or [email protected].

Trying to remember a colleague’s extension? Hoping to make a quick call to the Copy & Mail Center to check if your print job is ready? Just dial x3411 on campus and ask for the person or department you want.

It’s easier than ever to connect by using the Simmons voice-activated directory. Call x3411or 617-521-3411 from off campus and say the name of the person or department you’re looking for and the system will route your call.

You can also search for departments by saying department guide or using synonyms, such as help desk to reach the Technology Service Desk. If the directory is unable to find a match, there’s an operator available to assist you during normal business hours.

In March 2018, Google will retire the desktop app that allows you to sync files from Drive to a folder on your computer. Between now and then, you might see a popup message in Google Drive stating that, “Google Drive for Mac/PC is going away soon. To continue syncing files on your desktop, install Drive File Stream.”

Drive File Stream is a new application that will free up space on your hard drive by storing documents in the cloud but displaying them in a folder on your computer. This change will improve integration with other Google Drive features and allow for seamless updates to shared documents.

Because Drive File Stream is significantly different from the existing app, we’re asking anyone with a Simmons-owned computer not to take action at this time. The Technology team is working to test Drive File Stream and prepare Service Desk technicians to support it. We will follow up early in the spring semester with more information and a detailed upgrade plan for the entire community.

Over the past three months, Simmons Technology fully updated the media system in C103 in the Main College Building. This room now has integrated digital tools for use in classes and meetings, including:

• High-lumen laser projector with a brighter image and a lamp that will never need to be replaced
• Digital video system that connects to most laptop computers
• Auto-tracking camera that shifts focus to whoever is speaking. This new camera will enhance video streaming, lecture capture, and web conferencing in the room
• Audio conferencing infrastructure
• Touchscreen controls for all room features

Visit the Service Desk website to learn more about C103’s new features, or call us (617-521-2222) to set up an appointment for in-room training.