Category Archives: TechNews

Roof Replacement on SOM Building & Park Science Center

SOM-May2016Throughout July and August, the Buildings & Grounds team will be working to replace the roofs of the School of Management Building and the Park Science Center.

Both buildings’ roofs sustained damage during a hailstorm late last summer. Temporary repairs were made shortly afterwards so that the roof replacement project could be postponed until after the academic year concluded.

While work is in progress, a crane will be parked on the grassy area between the two buildings. This area will be inaccessible during the project, but the rest of the academic campus quad will still be available for you to get out and enjoy the summer weather.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Richard Stewart at [email protected].

Tap to Print: Activating Printer ID Card Readers for Employees

A new multi-function device at Simmons CollegeSimmons Technology is rolling out ID card based printing for faculty and staff across campus. This service allows you to print, copy, and scan quickly and securely from any multi-function device (MFDs) on campus by tapping your ID card on the reader.

Earlier this month, we conducted a successful pilot period in the Technology department and the Library. We expect to activate ID card readers on all remaining MFDs between May 3rd-5th.

This change provides faculty and staff with the same flexibility that CampusPrint provides to students: a networked, secure, campus-wide solution that allows you to get your documents when and where you need them. With tap-access printing, there’s also no need to cancel print jobs you may have sent accidentally or decided not to print.

Please note that while this feature will be available on all MFDs, you can continue to print directly to MFDs in your office or department without tapping your ID. Copying and scanning at MFDs will require tap-access at all times.

In May, Simmons Technology will provide drop-in training sessions and project manager Roy Balcom ([email protected]) will work with individual departments to coordinate trainings, as requested.

Don’t Get Locked Out: Steer Clear of Dangerous Email Attachments

laptop_newsletterOver the last month, Simmons Technology has seen a sharp increase in spam containing malicious attachments. Opening infected files that you receive via email can install unwanted and dangerous software on your device. Some files even contain malware that will lock you out of your device and demand a ransom in exchange for unlocking it.

We don’t want to see anyone at Simmons end up in these types of situations. Here’s what we’re doing—and what you can do—to stay safe:

  • We adjusted Gmail’s spam filtering tool to enhance our ability to detect and quarantine spam and malware.
  • We are available to help you identify potential problems with attachments.
  • You should be cognizant of who has sent you an email with an attachment and the name and file type of the attachment. If it looks unusual or suspicious, don’t open it.
  • You should install antivirus software on your computer. If you’re using a Simmons-owned computer, antivirus software is already installed and running.
  • You can learn to look for signs that your device has been compromised by a virus or malware.

If you have questions about information security or concerns about a specific email or attachment, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.