Tag Archives: 2012

Online Privacy: How to Keep Control of Your Data

TechNews, , , ,

In recent months, the changing privacy policies of popular websites have been making news. From Facebook to Google, there has been much warranted concern among users of these popular online services about how their data is being used. We’d like to address the value of privacy and data security for all Simmons users as well as privacy concerns during our transition to Google Apps for Education.

On March 1, Google implemented a new privacy policy that allows the company to collect and combine user data across their many services (Google.com, Gmail, and YouTube, among others). While Google has stated that the policy is a logical step and will create a more unified and targeted user experience, including better search results, watchdogs have expressed concern with an increased lack of privacy when using online services.

As we increasingly rely on commercial services as part of our everyday, online lives, it is important to remember to be vigilant about your data and how it is used. Services frequently change how they collect data, so it is important to be aware of this and to update your settings as necessary. If you are interested in checking your privacy settings on Google and Facebook, you can get started with the links below.

Google Dashboard – On this site, you can view and change your settings for all Google services.

Search History Personalization – Here, you can get answers to questions about how Google tracks your search history and personalizes its results.

Ads Preferences Manager – You can choose to opt-out of personalized ads, and learn more about how Google collects data to display relevant ads, by going to this site.

Facebook Privacy Settings – From here, you can manage who sees what you share when you’re on Facebook.

Lastly, you always have the option to not sign in to certain services when using them. For example, you do not need to be signed in to run searches on Google or to view videos on YouTube. You can also clear your cookies regularly so that stored data is purged before the next time you use these services. These steps require the most work (logging into and out of accounts) but will track the least amount of data.

We would also like to take this opportunity to address Google’s privacy policy and data collection in relation to our upcoming switch to Google Apps for students. Fortunately, the policies that apply to Google’s commercial services are superseded by the individual contracts signed with colleges and universities that use Google Apps for Education. These policies stipulate that we own our own data and that Google cannot use it for any commercial purposes.

Other schools (including Brown University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Delaware) that are currently using or implementing Google Apps for Education have also reviewed their contracts to ensure that their data is secure and unaffected by Google’s commercial policy changes. If you would like to learn more about Google Apps for Education and its privacy policies, you can read this guide provided by Google.

The Simmons Technology staff will continue to monitor all services and we will be proactive in making sure our data is safe.

Faculty and Staff Email Changes

TechNews, , , , ,

As you have probably noticed in the articles above, the switch to Google Apps for Education is happening for students only at this time. While we recognize that Google’s products, especially Gmail, are immensely popular, we also recognize that different users have different needs.

Because faculty and staff at Simmons require smooth integration of calendaring with meeting and project planning tools, we are still working to assess what products will best meet these needs.

Currently, we are considering moving faculty and staff email and calendars to Microsoft Exchange (including Outlook for email). As we continue to get feedback from you and assess your needs, we will work with you toward an appropriate upgrade solution.

For the time being, we will continue to fully support our existing email services for faculty and staff. Thank you for your patience as we conduct due diligence on this very important and complex service change.

Simmons Connection: Your New Source for Information

TechNews, ,

You spoke, we listened.

In order to create a better and more useful one-stop location for Simmons information, we have begun a project to replace MySimmons. The new system, called Simmons Connection, will improve on the existing portal and add new features, such as email integration, collaboration tools, and, soon, integration with Simmons Moodle.

In January, we sent a survey to students asking what you liked about MySimmons and what you would like to see changed or added to a new system. Based on this feedback, we began designing Simmons Connection from the ground up with your needs in mind. For example, we are working to add features you requested, such as a combined calendar/course schedule, as well as access to other Simmons services without having to log in separately.

In addition to building the Simmons Connection, we are also designing mobile apps so you can access this information from any device.

Simmons Connection will be available to students beginning Summer 2012. As soon as it’s ready, we’ll send an announcement along with information about new features and how to use them.

And don’t worry, Simmons Connection isn’t just for students. We will soon be sending a separate survey to faculty and staff to find out what features you want and need and we’ll then begin designing a version of Simmons Connection just for you.