Simmons 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.

Over 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.

The new VoIP telephone system at Simmons makes it easier than ever to connect to a colleague or department using a voice-activated directory. To access the directory, dial 3411 on campus or 617-521-3411 from off campus. The directory is also available from off campus when calling 617-521-2000 outside of business hours.

Using a speech recognition tool, the directory can look up and connect you with any department or employee on campus when you say their name. You can also search for departments by saying department guide or using common synonyms such as help desk to reach the Technology Service Desk. There is a full list of department extensions and synonyms available, along with instructions for updating department information.

If the system is unable to match the employee or department name, there is also an operator available during normal business hours.

For more information about the voice-activated directory, visit the Service Desk website. If you need additional assistance, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.

Following a complete overhaul of in-room technology equipment, the Career Resource Center in SOM 106 is now the Career Resource Center Meeting Room.

The space is available for meetings of up to fifteen people and features a complete suite of media technology, including:

• Built-in projector and screen
• Windows computer with wireless keyboard and mouse
• HDMI and VGA video/audio connections for laptops
• Blu-ray player
• Audio conferencing equipment (coming soon)

You can reserve the Career Resource Center Meeting Room directly through events.simmons.edu (R25).