Tag Archives: 202205

Departing? Export Your Data

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Icon for Digital ContentsAmid completing finals, saying good-bye to friends, and preparing for what’s next, it is important for departing students to preserve their digital files that made-up their educational experiences. After leaving the University, Simmons accounts remain active for six months.  After that, stored data may be irrecoverable. We recommend making preparations to export and backup data now while there’s still plenty of time.

Exporting data for later use may seem like a daunting and stressful task, however, special utilities make this important job much easier.  Google Takeout is a free, easy-to-use product that automates the download of user data across Google’s services making it ready to be uploaded to a new account or preserved as a back-up.

How does it work?

  • Log into Google through your Simmons login.
  • Visit the Takeout website:  https://takeout.google.com
  • Choose the products and services you wish to back-up.
  • Follow the instructions to create an export.
    The files are collected into a ZIP and can be downloaded for safekeeping.

Some downloads may take a long time. Do not worry! Google will notify you via email after they finish packing things up and when downloads are available.  Please allow yourself some time to ensure that all of your data is securely backed-up.

What is included?

Most of your Google data can be exported, including but not limited to: Gmail, Google Apps, Google Calendar, Google Drive Files, Google Keep, and YouTube.

What is not included?

Google Drive files that you are not the owner or editor; and files where downloading and copying has been disabled. Although much of your data can be downloaded and backed-up, Google may place restrictions on what can be imported to a new account.

Where can I learn more?

Google’s Account Help Pages describe the basic procedures:

The Simmons Technology Service Desk is available to help.

Important Sharkpass/Duo Changes

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Icon of No PhoneSimmons uses SharkPass to provide an additional layer of security for our Simmons login. In recent years, SMS passcodes, Duo Mobile Passcodes, and Telephone voice call verification have become avenues for scammers to steal login credentials.

On July 11, 2022, Technology will disable the use of SMS passcodes, Duo Mobile passcodes, and telephone voice calls as authentication methods for SharkPass.  Users authenticating using their Simmons Account credentials after this date must use a Duo Push to their mobile device, or an approved security token.

The Duo Push is the preferred authentication method for Sharkpass/Duo as it offers an easy-to-use and seamless experience for the community in addition to increased security.

To avoid any potential service disruptions, be sure to enroll and begin to use your Duo Push-enabled smartphone or mobile device to be used with SharkPass. Instructions may be found at the SharkPass Information website.

What if I don’t have a cell phone or mobile device?

If you do not have a cell phone that is compatible with the Duo Push, you may be eligible for a free two-step verification hardware token. Please contact the Service Desk, at 617-521-2222.

These changes are a part of Simmons’ continual efforts to make our systems more secure.  Please be on the lookout for future communications describing improvements to this service.

On-the-Ground UG Courses Move to Moodle

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Beginning with the upcoming Summer semester, on-the-ground Undergraduate courses will transition back to Simmons Moodle Learning Management System from the Digital Campus supported by 2U that was utilized during the past two years.  Courses will be made available by faculty just prior to the first meeting of the class.  

Students may contact instructors about accessing courses in Moodle.  Additional information about navigating the platform is available at Moodle for Students.  For technical difficulties or issues accessing your account, please contact the Simmons Technology Service Desk.

Password Reset

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Icon for Password ResetSimmons Technology is requiring a mandatory password change for all members of the community.  Regularly changing your password is a necessary step toward keeping Simmons and your personal information secure. 

When you update your password, you will also be required to review and acknowledge our Information Security Policy and Acceptable Use Policy.

You can find instructions for changing your password on the Service Desk website.

Please reset your password by July 11, 2022  to avoid any disruption accessing your Simmons account.  Please contact the Technology Service Desk for more information or assistance.

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