Tag Archives: 202508

Welcome Back

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Technology Support Center (TSC) located in MCB Ground Floor A-050

Technology is excited to welcome you back to campus! Whether you’re new or have been here for years, we’re here to assist you. The Technology Service Desk is located on the ground floor of the MCB, room A-050. The Service Desk’s services, including walk-up support and equipment loans, are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Not on campus or remote? Our Service Desk provides technical support on a wide variety of topics. We can help you troubleshoot problems with your computer, account access, printing, Zoom, and many other technology-related issues. Our website provides access to many resources including contact information, support hours, FAQs, service and support request forms, classroom and event support information, and hardware and software discounts.

Explore Google Gemini & NotebookLM with Your Simmons Account

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As we begin the new academic year, we’re excited to share that Google Gemini—Google’s advanced generative AI platform—is available to all faculty, staff, and students through your Simmons University Google Workspace account.

Gemini gives you access to powerful large language models (LLMs) through a simple web interface, helping you research, brainstorm, and generate ideas—all while keeping your data protected under Simmons’ Google-managed environment.

Getting Started

You can start using Gemini today:
🔗 Try Gemini (log in with your Simmons Google account)

Once signed in, you can explore Gemini’s capabilities for writing support, summarizing information, developing ideas, and more.

What You Can Use Gemini For

Gemini offers a range of possibilities to support your teaching, learning, and professional work:

  • Research Assistance – Summarize articles, papers, or reports and explore related topics quickly.
  • Brainstorming & Ideation – Generate creative ideas for courses, projects, or communications.
  • Drafting Content – Create first drafts of lesson plans, presentations, or outreach materials for refinement.
  • Learning Support – Ask Gemini to explain complex concepts, clarify definitions, or outline processes.

All of these capabilities are available through the Gemini web interface when you log in with your Simmons account.

Data Privacy & Security

When you sign into Gemini using your Simmons credentials:

  • Your data stays protected – Gemini runs within Simmons’ Google Workspace environment.
  • Your content isn’t used for training – Google does not use your Workspace data to improve public AI models.
  • Compliance built-in – Access through Simmons Google accounts supports our privacy and security policies, including FERPA obligations.

For more details, see Generative AI in Google Workspace Privacy Hub.

Try NotebookLM: Your Personal AI Research Assistant

In addition to Gemini, you also have access to NotebookLM — a Google tool designed to help you organize, analyze, and synthesize information.

With NotebookLM, you can:

  • Upload documents and notes
  • Ask focused questions based only on your uploaded materials
  • Generate summaries, timelines, and outlines
  • Connect insights across multiple sources

NotebookLM is especially useful for research, academic writing, and project planning.

Learn More & Get Support

For tips and support on using Gemini and NotebookLM:
📘 Gemini Apps Help

 📘 NotebookLM Help

Or contact the Technology Service Desk: [email protected] | ☎ 617-521-2222

Elevate Your Skills with LinkedIn Learning

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Discover the Power of Continuous Learning

As the new academic year begins, it’s the perfect time to focus on personal and professional development. Enter LinkedIn Learning, an online platform offering a diverse range of courses spanning business, technology, and creative fields. With expert-led tutorials, LinkedIn Learning is a flexible and practical tool for skill enhancement. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast keen on exploring AI and machine learning, a creative mind diving into graphic design, or a business professional looking to sharpen your leadership or analytical skills, this platform has something for everyone.

Stay Ahead with Hot New Technologies

The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying informed about the latest trends is more crucial than ever. LinkedIn Learning offers courses on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, data science, and cloud computing. These courses are designed to give you a competitive edge in your field by deepening your understanding of the technologies driving innovation across industries. Whether you want to learn how AI is reshaping business processes or explore the latest advancements in cybersecurity, LinkedIn Learning has you covered.

Why LinkedIn Learning is Your Ideal Fall Companion

LinkedIn Learning’s greatest strength lies in its vast library of courses, taught by industry veterans who provide both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. The platform’s integration with LinkedIn allows you to easily add completed course certifications to your profile, enhancing your professional online presence. What sets LinkedIn Learning apart is its personalized approach, offering course recommendations based on your interests and career goals, making it a tailored and efficient learning journey.

Embrace the Opportunity for Growth

This fall, transform your study breaks into productive learning sessions with LinkedIn Learning. The skills you acquire could significantly impact your academic and career trajectory, open new opportunities, or simply boost your confidence in your abilities. Start your learning journey on LinkedIn Learning today and take a significant step toward enhancing your skill set and future-proofing your career.

Visit LinkedIn Learning, explore its extensive course catalog, and embark on a journey of self-improvement and professional development. Your future self will thank you for this investment.

Moodle

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Moodle Icon The Simmons Moodle platform is scheduled for an upgrade before the Spring 2026 semester commences. To ensure a smooth transition to the enhanced user experience, we will be sharing continuous updates and sneak peeks of the upcoming features during the Fall semester. The upgrade from Moodle 4.1 to 4.5 delivers a cleaner, more intuitive interface and faster navigation, making it easier for faculty to manage courses and for students to find what they need. New activity features, improved accessibility, and better mobile compatibility create a more engaging and seamless learning experience for everyone.

Classroom Tech Just Got an Upgrade!

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We’ve upgraded classroom podium computers across campus, which means a better, smoother experience when teaching, presenting, or hosting meetings.

With these upgrades, you can:

  • Host Zoom meetings right from the classroom, using the document camera as your camera and mic.
  • Enjoy better video performance during lectures and presentations.
  • Save time with personalized user profiles — your settings and files now stay put between logins.

These changes make classroom technology easier to use and more flexible, enabling even more improvements down the road.

Information Security and Phishing

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For the fall of 2025, it is expected that approximately 19 million students will attend U.S. universities. This influx of students, faculty, and staff returning for the academic year presents increased opportunities for cybercriminals, who often exploit the busy start of the school year to launch their attacks​.

Phishing Attacks Are Getting Smarter

Phishing remains one of the biggest cybersecurity threats, and attacks jumped 58% in 2024. Most of these came through email, with 65% of phishing attempts aiming to steal login credentials. Attackers are also using AI to write more convincing emails – one phishing email every 42 seconds last year.

The impact is serious: phishing was behind 45% of ransomware attacks, with average costs reaching $1.5 million per incident.

Protective Measures: To mitigate the risk of falling victim to these attacks, it is crucial to adopt robust cybersecurity practices:

  1. Be cautious of emails claiming urgency.
  2. Verify the sender’s email address.
  3. Watch for suspicious logos, signatures, or content.
  4. Check URLs before clicking; ensure they lead to official, encrypted sites.
  5. Think twice before opening attachments or clicking on links.
  6. Use different passwords for work, school, and personal accounts, and keep them secure.
  7. Regularly update devices, apps, browsers, and antivirus software.
  8. Delete sensitive information that is no longer needed.
  9. Backup your files regularly.

Common Scams Targeting Students: College students should be aware of common scams, including:

  • Fake emails offering “Part-Time” work.
  • Fake emails with “important information about your account” or issues with registration.
  • Tech support scams claiming issues with your computer.
  • Fake scholarship or textbook rental scams.
  • IRS scams demanding payment for a fake “federal student tax.”
  • Tuition reimbursement or student debt cancellation scams.
  • Requests for login information, passwords, or personal data.
  • Fake friend requests and misleading messages about shared documents.

These precautions and awareness can help protect against the growing wave of phishing and other cyberattacks targeting educational institutions and their communities.