Drew McMillin

Changes to AC-Devices Wi-Fi

By August 21st 2024

Beginning on August 22nd the authentication method for the AC-Devices wireless network will change. It will no longer utilize a single, global password and instead use private pre-shared keys unique to each user. We will auto-generate these keys and email them to all students (example below, please note the sender “Extreme Networks”). Employee needs should be submitted to ITS via ticket for evaluation. This change enhances overall security and accountability on the network. Please note that this will disconnect any currently connected devices on this network.

Retirement of Direct Print Queues

By August 12th 2024

Over the next few weeks, ITS will retire any remaining direct print queues to Toshiba Multifunction Printers, meaning all future printing to Toshiba MFPs must be done using the “Release Printers” queue. This change only affects employees printing from College-owned devices.

Standardizing Release-based printing will improve both data security and sustainability. In the 23-24 academic year, almost 11,000 jobs remained unreleased, representing a savings of approximately 110,000 sheets of paper, 340 kg of CO2, and electricity the equivalent of 22,000 bulb hours. In 2022, 12,500 jobs were unreleased, saving 140,000 sheets of paper, 340 kg of CO2, and 27,000 bulb hours.

The “Release Printers” queue is installed by default on all Windows and Apple devices. If you currently do not have “Release Printers” as an option on your device, please submit a WebHelpDesk ticket.

Thank you for your efforts to be good stewards of the Institution’s resources. Please, direct any questions to Katrina Yeung.

Network Outages – Power Event in Doane Data Center

By July 30th 2024

On the afternoon of July 30th there was an event that affected the equipment at the new data center in Doane Hall, causing network outages in the same buildings that were affected by the planned maintenance from the previous week. We’re currently investigating and have identified a temporary workaround that should restore connectivity shortly.

Campus Wide Network Outage 7/22 – 7/30

By July 19th 2024

As part of the overall network upgrade project that has taken place over the last year, ITS will be performing maintenance on core infrastructure in Doane Hall. Because this task involves the relocation of core network fiber connections, much of campus will be without internet for up to 8 days. Please note that this will also affect the VOIP phone system. The following buildings will be affected.

Administration buildings
454 House
Guest House
PaM House
Robertson
Tippie
Wise

Academic Buildings
Alden
Arter
Steffee
OddFellows
Quigley
Vukovich

Res Halls
Baldwin
Crawford
DTD
Edwards
North Village I
North Village II
PKP
Ravine

The following buildings have had a workaround implemented using old infrastructure. They will remain connected, but at decreased performance.
Campus Center North
Campus Center South
Carr
Allegheny Commons
College Court

If a building is not listed, it will not be impacted.

We thank you for your continued patience. Please reach out to Katrina Yeung with any questions or concerns.

Network Outage Sunday July 14

By July 12th 2024

ITS will perform planned network maintenance on Sunday, July 14th during our standing maintenance window of 8am to 10am, resulting in network outages across campus. Please note that this will also affect the VOIP phone system. All connectivity is expected to be restored by 10am.

New Phone System Cutover July 8th

By July 3rd 2024

As previously shared, ITS will be upgrading the College’s phone system on July 8, beginning at 8:00am. The upgrade will take approximately 10 hours to complete. Phones will reboot several times, which may cause intermittent internet loss.

To reach Public Safety during the upgrade, dial 814-332-2314.

Network Maintenance – June 30

By June 28th 2024

ITS will perform planned network maintenance on Sunday, June 30th during our standing maintenance window of 6am to 10am, resulting in network outages across campus. Please note that this will also affect the VOIP phone system. All connectivity is expected to be restored by 10am.

ACTION REQUIRED: Update Google Chrome browser

By June 11th 2024

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an advisory for all users of Google Chrome to update the application immediately. There are two vulnerabilities being actively exploited and could lead to exploitation on a device using an outdated version of Chrome. Even though Chrome should update automatically, users must close and then relaunch their browsers to ensure the update has been applied successfully.

To verify that you are using an up-to-date version of Chrome:
1. Launch Chrome.
2. Click on the 3 vertical dots in the upper right corner of the browser.
3. Select “Help” then choose “About Google Chrome”.
4. Your browser’s version should be displayed, along with options to update and restart if necessary. Please allow your browser to restart in order to apply any updates.
5. Verify that your browser is updated to version 125.0.6422.142 or newer. Applicable to both Windows and macOS.

You can also simply reboot your device, as this will force any updates to apply the next time you launch Chrome. If you have any questions, please contact the Help Desk at 814-332-2755, or submit a ticket at webhelp.allegheny.edu

Network Maintenance 6/4

By June 3rd 2024

ITS will perform planned network maintenance on Tuesday, June 4 between 8am and 10am. No outages are expected. Please contact the ITS Help Desk if you do experience network problems.