Learn About The UM System – Video Series

By , August 30, 2016 12:11 pm

UM System logoHow does the UM System connect faculty, staff, and students to every corner of the State of Missouri?

Learn more with the UM System ‘At A Glance’ video series:  get to know the mission, structure, governance, and history of the system, as well as how shared services keep education affordable in Missouri.

 

 

Important Information about the UMKC Emergency Alert System

By , August 30, 2016 11:52 am

UMKC AlertThe University of Missouri System installed a new emergency alert program for the four campuses this summer.  The Rave program replaced the former Alert system but works in a similar manner.  In the event of a natural disaster (such as the recent tornado warning), violent event or weather-related campus closing, an alert message will be transmitted to all faculty, staff and students via email, voice and text.

Existing UMKC phone numbers, umkc.edu e-mail accounts and information provided at the time of enrollment have already been entered in the system. Students can update that information at any time via Pathway.

Additional information can be found on the UMKC Emergency Alert System website. For specific questions about the Rave alert system, please contact Alyssa Lally at lallyae@umkc.edu.

Technology Updates

By , August 30, 2016 11:47 am

ComputerInformation Services welcomes you to UMKC!

Click here to get started with IT resources for students:  includes information about your email account, setting your password, mobile device set-up, computer labs, remote labs, learning tools and online resources, IT policies and safe computing, and technology help and support.

In addition, please see below for some important updates.

Printing in Computer Labs:

As part of our commitment to sustainability and to minimize the cost of printing, printers in the student computing labs will be configured so they default to duplex (double-sided) printing. Single-page printing will still be available, but students who print on both sides of the paper will receive a small discount.

Adobe Software License:

UM System campuses finalized a new Adobe Software License Agreement this summer. Adobe provides Creative Cloud products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Premiere and more.  Adobe products will be available in IS labs and select departmental labs on campus.  Adobe will no longer be available in Remote Labs for students as the new contact prohibits virtual use of their products off-campus under this agreement.  IS will be offering a number of Adobe alternative products in Remote Labs for student use.  Students can also purchase Adobe subscriptions for use on personal computers at the UMKC Bookstore or online.

Upgrades to look forward to:

  • Blackboard Upgrade to Ultra. UMKC Information Services is working with Blackboard on a project to upgrade our current Blackboard Learn learning management system (LMS) to Blackboard Learn Ultra.  We are currently in the planning stage with the goal of going live with Ultra for Spring 2017. Ultra integrates a sleek user interface with simplified workflows for all users. Instructors will have tools to help develop curriculum, interact with students, and provide useful and timely feedback through improved grading features. The student experience will prioritize coursework, giving you tools to manage tasks and to work collaboratively. This new platform will allow seamless transition between desktop and mobile devices, further improving the teaching and learning experience.
  • Secure Authentication. With the increasing risk of cyber-attacks, multi-factor authentication has become a necessity to safeguard our information. An ATM is a good example of multi-factor authentication: you supply your password (something you know) along with your ATM card (something you have). UM System campuses will be implementing new security tools to improve password security. A first step in this process requires that all users “register” or add information into the new Secure Authentication toolkit. More information about the registration process will be forthcoming this fall.
  • WebEx.  Information Services has purchased a campus-wide license for WebEx and is working on implementation now.  Accounts will be available soon for UMKC students who are interested. Students will have access to the WebEx Meeting Center service with unlimited Voice over IP audio.   The Meeting Center meetings are limited to 8 attendees, but include, presentation sharing, file sharing, voice and video conferencing via a web browser or WebEx clients for mobile devices.  Students have the ability to use WebEx to facilitate “small group Project” meetings and their own web conferences as desired. For more information, please visit http://www.umkc.edu/ia/it/webex/.

Welcome to Fall 2016!

By , August 23, 2016 4:47 pm

Convocation2016Welcome to the Fall 2016 semester!  For some of you, this is your first adventure and I hope you’re more excited than you are nervous!  For others, a new semester is like coming home; meeting up with old friends and making new ones, checking off another requirement on your path to graduation, and getting ready for your next adventure.

Whether you’re a new student or returning, these first weeks are very important:  they set the tone for the rest of the semester, so start now to plan for the type of student you want to be!

  • Read the syllabus.  Seriously.  This is your class contract and has loads of information about expectations, grading, resources, and due dates.
  • Plan your day.  Make time for classes, studying for each class, breaks, meals, sleep, work, working out, and having fun.  Scheduling everything helps you see where your time is being allocated–kind of like a budget; you can’t save when you don’t know what you’re spending.
  • Be present!  When you say you’re going to do something, do it…and mean it!  Whether it’s studying for an exam or volunteering your time at the Kangaroo Pantry, make the commitment to be committed.
  • Get involved in at least one student organization.  Studying is important, but take the opportunity to join a group of people who are just as passionate as you.

Finally, know that you matter and that your success is as important to us as it is to you.  There are many resources on campus and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Good luck this semester!

Panorama Theme by Themocracy