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Wednesday, October 16
 

8:45am EDT

Registration
Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:45am - 5:00pm EDT
Visit the Registration desk to check in or for any questions during your time at the conference.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:45am - 5:00pm EDT
Winston Foyer Benton Convention Center

1:00pm EDT

Opening Session
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Salem 2 Ballroom

1:00pm EDT

Vendor Hall Open
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Go say thank you to our sponsors and your representatives while you collect some swag!  We couldn't do the conference without them.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Vendor Hall - Winston Ballroom

1:30pm EDT

Break
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 1:45pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 1:45pm EDT
Break

1:45pm EDT

Cyber Bowl: Leveraging sports rivalries for cybersecurity awareness
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
This panel, featuring speakers from NC State University, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University, will discuss the first annual Cyber Bowl competition (happening now!). Adapted from colleagues at Florida State University, the cyber bowl is a sports-rivalry-themed contest that encourages faculty students and staff to test their cyber knowledge (and learn more about cyber security). The session will discuss planning the Cyber Bowl, including logistics and infrastructure, marketing, outreach and how it’s going so far. Please attend if you might be interested in joining a larger competition in 2025!
Speakers
avatar for Gabriella Ferguson

Gabriella Ferguson

Trainer, NCSU
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Salem 1A

1:45pm EDT

Automators: Code, Cloud, and the Quest for Seamless Integration
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
As both IT Support and Apple Systems teams looked to improve processes, we identified an area where automation could improve regular and manual tasks. Support staff were consistently spending time on tasks such as wiping and reprovisioning Apple devices, when offboarding they would be removing those devices from internal management systems, and when a device was reported lost or stolen we had a very manual and complex process for ensuring the device was locked. Using the Jira Assets for a centralized asset database and triggering automations from state changes, we could send http requests to some kind of endpoint for taking action. We initially explored using Jira for the whole process and also explored standing up our own web server to receive http requests, but settled on Azure Functions as a simpler solution with the flexibility of taking individualized requests. We utilize powershell code with Azure Functions to make calls to Jamf Pro for taking action on Apple devices, although this could be any service we want that has an API. We did have some issues with training staff on new processes. Other challenges included working with services that don’t have proper API calls and security and access considerations when blending cloud services such as Azure with on-prem services such as Jira Assets. The goal is to reduce the burden on IT Support Staff and to bring a device into a refreshed or offboarded state more quickly and efficiently. Future plans are to extend to Windows.
Speakers
avatar for Josh Hodges

Josh Hodges

System Administrator, Appalachian State University
Josh is a Lead Systems Architect interested in promoting learning by empowering users with easy to use technology. With a passion for organization, processes, and efficiency he enjoys taking complex systems and presenting them in simple ways. He has been with Appalachian State University... Read More →
EH

Eric Hartway

System Administrator, App State
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Salem 1B

1:45pm EDT

Lights. Camera. Record! Recording and Editing Video (using what you have)
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Learn to transform your mobile device into a video production tool. This workshop guides you through creating professional-quality videos—from storyboarding to shooting, editing, and sharing—using free online resources. By the end, you'll have produced your own video and gained practical skills for creating engaging content. Ideal for faculty, staff, and students aiming to enhance their digital communication skills without expensive equipment.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Salem 1C

1:45pm EDT

The Prompt Whisperer: Crafting Prompts that Get AI to Do What You Want
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Feeling overwhelmed by the growing demand for AI support in higher education? This workshop equips you, the IT backbone of your institution, to become a "Prompt Whisperer" for students and faculty. We'll unveil the power of crafting effective prompts, the key to unlocking AI's potential for learning, teaching, and research. Dive into the world of AI prompts and discover how they can revolutionize various tasks: Streamline research: Empower faculty to craft prompts that can find research articles, summarize research papers, or even generate initial drafts of proposals. Strengthen course development: Learn how to create prompts used to enhance course outlines, rubrics, assessments, discussion boards, and student feedback. Enhance student learning: Guide students to construct prompts that generate practice problems, personalize learning pathways, or provide immediate feedback on assignments. Boost administrative efficiency: Learn prompts to help users with tasks like creating digital content for flyers and websites or creating personalized communications. This workshop is ideal for IT professionals in higher education who want to: Understand the growing need for AI support in academic settings. Learn how prompts unlock the potential of AI for student success and faculty research and course development. Discover practical applications of AI prompts in various administrative tasks. Gain the confidence to guide faculty and students in leveraging AI tools effectively.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Salem 3A

1:45pm EDT

Strategies for Inclusive Leadership Panel Presentation
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Join us for a moderated panel session of leaders who are committed to creating a sense of community, purpose and belonging for their team members. Changes in the system's diversity, equity and inclusion policy have created concerns among some staff about facilitating inclusive work environments; however, good leaders understand that creating an environment where employees have a voice and feel valued, have access to the unique resources they need, and have a sense of purpose increases retention and supports the success of the organization. All of us can benefit from a discussion of practices that support the unique needs and lived experiences of our colleagues. Panelist questions will include, but will not be limited to, the following.
.
One tenet of inclusive leadership is practicing transparency; that is, leaders are transparent about their intentions, actions and decision making processes. How do you, and your organization, practice transparency? Another important element of inclusive leadership is to make sure that you are checking your own biases and that you are open to others’ way of thinking and doing. What are some ways that you personally do that and you would encourage others to do as well?
As leaders who care about equitable and inclusive work environments, what advice would you give other leaders to create and support an inclusive workplace? We will also engage our audience with several polls related to their experiences of belongingness in the workplace.
Speakers
avatar for Donna Petherbridge

Donna Petherbridge

Vice Provost, NCSU
Dr. Donna T. Petherbridge is the Vice Provost for DELTA (Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications), having previously served as the Interim Vice Provost from April 2021 – December 2021, the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Technology Innovation from July 2017... Read More →
avatar for Mardecia Bell

Mardecia Bell

Security Officer, NCSU
Mardecia Bell is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at North Carolina State University and has been working in the information technology field for 35+ years. As CISO she manages the information security program by implementing, to the extent possible, industry best practices... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Brown

Kelly Brown

Deputy CIO, UNC-CH
avatar for Imraan Khan

Imraan Khan

Director, NCSU
I'm the IT Sys Admin for NS State's Math Department. When I'm not at work, I'm a pro touring musician (mostly jazz and Brazilian music, but plenty of rock, soul, and funk too).Things to talk to me aboutTech related: Linux servers, Apple device management, website hosting, HPC clusters... Read More →
avatar for Jill Sexton

Jill Sexton

Associate Director for Digital & Organizational Strategy, North Carolina State University
Jill Sexton is Associate Director for Digital & Organizational Strategy at NC State University Libraries.  In this role she provides vision and leadership for the Libraries’ Data & Visualization Services, Organizational Strategy, Digital Library Initiatives, and Information Technology... Read More →
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Salem 3B

1:45pm EDT

Deploying Python Environments at scale for teaching and research purposes
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
In this presentation, we will review how Python can be made accessible to students and researchers. We will show the different ways we provide Python Environments on our systems, particularly emphasizing using JupyterHub.
Speakers
DL

Daniel Lucio

System Administrator, NCSU
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Salem 3C

1:45pm EDT

UnConference
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1

2:30pm EDT

Refreshment Break
Wednesday October 16, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Break

3:00pm EDT

Amazon Web Services - Gold Sponsor
Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Salem 1B

3:00pm EDT

Pavion Corp. - Gold Sponsor
Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Salem 1A

3:00pm EDT

World Wide Technology - Gold Sponsor
Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Salem 1C

3:45pm EDT

Break
Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Break

4:00pm EDT

Continued Growth of Knowledge Management and Improved Self-Service, where are we now?
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Two years ago, DELTA LearnTech implemented a new knowledge management practice based on the Knowledge-Centered Service (KCS) methodology. We recently encountered our first big challenge with the new workflow via our upgrade cycle to Moodle 4.3, which came with big changes to the user experience and documentation. As a follow up to our 2023 UNC CAUSE presentation, find out how we adapted our process due to this major technology upgrade by empowering our colleagues to take more agency over knowledge management. This lightning talk will target those in help desk/support roles. We’ll provide context on where we are in our knowledge management journey. We will share why our prior workflow wouldn’t address the Moodle upgrade cycle and explain how KCS continues to guide us in our decision making when planning for content updates. The talk will further the attendees’ awareness of KCS and spotlight the benefits of having a flexible knowledge workflow that empowers support agents in day-to-day work. Participants will see the positive impact of having more contributors with greater agency over the process. In closing, we will share some of our current takeaways from the updated workflows and speak to future goals.
Speakers
avatar for Ethan Walgran

Ethan Walgran

Lead Technology Support Technician, NCSU
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Salem 1B

4:00pm EDT

From Novice to Navigator: Scaling Training Resources for New Support Staff
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
In August 2023, the DELTA LearnTech Help Desk welcomed two new hires: Grace, a help desk manager, and Mike, a lead technology support technician. Since Fall Semester was already underway at the time of their hiring, Grace and Mike were tasked with quickly mastering more than 20 instructional tools and an enterprise-level Learning Management System. With an abundance of training materials available for each instructional technology, Grace and Mike devised several methods for organizing and prioritizing knowledge resources. Reflecting on their experiences over the past year, they have identified commonalities in their approaches and valuable lessons that can be shared with future cohorts of incoming technical support staff. This lightning talk introduces a conceptual framework envisioning "levels" of resources available to new technical support staff. Beginning with vendor-provided resources, then advancing to institutional resources, peer resources, and finally, knowledge management resources, we will explore how each resource “level” can provide scaffolding for new IT staff during the onboarding process. We will also share practical recommendations for managers and team members on how to effectively support new hires throughout their learning journey. Join us as we delve into strategies for streamlining onboarding and fostering a culture of continuous learning within technical support teams.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Salem 1A

4:00pm EDT

Designing a complete DevOps pipeline for web applications in AWS
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
The workflow of the ITECS webteam was to manually deploy new versions of their apps into NFS. This was slow, inefficient, and prone to error. Furthermore, apps operating from NFS were significantly slower than the previous AFS filesystem, resulting in a degraded user experience for students, faculty, and staff. Owing to the poor performance of NFS and the desire to automate app deployment, it was decided to migrate the ITECS web apps to AWS. Jenkins and GitHub Actions, being among the most popular automation tools, were initially considered. However, both were rejected for their complexity and lack of user-friendly interfaces. Buddy was ultimately selected instead, as it has an easy-to-use interface and is a SaaS. Once the pipelines and other infrastructure were set up, commits to an app's repo would automatically trigger the testing, build, and deployment process. With this process in place, the webteam can quickly deploy changes to applications without worrying about manual steps. Users have also expressed satisfaction with the improved performance of the web apps. There were numerous challenges in moving the ITECS web applications into AWS and simultaneously automating their deployment. For example, the webteam initially had no visibility into the success or failure of deployments. I implemented a Slack integration and created a dashboard to address these issues.
Speakers
CC

Chris Cohen

Web Systems Analyst, NCSU
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Salem 1C

4:00pm EDT

From Raw Data to Clarity: Visualizing Jamf Pro Data with Azure Log Analytics
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
The Challenge: Jamf Pro Data Insights
- Jamf Pro provides essential data about Mac devices.
- However, visualizing and aggregating this data natively within Jamf Pro is not straightforward.
The Solution: Azure Log Analytics Integration
- We pull information from Jamf Pro using the Jamf Pro API.
- Formatting the data and ingesting it into Azure Log Analytics using its API.
- Log Analytics’ KQL allows us to create meaningful visualizations and aggregate data effectively.
Our Implementation Journey
- How we set up the integration.
- Real-world examples of queries and visualizations.
Benefits for IT and Beyond
- Improved decision-making for IT teams.
- Insights for non-IT departments (e.g., budget planning, resource allocation).
Future Works
- New implementation will use Splunk instead
Takeaways
- Learn how to harness Azure Log Analytics for your MDM data.
- Explore APIs to figure out new dataflows.
- Empower your organization with actionable insights.
Speakers
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Salem 3A

4:00pm EDT

Transforming Academia with Open Source RAG: The Intersection of AI and Education
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
In this presentation, I will delve into the transformative potential of open-source Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) within higher education. RAG combines retrieval-based and generative AI models to revolutionize academic research, personalize learning experiences, and improve administrative efficiency in educational settings. I will explore the operational mechanics of RAG, discussing its functional framework and underlying mechanisms, including how it synthesizes information from extensive datasets to generate contextually relevant outputs. Additionally, I will share practical strategies for integrating open-source RAG into higher education contexts, focusing on enhancing learning outcomes, optimizing resource allocation, and streamlining administrative processes. Join me in exploring how AI innovation can elevate academic excellence and empower educational institutions for the future.
Speakers
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Salem 3C

4:00pm EDT

Microlectures: Maximizing Engagement with Bite-Sized Learning
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
In this lightning talk, we will explore the powerful impact of microlectures on online education. Microlectures, short and focused video or audio segments, deliver specific content in a concise, easily digestible format. This session will cover three main concepts: the key characteristics of microlectures, their benefits, and the creation process. We will start by identifying the essential elements of an effective microlecture. Learn how clarity, brevity, and targeted learning objectives can transform complex topics into manageable, engaging content that caters to modern learners' preferences for on-demand information. Next, we will discuss the significant benefits of microlectures. These include increased student engagement, improved retention, and greater flexibility in learning. Discover how microlectures can support diverse learning preferences, enhance student motivation, and fit seamlessly into various instructional strategies. Finally, we will provide a streamlined process for creating high-quality microlectures. From planning and scripting to recording and editing, gain practical tips and tools to produce compelling content. Learn how to leverage technology to create impactful microlectures that align with your course objectives and elevate the learning experience. This lightning talk will uncover how microlectures can revolutionize your teaching approach, making your content more engaging and accessible for students.
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Edmonds

Suzanne Edmonds

Academic Technologist, Appalachian State University
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Salem 3B

4:15pm EDT

Break
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
Break

4:30pm EDT

SIG: Apple Managers
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
The Apple Manager's SIG purpose is to foster education and resource sharing among education institutes in North Caroline for management of the Apple ecosystem. Additionally to foster cooperation in Mobile Device Management (MDM) services especially relating to the UNC System Wide Casper deployment.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Everette Allen - NCSU
Kevin Snook - App State

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-appleman/
Speakers
avatar for Everette Allen

Everette Allen

Apple Support Specialist, NCSU
Everette is a 29 year veteran of IT support much of which has been spent supporting Apple devices. He has worked 10+ year on walk-in and telephone help desk in the NC State academic environment. Currently he does advanced Apple Support, leads a team of full time and student developers... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Snook

Kevin Snook

System Administrator, App State
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Salem 1B

4:30pm EDT

SIG: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B)
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
The purpose of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging SIG is to To provide a safe environment that encourages the discussion and sharing of resources regarding DEI&B within the IT community. Our diversity enhances our collective ability to serve our universities and communities, making us greater than the sum of our parts.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Scott Gee - UNC Chapel Hill
Gabriella Ferguson - NCSU

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-deib/
Speakers
SG

Scott Gee

Technology Support Analyst, UNC-CH
avatar for Gabriella Ferguson

Gabriella Ferguson

Trainer, NCSU
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Salem 1A

4:30pm EDT

SIG: Google Workspace
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
The purpose of the Google Workspace SIG is to foster communication across the UNC Schools who utilize G Suite for Education as their primary collaboration toolset. Organize administrators and support personnel for the platform.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Chis Deaton - NCSU

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-google/
Speakers
avatar for Chris Deaton

Chris Deaton

Google admin, Sysadmin, NC State University
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Salem 3A

4:30pm EDT

SIG: IT Project Management
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
The purpose of the IT Project Management SIG is to encourage collaboration amongst all UNC System schools on the topic of Project Management, in particular within IT Organizations. This SIG will provide a mechanism for IT Project Management professionals to share information on how their organization vets and governs projects, accounts for resource constraints, project methodologies, project management tools, and so much more!

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Dan Grigg - NCSU
Chris Sawyer - UNCG

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-it-pm/
Speakers
avatar for Dan Grigg

Dan Grigg

Portfolio Manager, NCSU
I have been an IT project manager with NC State University since 2018. My main project focus areas have been IT security and IT infrastructure where I specialize in consensus building, communication, and structured processes.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Salem 1C

4:30pm EDT

SIG: Microsoft
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
The purpose of the Microsoft SIG is to foster collaboration and discussion for all things Microsoft, including client and server OS, Microsoft 365, and Azure.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Andrew Sanders - UNCG
Mike Childers - App State

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-microsoft/
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Sanders

Andrew Sanders

Lead Architect Client Computing, UNCG
Team Lead and Systems Architect at UNCG with primary responsibility for Microsoft M365 technologies (Teams, OneDrive/SharePoint, Exchange), security technologies (Microsoft Defenders, Microsoft Purview), and endpoint management (SCCM, Jamf).
avatar for Mike Childers

Mike Childers

Lead Systems Architect, App State
I am a Lead Systems Architect at Appalachian State University.  The team I work for is known as Enterprise, Microsoft, Apple & Chrome OS Systems (EMACS) within the Central IT division.  You can read all the fun details at the bottom of this page, https://its.appstate.edu/about/central-it/infrastructure-and-systems... Read More →
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Salem 3B

4:30pm EDT

SIG: Wireless Eduroam
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
The purpose of the Wireless/Eduroam SIG is to discuss wireless technology, deployment and roaming strategies including participation in eduroam, a world-wide access federation for the international research and education community, among North Carolina’s education institutions who provide large-scale Wi-Fi service across the state.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Robert Gorrell - UNCG
Lauren Brunell - UNCW

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-wifi/
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Salem 3C

4:30pm EDT

UnConference
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1

5:00pm EDT

Vendor Hall Happy Hour
Wednesday October 16, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Vendor Hall - Winston Ballroom

8:00pm EDT

Decades Party
Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Celebrate 50 Years of UNC CAUSE with us! Enjoy hit music from the decades while we all enjoy drinks, desserts, and games. Come as you are or dress to impress in your favorite decade's fashion. Tech tables from each decade will be on display, bring your own gear to contribute to the spectacle or just to ooh and ahh your new/old colleagues.
Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Salem 2 Ballroom

8:00pm EDT

Vendor Hall Setup
Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:00pm - 11:30pm EDT
Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:00pm - 11:30pm EDT
Vendor Hall - Winston Ballroom
 
Thursday, October 17
 

7:15am EDT

Breakfast
Thursday October 17, 2024 7:15am - 8:30am EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 7:15am - 8:30am EDT
Salem 2 Ballroom

8:00am EDT

Vendor Hall Open
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Go say thank you to our sponsors and your representatives while you collect some swag!  We couldn't do the conference without them.
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Vendor Hall - Winston Ballroom

8:45am EDT

Bespoke IT: The Ups and Downs of Embedded IT
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
This presentation explores the concept of “Bespoke IT” or “Embedded IT” at Western Carolina University (WCU), detailing its evolution, unique challenges, and successes. Presenters Frank Hachadurian and AJ Morris will share their combined experiences, highlighting how decentralized IT support can foster stronger relationships with various departments and overcome the limitations of centralized IT structures. Attendees will learn proactive approaches taken to ensure IT services align with specific needs of departments, with an emphasis on relationship-building, problem-solving, and effective communication. The session will include real-world examples of how bespoke IT has improved outcomes in classroom support, departmental trust, and project implementation, offering insights into navigating the complex landscape of higher education IT.
Speakers
FH

Frank Hachadurian

Classroom Technology Support, Western Carolina University
AM

AJ Morris

Embedded College Support, WCU
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Salem 1A

8:45am EDT

Leveraging Azure Virtual Desktop for Enhanced Learning and Security
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Appalachian State moved to Azure Virtual Desktop in the Spring of 2020 and has been expanding its usage since. What began as a pilot project during Fall 2019 quickly turned into a critical part of our successful flip to remote learning during the pandemic. Since then AVD has continued to be a valuable resource for faculty, staff, and students to be able to work with campus resources remotely when needed. This presentation will demonstrate how we are using AVD now and plans for future expansion. I will provide a quick history on the progression of AVD at App State and discuss the resources we utilized to quickly flip this from a pilot to production when everyone was sent home March 2020. Then I will go over how we have expanded AVD usage from a remote work and learning resource to an important piece of our Health Services security and efficiency. Finally, I will go over future ideas for AVD as we continue to utilize its potential and open the floor up for discussion.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Childers

Mike Childers

Lead Systems Architect, App State
I am a Lead Systems Architect at Appalachian State University.  The team I work for is known as Enterprise, Microsoft, Apple & Chrome OS Systems (EMACS) within the Central IT division.  You can read all the fun details at the bottom of this page, https://its.appstate.edu/about/central-it/infrastructure-and-systems... Read More →
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Salem 1B

8:45am EDT

TItle II ADA updates and Digital Accessibility Compliance
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice updated Title II to include our digital content and mobile apps explicitly in the law and provides direct guidance on what and how public entities will need to reduce barriers for people with disabilities in these environments. This session will discuss how NC State will address those compliance requirements and provide additional strategies that might work well at your institution. This session will address course content accessibility, accessible procurement, documentation required from vendors, and a high level of how to incorporate tools to test the accessibility of digital content.
Speakers
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Salem 1C

8:45am EDT

Building Tomorrow's Networks: FTTX and PON in Action
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
When I first heard the terms “Fiber to the X” (FTTx) and “Passive Optical Networks” (PON), I was unfamiliar with these technologies and what they were used for, both in the past and at present. Unfortunately, no one I spoke with at the time was familiar with the technology or its modern implementations. Now I am three years and counting into designing and building a network with these technologies at its core on the new NCSSM-Morganton campus. Given our recent experiences, this presentation's goal is to unravel the magic of FTTx and PONs, exploring how we can unlock their potential for unparalleled bandwidth, rock-solid reliability, and a universe of next-generation services.
Speakers
NH

Nathan Harmer

IT Director, NCSSM
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Salem 3B

8:45am EDT

Strengths and Success: How Teams Thrive Best
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
In today's higher education landscape, technology teams face multifaceted challenges ranging from AI to digital transformation and cybersecurity. While technical proficiency is undoubtedly crucial, the success of these teams hinges equally on the human element—the talents, strengths, and dynamics of team members. Drawing inspiration from positive psychology and organizational development, this session proposes an innovative approach to nurturing high-performing technology teams through the lens of Clifton Strengths. Based on the work of Don Clifton and another organizational psychologist, it identifies individuals' innate talents and provides a framework for understanding and developing them. By embracing this framework, technology teams can transcend traditional limitations and cultivate a culture of excellence, collaboration, and individual empowerment. Abstract:
Technology teams are the backbone of innovation and progress in today's rapidly evolving higher education landscape. However, the success of these teams is not solely dependent on technical skills but also on fostering a culture of collaboration, engagement, and individual empowerment. This proposal advocates for integrating positive psychology into the fabric of technology teams to unlock their full potential. By understanding and leveraging the unique talents of team members, institutions can cultivate a culture of thriving and engagement, leading to enhanced productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction.
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Allen

Christopher Allen

Manager, NCSU
For 18 years, I have been leading IT departments. I have worked with and for manufacturers, the RDU Airport Authority, and now the College of Engineering at NC State University. I have responsibilities such as leading technical workers, systems implementation, project management... Read More →
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Salem 3C

8:45am EDT

Evergreen Course Design: Tip and Tricks for Future-Proofing Your Courses
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
This will be a 45 minute presentation and demo, where I share hard-earned tips, tricks, workarounds, and strategies for building course content that's easier to maintain long-term. Creating a course is already a significant time commitment. However, with small, strategic changes, we can set ourselves up for future success by creating courses that last longer and are easier to update and maintain. This session will explore practical strategies for creating sustainable content, working with media, and designing courses in a way that will save Future You a ton of time and energy.

Aspirational Session Objectives:
(These are things I hope attendees will attempt after this session.)
  1. Develop Evergreen Content: Attendees will create a plan for developing evergreen content that remains relevant over time.
  2. Implement Media Strategies: Participants will identify and implement at least three media strategies that enhance course sustainability and engagement.
  3. Evaluate Course Design: Attendees will evaluate their current course designs and identify specific areas for improvement in sustainability and maintenance. 

This session is ideal for instructors and instructional designers who are looking to optimize their course creation processes for longevity and ease of maintenance. Join me to gain actionable insights and tips that will make your future course management more efficient and less time-consuming.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Vaughn

Michael Vaughn

Academic Technologist, Appalachian State University
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Salem 3A

8:45am EDT

UnConference
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Thursday October 17, 2024 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1

9:30am EDT

Break
Thursday October 17, 2024 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 9:30am - 9:45am EDT
Break

9:45am EDT

CDW - Gold Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Salem 1B

9:45am EDT

IBM - Gold Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Salem 1A

9:45am EDT

NWN Carousel - Gold Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
Salem 1C

10:30am EDT

Refreshment Break
Thursday October 17, 2024 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Break

11:00am EDT

Bespoke Solutions for Process Automation: Connecting O365, Survey input and the Web
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
With the pandemic, our need for unexpected test proctoring grew exponentially. We needed a solution for instructor requests that would automate intake, booking, tracking and return delivery. Combining Wordpress, Qualtrics and Microsoft Office 365, we automated the process to so that data are connected between various applications. Students receive booking notifications automatically upon instructor requests; test cover sheets are created with unique test requirements; events are automatically created in an Excel tracking platform. To support the University's research efforts, we provide data security training for our investigators. Using Wordpress, Qualtrics and Office 365, we deliver and track training for research security requirements. Investigators may select specific items for security training such as hard drives, smartphones, cloud storage, and secure connections. Using readily available applications, we are able to deliver, track, and provide follow-up training. This presentation hopes to introduce ideas for cross-populating data across systems, regardless if you are a Microsoft, Google, or the rest of us institution.
Speakers
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 3B

11:00am EDT

Appstate Shelltools - Using Open-Source WebJEA to Simplify Support Workflows
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
We hope to show you how we reduced our workload by granting our user-facing support teams more tools to solve common support issues. Problem: Systems Team Overwhelmed with Support Tickets for User Permissions Manual process is inefficient and frustrating Balancing access with security concerns Solution: WebJEA (Just Enough Access) Implementation PowerShell-driven dynamic web form builder Allows creation of PowerShell scripts parsed into dynamic forms Scripts run in the context of a service account, reducing security risks Implementation: “Appalachian State Shell Toolkit” (Shelltools) with around 50 scripts Problems we encountered Lack of built-in search function Needed dynamic content for dropdown boxes Risk of config file versions being overwritten Customizations we Implemented to Address Problems In-house rewriting of WebJEA .NET code to add search and dynamic content features Implementing continuous deployment from Bitbucket to Shelltools Data and Testimonials Reduction in ticket escalations. Testimonials from Desktop Support Specialists and Help Desk staff Examples of Scripts Adding or removing users to/from printer resources. Removing computers from AD/SCCM Assigning Mac prestages in JAMF Pulling monthly print billing from Papercut Sending SMS text messages Goal Help others explore using WebJEA for efficiency and security improvements
Speakers
CM

Chris Mock

System Administrator, App State
JC

Justin Cervero

Manager, App State
Justin is a graduate of Appalachian's Computer Science program. He has worked in ASU IT since 2003 in a variety of positions: computer lab assistant; IT support consultant; database and applications developer; and sysadmin. He is currently the manager of the Non-Linux Systems gro... Read More →
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 3A

11:00am EDT

WCU's Information Privacy Program
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
In the IT Governance Program Charter that was issued by the UNC System President in January of 2021 it states the following: "In addition to addressing privacy as referenced in the most recent version of ISO 27002, each UNC institution will leverage its IT risk management approach in partnership with the institution's compliance function to determine the appropriate privacy policies to implement and the frequency of privacy risk assessments." Based on this document and other external pressures that are mounting in the privacy landscape, WCU contracted with a vendor to conduct our first ever privacy maturity assessment. From that assessment WCU leadership chose to make an organizational change that allowed for the CISO to create a privacy program to address many of the weaknesses that were identified. In this presentation I will discuss the vendor's assessment process and results, the steps taken to establish information privacy governance at WCU, the privacy framework we chose to use, the overlap of security and privacy including why and how privacy can live in IT, what does a functioning privacy program look like, and what privacy controls we have chosen to not address at this time.
Speakers
avatar for Joel McKenzie

Joel McKenzie

CISO, Western Carolina University
Joel McKenzie is the Chief Information Security Officer and the director of IT Security at Western Carolina University. He has served in the Information Security Officer role at WCU since 2013. He has been an IT professional since 1982, including 16 years with WCU. He holds a bachelor’s... Read More →
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 1B

11:00am EDT

AI: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
The use of LLMs such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot have made a splash in the last two years, & the ripples have affected many areas, with higher education feeling the waves on multiple fronts. The possibilities of AI have presented opportunities and issues for students, faculty, and staff at our institutions. This session seeks to explore the Good, productivity tools and research assistance; the Bad, intellectual property issues and plagiarism; and the Ugly, bias and discrimination; of AI and how these issues impact academia.
AI models can serve as powerful productivity tools, assisting educators and students with prompt generation, project outlines, analyzing papers, and more. This Good can be used for teaching & helping students and faculty to improve their research if taught and used correctly. We will provide an overview of apps that can help streamline these options, as well as how we have started to implement them with our users. We will also discuss working with faculty/staff to tackle AI. The University Libraries held an AI Symposium in Spring 2024 which explored the Ugly via algorithmic bias, the Good and Bad of incorporating AI into research, and other lesser known issues that are actively impacting our students and faculty. We will discuss what we are doing to address these concerns on our campus.
In summary, this session will show attendees some of the Good, Bad & the Ugly of AI, how it impacts our work, and what we can do to use AI effectively going forward.
Speakers
avatar for Scott Rice

Scott Rice

Faculty, App State
avatar for Hannah Pope

Hannah Pope

Faculty, App State
Hannah Pope is the Emerging Technologies Librarian at the Appalachian State University Libraries where she has created and run the makerspace program since its inception. She received her Masters in Library Science from UNC Chapel Hill.
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 1A

11:00am EDT

The New IT Essential Toolkit: Communication, Leadership, and Organizational Change
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
In today’s higher education landscape, the CIO/CTO plays a pivotal role as a navigator rather than a mere supervisor. EDUCAUSE identified this shift in 2020, emphasizing the responsibility for leading digital transformation within organizations. The trajectory of IT value has evolved from infrastructure maintenance to innovation management, making IT the primary driver of change. Organizational and technological shifts occur rapidly, and IT often spearheads these changes. However, IT faces challenges in developing critical skills and adopting essential roles for successful change. The 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer highlighted a crisis of trust in U.S. leadership. Trust is crucial for fostering openness to change and successful implementation. Yet, the business side of organizations often lacks understanding of IT, leading to fear, resentment, and/or dismissal. As a master’s student in Digital Communication, I explored the correlations between leadership, communication, and organizational change management in IT. I conducted a survey that revealed resource deficiencies and skill gaps. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are essential elements and actions we can take to enhance leadership at all levels. During this session, I’ll share survey findings and propose strategies for trust-building, adaptive leadership, and effective communication. We’ll also brainstorm together how we can develop better training to prepare our teams for organizational change management.
Speakers
avatar for Ellen Burnette

Ellen Burnette

Organizational Change Manager, App State
Communication practices, planning, processes & channelsUnderstanding end usersMarketing & engagementOrganizational change managementInternal communications strategyWinston-Salem (RJR grad) 
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 1C

11:00am EDT

Eliminating Barriers to Accessibility in Online Courses: The Student Edition
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
As higher education still revolves around the face-to-face lecture as the ideal (i.e. the sage on the stage), accessibility is often an afterthought, particularly in online courses. Even when the course design is accessible, student-produced artifacts are generally not reviewed for accessibility despite the increased frequency of peer -to -peer sharing and required responses, This presentation will demystify the process of creating accessible learning materials by both instructors and learners, ensuring that people of all abilities can access and utilize learning materials. Using examples from General Education courses, this presentation will share ways to build accessibility into student-produced materials therefore providing both a key career skill and ensuring access to all.
Speakers
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 3C

11:00am EDT

UnConference
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1

11:45am EDT

Break
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 11:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Break

12:00pm EDT

Keynote & Lunch
Thursday October 17, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
As Profiled on CBS This Morning, CNN,  MSNBC, and BBC World, Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, author of The Surprising Science of Meetings and Glad We Met will be giving our UNC CAUSE 2024 keynote address.
 
Takes 2 to Tango: What Directs and Leaders can Do to Make 1:1s Truly Work 
Leveraging Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings 


Drawing from over 20 years of research and evidence I have collected from leaders, directs, and c-suite leaders in some of the most respected companies in the world, the topics covered in this session include:   
  • Why effective 1:1s are critical to your success and the success of your team – contrasting with ad hoc meeting approaches 
  • Keys to success and 10 common mistakes to avoid from both the manager and direct report perspective. 
  • Messaging and positioning 1:1s for maximum value  
  • Finding the correct 1:1 cadence and meeting length to maximize positive impact without over-meeting 
  • Managing the intricate balance of productivity-building, relationship-building, and employee development 
  • Designing 1:1s with intentionality, from where to conduct the meeting (e.g., virtual) to building agendas to optimize effectiveness 
  • How to evaluate if your 1:1s are actually working as hoped. 
Importantly, while this session focuses on the manager/direct report 1:1, learnings are also highly relevant to 1:1s with peers, customers, and skip-levels. 

Don't miss this chance to learn from the best!  At the conclusion of the presentation, Dr. Rogelberg will be available for a book signing!

Please visit Stevenrogelberg.com for more information.  
Thursday October 17, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Salem 2 Ballroom

1:15pm EDT

Break
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:15pm - 1:30pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:15pm - 1:30pm EDT
Break

1:30pm EDT

AppsAnywhere- Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Salem 1A

1:30pm EDT

Computer Comforts Inc. - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Salem 1B

1:30pm EDT

Data Network Solutions - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Salem 1C

1:30pm EDT

Dell Technologies - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Salem 3A

1:30pm EDT

Fortinet - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Salem 3B

1:30pm EDT

Insight Public Sector - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Salem 3C

2:00pm EDT

Break
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:15pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:15pm EDT
Break

2:15pm EDT

Strategically Redesigning IT's Image
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
All IT organizations have an image that they convey through their digital platforms, such as websites, service portals, and help documentation. IT organizations must question whether their digital persona aligns with the intended image and determine what information is pivotal, discoverable, and readily accessible. How this information is organized and disseminated can significantly influence perception. During this panel discussion, NC State, and UNC Charlotte leaders will discuss their strategic efforts to elevate the brand of their IT organization. Panelists will describe their general approaches to rebranding, gaining executive support, the role of data analysis, the difference between intention and perception, community engagement strategies, culture shifts, primary design concepts, and impacts on the organization. The panel will empower the audience with tools and concepts to analyze and re-imagine their brand.
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Salem 1B

2:15pm EDT

At a Loss with CPOS?
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Many moons ago, our Registrar’s Office casually mentioned some new legislation, which stated students would only be able to pay for courses using many types of federal aid if the course was necessary for their degree. This was a big change across higher education, but was especially problematic for campuses focused on the liberal arts. Faculty decried the rule as the end of academic exploration, and a detriment to small programs with few majors. Financial Aid and Advising sparred over who would review schedules, and the best method to complete the review. Then… Radio silence.
Over the past two years, the Registrar’s Office began looking into the functionality delivered by Banner and Degree Works with ITS, and after deciding this was the best (and really, the only viable) option, resurfaced the project. Months later - after countless meetings, hours digging through documentation, a multitude of gracious colleagues across many states, and a seemingly excessive number of test instances, we are live in production.
What will participants get from this session?
Participants will come away with a better understanding of CPOS, a list of forms, tables and settings that must be updated, along with examples from UNC-Asheville’s implementation. They will also receive something even more valuable - a list of questions they need to answer before beginning their implementation, and the implications of not asking them before embarking on their CPOS journey.
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Salem 1A

2:15pm EDT

Data@Rest presents: So What's an Anonymous Hyperlocal Platform, Anyway?
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Anonymous Hyperlocal Platforms: what are they, and why do they matter? Who defines them, and how? Join Michael Williams (UNC-CH Network Security Team Lead) and Charles Mewshaw (UNC FSU CISO) for a live recording of their information security podcast, Data@Rest as they discuss the definition of AHPs, the history of other concepts that predate them, and where, how, and whether to treat them as an information security risk.
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Salem 1C

2:15pm EDT

Enhancing Esports: Implementing Audio-Visual Technology for Competitive Gaming
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
1. Understanding the Importance of Audio-Visual Technology:
2. Key Components of Audio-Visual Technology in Esports:
3. Implementing AV Technology in Esports Arenas: Integrating audio-visual technology into esports not only enhances the competitive gaming experience but also drives audience engagement and growth. By investing in state-of-the-art AV systems and collaborating with industry experts, esports organizations can stay at the forefront of innovation and create unforgettable gaming spectacles.
Speakers
avatar for Konteh Farrar

Konteh Farrar

AV Services Manager, NCSU
RH

Ryan Hunter

Classroom Technology Support, NCSU
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Salem 3A

2:15pm EDT

When It's Over: Transition and the Afterlife
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Many employees aspire to retire. Sometimes those transitions are planned, sometimes not, but in every case life changes significantly for both those who left and those who are left behind. Long time employees have been deeply invested in the people and institutions where they have spent so much of their lives, and those who continue working must deal with change that has both personal and professional repercussions. For those who leave, the "afterlife" involves more than changes in daily routines or long awaited vacations. There are profound impacts on identity, on relationships, on health, on life decisions. We rarely hear about what happens after we reach the goal. Breaching the shroud can help active employees prepare for the next phase. Presenters are 3 IT leaders who spent their professional lives in the university system: one who left this year (Debbie Carraway, Director of IT, College of Sciences, NC State), one who left in 2020 (Susan West, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Support Services, NC State), and one who left in 2016 (Chuck Curry, University Information Security Officer, UNCG). They each have different perspectives and experiences, some that have changed over time. All have lessons learned to share and a deep, continued interest in the success of all members of the IT community in the UNC System. This session will include introductory comments from each presenter and will follow a Q&A format with audience participation.
Speakers
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Salem 3B

2:15pm EDT

PL-AI-FUL Education: Using AI to Create a Compelling Gamified Classroom
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Playful learning, including gamification and gameful learning, is one of the active learning strategies that can increase student engagement and faculty joy of teaching. This session will discuss some of the different approaches to gamification and the benefits on the learning process and discuss how new tools of Artificial Intelligence can be used to play the game of learning through the process of creating, playtesting, critiquing, and improving the processes of learning and playing. Participants will walk away with real-world examples of prompts, activities, and assessment methodologies from multiple disciplines. We invite you to come and PL-AI.
Speakers
avatar for Jonathan Wade

Jonathan Wade

Senior Educational Technologist, WCU
Dr. Jonathan Wade serves as the Senior Educational Technologist at Western Carolina University. He has been serving the public good in promoting education and personal development for over twenty years as an instructor in community service organizations, higher education, and adult... Read More →
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Salem 3C

2:15pm EDT

UnConference
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Thursday October 17, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1

3:00pm EDT

Refreshment Break
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Break

3:30pm EDT

HPE Aruba Networking - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Salem 3B

3:30pm EDT

Internetwork Engineering - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Salem 1A

3:30pm EDT

Palo Alto - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Salem 3C

3:30pm EDT

Rubrik - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Salem 1B

3:30pm EDT

ServiceNow - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Salem 1C

3:30pm EDT

Zoom Video Communications - Silver Sponsor
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Salem 3A

4:00pm EDT

Break
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Break

4:15pm EDT

SIG: OCMC
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Organizational Change Management & Communications SIG's purpose is to foster a collaborative community of IT communicators, organizational change managers, and others with an interest in the people side of change across the UNC System, providing a platform for camaraderie, support, and the exchange of innovative ideas. We aim to connect professionals who are passionate about communication, the human side of change, the strategic connection between these two key processes, and their role in promoting IT initiatives across the University system.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Ellen Burnette - App State
Jackie Treschl - UNC Chapel Hill
Sara Cavenaugh - UNCG

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-ocmc/
Speakers
avatar for Jackie Treschl

Jackie Treschl

Change Manager, UNC-CH
avatar for Ellen Burnette

Ellen Burnette

Organizational Change Manager, App State
Communication practices, planning, processes & channelsUnderstanding end usersMarketing & engagementOrganizational change managementInternal communications strategyWinston-Salem (RJR grad) 
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Salem 3A

4:15pm EDT

SIG: SCCM
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
SCCM SIG's purpose is to facilitate collaboration for SCCM.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Mike Childers - App State
Andrew Sanders - UNCG

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-sccm​​​
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Sanders

Andrew Sanders

Lead Architect Client Computing, UNCG
Team Lead and Systems Architect at UNCG with primary responsibility for Microsoft M365 technologies (Teams, OneDrive/SharePoint, Exchange), security technologies (Microsoft Defenders, Microsoft Purview), and endpoint management (SCCM, Jamf).
avatar for Mike Childers

Mike Childers

Lead Systems Architect, App State
I am a Lead Systems Architect at Appalachian State University.  The team I work for is known as Enterprise, Microsoft, Apple & Chrome OS Systems (EMACS) within the Central IT division.  You can read all the fun details at the bottom of this page, https://its.appstate.edu/about/central-it/infrastructure-and-systems... Read More →
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Salem 3B

4:15pm EDT

SIG: SSO & IDM
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The Single Sign-on & Identity Management SIG's purpose is to facilitate collaboration on SSO-IDM matters such as Shibboleth 2.x IdP already being end-of-life and most of the UNC system has yet to upgrade to IdP v3. Additionally, address communication within the UNC system about best practices with SSO and IDM. All 16 campuses are dealing with this and all need to get together regularly to discuss our solutions.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Jeffrey Williams - UNCG
Billy Beaudoin - NCSU

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-sso-idm/
Speakers
BB

Billy Beaudoin

Manager - Identity and Web Services, NCSU
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Salem 1C

4:15pm EDT

SIG: Teaching and Learning with Technology
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
This SIG is a group of professionals who support the academic mission of the university system. Our goal is to promote and facilitate teamwork and camaraderie among the IT personnel of all of the UNC schools. We will exchange information with each other, sharing trials, tribulations, best practices and ideas with each other.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Emory Maiden - App State
Morgon Haskell - UNC Chapel Hill

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-tlt/​​​
Speakers
avatar for Emory Maiden

Emory Maiden

IT Director, App State
Emory is an Associate Director for Online Learning at Appalachian State University's Center for Academic Excellence.
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Salem 1A

4:15pm EDT

SIG: WIT+
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The Women in Technology (WIT+) interest group at UNC CAUSE welcomes everyone who considers themselves an ally for promoting women in technology. Members with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ages are united by a common interest in making technology more equitable, diverse, and inclusive.  To see more details follow the link below to our SIG webpage.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chairs:
Donna Petherbridge - NCSU
Sylvia Steere - UNC Chapel Hill

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-wit/​​​
Speakers
avatar for Donna Petherbridge

Donna Petherbridge

Vice Provost, NCSU
Dr. Donna T. Petherbridge is the Vice Provost for DELTA (Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications), having previously served as the Interim Vice Provost from April 2021 – December 2021, the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Technology Innovation from July 2017... Read More →
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Salem 1B

4:15pm EDT

SIG: WordPress
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The purpose of the WordPress SIG is to provide a central resource for sharing best practices, development strategies, and solutions to common problems. In-person or online meetups and events will be an opportunity to showcase projects, share code examples, and discuss enterprise-level management of WordPress environments.
Although specific design and development goals will likely vary from campus to campus, common areas for collaboration and discussion can be found at the link below.

Old and new attendees are welcome, come find your people!

SIG Chair:

Elizabeth Tran - NCSU

https://unccause.org/sigs/sig-wordpress/
Speakers
avatar for Arianna Story

Arianna Story

Web Programmer, NC State University
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Salem 3C

4:15pm EDT

UnConference
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Thursday October 17, 2024 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1

5:00pm EDT

Vendor Hall Teardown
Thursday October 17, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Thursday October 17, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Vendor Hall - Winston Ballroom

5:45pm EDT

Dave & Busters Social Event
Thursday October 17, 2024 5:45pm - 8:00pm EDT
Join in on the fun and have a night on us at Dave and Busters of Winston-Salem! Complete with food, drinks, and free games from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Shuttles begin at 5:45pm from the Benton and will run the entire time.
Thursday October 17, 2024 5:45pm - 8:00pm EDT
Dave & Buster's Winston-Salem
 
Friday, October 18
 

7:30am EDT

Breakfast & Prizes
Friday October 18, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
Join us for breakfast and door/drawing prizes from our sponsors. Must be present to win!
Friday October 18, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
Salem 2 Ballroom

9:00am EDT

Building Student Engagement: Automating Non-Credit Courses and Creating a Digital Meeting Place in the LMS
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Join Daniel Shields of WCU's LMS Team as he unveils an innovative approach to fostering student engagement! This session explores how to leverage automation and non-credited courses within their Learning Management System (LMS) to create a vibrant digital meeting place. Discover how Western Carolina utilizes automation to streamline the delivery of non-credit courses, freeing up valuable staff time for student interaction. Learn how their LMS serves as a central hub for programs, majors, and various campus offices, fostering collaboration and a strong sense of community. This session is perfect for: Educational professionals seeking to improve student engagement. LMS administrators looking for new ways to leverage the platform. Anyone interested in exploring automation for non-credit course delivery. Walk away with: Practical strategies for automating non-credit courses. Ideas for creating an engaging LMS environment for different student groups. Insights on fostering collaboration and community within your LMS.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Shields

Daniel Shields

LMS System Adminstrator, WCU
LMS System Administrator at Western Carolina University. A Software developer with 10+ years of experience who primarily works with integrating LTI's into Canvas, and coming up with creative ways to leverage the LMS to utilize it for unconventional, non-credited courses for professional... Read More →
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Salem 1A

9:00am EDT

Instagram year in review: Lessons from launching @UNCTarHeelTech
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
ITS launched its @UNCTarHeelTech Instagram (and Threads!) account in July 2023. In the year since, we’ve learned a lot about how we can use Instagram as part of our messaging, awareness and marketing strategy. We’ll discuss what has — and hasn’t — worked for us, the nuts and bolts and share metrics (beyond the likes) for our best-performing posts. We’ll also have plenty of time to answer questions you have about starting (or continuing) your own IT-focused Instagram account.
Speakers
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Salem 1C

9:00am EDT

By the Power of Automation! Jamf and Microsoft Power Automate Revelation
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
In today's IT landscape, improving the efficiency and security of IT operations is a must. This session will explore ECU SoDM's usage of Jamf and Microsoft Power Automate, showcasing how automation can transform manual processes into automated ones to help enhance IT systems reliability. With He-Man related inspiration, this session will have practical examples including scripts of how both of these products can work together to improve IT workflows, provide updated device information, and even create user requests. Objectives: Overview Jamf and Power Automate:
- Discuss Jamf's capabilities in managing Apple devices.
- Introduction to Microsoft Power Automate Integration and Challenges:
- Why Power Automate?
- What is needed for integrating Jamf with Power Automate.
- Challenges in setting up and limitations. Real World Application:
- SoDM real world example of automating Jamf-related processes using Power Automate.
- Updating Microsoft Teams channels new device information.
- Using Power Automate to have a user request for admin approval. Q&A discussion:
- Open floor for questions and interactive discussion
Speakers
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Salem 3B

9:00am EDT

AI Ethics in Higher Ed: A Roadmap for Navigating Privacy, Fairness, & Accountability
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
This session will explore the ethical considerations and challenges of bringing generative AI technologies like ChatGPT into our colleges and universities. We'll examine critical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and accountability, providing a thorough understanding of how to ethically deploy generative AI. Together, we'll discuss guidelines and best practices for ensuring ethical considerations are prioritized when deploying AI. Attendees will receive an openly licensed, draft AI policy they can modify and integrate into their school or department, as well as sample syllabus statements for course use.

Key Objectives:
  1. Examine Ethical Considerations: Identify the key ethical issues when integrating AI in higher education.
  2. Identify Challenges and Solutions: Document at least three potential challenges and solutions related to data privacy, fairness, and accountability.
  3. Best Practices: Provide examples of at least three best practices or guidelines for ethical AI deployment in HE.
  4. Strategy Creation: Develop and present a comprehensive strategy for managing ethical issues in AI-enabled learning programs, demonstrating the practical application of the knowledge gained. 

This 45-minute session is designed for educators, administrators, and technologists who are looking to ethically integrate AI into their teaching and learning environments. Join me for an insightful discussion, and leave with actionable strategies and resources to implement in your school.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Vaughn

Michael Vaughn

Academic Technologist, Appalachian State University
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Salem 3A

9:00am EDT

Retaining & Incentivizing Student Staff
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
This presentation will go into specific techniques that aid in student staff retention and attempt to avoid high rates of turnover. In addition, we'll look into a few ways to achieve and maintain a high level of team performance.
Speakers
avatar for Imraan Khan

Imraan Khan

Director, NCSU
I'm the IT Sys Admin for NS State's Math Department. When I'm not at work, I'm a pro touring musician (mostly jazz and Brazilian music, but plenty of rock, soul, and funk too).Things to talk to me aboutTech related: Linux servers, Apple device management, website hosting, HPC clusters... Read More →
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Salem 1B

9:00am EDT

Lessons in Clinicals: Supporting Teachers and Students in an Online Clinicals Course
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
The online Veterinary Technology Program at Appstate includes a clinical externship that is intended to provide students with the hands-on experience necessary to develop the skills needed by veterinary technicians. In this session, we'll explore the challenges of blending hands-on experiences with virtual learning. As part of our program’s AVMA accreditation requirements, we need to provide documentation of all the students’ skills. Students submit videos via a Moodle assignment and Kaltura integration. Join us when we discuss the methods we use to collect student artifacts, skill assessment, archiving practices, and developing clinical partnerships remotely. By addressing challenges and sharing successful strategies, we can develop stronger externship experiences. Preparing students with clinical skills is critical to their success and leadership in the workplace, but designing the best way to collect videos, evaluate the submissions, and provide clear student feedback to students in an online program can be a challenge.
Speakers
MB

Mary Beth McKee

Lead Instructional Designer, App State
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Salem 3C

9:00am EDT

UnConference
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1

9:45am EDT

Break
Friday October 18, 2024 9:45am - 10:00am EDT
Friday October 18, 2024 9:45am - 10:00am EDT
Break

10:00am EDT

Reducing the Reliance on IT Staff with Evisions Argos
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
We’ve all inherited a folder of those scripts. You know the ones. The ones that a user asks to be ran once or twice a year. They may have a variable, perhaps a term code which the user provides, but otherwise it never changes. If you are lucky enough to have some documentation, you may know what the purpose of the script, but otherwise it becomes an accepted cog in the wheel of higher education. For overachievers, we may ask the user to review the output from a test instance, but the clone is rarely as recent as they would like. Wouldn’t it be better if the user who knew the data was able to run and verify the script themselves?
Using Argos UNC Asheville has transformed many of these scripts into dashboards that can be ran by the user. After initial testing and training, ITS can provide users access run these dashboards as appropriate. This has provided departments with more governance of their data, decreased the amount number of FTE hours required to complete these tasks, and reduced other departments’ reliance on ITS. It might not be prudent to take vacation on census day, but you don’t have to be on standby to push a button at 5:01 either.
There are added benefits to streamlining these processes. As we grew in our confidence using Argos, we realized the standardization of the scripts and interface of the dashboard reduced data entry errors. The dashboards can also be built in a way to force staff in other departments to review the changes before they can be committed.
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Salem 1A

10:00am EDT

Securing Campus Network Access in a Decade of Change: Tips and Lessons Learned
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
In 2013 we presented at UNC CAUSE with ECU about the implementation of our 802.1x based network access systems. Since then, we've been contacted by more than half of our sister schools and more than a dozen schools outside of the system to discuss what we've done, where we are, and what our next steps will be. My main take away from all of these conversations has been that we are all facing similar challenges, hurdles, and stumbling points. I would like to use this presentation as an opportunity to speak on what we've learned since that initial presentation and include how we've overcome those obstacles. The goal of the presentation is not to focus on specific technologies, but strategies and focal points that should easily transfer to any implementation our colleagues wish to use. Implementing new security rarely comes as a welcomed change, so one of the points will be to focus on how we used this tool to build relationships with groups around campus and implement advanced security measures simultaneously. We've implemented solutions to help our students self-register their BYOD devices, allow our partner school to grant access for their students, and provide our campus guests quick access to the internet via a sponsor portal. The BYOD portal alone reduced our annual ticket count by over 2300 and provided students quick and easy access to the internet for their devices.
Speakers
MY

Michael Yelverton

UNC Wilmington
I am a network administrator and have been working with UNCW's network team for over 14 years. I have had the privilege to speak at several UNC Causes and a couple EduCAUSEs as well. Networking is a passion for me, and I believe working with other educational institutions is the best... Read More →
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Salem 1B

10:00am EDT

Data@Rest presents: Homegrown Tools for Information Security
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Vendors offer us many powerful solutions, but sometimes the only solution is the one we create locally, especially if we need to achieve a very specific task--such as a versatile tool to merge threat data from outside with information on locally observed attackers--or to profile would-be attackers using a honeypot or honeynet. Join Michael Williams (UNC-CH Network Security Team Lead) and Charles Mewshaw (UNC FSU CISO) as they discuss unique approaches to local solutions they've each recently undertaken and the results they've seen.
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Salem 1C

10:00am EDT

Digital Literacy Redefined: The Impact of Generative AI in Higher Education
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
This interactive session explores how the rise of generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT and Bard are transforming digital literacy skills in higher education. We'll delve into the core competencies of digital literacy – information evaluation, critical thinking, security, and communication – and how GenAI both challenges and expands this crucial skillset for both students and instructors. This workshop is designed for ITS professionals who are invested in supporting faculty and staff in navigating the evolving digital landscape. Key Takeaways: Identify the core digital literacy skills that remain essential in the age of misinformation and social media.
Explore the potential of GenAI in education, including personalized learning and fostering creativity.
Gain insights into two critical new skills for the GenAI era: prompt engineering and AI content evaluation.
Discover how to foster collaborative learning environments where instructors and students utilize and learn from GenAI tools together.
Brainstorm practical strategies to integrate GenAI skill development into existing curricula, including workshops and discussions on AI ethics.
Speakers
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Salem 3A

10:00am EDT

Empowering Partnerships: Maximizing Impact with Admin Allies
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
In today’s dynamic business landscape, effective leadership extends beyond the corner office. As leaders throughout IT organizations, we recognize that our success hinges on strategic partnerships and innovative thinking. Enter the administrative assistant—a catalyst for transformation, a force multiplier, and a too-often untapped well of potential.
Key Takeaways:
• Redefining Potential: Break free from conventional boundaries. Let’s reimagine administrative assistants as strategic allies who can amplify your impact across the organization.
• Disrupting Stereotypes: It’s time to discard outdated perceptions. Administrative assistants are not just gatekeepers; they are change agents, collaborators, and solution architects.
• Evolving Your Brand: Learn how partnering with administrative assistants can enhance your personal brand. They are conduits for your vision, amplifying your influence and reach.
• Communication Mastery: Discover effective communication strategies. From the initial introduction to seamless collaboration, we’ll explore how to build trust and rapport.
• Cultural Insight: Administrative assistants hold the keys to organizational culture. Gain insights into shaping the fabric of your workplace to support your strategic and operational aims.
Speakers
JJ

Jill Jemison

CIO, UNC School of Medicine
avatar for Amy Rogers

Amy Rogers

Executive Assistant, UNC School of Medicine
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Salem 3B

10:00am EDT

Build Community and Create Connection by Humanizing Online Courses
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
In the digital age, fostering a sense of community and belonging in online courses is essential for student success. This presentation will explore three core strategies to humanize your online course: building community, creating a learner-centered syllabus, and providing opportunities for connection. First, we will explore techniques to build an online community that mirrors the support and engagement found in traditional classrooms. Through discussion forums, collaborative projects, and real-time interactions, instructors can create an environment where students feel connected and valued. Next, we'll discuss the importance of a learner-centered syllabus. By involving students in the course design and providing clear, compassionate guidelines, you can create a syllabus that not only informs but also inspires. We'll cover best practices for making your syllabus a living document that evolves with student needs. Finally, we'll examine how to provide opportunities for connection that enhance student engagement and learning. From personalized feedback and interactive content to inclusive teaching methods, these strategies ensure that every student feels welcome and embraced. Join this session to transform your online course into a dynamic, inclusive, and student-centered learning experience.
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Edmonds

Suzanne Edmonds

Academic Technologist, Appalachian State University
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Salem 3C

10:00am EDT

UnConference
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1

10:45am EDT

Break
Friday October 18, 2024 10:45am - 11:00am EDT
Friday October 18, 2024 10:45am - 11:00am EDT
Break

11:00am EDT

Migrating to Charlotte.edu: Rebranding and the impact on academic technologies.
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is celebrating a new look that brings the “Charlotte'' to the forefront campus identity. The new look, announced in August 2021, was timed to align with the university’s 75th anniversary. A new “all-in-C'' logo was just the first step in a series of phased projects working to transform the university’s image. This undertaking was heavily supported by the Department of OneIT. The university’s official URL was changed to https://www.charlotte.edu, then email addresses transitioned from @uncc.edu to @charlotte.edu. As part of OneIT’s larger effort, the College Support/Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Tech Team helmed a major project to ensure all third-party technologies connecting with the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) continued to operate smoothly throughout phased changes to email addresses and web domains. This involved analyzing and testing 165 external tools that integrated with the LMS and working with vendor technical support to make required code and settings changes on the Charlotte end as well as ensuring changes that needed to be made at the vendor level occurred according to the migration schedule. This presentation details the methodology employed by the CTL Tech Team for this project, encompassing insights gained from previous experiences, along with essential advice tailored to universities anticipating domain name and/or email changes linked to their academic technologies in the future.
Speakers
NH

Nicole Harris

Web Developer, Charlotte
avatar for Jules Keith-Le

Jules Keith-Le

Academic Technology Support Analyst, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Dr. Jules Keith-Le is an Academic Technology Support Analyst with the Office of OneIT and an Associate Graduate Faculty member in the Learning, Design and Technology program at UNC Charlotte. Jules has been working as an educator for over 20 years and has varied experience in the... Read More →
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 1A

11:00am EDT

Navigating the Digital World: Accessibility for the Aging Population
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
The presentation, "Navigating the Digital World: Accessibility for the Aging Population", explores digital accessibility and aging users. It covers their unique challenges in the digital world and the importance of understanding these to improve their digital experience. The first part introduces digital accessibility and its relevance to aging users. The next section examines the specific challenges they encounter online, empathizing with their user experience and setting the groundwork for the following strategies. The third part outlines strategies for enhancing the digital experience for aging users, focusing on actionable solutions. The fourth section discusses trends in digital accessibility, providing insights into the current state and future developments for this demographic. The presentation concludes with a summary and recommendations for improving digital accessibility for the aging population, aiming to inspire a more inclusive digital world. Overall, this presentation is an inclusive guide to understanding and improving digital accessibility for the aging population, combining empathy, practical strategies, and future trends.
Speakers
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 1C

11:00am EDT

University Security Operations: What's Working and What's Not
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
This proposal provides an overview of the current state of security operations at a university, highlighting successes and areas needing improvement. It presents perspectives from a security operations professional, a systems operations specialist, and a manager. The university uses advanced systems for intrusion detection, demonstrating effective detection and prevention. The incident response plan is robust, well-tested, and minimizes damage. Security awareness training has significantly reduced phishing attacks. Email security is enhanced with comprehensive hardening measures. Access control is fortified with multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular audits, and strong physical security measures. Challenges include users with administrative privileges, which pose security risks. Efforts are ongoing to limit these privileges with MFA at UAC prompts. Resource constraints affect advanced security measures, with a single operator managing data center security. A dedicated security team is needed to improve coordination and security posture. Improved interdepartmental coordination and standardized practices are essential. This proposal emphasizes the need for continued collaboration within the system, sharing best practices, resources, and innovative ideas to enhance security posture collectively. Establishing forums for security professionals to share insights can lead to more effective strategies, ensuring a safe environment for all institutions within the system.
Speakers
JL

Jason Lavigne

Manager, WCU
Jason LaVigne is the manager of WCU's Data Center Services team. He and his team are responsible for WCU's two data center facilities, server virtualization w/ VMWare as well as the desktop virtualization infrastructure, server OS administration/management (Windows/RHEL), SQL Server... Read More →
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 1B

11:00am EDT

I Have A Vision(Pro) - Managing Apple Vision Pros in the Enterprise
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Apple Vision Pros are landing on campus. Hear how AppState is managing these very expensive devices so we can keep track of them in inventory as well as make sure our users can get the most out of the device. See step by step how we are enrolling them in our JAMF Pro Server with Account Driven Device Enrollment using Managed Apple IDs and what management policies, security, networking, VPN and application deployment we can push to the devices. And see how the lessons learned with Vision Pro can be applied to other BYOD devices.
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Snook

Kevin Snook

System Administrator, App State
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 3B

11:00am EDT

Reclaiming Institutional Knowledge - A Leadership Challenge
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
This presentation will explore the challenges that we faced when key members of our team retired. They were a part of the foundation for crucial processes that ITS handled for the University. While Mike and I each had documentation from our former employees, the documentation was very silo-ed and we quickly realized we needed to work together, to share the different perspectives from our teams, to adequately handle the processes moving forward. We have also analyzed ways to improve and provide automation for efficiently handling some of these requests. The key take away is to have the knowledge accessible across the ITS team, so should Mike and I win the lottery, it won't be so much work for whomever picks up the workload. We want to make this as green and sustainable as possible.
Speakers
MR

Mike Richter

Manager, UNCW
avatar for Adalia Hiltebeitel

Adalia Hiltebeitel

IT Director, UNCW
Associate Director of UNCW's IT Client ExperienceThe team that I have the pleasure of working with is responsible for all of the client facing interactions. We support 18,000 students, 2,000 faculty/staff, and about 7000 endpoints. I am happy to speak with anyone on all that we are... Read More →
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 3A

11:00am EDT

Leveraging AI for Assessment Tools: An Evolving process
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
In this presentation, we present an early* and evolving exploration of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can augment the assessment development process through automated quiz questions and rubric generation. Join us to discover the potential of AI algorithms to streamline the creation of diverse and effective assessment materials. *This presentation shows early work developed and presented at the Appalachian State University Library's AI Symposium in April 2024 and how the processes have evolved since that time. The presentation covers 5 base topics: 1) Using Gemini to generate quiz questions in Aiken format (for import to an LMS), 2) Use ChatGPT to generate questions, 3) Using ChatGPT to format questions in GIFT format for import to an LMS, 4) Use AI directly in AsULearn (Moodle) to rewrite questions, and 5) Using ChatGPT to generate rubrics. Next we present an update for how these processes have been used and have evolved since they were presented in April of 2024. NOTE: Due to our teaching schedule we are requesting to present on either Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. Thanks for your consideration.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Melton

Michelle Melton

Lead Programmer-Developer, App State
Michelle is the Lead Application Programmer-Developer in Academic Technologies at Appalachian State University. Her role involves developing and updating the academic web applications used on campus, including the learning management system (AsULearn). Before joining the AT team... Read More →
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Salem 3C

11:00am EDT

UnConference
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
This slot can be reserved by any conference attendees to discuss pertinent topics of interest. Reservations are first-come, first-serve by writing on the board outside the room.
Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Lower Level - Conference 1
 
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