2024 UNC CAUSE

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.

This session explores how AWS cloud adoption can transform higher education workflows. The session will highlight AWS use cases from across the UNC System. We'll examine how how institutions leverage AWS to address unique opportunities and challenges in academia. Attendees with have an opportunity to hear from AWS and UNC System peers.  

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.

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/

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.

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, higher education is a sector with unique challenges. The Mastering Operational AI Transformation (MOAT) program, developed by CDW, offers a comprehensive blueprint for institutions to harness AI's power for academic impact and operational stability. This session will delve into the MOAT framework, tailored specifically for the higher education sector, exploring its five-stage journey from awareness to transformation. Through real-world examples and expert insights, attendees will learn how to navigate the complexities of AI integration, ensuring alignment with institutional missions and business practices. The panel will address key challenges, including leadership engagement, ethical considerations, and security, providing actionable strategies for leveraging AI to enhance student outcomes, research capabilities, and operational efficiency. Join us to discover how your institution can embark on a successful AI journey, fostering innovation and driving excellence in the digital age. 

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.

Computer Comforts Inc. designs and manufactures tech-furniture for the Education Market. In this session, Frank will show some innovative products that have transformed classrooms on college campuses nationwide. Creating flex-spaces has been a growing trend for several years. Dedicated computer labs are quickly becoming obsolete. CCI will be demonstrating how their student tables and lecterns can help a campus succeed when designing these multi-purpose spaces. Finally, we will be launching our '2025 Collection'. UNC CAUSE 2024 will be the first time these new products will be on display. • EVOLVE: The Swiss Army Knife of Lecterns • PL-42: Power-lift sit-to-stand ergo table (ADA Compliant) • TC-CARREL: Testing carrel designed for Computer Based Testing (CBT) • QUAD-POD: A four-student tech pod ideal for any learning environment Please attend this session to learn how to help your campus manage technology in their learning environments.  

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.

Higher-Ed institutions manage a wealth of sensitive information but usually have an under-resourced IT department, making them a prime target for ransomware attacks. A strong recovery plan following an attack has the dual advantage of quickly restoring an organization’s workflow and reputation. But how can schools deploy the tools necessary to minimize data loss and system downtime under budget constraints and talent shortages? Join Rubrik for an overview of what a strong cybersecurity defense looks like in the age of hybrid work and increased digital access and how organizations can get there. We’ll also cover why a strong data security backup and recovery posture is fundamental to Hi-Ed cybersecurity, as well as: - The limitations of legacy data backup and recovery plans - How to minimize data loss and system downtime after a cyberattack - Data security and management plans that can integrate with any existing system 

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/​​​

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.

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.

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.