2024 UNC CAUSE

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.
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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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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​​​

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

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.

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.