Information Technology

April 2017

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Division of Information Technology
P.O. Box 6888
Radford, VA 24142
Phone: (540) 831-5173
Fax: (540) 831-6217
Email: cio@radford.edu



Banner Tip
Any printer on the Radford University network can be added to the printer list of values utilized by the Banner jobsub form (GJAPCTL). For assistance in making a request to add a printer in Banner, users are encouraged to contact the Technology Assistance Center at x7500, or online at www.radford.edu/onestop.



Division of IT logo

Division of Information Technology
Radford University

Desire 2 Learn (D2L) user interface upgrade, change

Desire 2 Learn (D2L) is getting a facelift effective May 9.

Although common workflows will remain the same, you will notice several positive changes when you first dive in.

screenshot of the new D2L interfaceTo help easily transition into the new look and feel of the user interface, we have scheduled several one-hour, hands-on sessions. (See D2L: Introduction to the Daylight Experience training schedule in article below.)

Each session will include a look at:

  1. The new responsive interface that adapts to different screen sizes.
  2. My Course widget updates that includes a library of more than 3,000 images that faculty can choose from to customize their course tiles.
  3. Grade and Class Progress enhancements.
  4. You See U integration, which allows for real-time interaction through online sessions. More information can be found at the You See U website.

Registration for the sessions is encouraged, but not required. To register, visit the ITOneStop website. Additional information sessions will be offered during Our Turn (May 8-12).

To learn more, visit the Daylight page in the Brightspace Community or contact Academic Technology at acadcomp@radford.edu or 831-7521.


Technology training

Academic Technologies offers a number of workshops each month for faculty and staff. If you need training that is not included on the list below or would like to request a one-on-one, group or custom technology workshop, contact Academic Technologies at 540-831-7521 or acadcomp@radford.edu.

You may also visit the Solution Library at https://www.radford.edu/onestop for a variety of online tutorials, quick reference guides, "how-to" videos and articles to assist you with campus technologies.

Visit our training website to register and view an up-to-date listing of the technology courses offered.


Coming Soon – Cognos Analytics

On March 6, DoIT successfully upgraded the university's administrative reporting environment to Cognos Analytics.

In conjunction with the upgrade, Enterprise Reporting provided open training and support sessions to assist the users in accessing and navigating the new environment. In the coming weeks, additional training opportunities for campus users will be scheduled.

For issues accessing Cognos Analytics, or to request one-on-one training, users are encouraged to contact the Technology Assistance Center at ext. 7500 or online at www.radford.edu/onestop.


Security Tip: Has my data been leaked?

The news is full of data disclosures: Yahoo's passwords, Arby's credit card information and Pandora's accounts.

There is one way to keep track of whether you might be part of any data disclosure: go to the site https://haveibeenpwned.com/ and enter your email address or username — you may have many usernames from different sites — to check whether your username or email address has been exposed.

Users can register themselves at this site (Click "Notify Me") and are notified if they show up on a data dump. Another great resource is the Identity Theft Resource Center http://www.idtheftcenter.org/data-breaches.html, which will send you a newsletter if you sign up.

You can also search The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse's excellent database of breaches at https://www.privacyrights.org/data-breaches.

Project management best practice: Effective project sponsorship

The role of the project sponsor is not the executive level manager who simply funds a project and then hands it off to a subordinate to complete.

An effective project sponsor will be involved throughout the project lifecycle, and will do the following:

  • Initiation:
    • Authorizes the project and makes resources available
    • Selects a project manager and ensures appropriate project organization
    • Provides input to the project charter and kick-off meeting
  • Planning:
    • Ensures the team is not committing to unrealistic expectations
    • Helps identify key stakeholders for the project
    • Signs off on the scope, goals and deliverables of the project
  • Execution:
    • Champions the project at the executive level to secure buy-in
    • Evaluates progress and guides the team appropriately
    • Makes key decisions or acts as a point of escalation if needed
    • Empowers, motivates and acknowledges work well done
  • Closing:
    • Participates in post-project evaluation
    • Ensures handoff is done properly and signs off on completion

An engaged project sponsor must also strike a balance between involvement and trust in the project team. Project sponsors must effectively communicate vision, goals and expectations to the team without crossing the line into micromanagement. Roles and responsibilities need review at the outset of the project to ensure a productive relationship.

Following these guidelines for effective sponsorship can foster a healthy environment for project management success.


Meet the DoIT Staff

John FoxJohn Fox
Mac Systems Engineer


How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University? Twenty-three years, five months

Family: Married 35 years to Betty Jones (we met here at Radford College) and our daughter, JoAnna Fox

Hometown: Originally from Montrose, New York. I had an all-expense paid trip to Asia with a return ticket one year later. I lived in northern Virginia for a while and then transferred to Radford College to attend school. I have been in Radford close to 40 years now

Education: Associates degree from Northern Virginia Community College in recreation and parks. Bachelor of Science in speech (radio and TV production) in 1979. M.S. in education media in 1988 from Radford University

Interests/Hobbies:Caving, WVRU radio DJ and mobile DJ work.
I helped wire WRRC in 1978 as a student. After graduation, I went on to host "See You at Nine"in 1980. This is my 37th year. I also provide music for many campus events, including the staff picnics and RU Faculty Club dances.

I have been sport caving since 1973 in Virginia, West Virginia and Alabama. I am a 40-year member of the National Speleological Society.

Favorite vacation destination: My family likes Maine; I prefer states with caves.

Favorite part of your job: Diversity of work, great people to work with and support.