Information Technology

December 2013

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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


IT Security Tip
You should always lock your computer when leaving it unattended. It's quick and easy to do. Press and hold the Windows key (the key with the Windows logo) and then the L key. This will automatically lock your computer.



IT Tip
When you're searching the Web using, say, Google, put quotes around phrases that must be searched together. For example, if you put quotes around "electric curtains," Google will not waste your time finding one set of Web pages containing the word "electric" and another set containing the word "curtains."



Accessibility Tip
Use headings and subheadings to form an outline of the page. Headings help users with screen readers navigate the page and help non-visual users (including search engines) understand how the page is organized.



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Division of Information Technology
Radford University

Telepresence, bridging RU with the our nation's capital

RU's new three-screen Telepresence room in COBE 163, provides an excellent opportunity for the RU Community to easily engage in a face-to-face dialog with others around the country and around the world. On Nov. 12, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) coordinated a video meeting between 24 students in the CORE 202 Topics in Ethical Inquiry course, taught by Political Science Chair Margaret Hrezo, and U.S. Senator Mark Warner.

This new technology allowed students to experience a true-to-scale high definition video with high-quality audio of Senator Warner. The senator was able to simultaneously see the entire room and zoomed-in video of students speaking. The zoomed-in video automatically switched to an active participant. This type of interaction and high-quality video places participants a step closer to "in-person" collaboration.

Don Hall, manager of Voice and Video Technologies, is available to assist others who would like to explore the use of this technology to enhance their communication or collaboration with others around the world. For more information, email dlhall@radford.edu.


Winter Commencement streaming

For the last several years, Radford University has been streaming video and audio of both the winter and spring commencement ceremonies. Typically, there have been up to 500 or more streams being fed to interested relatives or friends of students unable to attend the live ceremony. Starting with the 2013 Winter Commencement, a Windows media stream and special flash stream will be provided to access Android and IOS devices such as iPhones, iPads and others. This Flash stream is also available to home users with larger computers using most operating systems, including Mac and PC. Links will be posted to the main university webpage on the day of the ceremony.


Wayfinding kiosks roll out for spring semester

New wayfinding kiosks coming to campusAt the start of spring semester, the Division of Information Technology will roll out new wayfinding kiosks at select locations on campus. The kiosks, which have touch-screen computer monitors, will provide access to campus maps, building floor plan maps, the faculty/staff directory and the Radford.edu website. Locations for the kiosks include the Hurlburt Student Center, COBE building, and Heth, Martin, Walker and Young halls.


McConnell Library upgrades

During Winter break, McConnell Library rooms 350 and 380 will be upgraded with the latest features common to the most modern learning spaces on the RU campus. These rooms will feature updated electronic touch panels for control, an all-in-one computer/monitor, a new digital overhead camera and a height adjustable podium with an inclusive workspace.


Password expiration reminder

Passwords provide the front line of protection for user accounts and campus IT security. RU users are required to change their password at least once every 12 months to maintain a high level of security for accounts (IT Policy 5101 – Password Policy & Standards). Many user accounts are set to expire during the December/January timeframe. If your password is set to expire soon, you will begin to receive email reminders. Changing a password will ensure users' continued access to the RU systems and prevent automatic disabling of accounts.

To change passwords, users should:

  • Log on to the new MyRU Portal (https://my.radford.edu)
  • Select the "Personal Info" icon
  • Under Account Settings, click the "Change" button on the password line. (This line also states when your password is set to expire.)
  • Follow the steps to change your password

Once a password is changed, users should log off and log back on to synchronize the password change. Laptop users should make this change while their computer is connected to the campus network to eliminate the need to continue using the old password when logging into the computer and the new password for accessing VPN, email, portal, etc. Users of mobile devices (iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.) connecting to the campus mail server will need to update the password on that device. The Radford University Technology Assistance Center is available to help by calling 831-7500 or visiting Heth Hall 157.


Meet the DoIT Staff

Linda KippsLinda Kipps
Executive Assistant for the Vice President for Information Technology


How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University? I have worked for Radford University for 24 years and in Information Technology for 13 of those years.

Family: I am fortunate to have two healthy children (young adults), Mark (23) and Katy (21). My mother (76) lives in Blacksburg, and my big brother and his family live close by in Galax, Va.

Hometown: Blacksburg, Va.

Interests/Hobbies: I love watching my daughter play basketball. She plays for Ferrum College. I enjoy reading, hiking and would like to take a photography class. I enjoy any time with my family and friends.

Favorite vacation destination: Some beach, somewhere... .

Favorite part of your job: The best part of my job is working with the people at RU. I have been here quite a while and met some really great ones!