January 2014
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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
When changing your password, don't just change one letter or number. You should always change at least half, if not all of the password to something else.
IT Tip
To get a split screen, pull up a web page and hold the Windows Logo key and hit the right arrow key. Next pull up a MS Word document and hold down the Windows Logo key and hit the left arrow key. It is helpful if you have the windows maximized before using the Logo and arrow keys. You can use two Word documents or two Browser locations.
Accessibility Tip
Did you know that when you send an email that is a JPG with embedded text, the screen readers used by the visually impaired can't read the text? Be sure to include plain text in all your mass emails.
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Division of Information Technology
Radford University
DoIT offers technology training
Academic Technologies and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) provide training opportunities for faculty and staff, including classes in software such as Desire 2 Learn (D2L), Banner, Vision, Excel, Outlook and the use of iPads. Beginning Spring 2014, Academic Technologies also will offer a series of brown bag lunch sessions where faculty and staff can join together to learn and share ideas about campus technologies.
Visit the CITL training registration site and check your email for announcements about upcoming opportunities.
Classroom upgrades
DoIT upgrades campus classrooms on a regular basis to provide faculty and students with a technology-rich teaching and learning environment. During winter break McConnell Library rooms 350 and 380 were upgraded to feature advanced Crestron control systems.
New support for voice and video communications
In the fall of 2013, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) reorganized existing resources to provide enhanced support for voice and video communications technologies.
This new team, Voice and Video Technologies, is managed by Don Hall and will be moving to Walker Hall during the Spring of 2014. This area provides expertise and support in the use of web conferencing (Skype, Adobe Connect), classroom recording (lecture capture), telephones and video conferencing.
The goal of this new team is to enhance support to the university's academic and business mission via these technologies. With the introduction of several new video conferencing technologies on campus, DoIT can now support high definition video conference experiences that feel like an "in-person" classroom or meeting.
This department is also home to RU's telephone switch board (540-831-5000) and provides overnight technology support for the 24 hour operation of Young Hall.
If you are interested in any of the following areas, this team is available to assist you.
- recording classroom lectures to allow students to review concepts outside of class
- guest lecturer or subject matter experts speaking with your class via video technologies
- web conferencing
- video Interviews
- reviewing your current office / department phone configuration and setup
- setting up a conference bridge for a voice based conference call
For more information regarding these technologies, contact Don Hall at dlhall@radford.edu. To setup a telephone bridge or general questions regarding phone service, email tel-serv@radford.edu.
Wayfinding kiosks roll out this semester
This semester, the Division of Information Technology will be rolling out new wayfinding kiosks at select locations on campus.
The kiosks will provide access to campus maps, points of interest, building floor plan maps and the faculty/staff directory.
Locations for the kiosks include the Bonnie Hurlburt Student Center, the COBE building, and Heth, Martin, Walker and Young halls.
RUmobile receives major upgrade
Radford University's mobile application, RUmobile, will receive a major upgrade this semester. RUmobile 2.0 will be much faster and includes the same functionality as prior versions in a sleeker, easier-to-use interface.
The app also includes a few new features, including the ability to view which washers and dryers are in use in residence halls and an enhanced dining app.
Other features that existed in previous versions that are included in the upgrade are:
- Campus Directory
- Emergency Contacts
- Map of Campus
- Building Hours
- Dining Menus
- Bus Routes
- NextBus Bus Prediction Tool
- RU News
- Athletics News
- Upcoming Events
- Big South Network News
- Mobile D2L
- Final Grades
- Class Schedules
- RU Express Balance
- Printing Balance
- Social Media Feeds
Current users should visit the App Store or Google Play to download the upgrade. New users can search for "Radford" on the App Store or Google Play or visit www.radford.edu/rumobile.
Updated IT Security website
The IT Security website recently has been updated to include a wealth of new information.
Additions include information on how to secure your IT devices, how to protect your computer and data when online and how to protect yourself from the ever increasing threat of identity theft. Additionally, there is information on the services the IT Security office provides, such as training, vulnerability scans and IT system reviews.
You can find the updated website at: www.radford.edu/it-security. You also can follow RU IT Security on Twitter (RU_IT Security) where we post information on important software updates and links to relevant IT security news and information.
Meet the DoIT Staff
 Randy (R.J.) Davis
Computer Operations Manager
How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University? Six years.
Family: I have been married to my wife, Amber, for 13 years. Together we have a son, Trey, who is just turning 12 and daughter, Brooke, who is 7. Trey enjoys anything military and Legos, while Brooke loves dress up and gymnastics. We have a German Shepherd named Precious who keeps the kids in line. Sharing her name typically eases cautious visitors, and at times, a good laugh.
Hometown: I was born in Richlands, moved to Pulaski when I was in elementary school and have been there ever since.
Education: BA.A.S in computer science from NRCC. I am also taking CS classes at RU.
Interests/Hobbies: My passion is motorcycles and fixing things, but I have many interests. I tend to get bored easy, so having many small hobbies keeps me content. We have spent most of the year doing upgrades around the house, attending baseball games, hiking, mountain biking and hanging around the closest water front or pool.
Favorite vacation destination: This year I've been lucky enough to explore from Shelburne, Nova Scotia to Cocoa Beach, Florida. Since that pretty much covers the east coast we hope to visit some places westward in the U.S. and eventually a big trip to Italy.
Favorite part of your job: I love to learn, so I am right at home in higher education.
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