Information Technology

April 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
If you access the Internet from a shared computer, make sure you don't leave anything behind. Make sure you've logged out of all sites you were using, and make sure to log off before you walk away from the machine.



IT Tip
Flip your screen!
• Press CTRL + ALT + the up arrow key
• Next press CTRL + ALT + the right arrow key
• Then press CTRL + ALT + the left arrow key
• Then, before you get too dizzy press CTRL + ALT + the down arrow key



Accessibility Tip
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Division of Information Technology
Radford University

A new Radford Account Management System is on the way

Coming this June, you'll have a new way to manage your RU account and password. Improved features include:

  • access to reset passwords using your cell phone, alternate email address, or secret question for Faculty and Staff
  • access requests for some of RU's systems will be moved online which will ease the submission process and fulfillment of your request

In the coming weeks, DoIT will be sending out instructions on how to set up your new account and use the new systems. In order to utilize the functionality of the new system you'll need to set up your account in the new system.


Virtual tour gives prospective students an in-depth look at RU

With increased attention on non-resident and international recruitment and outreach, Radford University has worked with a vendor to develop a new, robust virtual tour.

The tour will allow prospective students to "visit campus" from a remote location using a desktop computer or an Internet-enabled mobile device.

The virtual campus visit will include the ability to see campus buildings inside and out, hear testimonials from students and faculty and experience interactive features that provide a sense of being on campus without actually traveling to Radford. The content management system used to host the tour will allow Radford University to add additional multimedia to the tour on an ad hoc basis.

The tour will roll out this summer with 21 guided stops plus supplemental multimedia to enhance the experience.


Wireless upgrades and Clean Access replacement

Network Services will be working on several updates to the wireless infrastructure on campus over the summer. As part of these updates, the wireless network access control system Clean Access will be replaced with a new product called Identity Services Engine (ISE).

The goal of the ISE implementation is to simplify the process of connecting to the campus network while providing wireless support for student devices including game machines, streaming media devices and wireless printers, which are common in the residence halls.

This new system will also provide the ability for departments to register visitors and provide them with temporary access to the campus wireless network. Design and testing of this new system is currently underway with the planned implementation to be complete before the start of the Fall 2014 semester.

Wireless access points are also being upgraded in several locations across campus to provide increased coverage and support for the faster 802.11 AC wireless protocol.


Meet the DoIT Staff

John AbsherJohn Absher
Door Access and Alarms Technician


How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University?5 years

Family: I have been married to my wife Christine for 20 years. God has blessed us with one daughter (Kailey, 16) and one son (Avery, 13). My parents live in Christiansburg and my sister lives in Northern Virginia.

Hometown: Christiansburg, Virginia

Education: A.A.S in electronics technology and an A.A.S. in instrumentation technology from New River Community College.

Interests/Hobbies: Aside from enjoying watching various sports and school activities of my two active teenagers, I enjoy motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing, golfing, shooting competitions, and racquetball. I also enjoy taking pictures of outdoor scenery and sports activities.

Favorite vacation destination: Disney World, Florida

Favorite part of your job: Working with some great folks in IT, helping create a safer campus for everybody.