Verify an Email From UIS

Subject: Internet Outage Planned for 12 – 8 a.m. EDT on Friday, June 24

Dear Georgetown Community Member,

University Information Services (UIS) will be performing critical maintenance to improve network security across all Georgetown University campuses and buildings on Friday, June 24, 2022, between 12 – 8 a.m. EDT. This will result in intermittent internet access/wifi outages. Internet and network connectivity are expected to return to full capacity by 8 a.m. EDT.

We do not anticipate that Georgetown email, other online services (such as GMS and GU360) and emergency communications will be affected by this outage, and they should be available from off-campus wifi and cellular networks.

Please contact help@georgetown.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
VP for Information Services and CIO

6/23/22

Subject: WiFi Maintenance – Friday, February 18 from 5-7 a.m.

UIS will be performing campus-wide WiFi maintenance this Friday, February 18 from 5 – 7 a.m. EST. During this time, you may experience intermittent connectivity issues. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the UIS Service Desk at help@georgetown.edu.

2/15/22

Subject: Firmware Upgrade for Reiss Science and St. Mary’s

UIS will be performing WiFi maintenance in the Reiss Science Building and St. Mary’s Hall on Friday, January 28 between 6 and 6:30 a.m., EST.

During this time you may experience intermittent connectivity issues. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the UIS Service Desk at help@georgetown.edu.

1/27/21

Subject: Unexpected Short Network Interruption

Due to an unexpected disruption to the university’s wi-fi network, on-campus internet connection will be lost for approximately 5 mins at 1:50pm. We apologize for the inconvenience.

(12/2/21)

Subject: Internet Outage Planned for 12 – 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 9

Dear Georgetown Community Member,

There will be a planned outage affecting internet and network connectivity across all Georgetown University campuses and buildings this Saturday, October 9, 2021 between 12 – 8 a.m. EDT.

University Information Services (UIS) will be performing critical maintenance to improve network security during this time. Internet and network connectivity are expected to return to full capacity by 8 a.m. EDT.

Please contact help@georgetown.edu (new window) if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
VP, Information Technology and CIO

Subject: Urgent Security Update for Apple Devices

Dear Georgetown University Community Member:

Apple has issued an emergency security update for all devices to close vulnerabilities against spyware. If you have any Georgetown-issued devices, you may already have seen a notification making you aware of this necessary security update.

Please take a few moments to save your work and to check that you are using the latest operating systems (iOS 14.8, iPad OS 14.8, watchOS 7.6.2, macOS Big Sur 11.6, Mojave 10.14.6 and/or macOS Catalina 10.15.7). If you are on one of these versions, no additional action is needed at this time.

If you are not using the latest version, please update your operating system immediately using the instructions below.

Instructions for updating your software on an Apple computer can be found here. (new window)
Instructions for updating your software on an iPhone or iPad can be found here. (new window)
Instructions for updating your software on an Apple Watch can be found here. (new window)

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. If you need assistance, please contact help@georgetown.edu (new window).

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson, VP for Information Technology and CIO

Subject: Mandatory Password Reset (Faculty/Staff)

Dear Georgetown Community Member:

As a critical part of our ongoing effort to better secure the University, its data, and our community, Georgetown is changing its requirements for passwords. To reflect the ever-changing threat landscape and to fully utilize cybersecurity tools available to protect us, UIS is now requiring the use of a randomly-generated passphrase for your NetID account.

After 9:00 am, EST on Thursday September 9, when you log in, you will be prompted to change your password. Please note, there is no change to the requirement or process for DUO enrollment.

If you do not change your password by 11:59 pm, EDT on Wednesday September 22, 2021, your password will be reset by UIS and you will need to recover your password by selecting “Forgot Password” at Password Station.

What If I Recently Changed My Password?

A very small set of recent password changes unfortunately failed to update all directory resources successfully, resulting in the inability to access some resources such as Saxanet, printers and classroom/lab computers. Additionally, a password change is required if you are still utilizing the temporary password provided to you by the Service Center during a “password reset.”

What You Need to Do if you are a Windows User on a Georgetown-issued PC

Log in to your computer using your NetId and NetID password.
Please log into the Georgetown network via VPN. (new window)
If you are in Qatar please log into the Georgetown network via (new window)GU-Q VPN (new window)
You will see an option to “Change Your Password now,” which will take you to Password Station (new window).
Use the password generator to create a new, random, multi-word passphrase.
Enter your old NetID password.
Click “confirm” to set your new passphrase. Please make sure you know what your new passphrase is.
Perform a Screen lock (Ctrl-Alt-Delete) while on VPN. When you unlock your screen, you will be prompted for your new password.
Take advantage of the password managers built-in to our supported browsers (Chrome (new window), Firefox (new window), or Safari (new window)) to save your new password. For example, if you use Chrome, sign-in to the browser (new window) with your NetID and Password first.
As a reminder, if prompted, please update your password on your mobile devices.

What You Need to Do if you are a Mac User on a GU-issued computer

Click on “Change Your Password now,” which will take you to Password Station (new window).
Use the password generator to create a new, random, multi-word passphrase.
Enter your old NetID password.
Click “confirm” to set your new passphrase.
Take advantage of the password managers built-in to our supported browsers (Chrome (new window), Firefox (new window), or Safari (new window)) to save your new password. For example, if you use Chrome, sign-in to the browser (new window) with your NetID and Password first.

What You Need to Do if you are using a non-GU-issued Computer.

Please follow the directions for Mac Users on a GU-issued computer above.

Click here for more information on how to change your password. (new window)

More Information

To learn more, please see NetID password standard (new window) and password safety and management best practices (new window), where you will also find information on password manager tools and the importance of password diversity.

Getting Help

If you require assistance, please email help@georgetown.edu (new window). For faculty, students, and staff on the Qatar Campus who require assistance or have any questions, please email guqhelpcenter@georgetown.edu (new window).

We greatly appreciate your time and attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Subject: Mandatory Password Reset (Students)

Dear Georgetown Student:

After 9:00 am, EST on Thursday September 9, when you log in, you will be prompted to change your password. Please note, there is no change to the requirement or process for DUO enrollment.

What If I Recently Changed My Password?

What You Need to Do

(Click here for Qatar student-specific instructions on how to change your password (new window).)

Click on “Change Your Password now,” which will take you to Password Station (new window).
Use the password generator to create a new, random, multi-word passphrase.
Enter your old NetID password.
Click “confirm” to set your new passphrase. Please make sure you know what your new passphrase is.
Take advantage of the password managers built-in to our supported browsers (Chrome (new window), Firefox (new window), or Safari (new window)) to save your new password. For example, if you use Chrome, sign-in to the browser (new window) with your NetID and Password first.
As a reminder, if prompted, please update your password on your mobile devices.

Click here for more information on how to change your password. (new window)

More Information

To learn more, please see NetID password standard (new window) and password safety and management best practices, (new window) where you will also find information on password manager tools and the importance of password diversity.

Getting Help

If you require assistance, please email help@georgetown.edu (new window). For faculty, students and staff on the Qatar Campus who require assistance or have any questions, please email guqhelpcenter@georgetown.edu (new window).

We greatly appreciate your time and attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Subject: Critical Security Update to SaxaNet

Dear Georgetown Community Member:

I am writing to inform you of a critical security update to the Georgetown wireless network as we return to campus.

SaxaNet Security Certificate

UIS is implementing a critical update to our SaxaNet security certificates. Please make sure to review and accept the certificates when you are next on campus or in a Georgetown managed building, and accessing the internet via SaxaNet. The links below provide instructions for how to access SaxaNet:

If you have already connected to SaxaNet and are experiencing any issues, please follow this process to forget the SaxaNet network and then rejoin.

If you need assistance, please contact help@georgetown.edu.

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson, VP for Information Technology and CIO

Subject: Unscheduled WiFi Outage

Dear Georgetown Community Member:

I am writing to inform you that several buildings on campus are experiencing a wireless outage.

UIS is working with the manufacturer to repair the issue and we expect to have service restored this evening.

Buildings Impacted are Cisco Wireless locations

ICC Intercultural Center
Preclinical Science
Basic Science
Isaac Ryan Hall
Arrupe Hall
Hariri
Old North
New North
SCS (640 Massachusetts Ave.)
Harris
Thompson Athletic Center
Alumni Square

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused for you. If you need assistance, please contact help@georgetown.edu (new window).

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson, VP for Information Technology and CIO

Subject: What to Expect Regarding Information Technology as We Return to Campus

Dear Colleagues:

As we continue to prepare for our community’s return to campus over the coming weeks, we write to inform you of several information technology related updates.

Changes to Box and Google Chat

Box. The user interface for Box was recently updated. For more information, and to familiarize yourself with these changes, please go to the UIS webpage describing the changes to Box.
Google Chat (previously known as Google Hangouts). In March 2021, Google introduced a change from Hangouts to Chat. To assist previous Hangout users with the transition, Google created this helpful tool that explains the differences and evolution. If you use Hangouts on your mobile device, chat is now fully incorporated in the GMail app. If you do not use the GMail app, please download the Google Chat app to continue collaborating with your colleagues at Georgetown via your mobile device. If you are still using Hangouts, please know that Google will fully transition to Chat this fall, so please take some time now to become accustomed to the new functionality.

Helpful Reminders as You Return to Campus.

System Updates – If your desktop computer at your campus workspace has not been used since March 2020, it has likely not had an operating system upgrade or security patch since that time. Please know that when you first turn on your computer when you return to campus, the time it may take for these updates to take place could be significant. Please plan ahead by ensuring that your computer is free of dust, that you reboot it when you first get to campus, and that updates begin downloading before you open any applications. You may need to check on the updates periodically to ensure the system does not time out. If you need any support with this process, please contact help@georgetown.edu.
Georgetown WiFi Updates – After completing the necessary system updates to your computer, you will need to update your SaxaNet Connection. Please visit this webpage for instructions on how to connect (or reconnect) your computer or mobile device to SaxaNet. If you’re unable to connect, follow these steps for how to remove the SaxaNet WiFi network from your computer or mobile device, and then try to reconnect.
Computer Recycling – If you were issued a laptop while working remotely and no longer need a desktop computer you previously used, we encourage you to keep the laptop and recycle the desktop. Please ensure that the desktop computer is returned to UIS so that we may destroy the hard disk in order to protect your data and our network security. Beginning August 15, 2021, to-be-recycled desktops can be dropped off at Reiss Science Building, Room 334. Please call 202-687-6626 to ensure we have on site prior to dropping off equipment.
UIS Helpdesk Hours. Beginning August 15, 2021, the UIS Help Desk will extend its hours and operate from 7:00 A.M. ET to 8:00 P.M. ET Monday to Friday. You can reach the Help Desk via email at help@georgetown.edu. UIS now has a self-service ticket entry portal, information articles and chat support to streamline support. More information can be found here. You can also reach out the UIS Walk-up Service Desk in the Georgetown Bookstore at the Leavey Center bookstore. The Service Desk is open Monday-Friday, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. ET. You must schedule an appointment for in-person assistance.
Printing is now managed by Auxiliary Services. See Managed Print Services – Auxiliary Business Services and Real Estate for additional information or support regarding your printing needs while on campus.
Telephone Service. For questions about telephone service, please visit the UIS webpage on phone and data services. If you no longer need a desk phone or phone line, please remember to contact UIS to discontinue the phone line.

Global Computer Supply Issues

We have been notified by Staples and Apple that there continue to be global supply-chain delays with computer equipment manufacturing and shipping. In order to ensure business continuity, we will no longer be able to accommodate custom computer purchases or non-laptop purchases, which face delivery delays on average of a minimum of 16-20 weeks.

We are working with Staples to pre-stock standard HP and Lenovo laptop models that can ship quickly. UIS has tested these models and has confirmed that they can be imaged with standard Georgetown software. These will be the standard models available via the GMS punch-out process, and we strongly encourage purchase of these in-stock standard items. We are also exploring with Staples or CDWG the possibility of pre-stocking standard Mac laptops and iPads. However, at this time, Apple devices are only available via the Apple punchout and are subject to availability.

Due to demand, it is imperative that requisitions are approved and Purchase Orders are issued in a timely manner. If you have plans to bring on new employees, please consider repurposing existing equipment or ordering laptops before their arrival. Used computers should be returned to UIS for reimaging before they are reissued; please contact the Help Desk at help@georgetown.edu to make an appointment as reimaging may take 1-3 weeks.

Why You Cannot Purchase a Computer at your Local Retailer. Most retailers do not stock approved Georgetown HP and Lenovo models, which are business models. Retailers tend to stock consumer models, which are difficult to support, are not tested, and lack the encryption capabilities required to process sensitive Georgetown data. As a result, consumer grade laptops could pose security vulnerabilities to your data and the Georgetown network.

Please visit the UIS website where you can find information on these topics and more, contact help@georgetown.edu or use the self-service ticket entry portal if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
VP, Information Technology and CIO

Subject: URGENT: Critical Updates for Apple Operating Systems

Dear Members of the Georgetown Community:

A significant security vulnerability has been detected in Apple operating systems for desktops and laptops, iPhones, and iPads. This vulnerability is not specific to Georgetown University computers, but affects all Apple devices. To address this vulnerability, UIS will be pushing a security patch to affected Georgetown-managed Apple computers so that all systems will be up-to-date.

Any iPads or iPhones or Apple devices that are not managed by UIS will need to have security updates installed manually by the user as soon as possible. For information on how to update your personal devices, please visit Critical Updates to Apple Operating Systems. These updates are critical to protecting your data and the Georgetown network.

To check to see if your iPhone or iPad needs an update please go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. If you see “iOS is up to date,” then you’re not affected.

As of Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the following message will be displayed on all Georgetown-issued Apple desktops and laptops that have a patch installation pending:

Apple Mac critical update message

After 11:59 AM on Thursday, July 29, 2021, any Georgetown-issued Apple desktop or laptop that does not have the patch installed will be automatically updated and rebooted by UIS. If you have any questions, please contact help@georgetown.edu . (new window)

We appreciate your time and attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Subject: IT Services for Alumni

Dear Alumni,

Congratulations on your recent graduation! Please find below information about your access to Georgetown University systems moving forward:

Google Email: As a member of Georgetown’s alumni community, you will have continued access to your Georgetown NetID Gmail account. If you have more than 15GB worth of email and attachments currently stored in your Georgetown Gmail account, please transfer your files (new window) to a personal account by January 15, 2022. After January 15, 2022, if you still have more than 15GB of email data, you will not be able to receive any new email until you reduce your email data to under 15GB.
Google Workspace: If you have data in any other Google Workspace application, please refer to information on how you can transfer your data (new window) from your Georgetown Google account to a personal account. For information on how to transfer data in other workspace applications please refer to this website (new window). As of January 1, 2022, you will not be able to access your Google services, other than email, unless you contact help@georgetown.edu (new window) to make other arrangements.
Zoom: You will continue to have unlimited access to your Georgetown Zoom account for approximately 90 days from the date of this email. At the conclusion of 90 days, your Georgetown-licensed Zoom account will revert to a free Zoom Basic Account (new window).
Box: You will continue to have unlimited access to your Georgetown Box account for 90 days from the date of this email. At the conclusion of 90 days, your Georgetown Box access will be closed. Please refer to the instructions for transferring files from a Georgetown Box account to a personal Box account (new window).

If you have any questions, please contact help@georgetown.edu (new window). We wish you the best in your future endeavors!

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
VP, Information Technology and CIO

Subject: Introducing Cofense; A New Tool to Report Phishing

Dear Members of the Georgetown Community,

Phishing is a technique used by criminals to send fake emails claiming to represent legitimate businesses, University departments, and even your close friends in order to obtain personal information. In order to better protect your data, you now have access to Cofense Phish Reporter as an add-on for the Georgetown University Google mail interface. This tool enables you to report suspicious emails to the cyber incident response team quickly and easily. Your report will automatically include such information as email headers that are vital to investigating the email.

You do not need to do anything to install this new security feature. When you log into your Google mail client for your desktop or when you are using the Gmail app on your mobile device, you may see this notification in the Gmail sidebar:

The next time you see a suspicious email, simply click the Reporter button (the fish icon) to let Georgetown’s University Information Security Officer (UISO) know. The fish icon encourages users to remember “When in Doubt, Click the Trout.”

More information on this new feature is available on the cyber security webpage (new window) (new window) (new window)How to Report Phishing Emails with Cofense Reporter (new window).

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
VP, Information Technology and CIO

Subject: Mandatory NetID Password Changes

To: ____@georgetown.edu
From: officeofthecio@georgetown.edu
Date: June 1, 2021

Dear Georgetown Student:

As a critical part of our ongoing effort to better secure the University, its data, and our community, Georgetown is changing its requirements for passwords. To reflect the ever-changing threat landscape and fully utilize cybersecurity tools available to protect us, UIS is now requiring the use of a randomly-generated passphrase for your NetID account. We have already required all faculty and staff to change their passwords, which took place throughout February and March, and we are now asking the same of our students.

After 9:00 am, EST on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, when you log in, you will be prompted to change your password. Please note, there is no change to the requirement or process for DUO enrollment.

If you do not change your password by 11:59 pm, EST, Monday June 28, 2021, your password will be reset by UIS, and you will need to recover your password by selecting “Forgot Password” at Password Station (new window).

What You Need to Do
(Qatar student-specific instructions can be found here (new window))

Click on “Change Your Password now,” which will take you to Password Station (new window).
Use the password generator to create a new, random, multi-word passphrase.
Enter your old NetID password.
Click “confirm” to set your new passphrase. Please make sure you know what your new passphrase is.
Take advantage of the password managers built-in to our supported browsers (Chrome (new window), Firefox (new window), or Safari (new window)) to save your new password. For example, if you use Chrome, sign-in to the browser (new window) with your NetID and Password first.
As a reminder, if prompted, please update your password on your mobile devices.

Click here for more information on how to change your password (new window), where you may also find information on how to reset your password if you are using a Georgetown-issued PC.

More Information

To learn more, please see NetID password standard (new window) and password safety and management best practice (new window) where you will also find information on password manager tools and the importance of password diversity.

If you require assistance please email help@georgetown.edu (new window). For faculty, students and staff on the Qatar Campus who require assistance or have any questions, please email guqhelpcenter@georgetown.edu (new window).

We greatly appreciate your time and attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Judd Nicholson
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer