IT Updates - April 2024

In this story:

• Application, Infrastructure, and Security 
• Information Security and Application Systems 
• Infrastructure and Enterprise Systems 
• Student Technology Services 
• Technical Support Services

Application, Infrastructure, and Security

Introducing BUGS 'N' SLUGS: A Unified Force for Excellence

In June, the Slate User Group (SLUGS) and the Banner User Group (BUGS) will merge to become BUGS 'N' SLUGS. This merger aims to harness expertise of system power users, promoting synergy across business operations. Be on the lookout for more information and details about the upcoming merger of these user groups.

Collaborative Excellence: Enhancing University Operations

The collaboration between EKU IT and Fin Aid exemplifies the power of teamwork in navigating complex challenges. Tasked with testing and implementing the latest FASFA changes in our systems, the teams faced many hurdles, from delayed releases to unexpected bugs in the code. Through open communication, shared expertise, and a relentless commitment to excellence, we have successfully integrated the FASFA updates, ensuring seamless functionality and compliance. This collaborative effort highlights teamwork's invaluable impact in achieving organizational goals!

Information Security and Application Systems

Enhancing Security Measures and Optimizing Systems: Upgrades in Intrusion Detection and Summer Imaging Readiness

We will soon launch the latest version of our Intrusion Detection System (IDS) here at EKU to ensure our commitment to protecting sensitive data, maintaining operational continuity, and safeguarding the trust of our campus stakeholders.

The Application Systems group is also preparing for the summer imaging process. The team has been collecting software titles requested for the 2024-2025 school year so they can be packaged and ready for imaging when that process starts shortly after the end of the spring semester.

Infrastructure and Enterprise Systems

KyWired: Network Team Boosts Campus Connectivity with KyWired Cutover, Expanding Bandwidth to 40 Gigabits

The Network team has been busy enhancing campus connectivity! We recently completed the KyWired cutover in January, providing a significant boost with 40 Gigabits of bandwidth to the state fiber network. By utilizing KyWired, bandwidth will also be increased for the Manchester and Corbin campuses.

Expanding Outdoor Wi-Fi: Enhancements Underway at Key Campus Locations

Work is underway to expand and upgrade outdoor Wi-Fi in several areas, including Begley Crowd Area, Intramural Fields, the Wallace/Science Building crosswalk, and Carloftis Gardens.

Summer IT Upgrades: Enhancing System Performance and Strengthening Data Protection

Over the summer, IT Systems are planning to upgrade Active Directory Domain Controllers to enhance system performance and security. We are also working to increase backup storage capacity and utilize the increased bandwidth to reach the Manchester disaster recovery location, further strengthening our data protection capabilities.

Student Technology Services

Geek Team: Enhancing Student Experience with Essential Tech Services

The Geeks continue to check out needed equipment for EKU students, bridging the technology gap for our students.

• We are still offering our headshot service (which was utilized this year by over 145 members of our EKU community)

• Helping maintain student labs

• Performing PC Malware cleanups

• Laminating and binding student academic projects

• Developing exciting new services (keep your eyes out for our up-and-coming Discord)!

Technical Support Services

SIP technology coming to campus

Telecommunications is working to transition the older phone technology that connects campus to off-campus numbers. Calling is initiated through Microsoft Teams, but the physical connection for inbound and outbound calls is currently through PRI line technology. That will be moved to SIP technology in the next few months. PRI technology is aging technology which is leading EKU IT to pursue this project. Once the change occurs, it should be seamless for campus users.

Academic Classrooms receiving fresh tech

The IT Academic Technology team is planning and preparing for summer projects. We will deploy new audio/video equipment to select classroom spaces, updating aging technology. Please don't hesitate to call us for support or with any questions, 859-622-3000.