Student Inform—January 13, 2025
- Explore the NEW KSU Technology Guide for Students
- Exciting News: A New UITS Website is Coming Soon!
- Important Update: New Gmail Security Message
- Guidelines for AI Use at KSU
- Grade Appeals Process
- Cybersecurity Tips for a Safe Semester
Explore the New KSU Technology Guide for Students
Navigating the tech landscape at KSU just got easier! Our new Technology Guide is your one-stop shop for all things tech-related.
Discover the Benefits:
- Effortless Access: Find answers quickly to your most pressing tech questions.
- Seamless Support: Learn how to get help from UITS whenever you need it.
- Empowerment: Gain the knowledge and resources to succeed in your studies.
- Confidence: Navigate university technology with ease and confidence.
Explore the Guide Now!
If you find this guide helpful, share it with your friends and classmates!
If there’s something missing or not clear, please let us know!
Remember, UITS is here for you, Owls!
Exciting News: A New UITS Website is Coming Soon!
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new UITS website at the end of January!
Why the change? We're committed to providing you with the best possible IT support.
Our new website is designed to:
- Simplify your experience: Intuitive navigation and clear information.
- Keep you informed: The latest updates and announcements at your fingertips.
- Enhance your IT journey: A more user-friendly platform for all your IT needs.
What you need to know:
- Temporary redirects: Any links you might have saved will temporarily redirect to the new site.
- Update your bookmarks: Please update your UITS bookmarks to ensure seamless access to the new website.
Your feedback matters! We want to hear your thoughts. UITS's new website will include a feedback form where you can provide feedback.
Important Update: New Gmail Security Message
Starting February 4, KSU’s email system will include a new security feature to help protect you from phishing attempts and scams: Emails sent from Gmail accounts will display a prominent warning message at the top. This alert is designed to remind you to exercise caution when interacting with Gmail emails.
Think Before You Click. Stay Safe and Secure!
Always pause and verify before:
- Clicking on links
- Opening attachments
- Replying to emails
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and secure email environment at KSU.
Guidelines for AI Use at KSU
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world, making it essential to use AI tools responsibly and effectively. KSU is committed to ensuring that AI supports innovation while safeguarding our community’s values, data, and ethical standards. Below, please find general guidelines and guidance.
Engage with generative AI thoughtfully: Communicate clearly using conversational language, and never share confidential information or protected research. To safeguard data when using AI, use Microsoft Copilot when logged in with your KSUmail address and password.
General Guidelines
- Ethical Use: Always use AI in ways that uphold KSU’s values and ethical standards. Avoid using AI to mislead, deceive, or compromise academic integrity, privacy, or security.
- Secure Use: Be mindful of information you share with AI, and never share sensitive information, such as university business, personal details, proprietary research, or any data protected by law.
- Transparency: Be transparent about the use of AI in academic and administrative contexts. Clearly communicate when AI is being utilized, especially in coursework or decision-making processes that impact students, faculty, or staff.
- Respect for Privacy: Respect the privacy of others when using AI tools. Ensure that the use of AI complies with KSU’s privacy policies and relevant laws, safeguarding personal and sensitive information.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Use AI to support inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the KSU community. Ensure that AI tools are designed and used in ways that are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
- Continuous Learning: Stay informed about AI advancements and their implications. Engage in training and educational opportunities provided by KSU to understand how to use AI tools effectively and responsibly.
- Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborate and share feedback on AI tools and practices. Your input helps us continuously improve how AI is integrated at KSU, ensuring it meets the needs of our diverse community.
- Accountability: Take responsibility for the use of AI in your work or studies. It's essential to take ownership of how we use AI, ensuring that AI is applied ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with best practices.
Guidance for Students
IMPORTANT: Always check your syllabus before using AI for academic work. While UITS is excited to provide guidance on leveraging AI, particularly generative AI, the decision of when, how, or whether to use it in your coursework is ultimately up to your instructor. We encourage you to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.
Please note that The KSU Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity has updated the language in the KSU Codes of Conduct regarding AI. Here’s the revised section on cheating (from page 21):
Cheating. Receiving, attempting to receive, knowingly giving or attempting to give unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any course work (including, but not limited to, examinations, laboratory reports, essays, themes, term papers) is considered cheating, as is engaging in any behavior that a professor prohibits as academic misconduct in the syllabus or class discussion. Unless specifically authorized, using and/or having access to electronic devices during an examination, quiz, test or other assessment is automatically considered cheating, regardless of the student’s reason for using/accessing the device. Unauthorized use of artificial intelligence is another form of cheating. Authorized use of artificial intelligence is subject to the stated course instructors’ policy as described in a course syllabus or/and in class discussions. Consult with course instructor as needed. Additionally, unauthorized collaboration and sharing of materials in an electronic group chat is cheating, and said participation shall be determined by an evaluation of all facts available regarding participation.
For more information, check out this resource.
Remember: UITS is here to help! Please contact the KSU IT Service Desk if you have questions or concerns.
Grade Appeals Process
KSU has implemented a fully digital workflow for the grade appeal process. This digital submission process and workflow will make navigating grade appeals more straightforward and efficient for students as well as for faculty and administrators.
Please note that the window of time during which students may appeal grades begins the day after grades are posted and ends 20 days after the first day of classes the following semester.
For details, please see this webpage.
If you have questions about the grade appeals process, please contact academicaffairs@kennesaw.edu.
For technical assistance, please contact the KSU IT Service Desk.
Cybersecurity Tips for a Safe Semester
Welcome back, Owls! As we kick off the semester, here are some quick cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe online:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create long, complex passwords, and avoid reusing them. Consider using a password manager for extra security. - Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of protection by turning on MFA for accounts like email, banking, and university portals. - Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Be cautious of emails asking for personal info or containing strange links or attachments. Always double-check before clicking! - Keep Your Software Updated
Install updates right away—they often include important security patches. - Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Info
Use a VPN if you need to access sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi networks. - Backup Your Data
Regularly back up your important files to avoid losing them. - Lock Your Devices
Set up strong passwords or biometrics to lock your phone, laptop, or tablet when not in use.
Stay safe, protect your data, and have a successful semester!
If you need help, reach out to UITS – we’re here for you!
