Student Inform—November 18, 2024
- Avoid Holiday Hackers: Stay Safe This Shopping Season
- Grade Appeals Process
- AI at KSU: Resources for all Owls
- Knowledge Base: Technology Self-Help
- KSU IT Service Desk: Thanksgiving Break Hours
Avoid Holiday Hackers: Stay Safe This Shopping Season
The upcoming holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and . . . cybercrime! Unfortunately, as online shopping becomes more popular, so do the threats targeting unsuspecting buyers. The following tips will help you avoid the minefield of phishing scams, data breaches, and other scams. Read on and shop with confidence!
Before You Shop
- Update Your Devices: Make sure the device you use for shopping has the latest security updates.
- Use Secure Wi-Fi: Only use trusted Wi-Fi connections and avoid public Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Use the KSU VPN: For an added layer of security, connect to the KSU VPN.
- Use Strong Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for all your online accounts, including your email and shopping sites.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding this layer of security prevents someone from hacking into your account.
While You Shop
- Buy from Trusted Retailers: Use well-known, reputable retailers.
- Check URLs: Make sure the website address is correct and starts with "https" (the "s" stands for secure).
- Use Your Own Devices: Don't use public computers to shop online.
- Be Wary of Deals: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
- Use Credit Cards: In case of fraud, credit cards offer more protection than debit cards.
After You Shop
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.
- Change Passwords: After the holidays, consider changing your passwords for online shopping accounts.
- Be Cautious of Emails: Be wary of emails asking for personal information or requesting you to click on links.
Grade Appeals Process
Beginning this semester, KSU is implementing 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.
AI at KSU: Resources for all Owls
Explore AI resources from University Information Technology Services (UITS)! Learn how to leverage AI to enhance academic and administrative work, all while upholding the highest standards of ethics and data security.
What’s Included:
- Guidelines for AI use at KSU
- Learning Resources
- Microsoft Copilot, a secure AI chatbot available for all KSU students, faculty, and staff
- Additional resources, including links to materials for faculty from KSU Digital Learning Innovations (DLI) and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)
As AI continues to advance, UITS's resources will also evolve. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates and insights!
Knowledge Base: Technology Self-Help
The University Information Technology Services (UITS) Knowledge Base is a comprehensive library of easy-to-read articles designed to answer your technology-related questions and concerns quickly and effectively.
Check out the UITS Knowledge Base to learn . . .
- How to add a new device to your Duo account
- How to download KSU-supported software
- How to access the Closed Captions Editor in Kaltura MediaSpace
And more!
KSU IT Service Desk: Thanksgiving Break Hours
As the Thanksgiving break approaches, we want to keep you informed about the hours you can reach the KSU IT Service Desk. Please view the schedule below.
- Nov. 24, 1–5 p.m.
- Nov. 25–27, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Nov. 28–Dec. 1, Closed
UITS wishes you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!