Information Services & Technology - Fall 2025 Newsletter

Table of Contents:

Welcome Back Checklist

Information Services and Technology (IS&T) is excited to kick off another year supporting the university community. Whether you’re stepping onto campus for the first time or returning for another chapter, we’re here to keep your technology running smoothly so you can focus on what matters most.

This newsletter is your go-to resource for IT updates, helpful reminders, and best practices to keep you connected and productive all year long. Review the Fall 2025 Back to Campus Checklist 

Upcoming engagement opportunities

  • Saturday, August 23: Technology orientation training for new students
    2:00pm – 3:00pm, Anderson Hall Rooms 212 and 213 
  • Wednesday, September 3: Student Involvement Fair
    11:00am – 2:00pm, Academic Quad

 

Key Reminders and Best Practices

Here are some IS&T tips for returning to campus including additional resources for instructional technologies, classroom technologies, computer labs, software, and hardware to help your semester get off to a great start.

  1. Activate your course site(s) in D2L & note course availability dates  
  2. Update your RamCast (Mersive Solstice) client  
  3. Update your Zoom Client - Zoom forced minimum version on August 2nd; next update expected early September 
  4. Learn how to manage your technology inside and out of the classroom  
  5. Visit the Classroom Technology Directory to verify equipment in your classroom 
  6. Learn how to connect your laptop to a classroom display with HDMI 
  7. Catch up on all the new and improved tools and features of D2L, Zoom, and Panopto  
  8. Consider Bookings for scheduling office hours 
  9. Proofpoint URL Defense: Overview, User Guide, & FAQ 

 

Digital Accessibility Update: What You Need to Know

West Chester University is working together to meet new federal accessibility requirements by April 24, 2026, ensuring that all web content, mobile apps, and digital materials align with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance is leading a Web Accessibility Task Force (WATF) made up of staff from TLC, OEA, Web, and IS&T. Starting in Fall 2025, the task force will offer training and resources to help the campus community make digital content more inclusive and accessible. These resources can be found on the Website and Digital Accessibility resource page.  

Ally logoAs Golden Rams, we must all work together to make sure nobody is left out. One Herd, All Access.

This is a campus-wide initiative, and everyone who creates digital content plays an important role. Simple steps like using accessible templates, adding alt text to images, and ensuring video captions are accurate can have a big impact.  

We’re all in this together! Stay tuned for more updates and ways to get involved as we move forward with this important work. 


Learn more about digital accessibility

  1. LinkedIn Video Collection – Digital Accessibility Training Resources
  2. Accessibility Resources 
  3. ADA Checklist for Faculty 
  4. ReadSpeaker in D2L   
  5. Editing captions in Panopto videos   
  6. Zoom Captioning and Managing Live Transcriptions in Meetings 

 

Keeping Up With Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Generative AI tools can be incorporated into learning and assessment activities to enhance student learning experiences. A major concern is around the difficulty of distinguishing between human and AI authorship and its implications for academic integrity.   

To address the impact of AI-generated content on teaching and learning, the Teaching and Learning Center has developed a Generative AI Blog that provides faculty guidance on developing an approach to engaging with AI tools that is best suited to their teaching style and context. Faculty are encouraged to reach out to their instructional designer or email tlc@wcupa.edu to explore strategies for their specific teaching context. 

Teams from IS&T and the Teaching and Learning Center developed a new module in Navigating Digital Learning - Introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence - where students will learn what generative artificial intelligence is, including benefits, pitfalls, and how these tools might be used at West Chester University.

 

Classroom Technology Updates

Classroom audio-visual support is available by scanning the QR code posted at each instructor station which will directly connect you to a live multimedia technician. Users can also dial 610-436-3350 and press the #4 option for classroom support or submit a ServiceNow request. 

For live tech support for to wcupa ServieNow

Logging into Campus Computer Lab Changes 

IS&T is updating how university-owned computers are managed to improve security, streamline support, and align with modern best practices.  All WCU-owned computers are centrally managed and will require a WCU RamNetID and Password to log in. This now includes Apple computer labs and laptop carts.  Windows labs will continue to require a WCU RamNetID and password. 

If you are teaching or working in a campus computer lab with Apple computers or Macbooks, you and your students will now be required to log in with your WCU RamNetID and password. 

Please note that if you are hosting non-WCU students for a camp or program, you will need to enter a request in ServiceNow for additional assistance with computer access. 

Employee computers will be migrated incrementally across campus over the next year. You will receive direct communication with further instructions when your computer will be migrated. If your computer is due to be upgraded, your new computer will be migrated when you receive it. 

For additional information visit the Device Management Website.

 

Moonshot for Equity Initiative: Technology Access

Laptop Programs: 

IS&T offers a variety of lending options for students as part of the Moonshot for Equity initiative with the goal of providing equitable access to technology resources for students demonstrating need for the equipment. Students can visit the Student Computing Resources website to learn more about each of these programs, available computer labs, and educational discounts on equipment from retailers.

Additionally, the Provost’s Office, Deans and IS&T have allocated resources to maintain a supply of Windows and MacOS laptops that will now be available for adjunct faculty. Adjunct Faculty can submit a request using the Adjunct Faculty Loaner Laptop Form. 

Software Access Via RamCloud: 

RamCloud enables seamless streaming of applications directly to a student's web browser on any device. It tightly integrates with the university Learning Management System D2L, and university storage services like OneDrive and Google Drive. Watch the RamCloud NextGen Promotional Video or log in at https://ramcloud.wcupa.edu.  

Access to Adobe for Students: 

All WCU students have access to Adobe’s web-based creative platform Adobe Express. Additionally, students enrolled in academic programs requiring Adobe products to complete coursework will have no-cost access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud Pro suite.

 

Keeping WCU Cyber Safe

As we kick off a new academic year, it’s the perfect time to refresh your cybersecurity habits. Remember—a secure campus starts with informed users. Your vigilance is our first line of defense. Let’s work together to keep our digital campus safe. 

Here are a few quick tips to help protect your data and our community: 

  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Don’t reuse passwords across accounts. A password manager can help. 
  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – It’s a simple way to add powerful protection. 
  • Think Before You Click – Phishing emails are common. If something feels off, don’t engage—report it! 
  • Update Your Devices – Keep your operating system and apps current to patch security holes. 
  • Lock It Down – Never leave devices unattended and always lock your screen. 

Spam Filtering through Proofpoint 

With increased risks of email phishing and social engineering scams, it’s more important than ever to protect your personal and professional emails. West Chester University utilizes Proofpoint, a tool which filters, protects, and tags emails sent to WCU email accounts. The software quarantines possible spam or bulk messages in a user’s Spam Digest. It also automatically scans URLs and determines if it’s a known malicious link. Users can also report suspicious messages. For more information on Proofpoint, please refer to the Proofpoint: Overview, User Guide, & FAQ KB article. 

Upcoming Cybersecurity Awareness Training 

Reminder: WCU prioritizes annual cybersecurity awareness training to help you better understand potential threats and learn how to handle them effectively. WCU will launch cybersecurity training in October 2025 in conjunction with Cybersecurity Month. Please be on the lookout for this training. 

 

Zoom Accessibility Features: In-Meeting Captioning & Transcription Tools

As part of our ongoing commitment to accessible and inclusive communication, the Office of Information Services & Technology (IS&T) would like to highlight key in-meeting Zoom features that support flexible, user-friendly engagement for all participants. Zoom offers two distinct tools that display spoken content in text format during live sessions: Automated Captions and Live Transcription.   

Automated Captions  

Enabled by default in all Zoom meetings, this feature uses built-in speech recognition to provide real-time captions during a live session.  

  • Hosts and participants can choose to display captions in their individual meeting view.  
  • Captions are not saved after the meeting ends.  
  • Hosts can also assign a live captioner, if needed.  

Live Transcription  

Not enabled by default, this feature must be turned on in advance of a meeting in the host’s Zoom settings in order to generate a full transcript during a meeting.  

  • If the feature is active, both hosts and participants can view the live transcript during the session.  
  • Attendees who join a meeting after it begins will not see transcript content generated prior to their entry.  
  • If you're using Zoom for sensitive or confidential conversations, it is advised to keep this feature turned off.  

Managing These Tools  

Hosts should review their Zoom meeting settings in advance to determine which captioning and transcription options are appropriate for their session.  

Considerations include:  

  • Whether the meeting will be recorded  
  • The need to share transcripts after the session 
  • Participant preferences or requests  
  • Coordination with 3rd party (live) captioners, if applicable  
  • Zoom automatically notifies participants when transcription is in use, but, hosts should also verbally inform attendees—especially when recording  

For detailed instructions and best practices, visit:  
Zoom: Automated Captions & Transcripts (WCU Knowledge Base)  

 

Training & Professional Development

FAST Faculty & Staff Training  

The Faculty and Staff Training (FAST) unit supports WCU faculty and staff in becoming proficient in various applications and providing best practices in trending platforms. We offer training in classroom technology, Microsoft 365, D2L, Panopto, Zoom, and more. Courses are designed to accommodate all levels of learning and allow users to build on acquired skills. 

To sign up for FAST training: 

  • Visit https://wcupa.edu/fast.  
  • Select “Training Schedule” from the left-hand menu to view the current training schedule. 
  • Click the session title and then the registration link. 
  • Enter your WCU credentials and submit your registration details. 

Screen shot of Faculty and Staff training page

Getting Started with LinkedIn Learning  

All students, faculty and staff have access to LinkedIn Learning, an on-demand learning solution library of thousands of business, creative, and technology video training tutorials.  LinkedIn Learning is available on any device (computer and mobile) and offers students, faculty, and staff access to a vast library of online courses, enhancing skills development and career preparation.  

Faculty can integrate LinkedIn Learning video tutorials within their D2L courses to supplement course content. For more information on this process, please refer to the D2L: Create a Link in Content KB article. 

Create Your Account Today! 

  • Visit www.wcupa.edu/linkedinlearning to access the LinkedIn Learning login page. 
  • Log in with your West Chester University credentials. 
  • You can connect your personal LinkedIn profile to your WCU LinkedIn Learning account. 
    • Connecting to your LinkedIn profile allows for personalized course recommendations and highlights completed courses on your LinkedIn profile. 
    • If you prefer not to connect, select the option to continue without LinkedIn (this option can be changed at any time). 

LinkedIn Learning logoFor questions about training opportunities and LinkedIn Learning, email fast@wcupa.edu.  

 

Mobile Apps to Stay Connected

Brightspace Pulse App (Students)  

Brightspace Pulse is a free mobile app available for iOS and Android devices that can help you stay connected and on track with your courses in D2L Brightspace. Download on iOS or Android.

Mersive Solstice “RamCast” (Students, Faculty & Staff) 

Allows users to wirelessly connect to WCU presentation systems in classrooms, conference rooms, and other meeting spaces. RamCast Website Download on iOS or Android.

ServiceNow Now Mobile (Students, Faculty & Staff) 

Search for support articles, submit a ticket or interact with the Virtual Agent questions.  
Download on iOS or Android. 

 

West Chester University | Information Services & Technology
To learn more about Information Services & Technology, visit the IS&T website
or to speak with a LIVE Agent dial 610-436-3350
Reset your password | Manage your Spam Filter | IS&T Help Desk
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