Month January 2026


Celebrating Success: Adobe Day and Microsoft Week at UA

Last semester, our campus was buzzing with innovation and creativity as we hosted two major tech engagement events: Adobe Day and Microsoft Week. These events brought together students, faculty, and staff to explore cutting-edge tools, learn new skills, and connect with industry leaders. Adobe Day: A Creative Explosion Adobe Day was a resounding success, drawing…


The Importance of Change Management in IT: Why UA’s OIT Team Embraces Continuous Improvement

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, change is not optional – it’s essential. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) systems underpin nearly every aspect of modern university life, from classroom technology and research platforms to administrative systems and cybersecurity. To keep these systems secure, efficient, and user-friendly, change management plays a critical role. What is Change…


Blackboard Ultra Update

What’s New & Why It Matters Enhancements Faculty & Students Love Smart Tools Powered by AI Support & Resources If you’re curious about what’s next or want to get started today, explore the resources at cit.ua.edu or reach out via cit@ua.edu.


Building the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals

In Fall 2025, OIT Security, in partnership with TekStream, launched the University’s first Student Security Operations Center (SOC) Workforce Development Program, welcoming an inaugural cohort of eight students. This program is designed to provide hands-on experience in cybersecurity while addressing a critical national need: the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in the United States. Throughout…


Teams Dialing Now Available for Campus Faculty and Staff

The Office of Information Technology made Teams Dialing available Summer 2025. This option is available upon request to all faculty and staff across campus. This new feature allows users to make and receive phone calls directly within the Microsoft Teams interface, eliminating the need for a traditional desk phone. By integrating voice calling into the…


Don’t Fly Solo – You Have a Copilot!

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping productivity, and Microsoft Copilot is at the forefront of this transformation. Integrated into Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot helps users work smarter by assisting with writing, data analysis, content organization, and more. However, not all Copilot experiences are the same. There are two main options available: Knowing the differences between these versions…


Digital Accessibility at UA is Everyone’s Assignment

Federal rules from Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act now require all university digital resources, such as websites, apps, course materials, and more, to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. The compliance deadline is April 2026, so we are actively addressing policies, training, and technology, but success depends on all of…