July Tech News
Edition 26.7 - July 9, 2026
TOP NEWS
Cloud-Based File Storage for UGA Departments (Azure Files): Launched by EITS in June, Azure Files is a cloud-based file storage service for UGA departments that operates on a cost-recovery basis, meaning departments pay only for what they use. It provides centrally managed file storage in Microsoft’s cloud, allowing users to access files with their UGA login without needing to maintain their own servers. The service automatically includes data backups and built-in reliability features to help ensure files remain available, and it offers two storage options designed for frequently used files and those that are accessed less often. For more information, contact Ashley Henry.
New Guidelines for Integrating AI Tools with External Services Published: EITS has released new guidelines, published on June 5, 2026, to help faculty and staff evaluate requests to integrate advanced AI tools, such as ChatGPT Edu, Claude Enterprise for Education, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Gemini Ai for Education, with other systems, outlining clear standards for approval while balancing innovation with safety. The guidelines apply to supported platforms and establish the standards by which integration requests will be approved or denied. Although these integrations can improve workflows and support new ways of working, they may also introduce risks related to data security, privacy, and ownership of university information. Users should be aware that connecting these tools could expose sensitive or protected data and must follow university data governance policies and guidance from Data Stewards. The Integration Request Guidelines for AI Tools are available in the EITS Knowledge Base. For more information, contact the AI Tools Team.
Improving VPN Login for a Safer and Simpler Sign-In Experience: Over the next several weeks, EITS’s Information Security team will update the login process for the remote access virtual private network (VPN), which is used to securely access campus systems, to make it safer, easier to use, and more consistent with other university sign-in pages. The updates are being coordinated with Department Network Liaisons (DNLs) and unit IT staff to support a smooth transition, with visible changes to the VPN login page beginning the week of July 6, 2026, and expected to finish by July 24, 2026. Users can continue to use their existing credentials while benefiting from a more modern and accessible sign-in experience. For more information, contact Lance Peiper.
SUMMER HELP DESK
HOURS Sunday, May 17 - Friday, July 31, 2026 Sunday: 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Saturday: Closed
UPCOMING DATES
July 6-24: July 15: July 17: July 23: July 29-30: July 30-31: July 31: August 3:
Campus VPN Login Changes
Thru Session Withdrawal Deadline
Retiree Account Review Ends
Short Session II Withdrawal Deadline
Summer Classes End
Summer Classes Final Exams
Duo SMS Text/Phone Call Options Removed for Retirees
LinkedIn Learning Cleanup Ends
Summer Grades Due
IT SERVICES IN ACTION
Campus Wireless Upgrades April – June 2026: EITS continues to advance wireless infrastructure improvements across campus to support the university's growing technology needs and provide reliable connectivity for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Recent milestones include the completion of wireless installations in the university's new residence hall and the new Dining, Learning, and Wellness Center, providing enhanced wireless coverage and capacity in these important student spaces. EITS has also completed the first phase of wireless upgrades in Cedar Street Building B, with additional work planned as the project progresses. Preparations are underway for major upcoming installations, including the new Medical Building and Legion Field, both of which are nearing readiness for wireless deployment. These projects are part of EITS's ongoing commitment to modernizing campus wireless infrastructure, expanding coverage, and ensuring the university community has access to high-performance connectivity in both new and existing facilities. Additional wireless enhancement projects will continue as new construction and renovation efforts advance across campus.
CAMPUS IT
Inaugural School of Medicine Class Onboarded into UGA Systems: UGA teams collaborated with the UGA School of Medicine to successfully onboard the inaugural class of medical students into the UGA Banner system. This effort brought together key partners from the Registrar's Office, Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Student Financial Aid, the Bursar's Office, the Carl Vincent Institute of Government, and EITS. This significant milestone enables standard processing across multiple areas, including Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and MyID assignments. As a result, incoming medical students have access to a wide range of campus systems and resources, including eLC courses and UGA email. For more information, contact Kristi Wall.
Upcoming Changes to Duo Login Options at UGA: Over the next several months, Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) will begin removing the Phone Call and SMS text message options for Duo logins and will introduce newer, more secure, and easier ways to sign in. These new options use security features that many people already have on their devices, such as Touch ID or Face ID on Apple devices, Windows Hello on Windows computers, fingerprint or face recognition on Android devices, approved security keys, and the Duo Desktop application. Existing options such as Duo Verified Push, which asks users to enter a simple four-digit code after approving a login, are still strongly recommended. Phone calls will remain available for logging in and updating devices, and users will be able to add or manage their Duo devices during the UGA single sign on (SSO) login process. SMS text message passcodes and phone call authentication will no longer be available on July 31, 2026, for retirees and on September 17, 2026, for all UGA faculty, staff, and students; the changes to Departmental MyID will be announced at a later date. For more information, contact Lance Peiper.
SERVICES FOR RESEARCHERS
GACRC User Account Verification: Beginning this summer, the Georgia Advanced Computing Resource Center (GACRC) will begin a user account verification process to keep account information accurate and current. Principal Investigators (PIs) will be asked to review the user accounts connected to their projects, confirm which accounts are still active, and identify any that are no longer needed. To support this review, PIs will receive a summary of recent use of GACRC resources, along with a list of active grants and related publications from the Elements system, to help them understand which research activities are being supported by GACRC. For more information, contact Jessica Kissinger or Guy Cormier.
SERVICES FOR RESEARCHERS CONTINUED
Updated GACRC Policy for the Use of Shared AI Computing Resources: The Georgia Advanced Computing Resource Center (GACRC) has shared updated guidance to help ensure fair and responsible use of shared computing systems as the use of artificial intelligence continues to grow. The guidance explains that the most powerful graphics processing units known as GPUs, are mainly intended for scheduled jobs that run for a set amount of time, while interactive use should be limited to brief testing or troubleshooting. Activities that run continuously, such as hosting AI services, leaving notebooks open for long periods, or using automated AI tools, are not allowed on shared systems. Login nodes should be used only for simple, short tasks. Principal Investigators are responsible for making sure their research groups follow these expectations by scheduling work properly, avoiding unused but reserved GPU time, and using approved software. The GACRC will continue to monitor system use and may apply stricter limits if needed, while encouraging researchers to work with GACRC staff to support AI related research needs in a way that is sustainable and fair for everyone. The full policy is available on the GACRC Wiki under AI Workflows and GPU Usage Expectations.
GACRC Helpdesk Access and Support Services: Help with accessing and using GACRC resources is available through the GACRC Helpdesk. The GACRC Service Catalog directs users to the appropriate TeamDynamix page. There, users can submit requests for services such as lab group and user accounts, class accounts, software installations, and general support. Tickets may be submitted at any time and are addressed promptly by the GACRC Support Team. For more information, contact Guy Cormier.
CHANGES & MAINTENANCES
Retiree Account Review: UGA retirees can keep their MyID and UGAMail to access some UGA resources after retiring. Accounts inactive for a year or more will be deactivated to reduce IT security risks. Retirees received communications on May 14, 2026, and June 16, 2026, requesting that they take action to keep their accounts. To keep accounts active, retirees must log in to their UGAMail account by July 17, 2026. Inactive accounts will be deactivated on July 31, 2026. For more information, visit the EITS Knowledge Base article, "Why is my MyID account being disabled?", or contact Kristi Wall.
2026 LinkedIn Learning Clean-up: To ensure the UGA LinkedIn Learning license count is current, annual user cleanups are necessary to remove users who are no longer associated with the university. EITS will be sending notices to affected users to provide them with information on the archiving process throughout the month of June and July. The clean-up will be completed July 31, 2026, when inactive users will have their accounts archived. For more information, contact David Crouch.
Zoom student account reset planned for August 6, 2026: To ensure that Zoom licenses can be provided to all active students in the fall, EITS will perform a reset on student Zoom accounts in August. During the reset, accounts belonging to students will be temporarily removed from UGA’s main Zoom account. Students who wish to keep their UGA Zoom account during the fall 2026 semester will need to log in to Zoom again after the reset occurs on August 6, 2026. Upon logging in with their MyID and password, their licenses will be re-provisioned. During the reset, students may lose access to meetings they are scheduled to host, and custom user settings, including their profile and background photos. Students will be asked to note any meetings they are scheduled to host and save any profile or background photos they wish to keep before August 6, 2026. The reset will not affect any meetings or classes hosted by UGA faculty and staff, including those scheduled with students. Zoom sub-accounts will not be affected by the reset. However, EITS strongly encourages Zoom sub-account owners to use this as an opportunity to conduct a full review of their accounts and remove any faculty, staff or students who have left the university or no longer require access. For more information, contact Mamtha Ramaraja.
