Spring 2024 Conference

The Spring 2024 IT Professionals Forum was presented on June 5 and 6, 2024.

Spring 2024 Sessions

Access Rights Management (ARM): Building a new AITS/DS security application

The Security Application Implementation project team is working to create one easy-to-use access management system that efficiently facilitates requests, approvals, provisioning, certifications, and governance related to University of Illinois enterprise systems. In this session we will tell the story of how this project came to be, share goals we aim …

Beth McCarter, Pat Schlehuber, Tanya Williamson

Achieving Immersion in Media Creation and Best Practices for Creating Immersive Media(VR/AR/MR)

Immersive Media Content captivates multiple senses, integrating sight, sound, touch, and sometimes smell. Examples include 360-degree media, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) applications. Immersive media content is used in wide range of application across various industries. Effective immersive content engenders a convincing experience, enveloping users …

Adventures in “de-Googled” Android: The Pros and Cons of LineageOS and /e/OS

Do you think new phones are too expensive and/or too big? Extend your current cell phone’s lifespan or revive a small-screen phone from the past with LineageOS, a volunteer-supported version of Android. I’ll demonstrate how I installed Android 14 on a Google Pixel 3. I’ll share my experience choosing a …

James Hamilton

Agile Fusion: Integrating Software Development and Business Process Improvement

Learn how continuous process improvement can be applied in an Agile software development work environment. Ginger Hundgen, Lead Business Process Improvement Analyst for Tech Services, will share core lessons from her training as a Six Sigma certified Process Improvement Specialist and Andy Gherna, Manager of Software Development for Tech Services …

Andy Gherna, Ginger Hundgen

All Packets Go: Campus Network Updates

All systems are go on the new campus core (backbone) network that was refreshed over the last year. We will review that update and what interesting things it enables, as well as provide updates on WiFi and other things going on in networking. Presented by Ben Barkin-Wilkins, Technology Services; Brad …

Ben Barkin-Wilkins, Brad McDuffie, Calvin Shirley, Uros Marjanovic

All Systems Secure: Navigating AI Trends

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on Cybersecurity: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Delve into AI trends in cybersecurity and the associated risks posed by emerging AI technologies. Explore governance, including guardrails and decision support mechanisms, and learn how …

Dan Ogwal, Jesse Marsh, Zane Budnovich

An Introduction to Axonius

The Axonius Platform is the system of record for all digital infrastructure to let IT and security teams understand all assets, their relationships, and business-level context. In this presentation, we will be going over the basics of Axonius and how IT Pros can utilize this tool. Presented by Richard Donovan, …

Richard Donovan, Sarah Follmer

Apple at Illinois Spring Update

Spring update on macOS, iOS and AppleTV at Illinois. Keith Mountin, our campus Apple System Engineer, will be on hand to answer questions. Presented by: Paul Roberts, Technology Services; Keith Mountin, Apple What you will learn: What’s new with Apple products and how to integrate them into campus. Track: Service/Unit …

Keith Mountin, Paul Roberts

Automated Software Testing with PyTest

How do you determine that the software you develop ‘works’? Feeling bogged down by manually poking at your code from every angle until you’re satisfied that it won’t break in production? Or maybe (like many of us) you occasionally find yourself skipping the monotony by deploying software sans testing, just …

Jamie Stadnik

AV in the classroom update from Technology Services

Technology Services has recently updated multiple classrooms to support Hy-Flex learning, so we will update campus on these rooms. In addition, we will also provide brief updates on the recent projects to establish standards and documentation for microphone RF frequencies on campus, as well as network multicasting as it relates …

Matthew Drain, Scott Cimarusti

Azure Cloud: Deploy .NET Core Apps to Azure App Services

In this hands-on workshop we will walk you through deploying a .NET Core application to modern Azure App services (Platform-as-a-Service). Our workshop will include a demo of how to build the necessary infrastructure components in Azure as well as how to deploy a sample .NET Core App “Hello World”. In …

Aaron O’Banion, Bryan Jonker, Dejan Trencevski

Bringing music to life: Accessible Music Remediation with SharpEye2 and Lime

Creating accessible sheet music for individuals using assistive technologies can be a real stumbling block for Disability Specialists more used to providing text files to their students who are blind/low vision. Bring your own laptop and work alongside the presenters in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn a functional workflow …

Alex Cordain, Christy Blew

Circuit Connections: A Networking Mixer (for that other kind of Networking)

Join us for an engaging and interactive networking experience! In this ‘speed-dating’ style workshop, participants will have the opportunity to connect with peers, share insights, and build valuable professional relationships in a fun and dynamic atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, explore potential collaborations, or simply exchange …

Cloud Enablement: From Maintaining Platforms to Driving Innovation

Join the Cloud Enablement team on a journey from operations to innovation as we showcase our role in empowering the University of Illinois community through cloud computing. Discover how we manage Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon AWS platforms, assist users, and collaborate with others to explore options for modernizing …

Geet Verma, John Cox, Kasy Spence, Tim Morgan

Cybersecurity Improvement Initiative (CII): What you need to know for 2024/2025.

The Cybersecurity Improvement Initiative (CII) is a multi-year effort supported by Provost, Deans, and CIO to enroll 100% of eligible endpoints into endpoint management and Crowdstrike. Through this effort we will be able to work together to set a baseline secure standard on university owned systems and enhance overall security …

Heidi Gharst, Taylor Judd, Zachary Schnepp

Data Analytics from Scratch at Gies College of Business

Established in July 2022, Gies College’s Data Strategy, Analytics, and Reporting (DSAR) unit was charged with serving the College’s growing data needs. Given the opportunity to design its model from the ground up, we implemented a consultant + specialist model, with a centralized data workflow and a defined system of …

Colin Ruud, Krista DeLeeuw, Lauren Gray, Sahar Pani

Free Advanced Computing Solutions from Illinois Computes

We will be updating everyone on Illinois Computes program. It’s a great way for researchers to get access to advanced computing and storage resources, as well as a way to get help: Managing data from capture to cleaning to publication Analysis facilities where their group can log in and immediately …

Ben Galewsky, David Wheeler

Getting Started with Google Analytics on WordPress

Been meaning to get around to setting up Google Analytics on PIE or another WordPress site, but intimidated by the hill to climb? Join the ad-hoc Google Analytics team for a hands-on lesson in how to start from square 1 and end up with a fully set up Google Analytics …

Bryan Jonker, Dena Strong, Liz Shallenberger

Have your Canvas and Moodle Too: Leveraging the Power of LTI

In Summer 2023, the College of LAS announced that all LAS courses must be hosted on the Canvas learning management system by FA24. After two decades of using Moodle, many faculty members expressed concern about the future of their course materials. To aid Moodle users in this transition, ATLAS developed …

Gosha Nikiforov, Kerry Butson, Riana Beachy-Hasenick

Human Centered Design In Information Technology: It’s Not Just For UX Professionals

Join us for an overview of Human Centered Design and how we can use this ideology and it’s processes to bring design thinking into everyday IT activities. Human Centered Design focuses on empathy and iteration to make user needs and goals understood, visible, and the driving force behind design and …

Brandon Dohman, Dave Mussulman

Kaltura/Media Space update from Technology Services

Technology Services has been working on upgrading the current Kaltura media player to version 7, which will provide improved stability, security, and browser compatibility–as well as offer increased customization options, a better media playback experience with faster loading and less buffering, and additional accessibility compliance options. Technology Services has also …

Alan Bilansky, Scott Cimarusti

Launching into Mediawiki: Reflections on migrating away from Confluence

Wiki migrations are complex undertakings that impact knowledge sharing, collaboration, and organizational culture. In this session, we will share experiences and insights gained while migrating away from the campus Confluence wiki environment and onto the open-source and self-supported Mediawiki platform. Our goal is to share an alternative solution, challenges faced, …

Alex Dryden, Damian Behymer, Dan Dalpiaz, Megean Osuchowski

Libraries, Identity, and Access Management. A Practicum

This presentation will cover my practicum with the University of Illinois Library Systems to review and identify how IAM was handled in their Digital Repositories. When creating repositories or other applications, it is important to consider how the application or service will handle the users and administrator’s identities and how …

Erica Ohman

Lunch and Social

Come hang out with IT friends and learn about a wild assortment of things ranging from soundproofing paint to the professional burning of Kool-aid to who plays ukulele in their spare time! Zoom link …

Managing Change in Higher Education: A New Era with Artificial Intelligence

Our presentation delves into the significant influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the sphere of higher education. We will highlight AI’s pivotal role in revolutionizing educational practices and outcomes, with a keen focus on its capacity to augment administrative tasks. The conversation will extend to Trustworthy AI, addressing the risks …

Howell Dean, Michael Curtin, Patrick Hughes

Meet Cybersecurity – Birds of a Feather

Cybersecurity continues to evolve and change. We have new threats, new regulations, and new risks every day. The team tasked with providing both reactive and proactive cybersecurity support to the university seeks to be more engaged with our community of fellow IT professionals. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. In this …

Edward Delaporte, Mark Wenneborg, Prabha Manda, Taylor Judd

Navigating the New DesignPLUS Sidebar: A Beginners Guide

The New DesignPLUS Sidebar is a powerful tool available in Canvas designed to elevate course design and content creation. In the last year, the sidebar has an available upgrade (that you can opt into now!) that provides an improved interface and additional functionality to help you quickly create engaging and …

Rachel Martiniak

Opening Ceremonies

8:45 – 9:00 – Greg Gulick Service Excellence Award 9:00 – 9:45 – Keynote (Chris Tidrick) The Greg Gulick Service Excellence Award is awarded annually to two IT professionals at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The award honors campus IT professionals who exemplify Greg’s values and commitment to collaboration and …

Chris Tidrick, Ginger Hundgen

Operational Excellence – Project Management Best Practices

As an integral part of Operational Excellence, the Service Excellence team created a comprehensive best practices document. This resource applies universally to project management endeavors. During this session, we will explore essential best practices, address common trouble areas, and equip participants with practical tools for successful project management. Together, let’s …

Jeffrey Fox, Rebecca McNaught

Optimizing Higher Education: Executing Data Projects for Operational Excellence

In this presentation we will provide a high-level overview of the various projects that are underway, have recently been completed and are on the horizon for the Strategic Project Management Office’s Data program that align with the campus-wide Operational Excellence initiative.This presentation will consist of a panel of presenters that …

Amy Edwards, Andy Weaver, Luane Mayorga, Michelle Rome

Partnering with a Vendor to Improve Accessibility

Higher-ed institutions rely on third-party software for all sorts of necessary functions, but the vendors developing that software don’t often prioritize accessibility. In my role as Senior Cybersecurity Training Specialist, I’ve worked with the University of Illinois’ cybersecurity training vendor, Proofpoint, to help them make their training modules and platform …

CIndy McKendall

Power Up with Power Automate

Unlock the power of automation and boost your productivity with Power Automate! This beginner-friendly workshop will introduce you to the fundamentals of Power Automate, guiding you through hands-on activities to create your first Power Automate flows. You’ll learn to integrate Power Automate with popular applications and services, automate common tasks …

Brendan Trauth, Dan Carani

Privacy Team’s Power Hour for IT Pros!

In today’s digital landscape, privacy and data protection are paramount concerns for businesses and individuals alike. As IT professionals, understanding the latest developments in privacy services is crucial to maintaining compliance and safeguarding sensitive information. This presentation aims to provide an overview of the Privacy Team services and highlight recent …

Ece Gumusel, Mendi Drayton, Sheena Bishop, Stephen Collette

Saying Goodbye is Never Easy

Information Technology “better” practices — Retention Guidelines for Higher Education Data and IT artifacts — When to say When: Applying Disposition practices to Data and the artifacts produced by daily business processes and those related to related IT . Focusing on retention and disposition guidance for various storage utilities (TEAMS, …

Richard (Rich) Gegg

Spring 2024 Keynote Address

8:45 – 9:00 – Greg Gulick Service Excellence Award 9:00 – 9:45 – Keynote (Chris Tidrick) The Greg Gulick Service Excellence Award is awarded annually to two IT professionals at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The award honors campus IT professionals who exemplify Greg’s values and commitment to collaboration and …

Chris Tidrick, Ginger Hundgen

Tracking Accessibility: Four New Accessibility and UDL Certificates

This session will introduce four new CITL certificate programs focused on accessibility and UDL: Accessible Course Design, Accessible Document Design, Accessible Multimedia Design, and Foundations of UDL. Presenters will discuss major topics covered in each of the tracks and the badging system underpinning them. There will be ample time set …

Bob Dignan, Lori Lane, Marc Thompson, Maude Yacapsin

Vulnerability Management

This presentation offers a look at a few key features of Qualys, the University Vulnerability Management tool, which should provide IT Pros with practical insights in how to not only effectively manage vulnerabilities on their assets, but also identify those vulnerabilities which impose the largest risk. We’ll highlight common challenges …

Katie Lackermann, Steven Rodela

Wireless Microphone spectrum management

For those of us managing wireless microphones for classroom use, managing wireless spectrum can be daunting, but there are some basic considerations that can make all of our lives easier. I will discuss some of the key stumbling blocks to setting up wireless mics, and the common problems that are …

Tony Donatelli

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