The Office of Information Technology (OIT) looks forward to welcoming all first year and returning students to the upcoming 2024/25 academic year. Students, faculty and staff will be interested to read below on the many initiatives sponsored by OIT. Be sure to read to the end so not to miss important information for the coming year.

First, a look back to celebrate:

• Welcome New Help Desk Team Members, Staff Promotions
• Aug 19 Event: Come see updated Learning Spaces in BH Snell and CAMP
• Microcredentials Launched

Looking ahead:

• Purchase program for computer equipment
• Technology Loaner Program Continues for AY 24/25
• New VPN will replace the current service.
• Choose Eduroam for WiFi while on campus. 
• OIT Wants to Know: Student and Faculty Tech Survey

Team News: 

The Office of Information Technology is excited to announce the following updates to the OIT Team:

Help Desk: Recent changes have brought the following new staff members to the OIT Help Desk team. Both staff members have engaged with on-the-job training this summer and are ready to support our community as students return this Fall. Please take a moment to stop by for introductions and to extend a warm welcome.

Theo Cannamela
IT Support Specialist I
Potsdam Campus Location: Help Desk on 2nd Floor ERC
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Potsdam, New York

Theo Cannamela has always enjoyed being hands-on and working with computers. Whether it’s taking apart one’s electronics or modifying the files of a video game, the inner workings of computers have always intrigued him. Theo likes that he can put that passion to work helping people resolve their technology troubles. Theo shares, “problem solving a tricky issue is very satisfying, and the gratitude I receive makes my day every time.”

Theo competes and helps to host local esports game tournaments in the NNY region. He has five years experience with this. His main game is Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and also enjoys competing in other games like Street Fighter 6.

Theo holds a Bachelors of Business Administration in Esports Management from SUNY Canton. Outside of work, he enjoys watching and reading One Piece. He is drawn to the adventure, worldbuilding, fantastic characters and the beauty of the art. 

James Harris
IT Support Specialist I
Potsdam Campus Location: CAMP 171A
Hometown: Heuvelton, New York
Current: Norfolk, New York

James Harris enjoys being able to help people with IT problems; along with playing to learn about new technologies. For the past fifteen years, he’s had a career in transportation as a school bus driver and later supervisor. He enjoys working with computers and electronics; and he chose to make a career change to pursue his passion. He chose Clarkson because of its good reputation and advancement opportunities. James enjoys camping with family at their cabin in the Adirondacks. He is a firefighter with Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department. When he’s not at work, you can find James at camp, having a fire, or riding his UTV (utility terrain vehicle). 

We thank James for his service as a volunteer firefighter! ! 

Audio Visual: The Office of Information Technology is pleased to see Zack Messier receive a promotion into a role on the Audio Visual team. Zack first joined Clarkson in 2023 where he served as an IT Support Specialist I at the Help Desk. We are looking forward to great things from Zack as he joins forces with fellow Audio Visual Systems Engineer Dylan Crawford to configure campus technology for premier listening and viewing experiences. 

Zackery (Zack) Messier
Audio-Visual Systems Engineer
Potsdam Campus Location: CAMP 171A
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hometown: Grand Island, New York
Current: Massena, New York

Zack has always been passionate about technology, even from a young age. He recalls exploring how various systems, such as websites and servers, operate. His curiosity has led him to independent learning to develop a deep knowledge. For fun, he maintains a personal IT infrastructure at home, with servers and networking equipment to engage with and optimize. He is an avid video game enthusiast. 

In high school, he attended Erie 1 BOCES, where he studied in the Cyber Security and Networking Program. He then studied Computer Information Systems at SUNY Alfred and then relocated to be closer to family. 

Zack believes the field of IT offers numerous facets and opportunities. With the rapid advancements in technology, there is a continual opportunity for learning and growth. He is eager to contribute by introducing and integrating new technologies into our classrooms and by assisting in the organization and execution of campus events.

Upcoming Events:

Learning Space Walk Through Event:

Monday, August 19, 2024
11:00 am – 12:00 pm EST in BH Snell 239/241
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm EST in CAMP 163

Potsdam Campus is invited to stop by to see updates in computer lab classrooms in BH Snell 239/241 and CAMP 163.

Teams from the offices of Information Technology and Facilities have been hard at work this summer making improvements to three computer classrooms in BH Snell and CAMP.  Visitors will note fresh paint, new lighting and carpeting, and new furniture for student workstations. We are excited to show off these improvements and want to give you a sneak peak before classes begin. 

OIT staff will be available for demonstrations and tutorials of recently updated technology. If you are teaching in these spaces or new to classroom technology at Clarkson, this is a terrific opportunity to get acquainted before the first day of class.

Welcome First Year Students! See you at New Knights Expo. 

Thursday, September 12, 2024
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM EST
Potsdam Campus Location: ERC Atrium

OIT Staff will greet students at this year’s New Knights Expo. Information and giveaways will be available. Stop by to show us you are connected to the Eduroam wireless network and receive a FREE GIFT while supplies last!

Microcredentials Launched

Current Clarkson students, faculty and staff may be interested to learn about a collection of learning opportunities called microcredentials, now available from the Clarkson website. A microcredential learning experience is a focused, short-term, non-credit course designed to develop specific skills or knowledge in a particular subject area and result in a digital badge certification. Individuals can self enroll and complete online at your own pace. View recordings by subject matter experts, complete engaging learning activities and knowledge checks that assess your learning. It’s easy to get started: browse course descriptions for topics of interest and click to get started today. 

OIT colleagues have been active partners with others to create these emerging learning opportunities at Clarkson. Several industry relevant microcredentials are currently embedded as part of course work for our students and are viewed as opportunities for continued learning and development for our communities. New titles are being added all the time.

To learn more or to get started with microcredentials today.

Looking Ahead:

Purchasing program for computer equipment:

Staff and faculty should be aware that all University-funded purchases of laptops, desktops, monitors and other computer equipment are required to utilize the University computer purchase program through the Office of Information Technology.

This long standing centralized purchase program is recognized for maximizing the financial resources of the University. It ensures purchases meet environmental and efficiency standards, are appropriately sized and equipped for the type of work being performed, and are standardized for efficient support.

To purchase, view details about models and options available here. Please reach out to the Help Desk to begin an order. 

Technology Loaner Program Continues into AY24/25: 

OIT will continue to sponsor short term loans of laptops and other technology to students, faculty and staff this academic year. OIT reinvested in the program in 2024 with the purchase of new laptops. This replaces aged equipment that had reached the end of its useful life.

Since March 2020, OIT has helped more than one thousand individuals by lending laptops, microphones, webcams and more with short term technology loans. Loans to students who need a laptop device temporarily while their device is being repaired or replaced is the most frequent loan type. Other uses include staff training sessions or faculty who would like a trial period before purchasing. 

The program is helpful for student wellness and academic continuity as it relieves pressure when students need a device for a temporary need so they can continue their studies uninterrupted. It also supports the organization overall as it allows flexibility, and encourages individuals to trial without expenditures. OIT is looking forward to additional developments in managing the program this Fall as we invite student employees to manage the loan and return service.

To learn more, check out the Technology Loan Program page. 

New VPN Service Coming this Fall

Coming this Fall: a new VPN service called FortiClient will soon replace the current VPN (CISCO) service. In the coming weeks, OIT Support Specialists will reach out to help individuals make the switch. The service is in testing now. Once testing is complete, we plan for a smooth transition with no anticipated interruption to your regular workflow.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that securely connects your device to the internet, encrypting your data and hiding your online activity. Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information, using public Wi-Fi, or connecting to university resources from off-campus to ensure your data and privacy are protected.

VPN technology is available to all Clarkson students, faculty and staff who need secure wireless connections when they are working from off campus locations. Contact Help Desk if you wish to get started today.

To learn more about how to install the new FortiClient VPN. 

Choose EduRoam for WiFi when on campus.

While learning or working on campus in Potsdam, CRC or Beacon, students, faculty and staff should always connect to the Eduroam wireless data network from their laptops and other mobile devices. Eduroam is the faster, more secure way to wirelessly connect to the Internet. It will connect you to your building’s wired network for access to on-campus resources, such as Find Me printing, and the devices you have in your on-campus office or residence. Connection requires a first time setup that takes just a few minutes.

To learn more about how to connect to EduRoam.

OIT wants to Know: Students and Faculty Invited to Complete Survey 

OIT, along with our partner at Educause, is asking all faculty and students to tell us about their technology use and satisfaction survey. The survey asks about experiences on topics such as teaching and learning across modalities, inclusion and accessibility, use of AI in courses, and more. Results will help uncover opportunities for improvement and growth. Responses are anonymous. Estimated 15-20 mins to complete. Now accepting responses: 

Clarkson Student Survey
Clarkson Faculty Survey

OIT is excited to bring you these updates. The teams responsible for this work are recognized for their commitment in leadership, technical craft and a job well done. Thank you!!

Questions/Comments:

Office of Information Technology HelpDesk 315-268-HELP (x4357) or helpdesk@clarkson.edu