ISSUE 16: September 30, 2020 |
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POSTPONED: ZOOM MEETINGS PASSCODE REQUIREMENT |
We recently communicated that Zoom will require all meetings to have a meeting passcode as of September 27th. However, Zoom has decided not to enact that change at this time.
In order to to minimize disruptions to the Fall semester, OIT will be enacting this change over Winter Break instead.
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HIGHLIGHTING PARTICIPANT VIDEOS |
Zoom has a new feature that allows the host of a meeting to choose which participant videos are always shown to everyone in the meeting. This is particularly beneficial for instances where there are multiple co-teachers or TAs leading a class, group project presentations, or virtual conference panels.
While in a Zoom meeting, the host or co-host can hover over the video of the participant they wish to spotlight and click on the “…” to choose “Spotlight for Everyone.”
On the next participant you want to spotlight, you’ll follow the same procedure, but this time you'll click “Add Spotlight.” This can be repeated to spotlight up to 9 total videos, and everyone on the meeting will see the spotlighted users prominently displayed.
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PARTICIPANTS CAN NOW MOVE BREAKOUT ROOMS |
The newest Zoom update adds a cool feature: meetings hosts can turn allow participants in a meeting to choose which breakout room they would like to join and move themselves into it.
Participants can also freely move themselves between breakout rooms. This can be especially helpful for ad hoc group work in classes, as well as for meetings or events.
If you are the meeting host, you can turn this feature on as an option when you click on the Breakout Rooms button during a meeting.
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COMING SOON: NEW BOX EXPERIENCE & COLLECTIONS FEATURE |
Starting Monday, October 5, OIT will be rolling out a new, streamlined Box experience. You may notice a simplified look and feel, improved agility, and updated navigation.
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You should also notice an option called Collections, a new Box feature that allows you to organize and view content any way you choose. With Collections, you can:
- Group files and folders into a collection—whether the files belong to you or have been shared with you
- Easily access your collections from the left navigation
- Name your collections and see context labels for easier file finding
Interested in learning more ahead of the changes? Check out this short Box video on the new Box user interface and Collections feature.
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THE SERVICE DESK IS MOVING HOME! |
The OIT Service Desk is tentatively scheduled to return to COB1 127 on Monday, October 12.
Our new location is a bit larger and more intentionally designed to make your OIT Service Desk visit even better. Look for the signs that we'll post to direct you to our new location. We can't wait for everyone to visit our new space just as soon as they are able!
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OIT CURBSIDE APPOINTMENTS |
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Do you have a new device, or is your current device acting up? If it's time to drop your device off at Service Desk for some assistance, we are now offering curbside pickup & drop-off appointments! 20-minute curbside appointments will be available Tuesdays & Wednesdays, from 8:30 AM to 4 PM.
Some limitations apply, so please contact OIT Service Desk at 228-HELP (4357) for more information.
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AET SUPPORT: HERE TO HELP |
Though the Continuity & Community newsletter is riding off into the sunset, we want you to know that Academic and Emerging Technologies (AET) remains available to support teaching and learning through technology. We are available for quick support during scheduled class times and on the weekends!
You can reach us by phone, by online chat, and through our ticketing queue. We also continue to offer a variety of workshops on our services and technology, as well as one-on-one consultations.
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CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH |
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It’s that time of year again! The leaves change color, the wind blows a bit crisper, and the time comes for us to celebrate CyberSecurity Awareness Month!
In conjunction with the University of California Office of the President, UC Merced Information Security department is promoting a full slate of events designed to engage, entertain, and inform. We'll be adding more events as the month progresses, so be sure to check back for more!
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ZERO-COST COURSE MATERIALS GRANT- NOW ACCEPTING PROPOSALS |
The Zero-Cost Course Materials (ZCCM) Grant is intended to reduce costs for students and promote universal access to course materials. Grant funds support instructors who wish to replace commercial materials with Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library licensed materials.
All faculty and lecturers are encouraged to apply. An informational session will be held Friday, October 9th at noon. Applications are due November 22, 2020.
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Missed an issue? Explore past issues of Continuity and Community
to look back on important news and updates.
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