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The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is excited to announce the introduction of Google Drive to the expanding list of available Google Apps for the University of Minnesota. Drive provides a new way to access and share all your files and folders, at any time and on any device. It will replace and enhance what you know today as your Google Documents list.
Google Drive is the new home for your Google Docs, files, and folders. Learn more.
"Keep everything, share anything: Google Drive"
When you log in to Google Docs, you'll know it's available for you to try if you see the Google Drive logo at the top of the page, with the phrase "Keep everything, share anything: Try Google Drive" next to it. If that does not appear on your Google Docs page, Drive is not yet available for your account.
You'll also be able to opt out of Drive until the phased rollout at the University is complete in June. At that time, you no longer will be able to opt out or switch views, and Google Drive will replace the current Google Documents list interface for all users.
Before you are able to switch to Google Drive, you'll need to agree to its Terms of Service. Please note that Drive is covered under the University's contractual, negotiated Google Apps terms of agreement.
For more information about Google Drive, visit the Navigate your Google Drive user interface site. For more information about Google Apps for the University of Minnesota, visit the OIT Google support site.
The University of Minnesota community is invited to a Campus Conversations* brown bag lunch with Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Scott Studham on Tuesday, May 29, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the President's Room, third floor, Coffman Memorial Union (map).
This month's conversation will be an opportunity to hear from Vice President Studham about his first months on the job, his vision for information technology at the University, and new resources on the horizon. An open discussion will follow the presentation.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend. If you are unable to attend in person, join us online via UMConnect the day of the event.
Bring your lunch; refreshments will be provided.
*Campus Conversations is a recurring forum to discuss issues of interest to the University community. All meetings are open to faculty, staff, and students.
On-the-go access to Moodle courses just got easier. The May 13 upgrade to Moodle 2.2 added a mobile interface that enables students to access Moodle course content and perform tasks on their mobile devices (limited to mobile-friendly file formats) including:
If you prefer the standard interface on your mobile device, select the hyperlink located at bottom of your mobile screen, "Switch to standard theme." If you are in standard viewing mode and wish to switch to the mobile interface, select "Switch to recommended theme for your device," a hyperlink also found at the bottom of the screen.
This mobile interface is a new feature and we welcome your feedback and ideas for improvement. Please share your ideas on the discussion board on our University of Minnesota Moodle collaboration site, MoodleTalk.
What we’re looking for If you’re passionate about technology (or love using it), love throwing fun events on campus, and aren’t shy about sharing your enthusiasm for the latest Microsoft products, you could be the perfect fit for the Microsoft Student Partners program! Whether you’re a tech junkie or a marketing guru, you could have the chance to be the Microsoft rockstar of your campus. All majors encouraged to apply!!! Full job descriptionUS MSP Program Job Description | 2012–2013 Academic YearWhat are we looking for?If you’re passionate about technology, love throwing fun events on campus, and aren’t shy about sharing your enthusiasm for the latest Microsoft products, you could be the perfect fit for the Microsoft Student Partners program! Whether you’re a tech junkie or a marketingguru, you could have the chance to be the Microsoft rockstar of your campus. We’re looking for students who are addicted to posting on Facebook and Twitter, are really involved in leading in campus organizations, and have a passion for technology and for Microsoft. If you want to share your enthusiasm and develop industry-leading skills, we want to hear from you. What will you do? You’ll be recognized as the one and only Microsoft Student Partner on your campus! You’ll spend the year planning campus events, sharing your experiences via social media, demonstrating the latest technologies wherever you go, and working with the bookstore, clubs, organizations, and professors. Our Microsoft Student Partners this past year:
Every month we’ll have training webcasts with Microsoft leaders to enhance your learning about marketing and technology from people on the cutting edge. What’s in it for you? You’ll get plenty of exposure and recognition on campus with faculty and students. You’ll also have access to numerous benefits including Microsoft products, software, reference materials, training, and the inside scoop on future job opportunities. You’ll get direct interaction with Microsoft professionals and their partners. And, you’ll gain the skills that could land you that important job or internship. What’s the fine print? The time commitment is 5–10 hours a week. Students must be enrolled full time in an accredited academic institution within the United States. All students must have valid identification and be eligible to work in the United States from July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013. Participants receive competitive compensation as well as software and hardware in exchange for their active participation in the program. Students participating in the Microsoft Student Partners program are employees of a third-party, which will manage the program on behalf of Microsoft. Application Process Step 1: Send us your resume (usmsp@microsoft.com) Step 2: Create a video Step 3: Fill out the online application at http://bit.ly/USMSP13. We want to get to know you and discover your passion for technology. Create and submit a one-minute video telling us about your favorite experience with a Microsoft technology and why you want to be an MSP on your campus. Your entry has to be compelling. It has to be stimulating. So if you're ready, produce your video and get noticed. Once your video is posted to YouTube, be sure to share with your friends to drive views and comments! There are only 25 questions and it should take you about 30 minutes to complete. Feel free to reach out with any questions to usmsp@microsoft.com. |
| Applications, videos + Resumes are due by May 21st, 2012. |
The University of Minnesota has entered into a new agreement with Adobe making available individual licenses for both Acrobat Pro and Presenter to campus users. The new licensing agreement and pricing structure is now in effect.
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) offers several options for colleges and departments when purchasing Acrobat Pro and/or Presenter licenses:
Please note that Acrobat is available for both Windows and Mac, and Presenter is available only for Windows.
To place single install or combination license orders, and/or to read more about the Acrobat and Presenter products, visit these OIT software sites:
A similar message will be sent to all license holders of recently expired or soon to expire licenses, with more detail on how to renew their license(s).
Questions should be directed to software@umn.edu.
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) summer training schedule is now available on OIT's Technology Training website.
Technology Training courses are available at no charge to University of Minnesota students, faculty, and staff.
To view all available offerings click on "List of Courses" in the left navigation bar on the training website.
A new plugin is active in Moodle that simplifies video uploads for instructors and students, and enables video to be viewed in many more formats. Other benefits include:
Instructors can upload video as a "resource" and students can upload their video assignments, which can be graded directly from within the Moodle gradebook.
Learn more about the new functionality in OIT Moodle Technology Training classes.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the OIT community food drive. Due to your generous contributions, OIT was able to donate 56 pounds of food and over $300 to Community Emergency Services of Minneapolis. Thank you! 
