This spring, Information Technology shared an update with the University Assembly focused on how IT is supporting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 mission through reliability, security, and thoughtful innovation. While technology continues to evolve quickly, our approach remains steady: strengthen the foundation, protect institutional data, and adopt new tools responsibly鈥攁lways with faculty, staff, and students at the center.

Strengthening Core Systems and Campus Infrastructure

Over the past year, IT has made significant progress modernizing campus technology. Hundreds of network switches have been replaced across academic, residential, and administrative buildings, improving speed, reliability, and security. Core academic systems and teaching technologies continue to be enhanced, including improvements to Blackboard integrations and new grade export features planned for Fall 2026. Behind the scenes, legacy systems such as Banner are moving into secure archive mode to preserve historical data while reducing complexity.

A Campus鈥慦ide Commitment to Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity remains one of our highest priorities. The university is now approaching 90% cybersecurity compliance, supported by more reliable authentication, stronger network protections, and improved account management for new hires and departures. Later this year, faculty and staff will begin transitioning to phishing鈥憆esistant authentication methods鈥攕uch as passkeys or hardware security keys鈥攚hich will make logging in both easier and more secure. These changes are designed to reduce disruptions while better protecting research data and personal information.

Advancing AI鈥擳houghtfully and Responsibly

Artificial intelligence continues to generate interest and questions across campus. Rather than adopting AI everywhere at once, the university is taking a measured approach. An AI Council has been formed to advise university leadership on governance, policy, risk, and responsible use. By the end of the academic year, the council will deliver draft guiding principles and an acceptable use policy to ensure AI enhances our work while protecting privacy, equity, and academic integrity.

Looking Ahead

As we move through 2026, IT鈥檚 focus will remain on reliability, security, and impact. From modernizing infrastructure to supporting research computing and improving campus safety systems, these efforts are designed to improve the day鈥憈o鈥慸ay experience for faculty and staff while positioning the university for the future.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we build a more secure, connected, and innovative campus together.

The post Message From the CIO: Technology Supporting Our Mission in 2026 appeared first on Information Technology Services.

I am excited about joining 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as your new Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer. I am grateful for the Institute鈥檚 warm welcome and confidence in me. As an alum, I have always admired 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and its efforts to tackle the many challenges we face globally through research and advanced technology. I am extremely fortunate to now be a part of a talented team of individuals who contribute to that mission.

During my first few months with the University, I鈥檝e steadily met with many of you during what I call my initial 鈥淟istening and Learning鈥� sessions. During these times, I鈥檓 getting to know you and discovering the strong emotion and enthusiasm you have for what you do here at the University. I鈥檝e gained the privilege of seeing first-hand the hard work that each of you brings to the University each day.

I believe wholeheartedly that technology can be a massive force for good, and nowhere is that possibility felt more acutely, or demanded more urgently, than right here. I feel a personal call to contribute my skills to this exceptional team, and help create that lasting impact.

At the heart of my approach is a commitment to collective impact. I am focused on three vital objectives: championing a culture of absolute candor and openness, accelerating the growth of our systems, and establishing robust knowledge-sharing across all critical roles. While these steps are vital for our department鈥檚 success, my most important goal is simple: to invest in your success鈥攂ecause when you succeed, we all succeed.

Thank you for your time and attention. I am genuinely excited about the positive direction we are taking; and look forward to partnering with each of you for a long and successful journey ahead.

Jim

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The wait is over, Workday Student went officially live this Fall at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock!

This milestone marks the next significant step in our university鈥檚 digital transformation journey. It brings together student information and services in one modern, connected platform designed to help our campus thrive.

With this launch, students, faculty, advisors, and staff now have a unified experience for managing academic records, advising, financial aid, and bursar-related activities all in one place. Workday provides a streamlined, intuitive interface that gives the Trojan community real-time access to the information they need to succeed.

What Workday Student Brings to Campus

• A Unified Experience: Students, faculty, and staff can now access (with the correct security) academic, advising, and financial information through one secure portal. Anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
  
• Streamlined Student Processes: Registration, academic progress tracking, tuition payments, and financial aid tasks are now easier to complete and view in real-time.
  
• Enhanced Advising Tools: Faculty and advisors can view course history, academic plans, and degree progress to guide students toward timely completion better.
  
• Real-Time Data and Insights: Departments gain access to accurate information that supports smarter, faster decision-making and improved student outcomes.
  

Thriving Together in a Connected Campus

This launch represents years of planning and collaboration among IT Services, Records and Registration, Admissions, Financial Aid, Bursar, and Academic Advising teams, along with critical contributions from Athletics, International Student Services, Disability Resource Center, Institutional Research, and many other campus partners. Together, these groups have worked diligently to test, train, and transition to the new Workday Student environment, ensuring a smooth and successful go-live for our Trojan community.

Training and support resources continue to be available to help everyone get comfortable navigating Workday. The Faculty and Advising Dashboard includes quick guides and short videos to help simplify processes such as verifying participation, managing course rosters, and supporting students through registration.

Workday is designed to grow with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Regular updates and innovations will continue to enhance the experience for students, faculty, and staff, aligning with our mission to empower learning, strengthen operations, and support student success.

鈥淭his launch connects every part of the student experience,鈥� said IT Director of Enterprise Applications & Business Engagements Colleen Godley. 鈥淔rom advising to the bursar鈥檚 office, it gives our teams the tools and visibility to better support every Trojan鈥檚 success.鈥�

This achievement is part of a larger success story; Project One, the University of Arkansas System’s multi-year initiative to implement Workday across all campuses, was recently honored by the Project Management Institute (PMI) as the winner of the PMI Engineering and Technology Project Award and a Project of the Year nominee. 

This recognition celebrates the vision, collaboration, and innovation behind uniting our campus and 21 other institutions and business practices into one connected system for students and employees. It鈥檚 a powerful acknowledgment that the 糖心Vlog传媒 System is leading the way in transforming higher education through technology.

  Watch the PMI feature on Project One !

Learn More & Get Support Visit for tutorials and quick guides!

The post Workday Student Is Live at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock: Connecting Our Campus Like Never Before appeared first on Information Technology Services.

Please join us in-person or online as Dr. Veysel Erdag, Chief Information Security Officer at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, provides an interactive session regarding the effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity.聽

AI is transforming every corner of our campus, from advanced research to daily email. But this cutting-edge technology is a double-edged sword for security.

You will experience a high-impact presentation that moves beyond basic password tips to address the real threats of the future. We’ll explore how cybercriminals are weaponizing AI to launch PhD-level phishing attacks and hyper-realistic deepfakes (including a live demonstration of a cloned voice).

Learn the essential strategies and human vigilance needed to defend our sensitive data and digital identities against adversaries who now move at machine speed.

Key Takeaways:

• The AI Threat:聽See a demonstration of how easy it is to clone a voice for fraud.
• The New Red Flags:聽Learn to spot attacks when grammar is perfect and the voice sounds familiar.
• Your Action Plan:聽Get 3 essential, non-technical steps you can take today to protect your credentials and confidential information.

In-person presentation:

11:30 – 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025
DSC Meeting Room 205D聽

You can join us online by clicking the following link:

Your safety is our top priority and this session is an essential part of your cybersecurity awareness training.

The entire campus community is invited to this free event.

The post The AI Double-Edged Sword: Protecting Our Campus in the Age of Intelligent Machines appeared first on Information Technology Services.

Each October, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock IT Services proudly champions , reinforcing its commitment to educating our campus community about the critical importance of daily cybersecurity practices.

Please join us in-person or online as IT Services’ team members Jack Tipshus, Senior Networks Engineer and Thilak Pinninti, Security Operations Center Analyst, lead an interactive session on practical, everyday steps you can take to protect your privacy and security.聽

This presentation focuses on the basic principles of information security, best practices, latest threats and practical guidance on how to protect personal and professional information in the digital age.

To address any questions or concerns, please consider joining the meeting.

In-person presentation:

11:30 – 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025
DSC Leadership Lounge聽

You can join us online by clicking the following link:

Your safety is our top priority and this session is an essential part of your cybersecurity awareness training.

The entire campus community is invited to this free event.

The post Campus Cybersecurity Awareness Discussion appeared first on Information Technology Services.

Each October, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock IT Services proudly champions , reinforcing its commitment to educating our campus community about the critical importance of daily cybersecurity practices.

Please join us in-person or online as Dr. Veysel Erdag, Chief Information Security Officer at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, provides an interactive session regarding privacy and security. 

This presentation focuses on the basic principles of information security, best practices, latest threats and practical guidance on how to protect personal and professional information in the digital age.

To address any questions or concerns, please consider joining the meeting.

In-person presentation:

11:30 – 12:30 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025
DSC Leadership Lounge 

You can join us online by clicking the following link:

Your safety is our top priority and this session is an essential part of your cybersecurity awareness training.

The entire campus community is invited to this free event.

The post October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month appeared first on Information Technology Services.

We are excited to announce that registration for Fall 2025 classes is now open in Workday Student. We鈥檝e had a strong start, but there is still critical work to be done to ensure that all students have a smooth registration experience.

As we continue the transition from Banner to Workday Student, it is crucial that students do not delay in accessing the system. They must complete a few key steps before they are eligible to register, including onboarding and resolving any registration holds that may be in place. Your support in spreading this message across campus is invaluable鈥�Access, Onboard, Advise, Register!

Why Students Should Act Now

We encourage all students to engage with Workday as early as possible. Although our teams are actively addressing known issues, such as occasional access problems or configuration errors, early action provides students the flexibility to troubleshoot without the pressure of registration deadlines. Transitioning to a new student information system is a significant undertaking, and although we are working diligently to minimize disruptions, minor issues may still arise.

By proactively logging in and resolving holds now, students can ensure they register on time and avoid unnecessary stress in the future. Advisors and faculty are encouraged to remind students to: Access, Onboard, Advise, Register, and to reach out to them if they encounter any issues.

Where to Get Help

Students who encounter issues in Workday can contact IT Services visit the IT Help Desk, check the Workday Student support page on the university website, or contact the Registrar鈥檚 Office for assistance. We are committed to supporting students throughout this transition and appreciate your continued partnership.

Thank you for helping us make this transition a success!

Your efforts are helping us pave the way for a modern, streamlined student experience. Let鈥檚 maintain the momentum by encouraging early action and ensuring students are well-prepared for a successful registration for Fall 2025. Don鈥檛 delay accessing Workday today!

The post Fall 2025 Registration Now Open In Workday Student appeared first on Information Technology Services.

Don joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in December 2015 as a Project Manager for the university. He has over 50 years of experience in information technology and a passion for service to the role. A certified Project Management Professional since 2002, he also mentors aspiring project managers and serves on the Board of Directors for the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Don further expressed: 鈥淭he Staff Senate is an opportunity to give back beyond the 8-to-5 workday. I believe my management and leadership skills can make a difference in advocating for the staff and enhancing our campus community.鈥�

Please join us in congratulating Don on this significant achievement and offering our support as he embarks on his presidency of the Staff Senate for FY 2026. We look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on our university.

The post Don O’ Donnell new Staff Senate President appeared first on Information Technology Services.

Current Project Updates:

October and November were incredibly productive and helped us as we approach our next major milestone鈥擬ilestone 3鈥攁 crucial step in our transition to Workday Student. The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Workday Student Core team has been actively engaged in multiple training sessions, data validation, and testing. Additionally, the Academic Foundations team has held sessions focused on academic requirements to ensure that programs of study are ready for advising and registration, which will open early next year.

You can also expect new and continuing students to log into Workday starting February 5th to complete their onboarding tasks. To do so, students will access Workday as employees do now by going to !

To prepare for these changes, we encourage you to start thinking about how to communicate with students about how the processes will change with the introduction of Workday. It鈥檚 also important to remember that continuing students will register for Summer 2025 in BOSS but will register for Fall 2025 in Workday. This will be a significant shift, so we want to consider ways to communicate these changes to students and the campus departments. Your proactive approach will facilitate a smoother transition for everyone.

Training!

You can start to find staff and faculty training materials in the Workday Learning app to learn more about your new Workday. Simply go to Workday, open the Learning app, select “Discover” from the right-hand menu, click “Browse Learning,” and search for “Student.” Here, you will find hundreds of documents related to student processes. While these resources may not be one-size-fits-all, they are a great starting point for learning about your new system. For more information on utilizing the Learning app, visit our Workday Support page on Learning here.

Please note that training is tailored to your security role. In-person training is currently being conducted with functional teams, and additional sessions will be scheduled at the beginning of 2025!

To help you learn more about Workday Student from the students’ perspective, Project One has published training materials, which you can access here:

. Please consider how this information will replace what you currently use for BOSS.

We are making significant progress, but there is still a lot of work ahead as we implement this monumental change. Please stay engaged and watch for communication to find out how you can get involved. Don鈥檛 forget to visit the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Workday Student website for more information. This effort requires all of us, but together, we will succeed.

The post Workday Student is Fast Approaching: Milestones are Rolling Out appeared first on Information Technology Services.

Data breaches, phishing attacks, stolen identities, invasion of privacy, ransomwares, and more. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly common, more sophisticated, and not only target our data, but they are also trying to gain financial benefits.

Attacks are not just targeting the individual anymore. Today, the purpose of the attacks has expanded to impact as many users as possible. The majority of attacks use very well known methods to infect a system, capture the data, and then spread their infection to other systems.

As a community member, when we follow and apply effective security practices, we not only protect ourselves and our data/systems, we also create a secure environment which protects our community and national networks as well. We are the most important building block of the security structure.

It is important to apply these principles and practices:

• Backup your data: Create a copy of your important files. Commonly, you may be using USB memories and CD/DVDs to store your data. However, nowadays, cloud systems provide more flexible and reliable choices. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock provides free access to Microsoft 365 and uses Google Services as well. You can upload your files and keep them in the cloud – both services provide encryption for your stored files.
• Update your devices, applications and operating systems: Most of the attacks take advantage of vulnerabilities and software flaws in the applications and operating systems. Therefore, it is very important to enable auto-update and apply them as soon as possible.
• Use End-Point-Security Solutions: Traditionally, they are called anti-virus software. Nowadays, end point security solutions contain anti-virus, firewall, intrusion-detection, and prevention systems in a single package. They all combine and work together to detect the attacks and protect your systems. Always keep end point security applications up and running and always remember to update them.
• Protect your accounts: Your password is the most important component to protect your online identity. It is like the key to your house. Therefore it is very important to set your passwords as complex and hard to guess as possible. You can find recommendations on our IT Services website about creating complex passwords.  Some organizations also offer two factor authentication.  This is an additional method to authenticate who you are, such as sending a text message to your phone or using a specific application on your phone.  If two factor authentication is offered, enable and use it.
• Stop.Think.Connect: While using the internet, just be careful and check what you are clicking. If you receive a link in an e-mail, it is not a good idea to follow it. Instead of clicking on the link, use your internet browser and go directly to the website you want to visit.
• Additional resources and tools are available at the (CISA) website.

Modern browsers have security features to check the websites and if they are malicious, warnings will appear on your browser. Please take these warnings seriously and do not continue to follow the links.

鈥淔ree鈥� is a very attractive word. Offering 鈥渇ree鈥� software is the most common method to distribute malware. Therefore, be very suspicious and careful about free offers in the internet.

If you need more information or cannot be certain whether you have a security problem, please contact IT Services for assistance.

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