In 2020, changes at Texas State forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to significantly more requests for support from the IT Assistance Center (ITAC). While many of the support needs were familiar, ITAC also took on some new tasks to help with special needs.
Among other things, ITAC:
- Quickly created an electronic workflow using Adobe Sign so thousands of faculty, staff, and student employees could send a remote work request to their supervisors and obtain required signatures. This was achieved quickly and without using paper.
- Supported Human Resources in the creation of forms for the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP).
- Served as part of the IT Division COVID-19 Task Force.
- Increased software licenses for Adobe Creative Cloud and SPSS Statistics to provide needed software to students who would normally access it via campus computer labs.
- Provided guidance and support for library computers and Mi-Fi devices loaned to students who did not have adequate technology to learn remotely. ITAC staff also quickly repaired and reimaged computers to make them available.
- Worked closely with Technology Resources staff to simultaneously decommission Skype for Business and implement Microsoft Teams phone and voicemail services. ITAC staff personally reached out to specific departments and faculty members who used Skype to ensure a smooth transition.
- Launched a website guiding faculty, staff, and students to the tools and services available to successfully work, teach, and learn remotely.
- Moved training online. Previously scheduled classes and new offerings were quickly and efficiently made available to faculty and staff, including training about Teams, Zoom, and Canvas.
- Worked closely behind the scenes with university leadership to successfully broadcast important campus updates via Zoom webinars and Teams Live Events.
- Consulted with departments responsible for large, in-person events like New Student Orientation, New Graduate Student Orientation, Bobcat Preview, and New Faculty Orientation to help them move to online delivery.
- Partnered with the IT division’s marketing and communications office to develop technology-related Canvas courses for new students and faculty. The courses include videos, engaging interactive elements, and assignments.
- Collaborated with the Office of Distance and Extended Learning (ODEL) and Faculty Development to help faculty and staff learn to use technology tools and navigate pedagogical best practices while using the tools.
- Created a team in Microsoft Teams where campus technical support personnel can collaborate.
- Ordered and installed equipment in over 300 classrooms that will support faculty teaching from a classroom to students learning remotely.