July 2025

Dear Liz, 

Happy summer! Here are a few highlights of active OIT projects designed to improve the security and reliability of Rice's technology infrastructure, as well as prepare for the next academic year.

New identity management system

On August 1, OIT will launch WhooRU.rice.edu to replace the online account management system, MyNetID.rice.edu. The new system, WhooRU.rice.edu, is for resetting NetID passwords, managing contact information, and activating new NetIDs.

Improved look and feel for iO

Coming to iO in late August: Oracle’s Redwood Experience is a modern, intuitive interface. As you may have seen in the OF&S Fast Five, Redwood is bringing navigation and workflow improvements to key modules in iO. With this update, your payslip will no longer be a static PDF but rather a dynamic, interactive experience.  Read More.

Windows 11 improves security

Microsoft's support for Windows 10 stops on October 15, 2025, which means critical security updates will end. OIT has migrated 2,400 of 3,300 machines to Windows 11 to protect the security of the Rice environment. If your Windows 10 computer has not been updated yet, please reach out. Consultations are available Monday and Tuesday from 1:00 - 2:00 pm in Mudd 226 or via Zoom.  Or complete this form to get the process started. Learn more.

Instructor News

Teaching tools will require Duo

Duo multi-factor authentication to be enabled for Canvas, Kaltura, GradeScope, and Zoom on August 15, 2025. Visit the Complete Guide to Duo and Duo Alternative Authentication methods pages for more information. Read more.

Tech newsletter for instructors

Keep up to date with Canvas changes, training, and other educational technology news by subscribing to the Learning Environments Newsletter (email teaching@rice.edu).

Training

• Teaching and Learning Technologies is launching a new self-paced training course this fall! The first cohort will be starting on August 18, 2025. To join, complete the Mastering Canvas: Building Effective Online Learning Environments Registration form.

• Enroll in the Teaching with Technology Resources course to have Canvas and other educational tech resources available from your Canvas Dashboard. 

Campus Focus

Travel Security

Tips

Stay Cyber-Safe! A few minutes of preparation can prevent hours of cybersecurity recovery. Secure your devices before departure, practice digital mindfulness to avoid cyber threats on the road, and clean up your digital footprint after your adventures. Travel smart, stay secure!

RMC Wireless Upgrade

This summer, the wireless system in the Rice Memorial Center is receiving a major boost in connectivity with the strategic installation of 33 new Access Points (AP) and the upgrade of outdated hardware throughout the building. This upgrade will improve wireless network performance and reliability for this busy campus hub. 

Legacy email now on Gmail

All 4,000 individual accounts on Cyrus (Webmail) have been migrated to a modern cloud solution, Rice Gmail, for improved reliability. The focus has shifted to relocating 1,500 organizational accounts to Rice Gmail and upgrading mail routing infrastructure systems as part of the Email Modernization Project.

Wishing you a relaxing and productive summer! Reach out to the OIT Help Desk if you need technical assistance.

Your partners in research and educational excellence,

Office of Information Technology