Information Technology Services

Archives: Bulletins

New Password Management Website and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Students

On Sunday, September 27, 2020, Information Technology Services (ITS) is launching a new Patriot Pass Password Management website (password.gmu.edu). In tandem, the redesign of the Password Management Site will also launch the requirement for current Mason students to enroll in Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

Changes to the Password Management Site 

The new Password Management site will have an improved look and feel, including a more modern and user-friendly design, a redesigned navigation to enhance the overall user experience, and responsive design making it optimal on all devices.

2FA for Students  

Effective September 27, when a student’s Patriot Pass Password expires (separate MasonLive Microsoft Passwords), and they go to password.gmu.edu to reset their password, they will be prompted to enroll in Duo 2FA at 2fa.gmu.edu prior to making the change.

Mason uses Duo Security to deliver 2FA, which is a second layer of protection for Mason websites and applications containing student information. Students do not need to wait for their passwords to expire to get 2FA and are encouraged to enroll early.

Note: Blackboard/myMason and MasonLive student email are currently not 2FA enabled. 

For more information and to enroll early, see 2fa.gmu.edu.

Assistance is Available 

 Benefits of 2FA with Duo Mobile 

  • Protect Mason websites and applications containing student information
  • Choose from multiple authentication options (Duo Push is recommended)
  • Select “Remember for 7 days” to limit how often you authenticate on your devices
  • Use the Duo Mobile App to protect your other personal accounts like Google, Amazon, and social media (https://guide.duo.com/third-party-accounts)

If you need additional details or assistance, please contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or via email at [email protected].

Like salt and pepper or popcorn and a soda, 2FA and your Patriot Pass Password are #Better2gether.

ITS Support Center Labor Day Weekend Hours

In observance of Labor Day, the ITS Support Center will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 4 and will re-open and resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8 at 8:00 a.m. If you have an emergency while the ITS Support Center is closed, please call 703-993-8870 and listen to the prompts to be connected to a representative. Up-to-date information regarding alerts can be found at https://its.gmu.edu/alerts/.

ITS Support Center Labor Day Weekend Hours

In observance of Labor Day, the ITS Support Center will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 4 and will re-open and resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8 at 8:00 a.m. If you have an emergency while the ITS Support Center is closed, please call 703-993-8870 and listen to the prompts to be connected to a representative. Up-to-date information regarding alerts can be found at https://its.gmu.edu/alerts/.

MS Teams Audio Conferencing Notice

In response to feedback received from Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) users, Information Technology Services (ITS) is enabling the audio conferencing feature within MS Teams on Friday, August 14. Audio Conferencing provides phone dial-in capabilities when connecting to MS Teams meetings, which can be used instead of a computer’s audio.

Users will receive an email from Microsoft containing the dial-in meeting number and their unique PIN. Audio conferencing PINs are used by meeting organizers to identify that they are the meeting organizer and allow them to start a meeting over the phone. It is recommended that the email from Microsoft not be deleted, but owners can also reset their PIN if forgotten.

Sample of Microsoft Email

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once audio conferencing is enabled, users will see additional information when scheduling an MS Teams meeting, including the phone number and meeting id to use when connecting by phone. This information is added automatically.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or [email protected].

Replacement of Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) with Citrix Virtual Lab

In preparation for the 2020-2021 academic year, Information Technology Services (ITS) has launched the Citrix Virtual Lab, an improved method for faculty and students to acquire academic software remotely.

This tool replaces the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL), which will be retired on Tuesday, February 16.

The Citrix Virtual Lab, available at https://mymasonapps.gmu.edu, provides remote access to the latest versions of the same software that is part of the standard computer lab image in university computer labs. For more information, including the software list, visit https://its.gmu.edu/service/citrix-virtual-lab/.

To Access the Citrix Virtual Lab

  • Users accessing Citrix must first log in to Mason’s Virtual Private Network (VPN). For more information about connecting to the VPN, see Virtual Private Network (VPN).
  • Once connected to the VPN, go to https://mymasonapps.gmu.edu
  • Log in with your NetID and Patriot Pass Password
  • Once logged in, select “Detect Receiver” to be connected

Retiring the VCL

ITS will retire the VCL on Tuesday, February 16. At that time, www.vcl.gmu.edu will be redirected to https://mymasonapps.gmu.edu where users will find the latest versions of academic software.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or [email protected].