Operational Updates

April 2025

• ASRB Update: The Architectural Standards Review Board - (ASRB) process has been streamlined and the request progress and process will now be tracked by TeamDynamix (TDX). Please include as much information when submitting your request to expedite the process. For questions or issues, email [email protected].
• Telecom System Replacement Project Update: The implementation of the police dispatch system and migration to Vonage is complete, as well as the migration of all Fax machines to the new system. The PBX is in the process of being decommissioned, including removing all associated existing hardware and verifying no phone lines remain. Finally, the unification of all Vonage accounts will begin this summer, which will enable 5-digit dialing across the university.
• 2FA Updates: The Duo Mobile app, used by Information Technology Services (ITS) to verify users’ identities for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), has been updated. The update enhances security by reducing the time passcodes are valid to 30 seconds. In the past, the passcodes did not expire. Reducing the time passcodes are valid makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to access and use the codes for phishing users’ accounts.  
• Canvas Training: Beginning in the summer 2025 term, all courses will use Canvas as the university’s official LMS. Instructors who have not yet participated in Canvas training opportunities or have not begun this transition, please visit the Are You Canvas Ready? website for valuable information, resources, and checklists.
• Blackboard Storage Reminder: Before July 15, users are strongly encouraged to download and save any materials from Blackboard that they may want or need to keep. Once Blackboard access ends, these materials will no longer be available. You will not have access to these courses in Canvas. If you have any questions or need assistance downloading your materials, please visit https://lms.gmu.edu/ or contact the project team at [email protected].
• Zoom Security Updates: On Friday, May 16, 2025, ITS will implement a new security measure requiring all Zoom meetings to use a waiting room, passcode, or authentication for entry. If you currently have a Zoom meeting scheduled on or after the implementation date with no security measure in place, a waiting room will automatically be added to your meeting.
• Windows 11 Upgrade: Microsoft will end support of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. In anticipation, ITS has been gradually upgrading managed Windows 10 systems to Windows 11. As a reminder, users can self-upgrade their systems at any time through their device’s Software Center. If your system does not support Windows 11, please coordinate with your department to receive a new device. Systems still running Windows 10 after end of support are subject to removal from the George Mason network. For more information, see the Windows 11 Roadmap.
• Banned Applications: On Tuesday, April 15, ITS removed all previously announced banned applications (TikTok, DeepSeek, WeChat, and all Tencent software) from George Mason-owned and managed devices. These applications were uninstalled and are now disabled from running. For more information, see Executive Order 24.
• Security Awareness Training: As a reminder, accounts will be locked if individuals fail to complete the annual IT Security Awareness training prior to their expiration date. ITS encourages timely completion of this training to avoid operational impacts. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact ITS Support.
• M365 Storage: The increased utilization of storage to support cloud applications has made the practice of vendors providing free storage no longer sustainable for higher ed institutions. To better manage our storage growth, ITS has begun a formal review of our Microsoft 365 system storage and will be implementing changes this year. More information on these modifications and project updates will be provided in the coming weeks.