Operational Updates

January 2025

• • LMS Transition: With the spring semester underway, more than 3,500 courses are using Canvas. The spring 2025 semester marks the final term that courses can be taught using Blackboard (Bb) as the university moves toward all courses using Canvas this summer. Project details and important transition details will continue to be communicated, including next steps for Bb deprecation, archival processes, and moving Bb Orgs to Canvas. Training will be available throughout the spring semester and archived online for those just getting started with Canvas. Please visit lms.gmu.edu for project information, timelines, and training details.
  • Zoom Updates:
    • Reminder: Zoom AI Companion, a generative AI digital assistant delivering powerful, real-time capabilities for improved productivity and collaboration, has been enabled for faculty, staff, and students using a George Mason license Zoom Pro account. The AI features are automatically off and must be enabled by the user and should not be used in meetings where protected categories of information will be shared/discussed. For more information, see Getting Started with Zoom AI Companion. For additional guidelines about leveraging the benefits of the Zoom AI Companion while maintaining a safe and responsible learning environment, see Responsible Use of Zoom AI Companion.
    • 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: Microsoft will end support of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. In anticipation, ITS will begin gradually upgrading managed Windows 10 systems to Windows 11 starting Tuesday, February 4. As a reminder, users can self-upgrade their systems at any time through your devices Software Center. If your system does not support Windows 11, please coordinate with your department to receive a new device. For more information, see the Windows 11 Roadmap.
  • Patriot Virtual Computing and Labs (PVCL): In December 2024, ITS consolidated our virtual desktop environments into a new single service, Patriot Virtual Computing and Labs (PVCL), powered by Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. PVCL provides faculty, staff, and students with secure, remote access to academic applications and university services through an innovative and enhanced platform. As a result of this change, Patriot Virtual Computing (PVC) and the Citrix Virtual Lab (CVL) were decommissioned. For more, see the Virtual Lab Changes Bulletin.
  • Records Retention: When using George Mason collaboration tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, it is important that all users adhere to university guidelines and retention policies. For more, see the Collaboration Tools Retention Policy.
  • Microsoft Copilot on the Web: Microsoft Copilot for the Web, a free AI-powered web chat, is available for George Mason students and employees to access generative AI. For full details, see Copilot.