IT professionals from across Georgia Tech came together March 25 for the 2026 OneIT Spring Symposium, a daylong event at the Ferst Center for the Arts that highlighted campuswide technology initiatives, strategic discussions, and updates on projects shaping the Institute’s technology landscape. Hosted by the OneIT leadership committee, the event marked a milestone in the group’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and build a more connected IT community across the campus. 

With the 2025 holiday season in swing, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) would like to remind the Georgia Tech community to remain alert against cyberthreats. The OIT Cybersecurity department has reported an uptick in phishing activity across the campus as digital interactions peak during this time of year. 

Georgia Tech will host the 2025 Data Days conference on Monday, Nov. 3, and Wednesday, Nov. 5, bringing together members of the Institute’s data community to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), data, and innovation. Registration is open at datax.gatech.edu.  

In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCAM), the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Cybersecurity department highlights educational resources and tips aimed at strengthening cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the Georgia Tech community. 

Faculty, staff, and alumni using an "@gatech.edu" email address with their Apple Account will need to make a switch to a non-Georgia Tech email address. This applies to those with personal Apple Accounts on personal devices and on Georgia Tech-managed iOS devices, such as a MacBook or iPhone. Personal accounts that continue to use a Georgia Tech-domain email address will become Institute-managed Apple Accounts.

Apple’s evolving enterprise capabilities, which include auto-enrollment of devices and improved application delivery through mobile device management, have heightened the need for distinct institutional and personal user accounts. Institute-managed Apple Accounts will allow Georgia Tech to provide improved security, data separation, and unified device management.

“This update helps create a boundary between personal and professional Apple data and devices,” said Derek McKenzie, IT architect with the Office of Information Technology (OIT). “Through Institute-managed Apple Accounts, we can enable Single Sign-On, simplify access to licensed apps and services, and ensure that Georgia Tech-issued Apple devices are properly managed by the Institute.”

Affected users will be prompted by Apple to select an alternate email address for their account. Updates to a primary email address for an Apple Account will not affect user data, purchases, or passwords. The email address used to sign in will change, and Georgia Tech will not have access to your data.

How do I update my Apple Account if I currently use a Georgia Tech-domain email address?
These users can update their Apple Account email address to any third-party email address or create an @icloud.com email address. Users who create an @icloud.com email address may be required to wait 30 days before they can use the address with their Apple Account. View these instructions to learn how to change your Apple Account primary email address.

What will happen to my account and personal data if I don’t update my email address?
Users who continue to use a Georgia Tech-domain email address as their primary address for their Apple Account will have their login email address changed to a "temporary.appleid.com" email address. (For example, gburdell3@gatech.edu would change to gburdell3-gatech.edu@temporary.appleid.com.)

How do I confirm whether my Apple Account was created using a Georgia Tech email address?

• Open Settings on your Apple device.
• Select the username at the top.
• If an "@gatech.edu" email address is in use for the Apple Account login, Apple will prompt the user to choose a new email address before the transition.
• If your Apple Account does not use a Georgia Tech-domain email address, no action is required.

***

Through a self-service configuration process, Georgia Tech students, faculty, staff, and visitors can securely access the eduroam wireless network by downloading a unique digital certificate for each of their personal devices. Digital certificates will replace the current Institute network authentication process (via username and password credentials) by the end of 2025. Campus members are encouraged to configure their personal devices by visiting the Georgia Tech Wi-Fi Onboarding Portal before December.

To complete the configuration for their personal devices, Georgia Tech users must first be enrolled in Duo two-factor authentication. The configuration can be performed on or off an Institute campus or instructional site. 

Digital certificates for personal devices are valid for five years without interruption. 

Since 2015, eduroam has been available on campus. The network is maintained by the Georgia Tech Local Area Walkup & Wireless Network (LAWN), which provides visitors and the campus community access to Institute networks and computing resources. The eduroam network is the primary — and LAWN-recommended — wireless network for users on the Atlanta campus and instructional sites such as Georgia Tech-Europe.  

Other LAWN-hosted wireless networks, including GTother and GTvisitor, will not be affected by the credential-based authentication sunset and will remain in service throughout the transition process.  

Compared to credential-based authentication, the certificate-based method offers significantly enhanced security against cyber threats, such as credential and account fraud. It also enhances the user experience by streamlining the overall login process. 

The configuration is also available for Georgia Tech-owned/managed devices for up to one year without interruption. Campus members should contact their departmental IT support to configure Institute-owned devices.

Step-by-step guides detailing how to configure various operating systems are available in the Georgia Tech Services Portal Knowledgebase.  

To get started, visit the new Georgia Tech Wi-Fi Onboarding Portal at getonline.gatech.edu.

After a national search, the Georgia Institute of Technology has selected Joseph “Joe” Lewis as its new associate vice president of Information Technology and chief information security officer (CISO). He will begin the role on July 28.

The Partnership for an Advanced Computing Environment (PACE) serves as Georgia Tech’s high-performance computing (HPC) center, supporting both research and instruction across the Institute. From artificial intelligence to financial modeling, PACE provides the infrastructure and expertise to empower faculty, students, and researchers to perform complex, data-driven work across disciplines such as engineering, biological sciences, business, and computer science.  

Georgia Tech has been named a finalist in the 2025 Learning Impact Awards presented by 1EdTech, a global nonprofit committed to advancing educational technology innovation. The annual awards program recognizes outstanding, innovative uses of teaching and learning technology that address the most pressing challenges in education and lifelong learning.  

Email Retention and Archiving
On March 24, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) will implement its new email retention and archiving program. At that time, any emails older than three years will transfer from Outlook inboxes to an archive mailbox, which is also accessible directly in users’ Outlook application. Users do not need to take any action leading up to this change, as the transfer will be automatic. The knowledge article, Access Your Microsoft 365 Exchange Online Archive, shares information on how users can access their archive mailbox based on the Outlook client used. This change does not apply to GTRI's email service. 

Cloud Storage Usage Limits
Historically, the Institute has provided unlimited cloud storage to students, faculty, and staff. Usage thresholds are being implemented in response to evolving enterprise cloud storage licensing models and align with many peer institutions that have taken similar steps. While most Georgia Tech users’ data will not be directly affected by the new cloud storage limits because they typically store data well below the new thresholds, OIT is providing support and guidance to those whose data usage exceeds the specified limits. OIT will contact those users directly beginning in April. These changes do not apply to cloud storage services offered in GTRI.

New storage thresholds include: 

• OneDrive: One terabyte (TB) for faculty and staff; 50 gigabytes (GB) for students, Tech Temps, and affiliates; 10 GB for retirees.
• SharePoint: 500 GB per site collection, with additional 500 GB increments via a request/approval process.
• Dropbox and Box: 1 TB for faculty and staff; 50 GB for students, Tech Temps, and affiliates; 10 GB for retirees.

Thresholds for OneDrive and SharePoint will begin on May 19 and July 7, respectively. 

Thresholds for Dropbox and Box will begin on July 21 and Aug. 8, respectively.

“We recognize that some users will need assistance, and we are committed to working closely with them to ensure they have the necessary tools and options to manage their data effectively,” said Leo Howell, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. “These adjustments will help us optimize our cloud storage resources while continuing to support the Institute’s academic, research, and administrative excellence.”

Support for Affected Users
OIT is providing targeted guidance to those whose data usage currently exceeds the new thresholds. This includes options for archiving, data cleanup, and, in some cases, additional storage upon request. Faculty, staff, and researchers with significant data needs are encouraged to explore alternative storage solutions, such as research data repositories and departmental storage allocations. OIT will begin contacting these users in early April to assist with determining what options will work best for them. 

Additional information, including instructions for accessing archived emails and ways users can check their current cloud storage usage, is shared via the Cloud Storage Optimization webpage: oit.gatech.edu/cloudstorage.

On May 6, Georgia Tech’s youngest Yellow Jackets rolled up their sleeves and got their hands in the dirt during a special Garden and Pot Planting event at The Children’s Campus @ Georgia Tech (TCC). The joyful event was a collaboration between Campus Services team members from Auxiliary Services, Engagement, and Sustainability, who partnered with TCC to help plant a vibrant garden full of herbs, vegetables, and colorful flowers.

Guided by staff and volunteers, the children eagerly participated in every step of the planting process. Adding a sweet seasonal touch, the event also included a hands-on activity where the children decorated reusable flowerpots. Using composting soil from the GT Community Garden, each child planted a cheerful marigold to gift their mothers in celebration of Mother’s Day.

This event served as a beautiful reflection of Georgia Tech’s commitment to community, sustainability, and nurturing future generations. It was more than just a gardening day – it was a chance for the little members of the Tech family to connect with nature, learn through play, and kick off the summer season!

Didier Contis, executive director of Academic Technology, Innovation and Research Computing within Georgia Tech’s Office of Information Technology, has been named chief information officer and vice provost for Information Technology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison). He will begin his new role July 7. 

Georgia Tech is proud to announce its membership with the Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association (VRARA) — marking a significant step in advancing innovation in the fields of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Founded in 2015, the VRARA is an international organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among industry leaders, promoting innovation, and advancing the adoption of immersive technologies. As a strategic sponsor of the VRARA’s Atlanta chapter, Georgia Tech plays a key role in advancing extended reality (XR) throughout the global ecosystem. 

Georgia Tech Expands BuzzCard Access to Online International Students 

In alignment with Georgia Tech’s 2024 goal to assess the needs of various student populations and implement changes that enhance holistic success and belonging, the BuzzCard center within the cabinet of Student Engagement and Well-being has launched a pilot program to provide BuzzCards* to international students enrolled in the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program. Beginning in Fall 2024, a test group of OMSCS international students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), India, Singapore, and South Korea received their official Georgia Tech BuzzCards via international shipping. 

Support for Graduate Student Families: Childcare Tuition Assistance Program and Perks 
 

Graduate students at Georgia Tech now have even more resources to support their academic journey and personal well-being thanks to a new child care tuition assistance opportunity. Launched by Auxiliary Services, a department within the cabinet area of Student Engagement and Well-being, this program was created to help ease the financial burden of child care costs, which reflects the Institute’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for its students. 

Growing a Greener Campus: Georgia Tech Celebrates Georgia Arbor Day

Georgia Arbor Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the many benefits of trees and promote reforestation efforts across the state. Observed on the third Friday of February, Georgia Arbor Day takes advantage of the region’s mild winters to encourage tree planting before the arrival of spring. At Georgia Tech, this occasion is particularly meaningful, as the Institute continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental stewardship by enhancing its tree canopy and fostering student-led sustainability projects. 

Georgia Tech: A Proud Tree Campus 

“As new AI tools and use cases emerge, we want to ensure that the Georgia Tech community has proper guidance on how to leverage AI responsibly while being mindful of contractual, data, privacy, and cybersecurity best practices,” said Leo Howell, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer.

The Institute has seen a significant uptick in the use of AI applications that assist in teaching, learning, research, and administrative work. This includes the use of AI plugins for meeting transcription within the Microsoft Teams and Zoom videoconferencing platforms.

All technology services and tools offered at the Institute undergo a comprehensive review, which includes a series of third-party risk assessments, privacy and security analysis, contractual negotiations, financial and technical support impact assessments, and data stewardship approvals. Georgia Tech's Generative AI Guidance for Privacy and Security highlights this process as a requirement before any tool is leveraged with protected or regulated data or integrated with existing Georgia Tech services or systems. With this in mind, OIT has disabled the use of third-party AI plugins pending a comprehensive risk review. 

To improve visibility into services that have already passed a risk review and which are still under evaluation, OIT has published a tool availability chart on its AI Standards and Guidance webpage. The chart includes meeting transcription tools that have been approved and are available for use, such as Teams Premium and Zoom AI Companion, as well as those that have not yet been approved, but are currently under review, such as Read AI and Otter.ai.  

“Our goal is to accelerate access to as many capabilities as we can to support the innovative work happening across the Institute,” Howell said. “At the same time, we must remain mindful of the risk implications that come with these technologies. By carefully evaluating each tool, we can ensure that we are balancing access with the need to protect Institute data and remain compliant with USG and Institute standards.”

As with the Institute’s official guidance on AI use, service availability will continue to evolve and expand over the next several months. To view official guidance on AI use or learn more about available generative AI tools, visit oit.gatech.edu/ai.

Beginning Nov. 11, the Duo phone call method will not be offered as a two-factor authentication option for Georgia Tech users when logging in to OneUSG Connect. Beginning Dec. 3, the method will not be offered as a 2FA option for any Georgia Tech login system. The Duo phone call authentication method will remain a recovery mechanism for logging into Passport. 

With the understanding that some campus members may have constraints and require the continued use of the Duo phone call method, OIT will work with these users on a case-by-case basis. The use of authentication methods such as Verified Duo Push, Duo Passcode, YubiKeys, and passkeys is encouraged. Support teams will be available for one-on-one assistance, through virtual sessions and help desks, to assist users with these methods. 

OIT has provided updated resources and video tutorials for setting up Duo Mobile and other authentication methods at oit.gatech.edu/two-factor-authentication. 

Campus members can also review the following 2FA knowledge articles for assistance (or search for their respective titles or article numbers at services.gatech.edu): 

• How can I make Duo 2FA really easy at Georgia Tech? (KB0043917) 
• The Differences between Two-Factor Authentication Methods (KB0043779) 
• How to get Duo Mobile (KB0043809) 
• How to Add a Duo Passkey (KB0043762) 

Campus members can also contact their unit computer support representative, or the Administrative Services Center at 404.385.1111 or support@oit.gatech.edu, if they need assistance setting up a two-factor authentication method. 

• Child Care: Preferred enrollment at Bright Horizons centers, tuition discounts at partner facilities (outside of the Bright Horizons network), and assistance in finding trained and screened nannies.
• Summer Camp and School Break Programs: Exciting activities from performance arts to coding, provided by the reputable Steve & Kate’s Camp.
• Academic Support: Virtual and in-person tutoring services with exclusive discounts to support children's academic performance.
• A+ Enrichments: Programs focusing on coding and early childhood learning to boost STEM and literacy skills.
• Elder Care Planning & Support: Caregiver search tools and 1:1 guidance from senior care experts.
• Even More for Families: Free Sittercity membership with search tools for sitters, pet care services, housekeeping assistance, and before-and-after-school programs available nationwide.

This program will provide many new support services from trusted providers to GT families facing diverse family challenges. This initiative also contributes to employees’ overall well-being and productivity in the workplace. As organizations strive to create inclusive and supportive environments for their workforce, programs like Enhanced Family Supports emerge as a vital component in fostering employee satisfaction and retention. This new program is now available to all regular employees working 30 or more hours per week.
To learn more about Georgia Tech’s family support services or to sign up for Enhanced Family Supports, please visit: https://campusservices.gatech.edu/child-care

PACE was awarded three 'Best Paper' awards -- the most of any institution in participation at the conference -- including 'Best Student Paper' awards for two of its student employees. 

PACE Presentations and Awards:

• Yongnuo Yang, Electrical and Computer Engineering student and PACE AI Makerspace teaching assistant, presented “Exploring Research Dataset-Sharing Strategies for Concurrent AI Workflows” (by Yongnuo Yang, Fang (Cherry) Liu, Michael D. Weiner, Aaron Jezghani, J. Eric Coulter, Ruben Lara, Ronald Rahaman, Kenneth J. Suda, Jeffrey Valdez, Dee Womack, and Dan (Ann) Zhou), which was awarded Best Student Short Paper – Systems and System Software. The paper described PACE’s exploration of the best approach to storing AI datasets for courses using the new PACE-hosted AI Makerspace. 
•  Keller Smith, Computer Science student and PACE student assistant, presented “Research Collaboration Discovery through Neo4j Knowledge Graph”  (by Keller Smith, Fang Liu, Deepa Phanish, Heng-Ju Chen, Rickie Chen, and Didier Contis), which earned the award for Best Student Full Paper – Systems and System Software. The paper shared investigations into collaboration networks among Georgia Tech researchers. 
• Michael Weiner collaborated with external colleagues on “Onboarding Research Computing and Data Professionals” (by Gladys Andino, Scott Delinger, Jacob Fosso Tande, Timothy Middelkoop, Claire Mizumoto, David Reddy, and Michael Weiner), which earned the award for Best Short Paper - Workforce Development, Training, Diversity, and Education. 
• Eric Coulter and Aaron Jezghani collaborated with Ed Hanna to organize the “Energy Efficiency in Computing” panel with the Coalition for Academic Scientific Computation.
• Jezghani and College of Computing’s Will Powell presented “Early Experiences with GH200 Platform," based on work in collaboration with PACE’s Jeffrey Young. 
• Jezghani served as a panelist discussing student workers in HPC systems. 
• Weiner, chair of the Campus Champions Leadership Team, co-organized and presented a workshop for the Campus Champions organization.

Details Regarding This Shift
Historically, Zoom's Large Meetings and Webinars features have been readily available for Georgia Tech faculty and staff. Following changes in Zoom's license cost structure, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) conducted an assessment regarding usage of Large Meetings (which includes Zoom meetings with 300-500 attendees) and Webinars (which includes webinars with up to 1,000 attendees). After reviewing Zoom usage reports, OIT found that both of these offerings are not widely used by the majority of Georgia Tech employees. In fact, Fiscal Year 2024 numbers show that less than 100 employees held Zoom meetings with more than 300 attendees and approximately 200 employees scheduled Zoom Webinars hosted by Georgia Tech. 

With this in mind, a decision was made to limit availability to those who have actively leveraged the features over the last year and make additional access available upon request via a ServiceNow ticket. Please note that this change WILL NOT impact regular Zoom meeting features or Zoom users who have leveraged the Large Meetings and Webinars feature since July 1, 2023. Additionally, this shift will now allow TAs to request and leverage the features.

To request access to Zoom Large Meetings or Zoom Webinars, please visit https://gatech.service-now.com/technology?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=4d3f74d4db981490fc9efe8d0f96197f. 

The University System of Georgia (USG) is moving forward with plans to select and implement a unified enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with the support of Gov. Brian Kemp, legislative leaders, and the General Assembly. A unified ERP will enhance the user experience for students, faculty, and staff across all 26 institutions through the standardization and unification of key central administrative systems onto a single Software as a Service (SaaS) technology platform.  

“This compliance training equips Georgia Tech employees with the necessary knowledge and understanding of our responsibility to keep the Institute safe,” said Leo Howell, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. “The fall training specifically includes two cybersecurity modules that focus on two-factor authentication push awareness and fatigue, and how to keep your accounts safe from compromise by cyber threats, both areas where we have seen attacks upon employees recently.” 

Beginning Thursday, Aug. 1, all faculty, staff, and students who are active employees as of July 1 will be required to complete the 2024 Fall Biannual Compliance Training by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 28.  The training will be available at https://b.gatech.edu/genius and will take approximately 80 minutes to complete. 

The three-part training and corresponding modules include: 

Part 1 – 2024 Fall Biannual Compliance Training 

1. USG Ethics Refresher 
2. USG Campus Security Authority Training 
3. Ethics in Action at Georgia Tech (includes Conflict of Interest attestation) 

Part 2 – 2024 Fall Biannual Compliance Training – Push It to the Limit: Push Notification Abuse 

Part 3 – 2024 Fall Biannual Compliance Training – Your Role: Internet Security and You 

The training is mandated by the USG for all employees. It can be completed on a desktop or laptop and does not need to be finished at one time. Employees who do not complete the training by the deadline may face disciplinary action by the Institute.   

Learn more about the 2024 Fall Biannual Compliance Training here.

“Tech Square has played an integral role not only in the Tech community, but also the Atlanta area,” said Julie Birchfield, Director of Community Engagement for Campus Services. “As we celebrate this milestone, we must also look to the future. We are very excited about the addition of Tech Square III, and the opportunities the new building and retail space will bring to the neighborhood. We are taking a collaborative approach by bringing new partners to Tech Square to further engage our community and create a vibrant environment where technology and academic achievement can thrive.”

Two establishments owned by Georgia Tech Alum, Tin Drum and Ray's New York Pizza, are also marking 20 years of being part of this dynamic ecosystem. These restaurants have served as quality on-campus dining options and as gathering places where ideas are exchanged and connections are made. 

Ray's New York Pizza, owned by GT alum Joseph Karam, often collaborates with student organizations through proceed nights, supporting their initiatives and causes. They also host recruiting dining events for major corporations seeking Georgia Tech talent. Similarly, Tin Drum, which was established by Yellow Jacket Steven Chan, partners with student groups and organizations as a meeting place and fundraising partner. Their commitment to building lasting relationships with customers and the broader Georgia Tech community remains at the forefront of their mission, making them essential contributors to Tech Square's tapestry of innovation and community.

As Tech Square continues to serve the campus community, they invite students, faculty, and staff to engage in all that the area has to offer! To learn more about Tech Square and its many offerings, visit gatech.edu/tech-square. 

Digital Learning's presentations centered on the Canvas platform and emerging trends in digital learning and instruction in higher education. They also participated in expert-led panel discussions, including:

• ‘Dashboard Dynamo: A Glimpse into Georgia Tech's Custom Canvas Command Center,’ Takeyra Wagner, Digital Learning support specialist II; Yahong Xu, Digital Learning senior specialist
• ‘Elevate Assessment: Key Strategies for AI in Higher Ed,’ Samba Diop, Digital Learning senior manager, in collaboration with Honorlock
• ‘Empowering Student Success: Canvas Student Resource Hub,’ Warren Goetzel, director of Academic Technology and Engagement; Samba Diop
• 'The Next Generation Virtual Classroom: Bring Your Canvas Content to Life,' Warren Goetzel, panelist
• ‘R1 Peers Meetup Lightning Talks,’ Samba Diop
• ‘A Thriving Ed-cosystem to Foster Employability: Canvas and Modern Solutions for Lifelong-Learning,’ Samba Diop, panelist

Learn more about InstructureCon 2024 by visiting instructure.com/events/instructurecon.

Zachary Hayes, director of the Enterprise Data Governance & Discovery program, spoke during the opening address at the TrustWeek 2024 conference, hosted by OneTrust.

OneTrust, a cloud-software provider based in Atlanta, hosts the annual TrustWeek conference for governance, privacy, risk, and security industry leaders and partners. Held in Austin, Texas, May 20-22, TrustWeek 2024 welcomed more than 500 attendees and featured 90 speakers (including former Vice President Al Gore) and more than 60 sessions around the latest in data governance, responsible data use, and artificial intelligence governance. TrustWeek 2025 will be hosted May 12-14 in Atlanta. 

Verified Duo Push is a more secure version of Duo Push, the current two-factor authentication system used by Georgia Tech that adds a layer of security to campus online accounts. Verified Duo Push provides additional security against “push harassment” and “push fatigue” by requiring users to enter a three-digit code, rather than “approve” or “deny” options, to verify an authentication request. (Codes expire after 60 seconds.) Verified Duo Push also provides improved fraud reporting by directing users to a fraud-report option in the Duo Mobile application when they receive unexpected Duo Push login requests.  

Verified Duo Push requires Duo Mobile 4.16.0, or later, on Android devices (Android 8 or later; 2017 or newer) or Duo Mobile 4.17.0, or later, on Apple devices (iOS 13 or later; iPhone 6s, 2015 or newer). You can learn more about Verified Duo Push and its requirements for use in the Georgia Tech knowledge article, “How to Use the Verified Duo Push Authentication Method (KB0043706).”  

While disruptions during the implementation period are not expected, if you experience issues or have questions, please submit a help request by visiting services.gatech.edu.  

If you ever suspect that you are being targeted by a Duo phone or push fraud, or believe that your Georgia Tech accounts have been compromised, contact OIT’s Cyber Security Operations Center at soc@gatech.edu. Always forward suspicious emails, as attachments, to phishing@gatech.edu. 

Following a national search, the Georgia Institute of Technology has selected Leo Howell as its new vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. Howell has served as interim vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer since Jan. 1.  

Goetzel, who serves on the 1EdTech Higher Education Executive Council, presented "Advancing Together: A Guide for Higher Education on Engaging in the 1EdTech Community" and "The Great Data Lake: Perspectives in Leveraging Caliper at Scale.” He also co-presented "Building a Learning Analytics Coalition of the Willing." 

Goetzel was appointed to his role with C21U last December and had previously collaborated with C21U on several digital learning initiatives, including the implementation of the campus Canvas Learning Management System. He currently co-chairs the Georgia Tech Educational Technology Steering Committee and the Affordable Degrees-at-Scale Symposium. 

Goetzel joined Tech in 2017 as the founding senior manager of the OIT Digital Learning Team.

A recap of the 2024 1EdTech Consortium Learning Impact Conference is available here.

On May 30th, we gathered to honor and celebrate the legacy of the R. Kirk Landon Learning Center, which recently closed its doors. It was a heartwarming event, filled with reflections on the center’s remarkable contributions to our campus community. 

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) recently discovered an email phishing scheme that was sent to some members of our campus community. These emails appeared to come from legitimate Georgia Tech email addresses. OIT’s Cyber Security office quickly took measures to prevent these accounts from sending further emails.

OIT believes these emails were sent beginning April 12, and have the following characteristics:

• The subject may begin with, “IT-Desk: Mailbox Is Full,” and may contain an “incident number.”
• The subject may also include a disclaimer stating, “New Messages May Return.”
• The email may state the recipient has exceeded their inbox “quota limit,” and direct them to an attachment to “avoid restrictions and lose incoming messages.”
• The email or attachment may direct users to what appears to be the Georgia Tech Single-Sign-On (SSO) page.
• The email may appear to be a job advertisement.
• The email signature may contain the interlocking GT logo.
• The email may be signed, “Office of Information Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, © 2024."

If you have received a similar email, or if you ever receive an email that you find suspicious, forward it immediately to phishing@gatech.edu. It is important that you do not reply to the sender. Do not visit any links within the email and do not forward the email to others.

If you ever believe that your Georgia Tech accounts may have been compromised, contact OIT’s Security Operations Center immediately at soc@gatech.edu.

Cyber scammers are exploiting a vulnerability through repeated DUO phone calls until the user accepts, unknowingly granting access to their account. (DUO is a two-factor authentication (2FA) system used by Georgia Tech that adds an extra layer of security to online accounts.) This tactic, known as a DUO phone call scam, is a serious threat to the security of your Georgia Tech accounts and personal information. Attackers are using this method to bypass 2FA and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. 

To protect yourself from falling victim, we urge you to remain vigilant and follow these important precautions:  

1.    Verify calls and notifications: Before accepting any DUO phone calls or notifications, ensure that it has been initiated by you or someone you trust. If you receive unexpected or suspicious calls, do not accept them. 

2.    Never share personal information: Never provide personal information, account credentials, or verification codes over the phone, unless you are absolutely certain of the identity of the caller. 

3.    Report suspicious activity: If you suspect that you are being targeted by a DUO phone call scam, or any other form of fraudulent activity, such as a phishing attempt via email, please report it to our Security Operations Center at soc@gatech.edu.

Your security is our top priority and we are actively working to address this issue and prevent future occurrences. In the meantime, please remain cautious and take necessary steps to protect yourself from potential cyber threats.

In her new position, Gerrior will spearhead strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the Women's Resource Center, working closely with staff, stakeholders, and community partners to advance its mission of supporting and advocating for women's rights, well-being, and empowerment. 

"Melissa Gerrior's return to Georgia Tech as the Director of the Women's Resource Center is a homecoming for both her and the institution," said Dr. Kim D. Harrington, interim associate vice president for Arts, Belonging and Community. "Her extensive experience makes her the ideal leader to guide the center's efforts to cultivate opportunities for community building, transformative learning, collaborative leadership, and identity development for graduate and undergraduate women.”  

For the last ten years, Gerrior has worked at Georgia College, and currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Women's Center & LGBTQ+ Programs. She started her career at Georgia College State University with Project BRAVE (Georgia College's sexual violence prevention and education initiative). In Spring 2019, she received Georgia College's Inclusive Excellence Award as well as the Faculty/Staff LGBTQ+ Community Impact Award, and in 2020 received the Bobcat Award for RSO Advisor of the Year for her work with GCSU’s Pride Alliance.  

“I am thrilled to serve as the next Director for the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) at Georgia Tech,” Gerrior said. “My own involvement with the WRC, Residence Life, and Student Engagement were highlights of my time at Georgia Tech as a student as well as the catalyst for my pursuing a degree and career in Student Affairs. I am honored to be able to give back to a place that was such an important part of my journey as an undergraduate student, and I’m excited to come home. Go Jackets!” 

Outside of academia, Melissa is a lifetime member and current volunteer for the Girl Scouts of the USA and serves as the Inaugural Vice President for the PFLAG Milledgeville chapter. In her free time, Melissa likes to read, play cozy video games like Sims, learn various types of arts and crafts, and spend time with her two cats, Charlie & Sally. 

Please join us in welcoming Melissa Gerrior to Student Engagement and Well-Being as the new Director of the Women's Resource Center. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter in our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive community. Melissa will start June 1, 2024, at the Women’s Resource Center in Smithgall Student Services (Flag Building) Suite 131. 

“Today’s Georgia Tech Dining program cannot simply produce quality food at a competitive price,” said Ryan Greene, Senior Director of Tech Dining. “It must operate with sustainable practices at the forefront, helping the institute meet its goal of zero waste as quickly as possible. For Tech Dining, the most exciting aspect of our sustainable priorities include innovation and technology, which closely align with Georgia Tech’s strategic plan.” 

LeanPath is instrumental in monitoring pre-consumer (kitchen) waste, providing important data on food wastage patterns and trends. One of its key features is the ability to train staff in effective food waste reduction strategies, empowering them to make informed decisions that contribute to waste reduction. By utilizing LeanPath, Tech Dining has reduced its overall carbon footprint by minimizing food usage. 

Since the implementation of LeanPath in each dining hall in May 2022, Tech Dining has: 

• Trained and developed staff in practices to reduce food waste. 

• Prevented $2,514 of food waste from occurring in 2023. 

Alongside the LeanPath program is Raccoon Eyes, a visionary initiative founded by Georgia Tech students.  

Utilized in each dining hall, Raccoon Eyes presents students with visuals of the food they waste as they dispose of it. This visual approach educates students about the impact of their actions and fosters a culture of responsibility toward food usage and waste reduction. Powered by vision and AI capabilities, the program streamlines feedback and analytics without the need for manual inputs or tedious processes. Since implementation, Racoon Eyes has:  

• Recorded over 51,015 lbs. of post-consumer waste. 

• Received 60,524 comments from students about their meals. 

• Helped managers on-site identify the top wasted food items so the chefs could adjust menus and recipes. 

• Helped managers identify the times of day when the most food is wasted. For lunch, it is between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. and for dinner, it is between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

Georgia Tech's Dining Services is taking the charge in sustainable food practices through initiatives like LeanPath and Raccoon Eyes. By leveraging technology, data-driven insights, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, they are setting a powerful example for other campuses and communities.  

To learn more about Tech Dining's sustainability efforts, please visit https://dining.gatech.edu/sustainability.  

XR collectively refers to virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality technologies, which simulate or enhance real-world experiences. These technologies use computer-generated environments, digital augmentation of physical environments, and the blending of physical-digital elements to create an immersive experience. Common examples of XR devices include the Microsoft HoloLens, Meta Quest, and Apple Vision Pro headsets, commonly used for training, education entertainment, physical workouts, and gaming.  

Georgia Tech’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) has seen a demand in requests for XR capabilities from Tech students, faculty, and researchers looking to enrich the teaching and learning experience. OIT has previously partnered with the Invention Studio @ Georgia Tech to build out an interactive virtual tour of the studio leveraging Microsoft Mesh, a cloud-based platform that allows users in various physical locations to engage with each other and collaborate in a custom environment. OIT has also worked with faculty and student groups to explore immersive XR-based collaboration or co-design, the intersection of arts and XR, and an educational moon environment. 

“While the use of XR in support of teaching and learning is not new, we have seen a renewed interest in exploring the use of that technology," said Didier Contis, executive director of OIT's Academic Technology, Innovation, and Research Computing. "The interest of XR also extends to research activities, wellbeing, digital museums, and remote assistance. Likewise, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more infused in the way we work, we are also seeing an increase in the release of more powerful XR devices and platforms that incorporate AI.” 

With this growth in mind, the Academic Technology, Innovation, and Research Computing team is exploring ways to scale the use of XR effectively and responsibly. This includes keeping data privacy, security, and ethics top of mind.  

Contis added that institutions should be intentional in their efforts to advance XR at scale to avoid the perception of innovation stifling and bureaucratic approaches to implementation. It is our responsibility to lay the groundwork for developing an empowered institution that is fully prepared to embrace XR and other emerging technologies while keeping humans at the center of the effort. 

Next steps for advancing XR at Tech include developing communities of practice centered around campus early adopters and community leaders (including student organization eXtended Reality), establishing partnerships with units across campus, and creating learning and development opportunities for Institute student, faculty, and staff to experience XR. OIT also plans to collaborate with Institute partners to draft preliminary guidelines for the use of XR technology and services for instructional purposes.

In May, Georgia Tech’s R. Kirk Landon Learning Center will officially close. This announcement was recently shared with all R. Kirk Landon families by Student Engagement and Well-being’s Auxiliary Services department. The decision came after consideration of a few key factors impacting Georgia Tech’s child care services. Previously, the Institute operated two child care centers: the Children’s Campus (TCC), situated in Family Housing at 10th and Home, and the R. Kirk Landon Learning Center, located a few blocks away in the Home Park neighborhood. Managed by Bright Horizons, both centers offer a 10% tuition discount to Georgia Tech families.

Since the reopening of both centers after the pandemic, occupancy rates have not exceeded 67% at either location. Furthermore, while the centers are primarily intended to serve Georgia Tech employees and students, the percentage of campus families using these facilities dropped to less than 50% since the pandemic. One contributing factor to this decline in enrollment is the shift to hybrid work schedules, prompting employees to seek child care options closer to where they live.

Lower enrollment led to increased operational costs and inefficiencies; as a result, a consolidation of operations to enhance effectiveness was needed. The decision was made to retain TCC due to its on-campus location and modern facilities. Most Georgia Tech families at R. Kirk Landon will relocate their children to TCC. Bright Horizons is also equipped to accommodate children and teachers at one of their other nearby facilities.

As a result of the consolidation, the Institute will be able to redirect resources to offer a new service for all benefits-eligible employees: Bright Horizons Enhanced Family Supports. This online platform provides access to discounted services that can support working parents.

Enhanced Family Supports includes:

• Child Care: Preferred enrollment at Bright Horizons centers, tuition discounts at partner facilities, and assistance in finding trained and screened nannies.
• Summer Camp and School Break Programs: Activities from performance arts to coding, provided by Steve & Kate’s Camp.
• Academic Support: Discounts for virtual and in-person tutoring services to support children's academic performance.
• A+ Enrichments: Programs focusing on coding and early childhood learning to boost STEM and literacy skills.
• Elder Care Planning and Support: Caregiver search tools and one-on-one guidance from senior care experts.
• Even More for Families: Search tools for sitters, pet care services, housekeeping assistance, and before- and after-school programs.

This transition will provide new support services from trusted providers to Georgia Tech families facing diverse family challenges. This initiative also has the potential to contribute to employees’ personal wellness and productivity in the workplace. As organizations strive to create supportive environments for their workforce, programs like Enhanced Family Supports emerge as a vital component in fostering employee satisfaction and retention. The new program will be available by July to all regular employees working 30 or more hours per week, with plans to extend the program to graduate students by September.

2024 Institute Staff Awards honorees will be recognized at the Georgia Tech Faculty and Staff Honors Luncheon on April 26, in the Exhibition Hall's Midtown Ballroom. The annual luncheon recognizes faculty and staff who have received accolades and awards throughout the previous academic year.

A full listing of 2024 faculty and staff honorees can be found at news.gatech.edu/news/2024/04/28/faculty-staff-honored-outstanding-work. 

Georgia Tech Human Resources partners with Staff Council to coordinate recognition for our one- and five-year service recipients within the month of their anniversary date. 10-year and 25-year service* recipients get acknowledgment from Georgia Tech Human Resources in the month of their anniversary and are also invited to attend its annual Service Luncheon. The Office of Information Technology congratulates the following team members who were recognized at the annual Service Luncheon on April 25, 2024:

10-Year Service Anniversary:

• Eric Gill, cybersecurity training lead
• David Lacy, senior manager, IT service delivery
• David Mack, analyst manager, Data Governance
• Jessica Shaffer, lead engineer, Network Support
• Alisha Kennedy, assistant to the executive
• Kenji Terawaki Barrera, business intel. developer II

25-Year Service Anniversary:

• Didier Contis, executive director, Academic Research Technologies
• Steven Goeke, senior manager, application developer
• Liberty Smith, senior web developer
• Graham Thomas, assistant director, Network Engineering
• Kimberly Wynn White, CRM senior director

A full listing of Georgia Tech employees recently recognized can be found at engagement.hr.gatech.edu/service-milestones/.

*Anniversary milestones are determined between July 1 and June 30.

Nine staff members from the Office of Information Technology’s Enterprise Application and Data Integration (EADI) team delivered the following presentations at the conference: 

"A Day in the Life of an Azure Data Engineer,” Caleb Tarleton (systems/IT lead architect); "AI Augmentation: Practical Paths to Human Empowerment,” Brent O'Guin (technology strategist and senior architect); "Charting the Future of Data at Georgia Tech: A Blueprint for Modernization and Innovation,” Nick Chaviano (director of Data Services) and Andrew Dietz (director of Platforms and Databases); "Closing the Gap: A Comprehensive Pay Equity Analysis for Faculty and Staff,” Lou Kaba (senior developer, Business Intel); "Data Revolution Unleashed: Empowering Self-service at Scale,” Justin Boone (IT service delivery lead) and Kenji Terawaki (developer II, Business Intel); and “From Legacy to Modern: Revamping Reporting Approaches in Higher Ed,” Bryant McBride (developer II, Business Intel). 

"I am incredibly proud of EADI's outstanding contributions to the 2024 HEDW Conference,” said Katie Crawford, EADI executive director. “Their presentations not only showcased our team’s expertise but also underscored our commitment to driving innovation and fostering a culture of data empowerment at Georgia Tech.” 

Chaviano served as program chair for this year’s HEDW Conference and has been appointed conference chair for 2025. The 2025 HEDW Conference will be hosted at Georgia Tech. 

“Nick’s appointment as 2025 HEDW conference chair is a testament to our leadership in the higher education data community,” Crawford added, “and Georgia Tech being chosen to host next year’s conference further solidifies our position as a leading institution in data-driven innovation and collaboration.” 

Learn more about the Higher Education Data Warehousing Forum by visiting hedw.org/.  

Dr. Polo Chau, an associate professor in the School of Computational Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech and associate director of the Master of Science Analytics program, and Didier Contis, executive director of Academic Technology, Innovation, and Research Computing within OIT, have embarked on an ambitious project to create a short, asynchronous course designed to equip IT professionals and business citizen developers with the knowledge to apply LLMs in enterprise environments.

The course will initially provide a focused, online tutorial that covers LLMs, including advanced AI techniques such as fine-tuning processes. A future version of the tutorial will focus on Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and fine-tuning processes. RAG enables language models to dynamically retrieve external data, improving response accuracy, while fine-tuning allows for the customization of these models to meet specific business needs, from unique vocabularies to specialized tasks.

Two graduate students from Chau’s research group are developing the curriculum to offer hands-on learning experiences. The course will demonstrate the practical application of LLMs, giving learners the tools to innovate and automate within their industries.

The development of this course is timely, given the growing demand for AI capabilities in business environments. It addresses the critical need for skills in managing and deploying LLMs, potentially leading to increased efficiency and the creation of sophisticated user experiences.

This educational initiative is expected to play a crucial role in democratizing AI, making advanced AI techniques accessible to a wider audience beyond AI researchers and data scientists. In doing so, Chau and Contis are not only contributing to the professional development of individuals but also fostering the growth of an ecosystem that embraces technological progress and innovation.

The result of their efforts is a future in which AI integration is not a complex challenge, but a standard practice.

The Copilot chat tool offers text, graphic, and code generation with commercial data protection. The tool delivers the same GPT 4.0 capabilities as other popular genAI tools like ChatGPT without leveraging Georgia Tech data to train its model. Copilot also provides copyright protection and ensures that any content generated using the tool is the intellectual property of Georgia Tech.

“As with the rollout of any new and emerging technology, we want to ensure each tool offers the best protection for our Institute data and intellectual property, while also providing a variety of features and capabilities,” said Leo Howell, interim vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. “With this in mind, we collaborated with the Office of General Counsel, Cyber Security, and Institute Communications to develop guidance around data privacy and security best practices as well as a set of dos and don’ts when leveraging genAI.”

The guidance advises against using tools that have not been reviewed and approved by OIT or sharing various types of data in AI tools. Data includes, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information such as name, social security number, and date of birthday, and FERPA data, which includes any student information. Other dos and don’ts include:

• DO verify the accuracy and validity of AI-generated content with reliable sources.
• DO regularly review and comply with AI guidance and key Georgia Tech data policies (Data Privacy Policy, Personal Information Privacy Policy, Data Governance and Management Policy, and Protected Data Practices).
• DON’T assume that generated content is free of another entity’s intellectual property. Familiarize yourself with the service’s copyright terms.

“Because of the rapidly evolving nature of AI, we expect this guidance to expand over the next several months,” said Howell.

OIT’s future state road map includes other AI service offerings such as Copilot for Microsoft 365, which integrates with popular Office tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and the advanced Microsoft Azure OpenAI platform, which allows developers to build and train their own custom AI models. An interdisciplinary team will investigate other tools, explore AI capabilities within existing technology services, strengthen adoption efforts, and build out governance and ethical frameworks for AI at Georgia Tech.

“We have laid the groundwork for rolling out generative AI services through a series of small educational workshops in some of our administrative spaces and the development of general use guidance,” said Howell. “The goal of the interdisciplinary team is to bring together voices from across academic, research, student life, and administrative areas to scale our efforts and explore the enterprise use of other generative AI tools at Georgia Tech.”

To view official guidance on AI use or learn more about generative AI tools, visit oit.gatech.edu/ai.

A New Era of AI in Georgia

The AI Advisory Council, part of the Georgia Digital Center of Excellence (DCoE), aims to recommend ethical and responsible uses of AI in government, develop guidelines for state employees on the use of AI, educate the public about the potential benefits and risks of AI when interacting with state services, and foster collaboration among government, industry, advocacy, and academia on AI-related issues.

As part of this prestigious appointment, O’Guin will serve as a liaison between experts throughout the state and AI trailblazers across Georgia Tech to regularly share updates, insights, and opportunities - ensuring that Institute strategies are informed by the latest developments. He will also seek to involve and collaborate with OIT leadership and other AI stakeholders to fulfill the council’s objectives, leveraging internal expertise to contribute meaningfully to the council’s work.

This appointment opens doors for collaboration with state agencies, other educational institutions, and private sector partners, enriching OIT’s network and creating opportunities for joint initiatives. It also provides a platform to ensure that the interests and expertise of Georgia Tech are represented in statewide discussions.

The objective of the engagement was to strike a balance between technological advancement and the inherent privacy and bias concerns associated with AI in the workplace. OIT Technology Strategist and Senior Architect Brent O’Guin collaborated with GTHR’s Senior Director Kellye Terrell to develop a series of tailored workshops aimed at training HR professionals in the skilled use of GenAI.

A significant aspect of the first workshop was the use of GenAI to draft effective communications for policy changes, ensuring clarity and impact while conveying the benefits of significant updates and encouraging responsible AI usage. Participants also explored the optimization of the hiring process with AI, aligning job descriptions and interview questions with Georgia Tech’s core values and culture, demonstrating GenAI’s role in maintaining institutional integrity. Finally, a customized workshop addressed the emerging issue of AI-driven fraud in recruitment. HR professionals were trained to identify and understand fraudulent tactics, recognize system vulnerabilities, and develop prevention strategies.

The workshops were instrumental in helping the HR design training programs and evaluate policy changes, laying a solid foundation for ongoing continuous improvement in HR practices.

The event drew close to 100 participants from ten colleges and universities from across the state of Georgia. Participating institutions included: Atlanta Technical College, Augusta University, Columbus State University, Emory University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech (and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI)), Kennesaw State University, Middle Georgia State University and Savannah State University.

Participants solved “capture the flag” challenges, designed to help sharpen cybersecurity skills and knowledge.

“The Southeastern Cyber Cup was a fun way to highlight the importance of cybersecurity as a community responsibility – a responsibility that’s not the job of just one person,” said Chief Information Security Officer Leo Howell. “Teams got the chance to learn how to spot web vulnerabilities and participate in various exercises on topics such as cryptography, forensic investigations, and incident response," continued Howell. "Next year, the competition will be bigger and better!”

Deloitte served as the inaugural event's partnering sponsor. Additional sponsors included Elastic, Fortinet, and Splunk.

Team ‘A Family that Hacks Together Stacks Together’ from Georgia Tech took top place in the competition. Rounding out the top three teams were 'Suvoni' (Georgia Tech) and 'Clockcycles' (GTRI).

To learn more about the Southeastern Cyber Cup, visit sites.gatech.edu/cybercup.

“The holidays present an especially busy time for online activity and, unfortunately, cybercriminals take advantage,” said Leo Howell, Georgia Tech chief information security officer. “From creating fake shopping sites to exploiting financial transactions, threats are all around and it is important to remain vigilant.” 

Phishing — the fraudulent practice of sending emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies or individuals to induce people to reveal personal information — is also common. 

“The Cyber Security team at Georgia Tech has seen heightened phishing attempts across the campus,” Howell continued. “Email scams typically increase in frequency throughout the holiday season. I routinely encourage employees to double-check matters such as their financial institution’s routing number and their account number provided for direct deposit and instruct students how to detect suspicious emails and text messages.” 

The Office of Information Technology offers the following tips to stay safe online this season and beyond: 

• Always STOP, THINK, and CHECK. Shop reliable websites of retailers you know and trust and visit their sites directly by entering a known, trusted URL into the address bar instead of following a link. Do research on retailers that you are not familiar with, such as looking for and examining consumer reviews, and verify that the retailer has a legitimate mailing address and phone number for sales or support questions. 
• Be mindful of package tracking emails, fake ecards, charity donation scams, or anything that requests confirmation of purchase information. Double-check email links that appear to be from major retailers and shipping companies such as FedEx and UPS. 
• If you receive an email, text message, or call with a deal that’s too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Follow up with your own research. 

In your Georgia Tech accounts, don’t: 

• Reset passwords via links sent in emails. Instead, go directly to BuzzPort (buzzport.gatech.edu) or Passport (passport.gatech.edu) URLs to change your passwords. 
• Respond to job solicitations that you did not apply for or expect.
• Click DUO prompts when you have not attempted a login. 
• Engage with suspicious emails that are sent to your Georgia Tech email account. Instead, immediately forward the email to phishing@gatech.edu.

Leo Howell has played a crucial role in guiding initiatives across the campus community aimed at crafting thorough solutions for addressing cybersecurity risks at Georgia Tech. I am confident in his capacity to guide the team through this period of transition,” said Shantay N. Bolton, executive vice president for Administration and Finance and chief business officer.

Howell joined Georgia Tech in October 2021, reporting to Hubbard as the chief information security officer. In this role, he leads the development and implementation of an Institute-wide information security and risk management program. As a member of the senior leadership team in OIT, he is responsible for creating and maintaining a cybersecurity program and leading the cybersecurity team, which manages the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Institute information assets and cybersecurity-related compliance.

“It is a privilege to step into this role for OIT as part of the leadership transitional plan,” said Howell. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to further support the Institute’s instructional, research, and service missions.”

The search for the next vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer is in progress. The national executive search firm WittKieffer will assist Georgia Tech in the search. More information will be shared when it is available.

There is an increased focus on providing healthier food and beverages to help students, faculty and staff adopt healthier lifestyles. Eight healthy machines are now available offering snacks and grab-n-go meal alternatives to help with the busy day ahead. In the traditional snack machines, 25% of the inventory consists of healthier items such as Nature Valley granola bars, Dole snack fruit, Blue Diamond almonds, and more. Users can find nutritional fact stickers placed on the machines to help make the best selection for their dietary needs. In addition to healthier food choices, Coca-Cola is also offering various hydrating beverages as part of their commitment to supplying an array of snack and beverage options throughout the campus. 

“The new vending efforts are a significant part of the Division of Student Engagement and Well-Being (SEWB)’s mission to enhance the overall wellness of our campus community,” said Allison Watkins, retail operational manager. “We are excited for our entire campus to enjoy the new options that are available while also taking advantage of easy-to-use features.” 

Coca-Cola Bottling Company worked to replace older models and install high-quality machines throughout the campus to include top-of-the-line glass fronts and hassle-free transactional readers. To make the vending process more seamless and secure, all transactions are now cashless. Credit cards are accepted via tap or swipe. Users can swipe their BuzzCard Funds or Dining Dollars to make purchases as well. With the cashless feature and reader sensors which only charge when a product is dispensed, users can experience minimal transactional issues. 

With 105 drink machines and 95 snack machines, you’re sure to always find one close by. For additional vending options, please contact Allison Watkins at Allison.Watkins@gatech.edu. To learn more about on campus vending, please click here. 

As director of Faculty and External Engagement with C21U, Goetzel will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage and collaborate with faculty across Georgia Tech on C21U initiatives; building and maintaining relationships with internal and external partners – including OIT and the Division of Lifetime Learning – as well as other professional organizations, universities, corporations, and foundations; assisting in the systemic exploration, development, adoption, and assessment of new and innovative educational methodologies and curricular models and furthering the Institute’s efforts in lifelong learning initiatives for both traditional and nontraditional learners; and representing C21U to external audiences. 

Goetzel has over 20 years of experience in higher education technology. Most recently, he accepted an invitation to join the 1EdTech Higher Education Executive Council, a distinguished member-based non-profit community partnership that brings together leading educational providers and government organizations. For the past two years, Goetzel has also co-chaired the Affordable Degrees-at-Scale Symposium, a preeminent event for higher education leaders to engage in intensive conversations on the strategies, trends, and challenges associated with scaled degree programs. 

In November, Goetzel was also an inaugural recipient of the Advocates for Accessibility Awards by the Office of Equity and Compliance Programs, awarded to campus individuals, departments, and programs who have actively worked to improve accessibility for people with disabilities in the Georgia Tech community.

Office of Information Technology staffers Dr. Warren Goetzel, director of Academic Technologies and Engagement, and Dr. James Logan, quality assurance manager, were among the inaugural honorees who have contributed to the work of accessibility through their leadership and expertise at the Advocates for Accessibility Awards Reception held on Nov. 15. 

“Although I am truly honored to receive an Advocates for Accessibility Award, the real honor is being able to work with an amazing group of accessibility advocates at Georgia Tech,” Goetzel said. “Accessibility for all benefits the entire Tech community and contributes to a more just and equitable society.” 

To view a full listing of 2023 Advocates for Accessibility Awards honorees, visit diversity.gatech.edu/equity-compliance/50-years-section-504/advocates-accessibility-reception.  

Hubbard joined Georgia Tech in September 2020, as vice president for Information Technology and CIO. In this role, he has provided vision, leadership, and oversight in the development and implementation of information technology. He has been responsible for establishing the strategic direction of information technology resources, including a governance strategy, as well as supporting information users by determining trends and technologies needed to advance the Institute’s academic and research mission.

“Daren’s contributions to Georgia Tech have been invaluable, and while we bid farewell to a brilliant leader, we also celebrate the lasting mark he has left on our institution. I extend my best wishes for continued success and a huge thank you for his unwavering dedication to advancing technology and innovation at Georgia Tech,” said Shantay Bolton, executive vice president for Administration and Finance. “As we embark on this transition, we remain committed to upholding the standards of excellence that define our institution and eagerly anticipate the continued growth of our technology landscape."

As Princeton’s chief strategist and operational leader of the Office of Information Technology (OIT), the vice president and CIO is responsible for providing strategic leadership to identify, develop, and implement information systems, services, and the technical infrastructure that enables the Princeton community to achieve its mission to advance learning through research and teaching of unsurpassed quality. The OIT organization has a staff of over 300 people working across six core functions: the information security office, enterprise infrastructure services, software and application services, the service management office, the project and technology consulting office, and operations and planning. At Princeton University, Hubbard will be responsible for successfully transitioning OIT to a new organizational structure reporting to the executive vice president.

Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Hubbard worked for Wayne State since 1999 and was responsible for the university’s computing and networking facilities, enterprise software applications, learning management environments, high-performance research computing, information security, and information technology support services.

Hubbard’s last day in his role at Tech is Dec. 31. Details about interim leadership and the search for a successor will be announced soon.

Buffington has extensive experience at Georgia Tech and has worked in a variety of roles and responsibilities since 1995, enabling innovative uses of information technologies in both research and academic/instructional capacities. Most recently, she served as director of Research Cyberinfrastructure & Computing – guiding the work of the Partnership for an Advanced Computing Environment – or PACE. PACE is a collaboration between Georgia Tech faculty and OIT with a focus on high performance computing infrastructure with technical support services. Prior to her time leading PACE, Buffington led OIT’s Digital Learning Team as associate director of Academic Technologies and steered external relations activities for Center for 21st Century Universities, or C21U.  

“Pam brings a wealth of IT knowledge and leadership into this role, including her ability to bridge academic and research communities at Georgia Tech,” said Daren Hubbard, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. “She has been an integral partner across many units at the Institute for years and I am excited for what she will bring in this next step of her journey with OIT.” 

Buffington is also a published researcher who most recently co-authored Semi-Automatic Hybrid Software Deployment Workflow in a Research Computing Center.  

An official “Double Jacket,” Buffington earned both her undergraduate (BS’95) and Master of Business Administration (MBA ’23) degrees from Georgia Tech. 

Hosted under the theme ‘Empowering You,’ the 2023 conference guided attendees through three days of in-person (and online) sessions, demonstrations, and enriching keynotes that showcased the power of data and data tools available at the Institute – and beyond.

Data Days – Empowering You kicked off its first day with a rousing keynote address by Dr. Amelia Parnell, vice president for Research and Policy at NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. She was proceeded with welcome messages from Dr. Shantay Bolton, executive vice president of Administration and Finance and chief business officer, and Daren Hubbard, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer, and Data Days executive sponsor.

“The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Empowering You,’” Hubbard said. “This theme is centered around equipping data users with the tools and resources to manage and leverage data effectively. Throughout the week, I encourage you to engage in conversations and make meaningful connections that help strengthen our culture of continuous learning and data-driven decision making here at Georgia Tech.”

The Office of Information Technology’s (OIT) Katie Crawford – executive director of Enterprise Applications and Data Management – and Zachary Hayes – director of Data Governance – served as 2023 co-chairs.

Data Days featured more than two dozen concurrent sessions presented by more than 40 Georgia Tech faculty, staff, and students and representatives from the University System of Georgia (USG) and fellow USG institutions. Vendors hosted demonstrations and live workshops. A poster session featured a dozen data-themed presentations from students, faculty, and staff. A student-led presentation and discussion took the spotlight one conference evening.

In total, some 300 unique participants attended the conference in-person, hosted in the Bill Moore Student Success Center. Sessions were also streamed to online attendees.

2023 Data Days corporate sponsors included: Accenture, Deloitte, Elastic, OneTrust, Tableau, Splunk, and Workday.

Data Days – Empowering You session recordings can be viewed via the OIT YouTube channel at b.gatech.edu/DataDaysRecordings2023.

Learn more about Data Days at Georgia Tech by visiting c.gatech.edu/datadays.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 30, access to Georgia Tech systems will be interrupted for employees who fail to complete the training by the Oct. 27 deadline. Employees will need to complete all four of the training modules in order to restore their access to the Georgia Tech systems.  

Employees can access the training at b.gatech.edu/genius. It will take a little over one hour to complete. 

The required training modules include:       

1. University System of Georgia Ethics Refresher.      

2. Sexual Misconduct.      

3. Ethics in Action (includes Conflict of Interest attestation).     

4. Cybersecurity Awareness/2023 Your Role: Internet Security and You.     

The first three training modules are accessible via the Genius platform. To complete the Cybersecurity Awareness training module, you will be redirected to KnowB4, where you will select the “Training” tab to access “2023 Your Role: Internet Security and You.” 

It can take up to 24 hours for the system to update to show completion, and you can verify that you have completed all the training at b.gatech.edu/genius. You have completed the required training if, on the right side of your home page under COMPLETED COURSES, you see both “2023 Fall Biannual Compliance Training” and “2023 Fall Biannual Compliance Training Cybersecurity.” In addition, you will receive two certifications – one in Genius and one in KnowB4 – indicating that you have completed the full 2023 Fall Biannual Compliance Training.  

The Institute appreciates the community's dedication to exercising sound ethical judgment, acting with integrity and transparency, and upholding the University System of Georgia's and the Institute's policies and compliance obligations.    

Questions about the training may be submitted to Compliance Training Request Help. For additional assistance, contact Terry Bridges, interim Compliance Training manager, at Terry.Bridges@gtri.gatech.edu.       

Beginning Oct. 15, eligible employees will follow a more streamlined process for submitting and tracking their applications in the Administrative Services portal. 

“Of the many benefits offered to Georgia Tech employees, the educational assistance programs really provide a direct investment in our employees’ future,” said Gail Imoukhuede, director of Benefits and Retirement in Georgia Tech Human Resources. “On average, we receive more than 1,000 applications throughout the year and are excited to implement a new digitized system that will improve the submission and approval process from start to end.”  

There are two educational assistance programs available to Georgia Tech employees — each with specific criteria. 

The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is offered by the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents and provides a tuition waiver to full-time, benefits-eligible employees, both faculty and staff, who have worked for at least six months within the USG.  

• Time worked in a temporary position does not count toward the six-month eligibility requirement.  
• Eligible employees may seek approval to enroll in up to nine academic semester hours for each of the three designated semester periods: Fall, Spring, and Summer.  
• Employees must apply by the TAP/STRAP application deadline to receive the waiver of tuition and mandatory fees. 

The Staff Tuition Reimbursement Assistance Program (STRAP) is offered by Georgia Tech and provides partial tuition reimbursement for full-time staff (exempt and non-exempt) who have worked for at least 12 months with Georgia Tech.  

• Time worked in a temporary position does not count toward the 12-month eligibility requirement.  
• Eligible employees may seek approval to enroll in up to six academic semester hours for each of the three designated semester periods: Fall, Spring, and Summer.  
• Employees must apply by the TAP/STRAP application deadline to be reimbursed for tuition. 
• Programs of study must be applicable to a career field at Georgia Tech. 

Click here for more information, including deadlines, ineligible programs of study, and frequently asked questions. 

TAP and STRAP Application Procedures 

1. Apply for enrollment through the admissions office at the institution you plan to attend during their designated application dates. 
2. Complete the applicable TAP or STRAP application; applications this upcoming semester will be digitized and available on Oct. 15 in your Administrative Services portal. Applications will not be accepted prior to Oct. 15. 
3. List the courses you plan to take, and if you are not sure, put your best guess (you can reach out via your application request to change it later). 

Note: Once you submit your application it will automatically route to your manager(s) for approval(s) 

Please ensure your application is submitted and approved by 5 p.m. on Nov. 15. Applications received after this date cannot be honored. A new application must be completed for each semester by the deadline. 

Special Note about TAP Registration Dates 

As a TAP participant, it is important that employees only register for classes during the TAP employee registration dates for the institution you are attending. These dates change each semester and will differ depending on the USG institution you are attending. If you register prior to the employee registration period, you risk your classes being dropped, and your TAP waiver will be removed.  

Additional information can also be found in the TAP Policy and STRAP Policy  

Need Help? 

Before Oct. 15: Contact via eduassist@gatech.edu. 

Beginning Oct. 15: Contact the Administrative Services Center for assistance 

• Phone: 404.385.1111 
• Request Help: Submit a general HR request 

All outpost locations offer different options: 

• Klemis 489: Located in Room 489 of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, this outpost is stocked with food items that can be eaten on the go with minimal preparation, such as protein bars, ready-to-eat sandwiches, and snacks. 
• Grace House Community Fridge: Located underneath the back deck of Grace House (182 Fifth St., between Techwood and Fowler on East Campus), this outpost is similar to the original Klemis Kitchen. 
• Graduate Student Lounge: Located on the third floor of the John Lewis Student Center (accessible to graduate students only). 

The first outpost opened in Spring 2022 in Clough Commons. This location is set up in a breakroom style with limited fresh and shelf-stable food items. It was intended for students to grab a quick meal or snack during breaks between classes. The latest outpost, in the John Lewis Student Center, was established in partnership with Auxiliary Services, Tech Dining, Campus Kitchens, the Georgia Tech Library, and the Student Center.  

The Klemis Kitchen program has come a long way since the 24/7 food pantry opened in the Biotech Quad in February 2015. It is named in honor of Tommy Klemis, a former Georgia Tech student and owner of Tech’s longtime favorite, Junior’s Grill. The popular Tech eatery was open from 1948 to 2011, first located at the corner of North Avenue and Techwood Drive, then relocated to the Bradley Building in 1994. Today, the Whistle Bistro occupies the space. Georgia Tech’s mission to address food insecurity on campus started with a tribute to Klemis by naming the food pantry after him. Approximately 250 – 275 students access the pantry each semester.  

The outposts serve the campus community in two ways: with scheduled open access hours that are staffed; and 24/7 access via the STAR program to students who are already registered with the Klemis Kitchen main location.  

“We hope these new locations across campus will break down barriers to members of the campus community in need of some support,” said Steve Fazenbaker, STAR program director. “Many think they are not experiencing food insecurity, or they are not insecure enough to be able to access our services.” Learn more about Klemis Kitchen services.

The main Klemis Kitchen location was updated in 2019 and serves as a 24/7 kitchen with prepared meals, a pantry, and grab-and-go options. Students can access the main location by filling out this form.  

This year’s conference is all about empowerment and how Georgia Tech students, faculty, researchers, and staff can leverage available tools and knowledge to harness the power of data effectively. Led by experts in data management at Georgia Tech and partnering institutions within the University System of Georgia, sessions will explore how participants can use data to inform decision-making, enhance efficiency, and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement.  

“We are excited to host Data Days for a second year,” said Daren Hubbard, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer as well as the executive sponsor for Data Days. “This year’s theme, Empowering You, centers around increasing access to tools and education for the data community.”  

Introduced in 2022, Data Days was coordinated to bring together voices from across the Institute to discuss best practices in the management, protection, and value of data. The goal of the event is to build and strengthen community of practice around data services offered at Georgia Tech.  

Data Days attendance is free and open to the Georgia Tech community. To view a full schedule of events and register to attend, visit c.gatech.edu/datadays.

"Helping to ensure compliance is a responsibility held by everyone at Georgia Tech,” said Tech’s General Counsel Danette Joslyn-Gaul. “By sharing a commitment to fully engage in this training, we can foster a culture that puts our values into practice." 

Beginning Monday, Sept. 25, all faculty, staff, and students who are active employees as of Sept. 18 will be required to complete the Fall Biannual Compliance Training by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, Oct. 27. The training will be available at gatech.geniussis.com. This year’s training will include the following four modules and should take no longer than one hour to complete:   

• University System of Georgia Ethics Refresher. 

• Sexual Misconduct. 

• Ethics in Action (includes Conflict of Interest attestation).  

• Cybersecurity Awareness/2023 Your Role: Internet Security and You. 

The training is mandated by the USG for all employees. It can be completed on a desktop or laptop and does not need to be finished at one time. Employees who do not complete the training by the deadline may face disciplinary action by the Institute. 

To learn more about the 2023 Fall Biannual Compliance Training, visit ethicsfirst.gatech.edu/trainingandresources.

In 1998, the inaugural year of utilizing the BuzzCard, three priority service categories of focus were established – Academic Services, Administrative Services and Campus Activities. After the start-up year, BuzzCard’s growth happened organically. Each successful service offering often inspired interest by other departments who then contacted BuzzCard to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership. BuzzCard later implemented cardholder identification and several traditional Auxiliary Services applications (i.e., meal plans, door access and bookstore sales).

In 2015-2016, Georgia Tech introduced the Transact concession module, a major milestone for BuzzCard. This integration allowed students to use their BuzzCards for purchasing concessions at various athletic venues. Tech Dining partnered with BuzzCard to offer a mobile-friendly experience for all. As a result of this, our campus community conveniently ordered meals using their BuzzCards through mobile apps, making their campus life more convenient and efficient.

Through 2003, BuzzCard displayed social security numbers. However, in January 2004, Georgia Tech switched to using GT ID numbers for increased security and protection of student information. This change demonstrated the institution's commitment to safeguarding student privacy.

Throughout its evolution, BuzzCard has undergone five design modifications. As a part of the 25 Years of BuzzCard celebration, first-year students entering in Fall 2023 will have the opportunity to enjoy a new design! This change will not only enhance its look but also reflect the ever-evolving nature of Georgia Tech’s brand.

“As we continue to move BuzzCard forward, we’re excited to introduce a fresh design that amplifies Georgia Tech’s vision of inclusive innovation,” said Jennifer Rocke, BuzzCard Operations Manager. “We have a lot to celebrate with 25 years of excellence and commitment to our campus.”

BuzzCard's impact is evident in the staggering numbers recorded with over 8 million access assignments facilitated to connect individuals to various points across the campus. Its versatility and reliability have solidified its position as a key resource to the Georgia Tech community. Here’s a summary of recent statistics:

• As of this summer, Georgia Tech proudly boasts the highest number of GT IDs in the institute’s history, with a staggering 3 million+ GT IDs created and over 605,000 cards issued since its inception.
• Within the latest system, over 582,000 cards have been created.
• Over 7.4 million transactions were facilitated in just Housing last year alone
• Retail transactions have exceeded 47 million, highlighting the widespread acceptance of BuzzCard as a payment method.
• Meal plan transactions have reached a remarkable 16 million, emphasizing the essential role BuzzCard plays to ensure student accessibility to dining services.

“Over the last ten years, we have been working closely with our campus card partners and other campuses around the country to imagine what the future would mean for campus cards,” said Donald Smith, Director of Access Control Services. “This has led to our latest project, bringing your BuzzCard to mobile devices.” 

“We currently have a pilot group of about 200 people using their Apple and Android phones, along with Apple Watches as their BuzzCard. Before we can roll this out campus wide, we need to ensure that the environment is as seamless as possible. Anywhere you can currently use your plastic BuzzCard, we hope to be able to allow the use of a mobile device. We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to bringing BuzzCard into the future!”

With its continuous evolution and promising future, Georgia Tech's BuzzCard remains a symbol of technological progress and student services access. BuzzCard will continue to be an integral part of the Georgia Tech community, facilitating convenience, security, and innovation on campus.

As the date nears, Georgia Tech instructors and students are reminded to download, save, and transfer any remaining T-Square content. After the sunset, course content will be permanently deleted from T-Square in accordance with the Georgia Tech Records Management and Retention Policy.

Georgia Tech replaced T-Square with Canvas as its primary LMS five years ago after a campuswide selection process and comprehensive study. The transition, which started in 2017 and concluded in 2018, aimed to modernize the Institute’s academic tools with a cloud-based, accessible SaaS solution offering greater functionality. Canvas, with its 25 integrations, supports a larger, interoperable digital ecosystem. The shift to Canvas also facilitated the launch of new online degree programs in analytics and cybersecurity.

Students and instructors are encouraged to save and migrate their data from T-Square to Canvas prior to Sept. 29. Several alternative platforms and tools for project sites are outlined in ServiceNow, and additional migration options are available via the T-Square Info knowledge article.

The OIT Digital Learning Team is available via email and ServiceNow to discuss specific needs or issues.

GTRI’s recruiting team was also integrated into the ASC in alignment with Tech’s overarching people-focused strategy to provide consistent HR services that support growth across all areas of the Institute.​ 

Employees can now contact the ASC for these services, where they will be greeted by a knowledgeable agent who will assist them with their question or issue. ​ 

Contact the ASC

1. You can navigate to the ASC portal at asc.gatech.edu to do the following:

• Search for answers to your HR or IT questions
• Submit a service request or general help request
• Schedule a walk-in appointment

2. You can also call the ASC at 404.385.1111 Monday through Friday

• HR and Directory Services: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tech Support Services: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Audio Visual Services: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

3. You can even walk-in for an appointment Monday through Friday

• HR support at 500 Tech Parkway: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tech Support Services at Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

You are invited to explore the ASC at asc.gatech.edu. 

“Jimmy was extremely instrumental in expanding our cybersecurity office to include critical teams that oversee operations, services, risk, and compliance,” said Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Daren Hubbard. “Under his leadership, Cyber Security has established multi-factor authentication, endpoint management and protection, log management, and many other comprehensive programs. We appreciate his contributions and commitment to Georgia Tech.”

Hubbard has named Didier Contis, director of Technology Services for the College of Engineering, as interim CISO, effective Feb. 1. Hubbard, who has assumed leadership of Georgia Tech’s data security efforts, will work closely with Contis, Cyber Security, and other units to advance efforts to strengthen the security of Institute data. Contis reports directly to Hubbard in his interim role and serve as part of OIT’s senior leadership team.

“Over the past 22 years, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of the cyber and data security challenges, and ever-evolving threats that a premier research institution such as Georgia Tech must face,” Contis said. “As demonstrated by recent events, security cannot be an afterthought and must be an integral part of everything we do. Indeed, our constituents expect and trust that Georgia Tech fulfills its mission in a secure way, especially when the world's digitization is accelerating. I have a lot of respect and appreciation for all the hard work the Cyber Security team has been doing over the years to keep and improve the Institute security posture. I look forward to working with them. We must also recognize the tremendous leadership and impact Jimmy Lummis had on the Georgia Tech cybersecurity program. I feel honored to follow in his footsteps as interim CISO.”

Contis began his career at Georgia Tech in 1999 as a research engineer for the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Before that, he was a network security engineer in the banking industry in France. He was the IT manager for Tech’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering from 2004 to 2007 before becoming the first director of Technology Services for the College of Engineering. In this role, Contis established several partnerships with OIT and other academic units to develop new campuswide services in support of research and instruction, with a strong focus on empowering users.

“As both an alumnus and a proud Georgia Tech parent, I plan to work diligently in partnership with the community to ensure the security of the Institute and its data assets,” Contis said. “I am deeply committed to the fact that technology should enable students, faculty, and staff to work in an agile, reliable, and secure way. We must also work toward fully leveraging our data assets in a secure fashion to the benefit of our constituents, as well as to support the Institute's mission and new strategic initiatives.”

Contis holds a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech and a Diplôme d'Ingénieur (bachelor’s degree) from the Ecole des Mines de Nantes-France.

"Maria has diligently served as interim executive director of the team since Jim Pete’s reassignment to Clayton State University in early 2022," said Daren Hubbard, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer at Georgia Tech. "In that time, she has worked to strengthen the team’s engagement and advocated for the continued growth and development of Digital Business. She is currently working on a restructure of the team that would strengthen its service management program and better align client support resources to meet the growing needs of Georgia Tech's students, faculty, researchers and staff."

In her capacity as executive director, Hunter provides enterprise-wide leadership, strategic planning, and management of digital business technology and services, with focus on creating new value in business models, customer experiences, and internal capabilities that support core operations. She works with other senior leaders to Identify and develop processes and services that drive IT transformation and growth, and partners with the greater Institute business units and IT community for the delivery of best-in-class, customer-focused, technology services and support. 

Hunter has previously served OIT as director of Service Delivery and Support, associate director of Information Technology Services, and a department manager. Prior to Georgia Tech, she served in various capacities within IT at Tulane University Hospital and Clinic in New Orleans.  

Hunter holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Florida A&M University and a Master of Science from Tulane University. She has also completed Programmer/Developer programs with AT&T and Southern University.

The Film Logistics Committee includes members from Institute Communications, Facilities, Fire Safety, Georgia Tech Police Department, Risk Management, Parking & Transportation Services, Legal, Georgia Tech Athletic Association, and the Student & Campus Events Centers. When filming and photography occur, the Committee works to ensure that the structural integrity of the campus is protected, the Institute’s brand is well-represented, and appropriate logistical support and security is provided. The Committee is also responsible for pre-planning each project, including reviewing license agreements, reserving campus spaces, aligning with the campus calendar, and ensuring all fire safety measures are in place.

The Committee is led by Julie Birchfield, Georgia Tech’s recently appointed assistant director for Film Logistics and Business Development in Auxiliary Services. Julie is no stranger to the task, having worked in commercial film management, developing a diverse portfolio of commercials, TV shows, and major motion pictures.

“It’s an exciting time to work with film and live in Atlanta,” said Julie. “There are so many productions in and around the Atlanta area, and since we have such a beautiful campus, with gorgeous architecture and landscaping, it’s not surprising that the interest from the film community has already been overwhelming.” 

“It takes a village to pull off these big projects and the film logistics committee has been great to work with. The team makes it look easy when it’s not entirely easy…but isn’t that part of the movie magic?”

Julie Birchfield manages all aspects of film production on Georgia Tech’s campus from logistical planning to campus communication. Since September 2022, she has managed 12 commercial film/photography projects and six internal projects. So, the next time you walk around and see a camera crew on campus, you will know that Julie and her team are behind the effort!

Under Julie’s leadership, the Film Logistics Committee is committed to opening doors for Georgia Tech to thrive in film and for Georgia Tech to continue its mission to amplify impact beyond our campus. For more information about filming at Georgia Tech and the process for requesting projects, visit www.campusservices.gatech.edu/campus-filming or contact Julie Birchfield at Julie.Birchfield@gatech.edu.

“The Institute is growing, and we need to change the way we deliver administrative services to better support the evolving needs of our students, faculty, researchers, and staff,” said Ira Bragg, ASC executive director. “Our mission is to make high-volume, routine administrative transactions less complicated and easier to accomplish with fewer headaches. We are currently working with central functional units to identify, transition, and enhance the types of activities that will ease the administrative burden and generate a significant benefit for the community at large.” 

A Focused Approach to Service Improvements

To date, the ASC has had several successes as the team works toward improving the hiring experience for hiring managers, HR Partners (HR Business Partners and HR Directors), and candidates.

For example, the majority of student hiring is done through the Direct Hire eRequest Form, which digitizes the process of capturing and routing the information needed to process direct hire requests in a more accurate, complete, and timely manner. In addition, the ASC introduced the real-time Direct Hire Reporting Tool, which helps reduce the guesswork and alleviate the administrative burden associated with tracking and troubleshooting candidates throughout the hiring process. Together, these improvements are helping to reduce the time to process a direct hire from an average of 15.8 days to 10.4 days — a 34% improvement.

The ASC also processes all Manager Self-Service (MSS) transactions submitted via OneUSG Connect. The transactions, which span the employee life cycle, range from name changes to retirements. Even with a reported 12% increase in MSS transactions for the first quarter of 2023, the ASC reported a 34% reduction in denied transactions. Bragg attributes this success to a “try before you deny” approach supported by increased tracking and analytics to better understand the cases flowing through OneUSG Connect, as well as enhanced training for the ASC teams involved in hiring. As with direct hires, the ASC is seeing notable improvements in the hiring cycle time for MSS transactions, from 4.2 to 2.5 days — a 41% improvement.  

Additionally, the ASC customer service team is improving its ability to resolve customer inquiries on first contact. At launch, the team was able to successfully resolve 45% of incoming inquiries without needing to take the matter to a higher level of support. Today, the team is resolving 66% of incoming inquiries and aims to reach 85% — the industry standard — by year end.

In addition to making tangible service improvements, the ASC has also been streamlining content articles in Service-Now that are designed to address commonly asked questions and provide a better self-service experience. The ASC team has collaborated with central functional units, like GTHR, to review more than 1,500 articles and is on track to reduce the number of articles to approximately 700 by July, through updates, consolidation, and removal of duplicate content. The articles are now role-based, which helps ensure users are finding information that is most relevant to their job responsibilities.

More Services and Enhancements Coming This Summer

Looking ahead, the ASC will welcome several new teams into its portfolio and continue to position itself as the one-stop shop for other high-volume, routine administrative services and assist in retooling resources for an improved user experience. 

Beginning this fiscal year, several services in OIT will be transitioning to the ASC. This includes teams from Audio Visual, the Enterprise Service Desk, and Directory Services. The ASC team will also be collaborating with central functional units to define a clear scope of finance and research administrative functions that could be improved by a shared-services model.

GTRI’s recruiting team will also be integrated into the ASC in alignment with Tech’s overarching people-focused strategy to provide consistent HR services that support growth across all areas of the Institute — including GTRI.

In further support of this strategy, the ASC will also continue supporting GTHR in improving policies, procedures, and tools to provide greater efficiencies and transparency.

• Pay Equity Report Tool: Provide HR Partners and compensation teams with access to internal faculty and staff pay data and external candidate data for improved transparency and faster decision-making. 
• Compensation Policies: Update select Georgia Tech compensation policies to enable greater flexibility (i.e., removing approval steps) while aligning with the University System of Georgia’s requirements.
• Compensation Intake Form: Deploy an online Compensation Intake Form, which will make submitting inquiries to the GTHR compensation team more accurate and efficient.
• Performance Management @Tech: Add the Probationary Period Evaluation to the Performance Management @Tech online tool for staff, with self-evaluation and annual performance evaluations planned for fall. 
• Employee Records: Digitize the process of accessing employee files through ServiceNow requests.
• Hiring and Hosting Eligibility Determination eForms: Streamline the processing of hiring and hosting foreign national employees and affiliates.

In eight months of operation, the ASC is seeing tangible results from its efforts. Bragg added that while these initial improvements are targeted to select campus audiences, their ripple effect, and future administrative service improvements, will have a positive impact on the entire Georgia Tech community.

You are invited to explore the ASC at asc.gatech.edu.

Georgia Tech won two notable awards at the Georgia Procurement Conference, hosted by the University System of Georgia (USG) this week. This event highlights the achievements of various schools within the system and awards those who meet the strenuous requirements of their awards submissions process.