Get ready for the holiday break with these tips from the Office of Technology Services (OTS):
- Make sure you have a second device enrolled in Duo. You won’t be able to access your desk phone during the break, so have a second device enrolled, like a smart phone or home landline. If you need help, see how to add or manage devices, or access the Duo self-help documents.
- Consider printing Duo emergency codes. If you plan on traveling, avoid Duo authentication issues by printing the codes beforehand.
- Secure your mobile device. Be sure to install the latest security update available from your provider, and review Homeland Security’s US-CERT tips in their articles “Holiday Traveling with Personal Internet-Enabled Devices” and “Cybersecurity for Electronic Devices.”
- Update your password and security question. If your password is set to expire soon, or you’ve received email notices about resetting it, reset your password before the break. Be sure to follow TU’s password guidelines. Also, review and reset your password security question to make sure it’s not easily guessable. Both reset tools are found at www.towson.edu/netid.
- If you use Blackboard, get a jump on next semester. Consider submitting mini or spring course combine requests, and copying any previous materials to the new course. Visit www.towson.edu/blackboard for hours and support info.
- Update your office status. Change your voicemail greeting on your desk phone. Turn on your “Out of Office” reply in Outlook.
- Restart or turn off your office computer. If you plan on remoting in, Click on the start menu and select “restart” to clear logins. If not, log off and turn off the machine.
Complete these recommended tips before the break, as you might need support. Contact the OTS Faculty/Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151 while the University is open. Once the University is officially closed, telephone, in-person, and chat support will not be available from university staff. Our after-hours support partner provides limited assistance and reports of major system outages. Listen for details when calling x5151. You can access online resources during the break through OTS’ homepage, which provides general technology links and OTS Training’s library of self-help documents and videos.
