IT Fall 2024 Newsletter

Strategic Planning

Through collaboration with SMC's Technology Planning Committee (TPC), technology systems are strategically planned and implemented to support critical areas such as Academic Affairs, Student Services, Enrollment Management Government Relations & Institutional Communications, Human Resources, Business Administration, Information Technology, and the Superintendent/President’s Office.

Maintaining a student-centered approach and fostering strong, collaborative relationships with college stakeholders has helped the IT Department become a cornerstone of innovation at SMC. Several Fall 2024 improvements highlight commitments to enhancing campus technology, including:

• Upgrading SMC to Windows 11
• Education Initiatives for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
• Multifactor Authentication for Students
• CalGETC (AB928) Implementation
• Dual high-speed Internet Connections for Malibu Campus
• Math and Science Building Technology Provisions  
• Esports Computer Lab
• Cosmetology A/V Upgrades in the Business Building
• New Monitor Walls at CMD
• GradLeaders Software Implementation
• mProfessor Redesign
• Terra Dotta Implementation
• Accessible Information Management Deployment
• Stellic Implementation

Updating SMC to Windows 11

SMC IT is working to update SMC PCs from Windows 10 to Windows 11 to provide SMC with the most secure computing experience with the latest features.  Microsoft has announced they will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, establishing a deadline for most organizations like ours to complete these updates. All new Windows desktops and laptops are being deployed with Windows 11. In addition, we are currently upgrading all shared computers, such as classroom and computer lab PCs to Windows 11. Most computers are new enough to run Windows 11, and those will be updated automatically over our network. Over 1300 computers have been updated to Windows 11 over the last few months and we are more than half way to getting every computer on Windows 11. We expect the pace to slow down as we transition from upgrading computers in labs to upgrading computers in employee offices, some of which will require hardware upgrades to support Windows 11.

Education Initiatives for Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and SMC IT will help remind everyone of good cybersecurity practices including using multifactor authentication whenever possible, using strong passwords, recognizing suspicious messages and keeping software up to date. Stay tuned!

Multifactor Authentication for Students

A growing number of student phishing emails during the Spring 2024 semester was leading to students’ accounts being compromised. This accelerated our efforts to implement multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA provides additional security by requiring a code, in addition to the account password, to sign in. The code may be emailed, sent by text message or retrieved through an authenticator app on a mobile phone. In collaboration with Admissions and other stakeholders, IT selected an implementation date over this past summer and rolled out MFA. This security feature has been successful in significantly reducing the number of phishing emails from SMC student accounts.

CalGETC (AB928) Implementation

We are working in coordination with Academic Affairs, Admissions and Counseling departments to implement the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC). This is meant to be the singular transfer general education pathway for California Community College (CCC) students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for transfer and admission to the CSU and UC systems. This should help keep SMC the #1 transfer school!

Dual high-speed Internet Connections for the Malibu Campus

The SMC Malibu campus currently has a single Internet connection which has experienced a few service outages since the new campus opened last year. IT is working with the Chancellor’s Office to fund dual Internet connections which are expected to provide improved reliability, a ten-fold increase in capacity and even save the college money in service costs. We expect to complete this work before the end of 2024. 

Math and Science Preparations

The fabulous Math and Science building is quickly approaching completion. One of the highlights of any new building is its technology and the circulatory system for that technology is its network. IT has been installing the network equipment over the summer to ensure a robust and reliable network for students, faculty and staff. The first systems utilizing the network will be the building’s safety, security and control systems. We are excited to see the new building come together to provide a state of the art, enriching environment for SMC students.

Esports Computer Lab

IT is working with the Communications department, and Maintenance and Operations to piloting an esports Gaming lab and classroom at the CMD campus. The space is equipped with top-of-the-line gaming computers and broadcasting equipment. The esports lab will allow SMC to host multiplayer video game competitions and broadcast them. The CMD offers an Associate in Science degree in Esports Management, Production and Performance which is a cross-disciplinary program providing students an introduction to esports while preparing them for careers in journalism, athletic teams coordination, sportscasting, and media production and management. We are excited to help bring the vision of this synergetic space together.

Cosmetology A/V Upgrades in the Business Building

The IT team is always excited at the opportunity to assist with improving the learning experience for our students.  One such opportunity surfaced when SMC’s Cosmetology team requested technology improvements to add background music in their treatment areas and high-definition screens in their hairdressing salon/classroom/lab. The hairdressing lab recently began serving double duty as a teaching classroom.  However, the space did not provide an optimal lecture setting, as rows of salon stations blocked students’ view of the instructor and instructional content.  The solution:  Several large flat-screen TV’s have been installed that provide all students with an unobstructed view of instructional content. Many thanks to Maintenance and Operations and Technical Support Services for bringing this vision together.

New Monitor Walls at CMD

TSS recently coordinated the installation of 3 large monitor walls at the CMD campus. The idea and funding to add these came from our colleagues in Design Technology. Turning the idea into a reality was a team effort that involved TSS adding network lines, Maintenance and Operations providing power and reviewing structural considerations and Procurement coordinating several orders. A big shout out to all involved for helping bring this vision together and making the SMC CMD campus even more stunning.

mProfessor Redesign

As a part of our ongoing efforts to improve our applications, in coordination with Human Resources and Academic Affairs, MIS recently completely redesigned mProfessor (SMC Instructor’s Portal) to be more user-friendly and provide additional features. The security of multi-Factor authentication (MFA) was added by integrating with SMC Sign-On, to align with recommendations from the Chancellor’s Office. This follows the redesign of Corsair Connect last year and the complete conversion and redesign of WebISIS over the past few years. These ongoing efforts improve the usability, sustainability and security of our home-grown systems.

Terra Dotta Implementation

The MIS team is assisting the SMC International Education Center (IEC) in transitioning to a new software solution, Terra Dotta, to replace the outdated ISSM system. The process includes adding customized values for additional enhancements. As the central communication platform for the IEC, Terra Dotta allows the IEC to create I-20s and update information in SEVIS, keeping SMC in compliance with all federal regulations that govern the F-1 visa status.

GradLeaders Software Implementation

A new student career platform that connects students with Area of Interest Career Events/workshops, SMC Faculty, Industry internships and on campus jobs, which will result in retention of students and helping them become employed after graduation, as well as participate in internships while they are students.

Accessible Information Management (AIM)

MIS recently implemented Accessible Information Management System (AIM) software for the Center for Students with Disabilities. AIM includes comprehensive accommodation, appointment, and case management functionalities.

Stellic Implementation 

Currently we are assisting Academic Affairs, Admissions and Enrollment, and Counseling Services in implementing this cloud-based next generation student education planning and degree audit software with the goal to better advise students academically, empower them to own their academic journey to succeed, and increase retention and graduation rates.