The holiday season is a festive and busy time of year, and cybercriminals eager to exploit the generosity and chaos of the season with their schemes. Below are top five holiday scams to watch out for: 

1. Package Delivery Scams: Cybercriminals send fraudulent messages or emails urging recipients to click on links for package updates. Instead of clicking fraudulent links that can expose devices to malware, verify details directly on the shipper's website or call a verified number to confirm.

2. Missed Package Scams: Missed package delivery slips with a phone number listed to call may be a scam to collect personal information. Always check for signs of fraud on the notice and verify through the official customer service number from the company's website.

3. Gift Card Scams: Scammers send fake emails or texts, often impersonating known individuals, requesting the purchase of gift cards for various reasons. Confirm such requests directly through a phone call to the person involved.

4. Social Media Scams: Fraudulent promotions or contests on social media platforms may offer gift cards or prizes in exchange for completing surveys or sharing posts. Stay cautious and verify the legitimacy of such offers, especially during the holidays.

5. “Brushing” Scams: Receiving random lightweight packages that you did not order may seem harmless, or even an act of good will, but it is possible that your account has been compromised and a scammer shipped you a poor quality item so they can write exaggerated fake reviews in your name. If this happens to you, report the incident to the marketplace (such as Amazon), and change your passwords if applicable. 

Stay vigilant, and do not hesitate to ask for help if you think you may have fallen victim to a holiday scam. Information Technology Support Services can be reached by calling (530) 898-4357 or by emailing [email protected].

The Division of IT Adds to the Vibrant and Inclusive Learning Environment at Chico State's "Sense of Place" Event

Demonstrating a commitment to student success and technology equity, Information Technology Support Services (ITSS) Director Yvonne Martini recently volunteered her time and expertise at the first-year experience event, "Sense of Place." This initiative, designed to showcase the accomplishments of first-generation students, provides a platform for students to present their projects to Chico State staff and community members who volunteer their time to offer guidance and support.

First-generation students often face unique challenges as they navigate the complexities of higher education. By creating opportunities for them to share their projects and achievements, the university aims to build a supportive network that enhances their academic and personal growth. During the event, Martini engaged with students, listened to their presentations, and provided valuable insights into how technology can further enhance their projects and academic pursuits. Her participation in "Sense of Place" aligns with Chico State's strategic plan to empower student success and bridge the gap in technology access, providing students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Chico State's TLP Department Unveils 7 AI Workshop Videos to Propel Faculty Forward into the Application of AI in Higher Education

Chico State University's Technology and Learning Program (TLP) hosted an AI Training series this fall semester with the aim of introducing faculty members to the basics of AI and its applications in higher education. Recordings of these training sessions are now available to stream on Kaltura via media.csuchico.edu.

The AI Training Series facilitates a discussion about how to leverage AI in the classroom, and offers guidance on how to create assignments for students that allow them to practice AI prompt engineering. By doing so, faculty members can enhance the learning experience and prepare students for the broader global trend emphasizing the significance of AI in the workplace. According to industry experts, AI is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work in the next 5-10 years, as outlined below.

1. Automation Revolution: AI is expected to automate routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-order responsibilities that require critical thinking and creativity. 
2. Skill Enhancement: The integration of AI in education equips students with the critical thinking skills necessary to create effective prompts while navigating an AI-driven workforce, reinforcing the importance of AI prompt engineering as an essential job skill. 
3. Increased Efficiency: AI can streamline various processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity across industries. 
4. Job Evolution: While some jobs may be automated, the demand for individuals skilled in AI development, maintenance, and ethical implementation is expected to rise. 

Chico State's proactive approach in providing AI training for faculty members not only prepares them for the evolving educational landscape but also contributes to the university's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in teaching. As the influence of AI continues to grow, institutions that embrace and integrate these technological advancements are better positioned to prepare their students for success in a dynamic workplace.

Gratitude Poll Reveals the Values and Lightheartedness from Chico State's Division of IT Staff 

In the spirit of giving, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) at Chico State recently conducted a gratitude poll, inviting staff members to express what they are grateful for in just one or two words. The responses not only reflected the diverse interests of the DoIT team but also highlighted the collective sense of appreciation within the division.

Family takes the lead: A resounding 46% of DoIT staff expressed gratitude for "family" – a testament to the importance of loved ones in their lives. In a fast-paced and technology-driven environment, this response reinforces the significance of personal connections and support networks.

Beyond family, the survey unveiled additional themes that resonate with the DoIT team. "Health" emerged as a key focus, underscoring the value placed on well-being. "Friends" ranked high, emphasizing the camaraderie and teamwork that define the close-knit teams at Chico State. Not surprisingly, "nature" also featured prominently, indicating an appreciation for the scenic Chico State campus and the rejuvenating power of the natural world. In a field often associated with screens and digital landscapes, this response reveals a collective desire for balance and harmony with the environment. Beyond the expected responses, the gratitude poll brought forth a few surprises. Many staff members expressed their thanks for favorite foods, showcasing the diverse culinary interests within the team. From comfort foods to culinary adventures, this response added a touch of lightheartedness to the overall sentiment. In the mosaic of responses, the gratitude poll reflects the diverse personalities and interests that contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Chico State's Division of IT.

Canvas Update: Students will login to Canvas using their Primary Chico State Email after December 22, 2023 

On December 22, the primary email domain for students in Canvas and integrated applications will transition from @mail.csuchico.edu to @csuchico.edu. The maintenance period has been scheduled during the break in between the Fall and Spring semesters to minimize disruption to campus. Users should expect brief disruption in visibility of student accounts during the 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM maintenance window on December 22. After this update, all Academic Technology applications will uniformly use @csuchico.edu, with the exception of Google, which will continue using @mail.csuchico.edu. The goal of the update is to continue the student mail migration that commenced in fall of 2022 in order to streamline how accounts are integrated into Canvas for an improved user experience. 

Information For Students: 

1. Your Canvas primary email will be updated to @csuchico.edu. 
2. Login adjustments may be required for integrated applications linked to Canvas, such as Zoom, Poll Everywhere, LinkedIn Learning, and Kaltura. 
3. If you use Pronto, please sign in again using your @csuchico.edu email. 

For a full list of affected integrations and to address any concerns or immediate assistance needs, please contact [email protected]. As the Division of IT makes this transition to improve the user experience for our students, your feedback is invaluable.