Have you spotted these clues in your McGill email?
Attackers, scammers, marketers: these days they’re all taking advantage of AI to generate polished, typo-free content. Figuring out if an email is legitimate has definitely become more challenging. But when you access your McGill email through Microsoft Outlook, you benefit from several extra features that help protect you from phishing.
Keep an eye out for: phishing safety tips
Learn how to use Copilot AI module now on myCourses
Microsoft Copilot is a generative AI tool that can help you write texts, generate images, translate texts into other languages, and much more. Learn how to access this powerful tool and use its main features with our self-paced introductory online module on myCourses. Through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, as well as a discussion of ethical AI practices, you’ll be well-equipped to use Copilot productively and responsibly.
Microsoft 365 license deactivation warnings
IT Services recently migrated many Webex softphone users to Teams Phone.
As a result, users may have received a message from Microsoft stating their license will be deactivated soon. (See screenshot above.) It is a legitimate message from Microsoft.
Do not use Read.AI for McGill purposes
La version française suit.
We have received reports of a Read.AI bot attending or attempting to attend online meetings organized by McGill faculty and staff. The bot uses generative AI to create a text summarizing a meeting’s discussions and decisions; it then shares a link to that document with all participants.
The McGill Classroom A/V Instructions application is getting a makeover and a new home!
The Classroom A/V Instructions application is moving to the Browse Classrooms widget on the McGill IT Support website on December 13th, 2024.
Staff Directory decommissioned – Staff to update/review Workday information
As of January 31, 2025, McGill IT Services has decommissioned the McGill Staff Directory. This initiative aims to streamline processes, improve security against phishing attacks, and replace outdated technology.
Updates to MyCreds™: Enhanced eTranscript and document Sharing for students!
We’re excited to share new features to MyCredsTM, the platform accessed through the ES Services (Enrolment Services eStore & MyCredsTM) in Minerva, that allows students to securely share documents such as electronic transcripts, custom letters, documents, and forms.
Teams Phone replacing Webex softphone
We are transitioning Webex softphone users to Teams Phone throughout December. Our IT team will contact individual users to provide specific timelines.
The benefits of switching to Teams Phone include:
Reduced costs
Same calling functionality as Webex (internal and external calling)
Keeping existing phone numbers
RESOLVED: Mercury online course evaluation system is currently down.
Update - Monday, December 2, 2024 - Afternoon:
Mercury online course evaluation system is back online.
Original announcement - Monday, December 2, 2024 - Morning:
We regret to inform you that the Mercury online course evaluation system is currently down due to unforeseen technical issues. IT Services is working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Mural login now using Single Sign-On (SSO)
We are excited to announce that we've enabled Single Sign-On (SSO) on Mural for a seamless and secure login experience. Action required: Please log out of your Mural account and log back in using SSO. This will ensure uninterrupted access and a smoother process for future logins.
Boost engagement in your PowerPoint presentations with Microsoft Forms!
Exciting news for Office 365 users! Microsoft Forms is now seamlessly integrated with PowerPoint, allowing you to incorporate live polls, quizzes or surveys directly into your slides. This powerful, easy-to-use feature is free and perfect for gathering real-time feedback and boosting engagement in any setting, from lectures to group projects!
Microsoft Teams update: Private Teams only for enhanced security!
Important update for Microsoft Teams users! Starting November 27, 2024, all newly created Microsoft Teams groups were set to Private by default. If you attempt to create a new team, the Public option will be unavailable (greyed out), as shown below:
The new myFuture platform is now available / La nouvelle plateforme myFuture est maintenant disponible
Access to myFuture / Accès à myFuture
To access the new myFuture platform, use the following link / Pour accéder à la nouvelle plateforme, utilisez le lien suivant : https://myfuture.mcgill.ca
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ORIGINAL Message posted June, 2024
Changes to MCGILL ALERT! mobile device notifications
McGill’s Emergency Notification System allows you to opt in your mobile device to receive alerts during time-sensitive situations and disruptions in the use of various buildings on campus.
In the past, some mobile phone carriers only allowed voice messages, not SMS text messaging. Today, all carriers support SMS, so we will switch all Emergency Notification System messaging to SMS for mobile phones starting September 18.
Change to the classroom telephones autodial behavior
After October 18, Classroom telephones will no longer automatically call the Audiovisual support hotline when you remove the telephone receiver from the base.
This change will prevent accidental calls to the hotline.
After that date, you will have to use the press the AV System Support button on the lower-left side of the telephone’s display screen to call the Audiovisiual support hotline. (See below)
