All posts by userexcess

Campus Printer Replacement Project Underway

New Canon devices, print queues, and supply support are rolling out across campus 

Drake is replacing printers across campus in preparation for the expiration of our current printer contract at the end of the calendar year and a new vendor coming on board. The transition is designed to improve printer support and supply-ordering processes while providing functionality comparable to the current Xerox devices. 

Rollout Timeline 

Eight new printers have already been deployed. The next group will be installed in administrative buildings in November. Residence hall installations are currently planned for after fall move-out but before the beginning of winter break, followed by academic buildings just before winter break or at the beginning of J-Term. Building managers and printing super users will be notified as their areas are scheduled for replacement. 

What You Need to Know 

A few days before your building’s new printer is installed, faculty and staff with offices in that building should automatically see two new print queues: 

  • Color_Canon_FollowMe 
  • BW_Canon_FollowMe 

Use one of these queues to send and release print jobs on the new Canon devices. Most people won’t need to take any action. Windows users who don’t see the new queues may need to restart their computers. After all new printers have been deployed, the old Xerox queues will be removed. 

Supplies and Support 

Please keep all Xerox toner and other supplies near the printer. The vendor will collect them when the Xerox printer is removed and will move remaining paper to the new Canon device as needed. 

Toner and paper replenishment will once again be automated as it has in the past. An optional online portal will also show delivery dates, confirm automatic toner orders, and allow you to order other consumables, such as staples. A small supply of emergency toner will be kept on campus to help cover urgent needs or shipping delays. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Will the new printers offer the same functionality? 

Yes. The new Canon devices will provide the same general functionality as the current Xerox devices, including hole punching and stapling. 

Do users need to install the new print queues? 

No. The queues will be pushed automatically to individuals in each building a few days before installation. If they don’t appear on a Windows computer, restart the device. 

Who will handle the equipment changeover? 

The vendor will install the Canon printers, remove the Xerox devices, and move paper as needed. 

Need Help? 

For more information, review the FAQ for print super users about Canon printers.  

If you experience an issue after your new printer is deployed, submit a Printing Issue ticket through the University Service Portal. 

For general questions about the printer replacement project, contact Jeff Regan at jeffrey.regan@drake.edu. 

Improved macOS Update Process Coming to Campus Macs 

Faculty and staff who use Drake-managed Mac computers will soon see a more reliable process for installing required macOS updates. 

The update schedule isn’t changing. When a required macOS update is released, you’ll continue to have 10 days to install it. The technology managing these updates is being improved so that required updates are applied more consistently. 

What Mac users should expect 

  • You’ll receive the usual notification when a required update is available. 
  • You may install the update at a convenient time during the 10-day window. 
  • If the update hasn’t been installed by the deadline, it will be enforced at or after 5 p.m. 
  • If your Mac isn’t used during the update window, the update may begin when you next use the computer. 

How to prepare 

Install updates promptly when notified. Before beginning, save your work, close open applications and connect your Mac to power. Updates may require a restart, so choose a time when you can briefly be without your computer. 

Keeping your Mac current helps protect your device and the campus technology environment. Thank you for completing required updates within the notification window. 

Need Help? 

If you experience issues relating to macOS updates or have questions, submit a Computer/Printer/Software Issue ticket through the University Service Portal or call the ITS Support Center at 515-271-3001. You can also visit us in the lower level of Carnegie Hall; bring your device with you. 

See Something Suspicious? Report It Through the Right ITS Channel

Technology problems and suspicious messages are easier to address when they reach the right team quickly. Whether you receive a questionable email, encounter an unexpected login prompt, or need help with a device or campus technology, use an official ITS support channel rather than trying to resolve the issue on your own. 

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a timely reminder that protecting University information and technology is a shared responsibility. Scams can appear throughout the academic year so students, faculty, and staff should remain alert for messages about jobs, scholarships, account access, payments, or urgent requests that seem unusual or too good to be true. 

Faculty and staff: Complete annual cybersecurity training by November 19 

Earlier this week, faculty and staff should have received an email announcing this year’s mandatory annual cybersecurity training. The brief 15- to 20-minute module, “Gatekeepers: Defenders of Data,” is delivered through KnowBe4 and must be completed by November 19. 

Each participant receives an individual enrollment email with a unique training link. If you expected an invitation but didn’t receive one, contact the ITS Support Center so the team can review your enrollment. Some recently hired employees may not receive this annual assignment because they completed required cybersecurity training as part of onboarding. 

What should you report? 

Contact ITS when you notice a suspicious email, text, login page, multifactor authentication prompt, or other activity involving your Drake account or University technology. You should also submit a request when a technology issue affects your ability to learn, teach, work, or access campus services. 

Why submit a ticket? 

A ticket creates a record of the issue and gives ITS the information needed to route it to the appropriate team. It also supports follow-up and helps identify patterns when multiple people report similar concerns. Submitting a ticket is the best first step, even if you think you know which ITS team should handle the issue. 

What to do when something seems suspicious 

  • Pause before clicking a link, opening an attachment, approving a login, or sharing information. 
  • Don’t reply to the sender or continue the conversation through any contact information provided in the suspicious message. 
  • Preserve useful details, such as the sender, subject line, time received, and a description of what happened. 
  • Use the University Service Portal to contact ITS and report it. 

Need ITS help? 

Visit the University Service Portal at https://service.drake.edu or call the ITS Support Center at 515-271-3001 to report a security or technology concern. When in doubt, submit a ticket so ITS can review and route your request. 

Benefits and Wellness Fair Nov. 4, Levitt Hall

This year’s Benefits and Wellness Fair will be held Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 9-11:30 a.m. in Levitt Hall in Old Main. Please mark your calendars for this “come and go” event.

Representatives from our benefits partners will be present to answer your questions, including: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa, Broadlawns, Delta Dental and DeltaVision, TIAA, Long Term Care Strategies, The Hartford, Bank of America, and Employee & Family Resources.  Stop by and chat with registered dietitian Samantha Matt and representatives from Drake Recreational Services as well! 

This is an opportunity for you to be sure you understand and take advantage of the benefits and perks offered to you as an employee of Drake University and help prepare you to make benefit elections during open enrollment (from Nov. 2 – Nov. 30 this year), which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. 

As a reminder – benefit elections will be done via Workday this year. You will have the ability to complete your open enrollment process on your mobile phone during the Benefits and Wellness Fair if you wish.

Also, don’t forget to pick up a bingo card when you arrive and have the vendors you visit mark their square.  If you secure a blackout (filling in all vendor spots), you will be entered in a drawing for prizes.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources