Author: Danielle Fritz

Upcoming Microsoft Storage Changes
As cloud storage utilization has increased, vendors have responded by re-configuring their service offerings and storage pricing, making providing free storage no longer sustainable for higher ed institutions. ITS conducted a formal review of our Microsoft 365 (M365) system storage and found that approximately 90% of users are operating within 5GB or less of storage. As a result, new storage quotas will be implemented to manage further growth starting this summer. In the coming weeks, impacted users will receive direct communications from ITS on what to expect and how to prepare. For updated project details, see the M365 Storage Roadmap or the full announcement.

Microsoft Feature Updates
As of Monday, May 19, Microsoft feature updates for George Mason-managed computers will be rolled out in phases and completed by November 1, 2025. To minimize disruption, users will be able to defer the required reboot for up to three days. Please note: the reboot process may take up to 20 minutes, depending on your system.

macOS Updates
There are presently George Mason-managed Macs still operating on macOS 12 (Monterey), which is no longer supported. Some of these devices are actively in use and eligible for an upgrade. To check if your Mac can be upgraded, see the Apple Support page. For assistance with unused or unmanaged Macs, please submit a request to Hardware Support Services.  ITS will increase the frequency of scans to identify computers running unsupported versions of macOS and expand efforts to upgrade Macs to ensure security of these devices and the network. For instructions on how to update visit the update instructions webpage.

Blackboard Storage Reminder
Access to save any content from Blackboard will end on July 15. Before July 15, users are strongly encouraged to download and save any materials from Blackboard that they may want or need to keep. Once Blackboard access ends, these materials will no longer be available. You will not have access to these courses in Canvas. If you have any questions or need assistance downloading your materials, please visit the Canvas LMS transition webpage or contact the project team at [email protected].

Facilities & Campus Operations Information Technology Services (FITS) led a project to transfer nearly 140 elevators from wired to cellular phone services.

• • The project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule and in less than 90 days! Learn more about this impactful project!

The Free Store hosted by Patriot Packout will return to the Gillespie Gallery – generously provided by Mason Exhibitions – again this summer.

• • The Free Store will be open Monday, June 23 through Saturday, June 28 with hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. each day.
  • Check the Patriot Packout webpage for current information and opportunities to get more involved, like volunteering or joining the PPO Planning Committee.

Submit a Work Order if you notice something that is broken and needs to be fixed. You can also request via Work Order additional pick-ups for large volumes of trash/recycling.

• • You may submit a work order online or contact the Facilities & Campus Operations Customer Service Center at 703-993-2525 for repairs and pick-ups of large volumes of trash/recycling. If an additional pickup is needed, you will not be charged a fee for large volume trash/recycling pick-ups.