IT News

In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, universities around the world are spotlighting the importance of representation, mentorship, and access in shaping the future of scientific discovery. At the University of Arizona, programs like the Keep Engaging Youth in Science (KEYS) Research Internship Program are helping create powerful early pathways for young women to see themselves not only as students of science, but as its future leaders.

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, the University of Arizona Telecommunications Services team has embarked on a transformative journey to optimize its operations and conserve valuable resources. Led by Project Manager Steve Dattilo and IT Support Manager Patrick Walters, the team conducted an exhaustive audit of UITS-paid vendor services, focusing on phone and internet connectivity.

Members of the university expect IT services that work reliably and securely. Behind the scenes, the “owners” of these services have their work cut out for them, to stay on top of their services’ reliability, updates and other issues that could affect campus. In addition, the owners are responsible for making sure that the services comply with the university’s 16 different information security policies.

Members of the campus community may need to update the Duo Mobile app on their device to version 4.85.0 or later by Feb. 28, 2026. This update is required by Duo due to an expiring security certificate that affects older versions of the app. If the app is not updated by this date, Duo will be unable to verify your identity and you will not be able to sign in to University of Arizona systems.

February is often a time to reflect on appreciation and connection – and across the University of Arizona’s IT community, those themes show up year-round through a shared commitment to service. While technology powers classrooms, research, and daily operations, it’s the people behind the systems who ensure the university community stays supported, connected, and secure.

It’s easy to take today’s research technology for granted. But looking back reveals just how transformative the journey has been and how intentional investments have made discovery possible. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, scientific research became more collaborative, data-driven, and dependent on computing power that extended beyond a single lab or campus. At the University of Arizona, technology teams were responding in real time, building the infrastructure needed to support a new era of networked research.

As the University of Arizona observes Data Privacy Week,Jan. 26 – 30, we have an opportunity to reflect on how data is collected, managed and used across the institution. In a university setting, data privacy extends beyond keeping information confidential; it centers on responsible data use, thoughtful design and trust.

Prospective students who have applied to the University of Arizona start getting acceptance letters on January 15. This year, their process for completing all the important tasks needed to enroll at the university will be much easier. The Next Steps Center has been rebuilt in the UAccess Student Center, where students already go to access much of the academic and financial information and forms they need.

In a world where nearly every class has an online component, computer literacy is no longer a “nice to have” for teaching and learning at the University of Arizona; it’s essential. For instructional designers in the University Center for Assessment, Teaching, and Technology (UCATT), computer literacy means more than knowing which buttons to click. It’s about creating digital learning spaces that are clear, accessible, and truly usable for both instructors and students.

The fall semester is winding down and as the holiday season settles in, gratitude naturally becomes part of our conversations, gratitude for moments of connection, for teamwork, and for the people who make our work meaningful. While Thanksgiving has passed, the spirit of appreciation extends well beyond November. Across University Information Technology Services (UITS), that gratitude shows up in the ways we support one another, collaborate across teams, and build the technological foundation that keeps the university running.