Session Descriptions 2025
A more efficient website building experience with Cynder and the new block editor
Accessibility Mastery: Hands-On Web and Document Remediation
AI in Higher Ed: Balancing Privacy, Security, and Innovation
Be a CLSS Act: Schedule Planning Tools in CourseLeaf Section Scheduler
Cisco Contact Center Express: Intelligently managing voice communications
CourseLeaf: CLSS is in Session
Cybersecurity: Tools of the Trade
Demystifying Invoicing in HuskyBuy
Empowering Data Access: PowerBI Self-Service Dashboards
Empowering Data-Driven Decisions: A Power BI Data Hub Case Study
HuskyBuy For Beginners
HuskyBuy Intermediate Workshop
Incident Stories & How We Respond
Kuali Build Essentials
Mastering Microsoft 365: Best Practices for Enhanced Efficiency
Microsoft 365 Approval Process Integrations utilizing MS Forms, SharePoint, and Power Automate
Microsoft 365 Copilot: Everyday AI for Administrative Work
Qualtrics - Unleash the Power of Surveys
Records Management and why it’s necessary but not evil
Sending Bulk Email Safely
Teams Planner: Plan it like a pro!
Tour the UConn Data Center
Unlocking Efficiency with Microsoft Copilot Chat
Using Microsoft Bookings
WebFOCUS: InfoAssist for KFDM
WebFOCUS: InfoAssist for SADM
WebFOCUS: Running Standard Reports
What’s New in Kuali Build
Where should I store my files?
A More Efficient Website Building Experience with Cynder and the New Block EditorBrian Dunnigan |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Web Design Livestreaming available |
| Meet the new block editor in Aurora! Attendees will gain knowledge of how to use the tool, glean insight from tips and tricks, and learn how to create reusable elements to speed up creation. | |
Accessibility Mastery: Hands-On Web and Document RemediationKaren Skudlarek and Tyler Alexander |
70-Min Workshop
Path: Accessibility, Web Design Can't attend? Join a live session later this summer: accessibility.its.uconn.edu/accessibility-training/ |
| Join us for a 70-minute workshop designed to empower you with the skills to ensure digital accessibility. Learn how to check websites for accessibility compliance and remediate PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoint presentations. Bring your laptop and dive into practical exercises that will enhance your ability to create inclusive digital content. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers valuable insights and hands-on experience to make your digital presence accessible to all.
Recommendations: Please bring a laptop. For websites, make sure you have admin access to websites you manage. We can also help you remediate content, like PDFs, Word docs, and PowerPoint presentations. Note: We are required to ensure our websites, content, and applications meet the new regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by April 2026. |
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AI in Higher Ed: Balancing Privacy, Security, and InnovationPanelists: Don Babcock, Information Technology Services |
70-Min Panel
Path: AI, Security Livestreaming available |
| Every day we hear about the benefits and the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). It both transforms our concept of productivity and innovation in unprecedented ways and introduces significant risks to our security and privacy. How ambitious or cautious should we be at UConn? Join us for an in-depth discussion about the nuances of AI as our panel explores the topic from privacy, security and academic perspectives. | |
Be a CLSS Act: Schedule Planning Tools in CourseLeaf Section SchedulerMarc Hatfield and Olson Briceno |
30-Min Presentation
Path: CourseLeaf, Scheduling Livestreaming available |
| A look at the data and planning tools available to CLSS users, including filters, heat maps and reports. Attendees will learn how to use CLSS to gain insights into their schedule beyond the mechanics of maintaining their schedule.
This session is designed for both existing CLSS schedules in addition to any with an interest in the UConn schedule of classes. Laptops are recommended for users who wish to follow along. |
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Cisco Contact Center Express: Intelligently managing voice communicationsRebecca Bentley, One Stop Student Services |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Admin |
| We will cover the current call center application that ITS offers, Cisco Contact Center Express. UCCx offers features such as automatic call distribution, call in queue, workforce optimization, and skills management. UCCx is designed with the caller and call agent in mind to deliver fast call management, reduce wait times, and ensure call delivery to the proper agents. In addition, we’ll review the agent interface and outbound calling campaigns. | |
Concur Expense Made EasyAlyssa Wojcik and Nancy Patrylak |
70-Min Workshop
Path: Admin, Financial |
| Do you want to become a pro at Concur Expense? Come attend this unique hybrid session! We will kick it off with a presentation and demo of Concur Expense and then switch over to an Open Lab style. For the Open Lab portion, we ask that people bring their laptops and their questions. We can then circulate and assist people with their specific Concur Expense questions. Come learn how to have a turbulence free Concur Expense experience!
This presentation will be good for all skill levels. Bring your laptop to participate in the open lab portion of the session. |
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CourseLeaf: CLSS is in SessionMarc Hatfield and Olson Briceno |
30-Min Presentation
Path: CourseLeaf, Scheduling Livestreaming available |
| A brief overview of the CourseLeaf modules at UConn with a focus on CourseLeaf Section Scheduler (CLSS). Attendees will be introduced to the features of CLSS and resources available to support users.
This presentation will be most useful for existing department schedulers, but all are welcome. To follow along, please bring your laptop. |
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Cybersecurity: Tools of the TradeGriffin Freiberg & Cole Lavigne |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Security |
| Learn about common tactics used by cybercriminals and the resources available to you to defend against them. In this session, we’ll show you how you can use password managers and good password hygiene to better protect your digital life. You will walk away with new knowledge and tools that you can use at work and in your personal life. | |
Demystifying Invoicing in HuskyBuyKayla Noren, Courtney Dy, and Benjamin Pelton |
70-Min Workshop
Path: HuskyBuy, Financial Livestreaming available |
| This practical, hands-on session is designed to help staff navigate and streamline the invoicing process within HuskyBuy. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of invoice approver responsibilities and learn how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to delays or holds on PO invoices. The session will also address frequently asked questions and provide a guided walkthrough of the invoice tabs—highlighting how to efficiently locate and interpret key information. Whether you're new to HuskyBuy or looking to enhance your current knowledge, this course will equip you with the tools and insights needed to improve accuracy and efficiency in invoice processing.
Recommendations: A laptop is not required, but it may be helpful for following along as we navigate through the various invoicing screens. |
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Empowering Data Access: PowerBI Self-Service DashboardsSam Post and Joe Daniels |
30-Min Presentation
Path: PowerBI, Data |
| A discussion about the data that Budget, Planning and Institutional Research can provide, how to access it, and best practices for use. | |
Empowering Data-Driven Decisions: A Power BI Data Hub Case StudyZachary Rosensohn |
30-Min Presentation
Path: PowerBI, Data |
| This session will introduce attendees to the Power BI Data Hub initiative at UConn, using real-world examples from Facility Operations and University Planning, Design, and Construction. We’ll explore the challenges that led to the creation of the Data Hub, the implementation process, and the benefits of a shared, secure data environment.
Attendees will gain a high-level understanding of:
Recommendations: This is a non-technical session for staff from all backgrounds. No prior Power BI experience is necessary. |
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HuskyBuy For BeginnersThomas DeVito, David DeNuzzio, & Jeremiah Macht |
30-Min Presentation
Path: HuskyBuy, Financial |
| You will learn the basics of our online eProcurement system HuskyBuy. HuskyBuy is where you place orders for your department. You will understand what the system can do for you and how you can make your experience more efficient and effective.
In this session, we’ll cover:
Recommendations: You do not need experience prior to attending this session but it would help you understand the process if you have used HuskyBuy. You can bring a laptop to navigate along with us if you wish. That may assist you in retaining some helpful information. |
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HuskyBuy Intermediate WorkshopThomas DeVito, David DeNuzzio, & Jeremiah Macht |
70-Min Workshop
Path: HuskyBuy, Financial |
If you answered no to any of these questions or just want to learn more, then you must attend our HuskyBuy Intermediate Workshop. In this session, you’ll get a HuskyBuy refresher and learn new tips. Recommendations: Attendees should have some experience with HuskyBuy. Come prepared with your questions and your current procurement needs in hand. We’re happy to provide in-person assistance! |
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Incident Stories & How We RespondDon Babcock, Tyler Lemire, Christian Bergeron, Kevin Brown, & Laurie Neal (moderator) |
70-Min Panel
Path: Security |
| Do you ever wonder why ITS is so concerned about cybersecurity? The world faces cyberthreats every second of every day. Join us for insider knowledge on the who, what, where, when, and why of cybercrime at UConn and to learn more about our efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to scary threats. We will share stories involving phishing, malware and other vulnerabilities. | |
Kuali Build EssentialsJordan Gardiner, Jessica Henderson, & Lou Begue |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Forms, Workflow |
| We will share best practices to help you build smarter, more sustainable solutions. We’ll spotlight underutilized features that can greatly enhance your applications – making them more intuitive for end users, visually refined, and operationally efficient. Additionally, we’ll review common mistakes and frequently asked questions to help you avoid pitfalls and streamline your development process in Kuali Build.
This presentation is intended for individuals who are new to Kuali Build. It aims to provide essential guidance, highlight best practices, and help you avoid common pitfalls and missteps throughout the application development process. |
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Mastering Microsoft 365: Best Practices for Enhanced EfficiencyMeera Nair |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Admin, Microsoft 365 Livestreaming available |
Learn tips and tricks from a Microsoft pro! In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage features in Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Insights etc. for greater efficiency. You’ll see demos on how to:
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Microsoft 365 Approval Process Integrations utilizing MS Forms, SharePoint, and Power AutomateJoshua Z. Jones |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Forms, Workflow |
| Attendees will learn how to provide their colleagues or department with a seamless approval process that can automatically populate Outlook calendars, SharePoint Lists, or more by simply filling out a Microsoft Form.
Recommendation: Attendees should have a basic understanding of Microsoft Forms, Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint (how to store files & documents). Bring a laptop to follow along with the demonstration. Features in this specific demo are limited to internal UConn members who have Microsoft 365 licenses. |
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Microsoft 365 Copilot: Everyday AI for Administrative WorkJosh Boggis |
30-Min Presentation
Path: AI, Admin |
| This session will show you how to use Microsoft 365 Copilot inside Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint to make your everyday work easier. You will learn how to quickly draft letters, summarize long emails, create charts from spreadsheets, and build slide presentations in less time. We will walk through real examples using simple prompts, so you can start using Copilot right away. No tech experience is needed.
Note: This is for the paid version of Microsoft 365 Copilot, a license will need to be purchased to be able to use this product. Recommendations: If staff have a license for Microsoft 365 Copilot, they can bring a device to try the prompts on their own. |
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Qualtrics - Unleash the Power of SurveysVitaly Glybin & Joe Fontanarosa |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Forms, Survey |
| Learn the ins and outs of the Qualtrics survey platform. This presentation will cover what Qualtrics at UConn offers, best practices for survey setup, all the resources available for building a survey, and the advanced features that this platform has. Users will gain deeper understanding of the platform. | |
Records Management and Why It’s Necessary but Not EvilBetsy Pittman |
30-Min Presentation
Path: File Storage |
| Why responsible management of the records (in all formats) associated with fulfilling the responsibilities of your job is important. In this session, I’ll cover the responsibilities of a state/university employee, identification of the copy of record, and why/how/when to request permission to destroy.
If units or individuals wish to schedule time to discuss the records they manage, I’m happy to meet individually with them during the day as a follow up. |
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Sending Bulk Emails (Without being flagged as Spam)Megan Clark |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Email, Admin |
| Email has become a go-to method for communication and advertisement, but anti-spam technology can interfere with getting your message through. What do you do when you need to get your message out to a large audience if you can only email a few hundred non-UConn people per hour?
This session will provide an overview and demonstration of two methods that allow UConn faculty and staff to send emails to more than 500 external recipients without being blocked by anti-spam filters: Listserv and Mass Mail. |
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Teams Planner: Plan it like a pro!John Tindall |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Microsoft 365 |
| In this session, we’ll move beyond the basics. We’ll dig into some of the lesser-known features such as templates, what becomes enabled with the paid version of MS Project in Planner, and how AI could potentially be used to generate plans for you.
Recommendations: If you plan on attending, please spend 10 minutes reviewing Planner's basic features. The basic basics won't be covered! |
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Tour the UConn Data CenterMike Williams |
70-Min Presentation and Tour |
| You probably make sure you have the Internet set up for your residence, but what is it like providing connectivity for over 30,000 people? Get a behind the scenes look at what’s involved operating the network for a large, public university. | |
Unlocking Efficiency with Microsoft Copilot ChatJosh Boggis, |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Microsoft 365, AI, Admin |
| This session is all about learning how Microsoft Copilot Chat, an AI helper built into the tools you already use, can make your daily work easier. We will show you how Copilot can assist with writing emails, creating summaries, organizing Notes, and turning data into easy-to-read lists or charts. You will see step-by-step examples and get simple prompts you can try on your own.
Recommendations: No technical background is needed. Just be ready to learn how to make everyday tasks faster and easier! |
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Using Microsoft BookingsKeith Parks |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Microsoft 365, Admin Livestreaming available |
| Microsoft Bookings is a versatile scheduling tool designed to streamline appointment management. Attendees will learn how to set up and customize a Bookings page for a group, as well as their personal Bookings page. They will also learn how to manage appointments and integrate with other Microsoft 365 applications to enhance productivity. | |
WebFOCUS: InfoAssist for KFDMNoel McAvoy and Jean Ose |
70-Min Workshop
Path: Financial, Reporting |
| In this session, we’ll provide you with an introduction to InfoAssist, the report writing tool, in WebFOCUS. We will be demonstrating how to create a report using financial data from the Kuali Financial Data Mart (KFDM).
Recommendations: Must have a WebFOCUS account with access to KFDM folders & InfoAssist. Laptop required. If you have any questions about the prerequisites for this session, please contact Jean Ose. |
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WebFOCUS: InfoAssist for SADMNoel McAvoy and Jean Ose |
70-Min Workshop
Path: Data, Reporting |
| In this session, we’ll provide you with an introduction to InfoAssist, the report writing tool, in WebFOCUS. We will be demonstrating how to create a report using student data from the Student Admin Data Mart (SADM).
Recommendations: Must have a WebFOCUS account with access to SADM folders & InfoAssist. Laptop required. If you have any questions about the prerequisites for this session, please contact Jean Ose. |
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WebFOCUS: Running Standard ReportsNoel McAvoy and Jean Ose |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Data, Reporting |
| An overview of how to run some of the Standard Reports from the Kuali Financial Data Mart (KFDM) and the Student Admin Data Mart (SADM).
Must have a WebFOCUS account with access to KFDM and/or SADM folders. Laptop recommended. If you have any questions about the prerequisites for this session, please contact Jean Ose. |
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What’s New in Kuali BuildJordan Gardiner, Jessica Henderson, & Lou Begue |
30-Min Presentation
Path: Forms, Workflows |
| We will highlight recently released features that are especially valuable for experienced Kuali Build users. This session will cover key enhancements, expanded data access, and user interface improvements designed to provide a more seamless and intuitive user experience. We’ll also explore new capabilities that empower app administrators to better analyze and manage processes.
This session is ideal for those who have previously built applications in Kuali Build and are looking to enhance existing workflows or design future forms and processes that are both efficient and user-friendly. |
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Where do I store my files?Dan Jakubiak |
30-Min Presentation
Path: File Storage, Microsoft 365 |
| OneDrive vs SharePoint vs Teams… How do they all tie together, and where the heck are my files?
You’ll get an introduction to the Microsoft 365 cloud environment plus more. |
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