Welcome Back!
Welcome back to all members of the Allan Hancock College community! As we embark on a new term, the ITS Help Desk is excited to support and enhance your educational and professional journey. Whether you're returning to familiar settings or navigating new challenges, we're here to ensure that technology serves as a bridge to your success, not a barrier. Let's make this term a remarkable one, filled with growth, learning, and technological empowerment.
Updates to ithelp.hancockcollege.edu
We're thrilled to announce significant updates to our ITS Help Desk website, ithelp.hancockcollege.edu. Understanding the common challenges at the start of the term, we've redesigned the layout to prioritize information on sign-in issues, allowing for easier and quicker access. To further enhance your experience and productivity at AHC, we've added several informative articles:
- Mastering Windows Key Shortcuts: Enhance your productivity and control at AHC with these tips. Read More
- Streamlining Email Management with Outlook: Discover Outlook's productivity-enhancing features. Learn More
- Enhancing Productivity with Microsoft Edge: A guide tailored for AHC's needs. Explore Here
- Updating Personal Information for Password Resets: Stay ahead in managing your account security. Find Out How
We hope these resources will be valuable in your daily activities at Allan Hancock College.
Updates from Technology Council and Committees
Technology Council
The Technology Council did not convene over the break. Our schedule for the upcoming term includes bi-monthly meetings, typically on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, from 2:30-4:00 p.m. These sessions are crucial for discussing and implementing tech strategies that benefit our entire AHC community.
Educational Technology Advisory Committee (EdTAC)
Like the Technology Council, the EdTAC did not meet during the break. We resume our bi-monthly meetings this term, usually on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, from 2:30-4:00 p.m. The committee is dedicated to advising on the effective use of educational technologies to enhance teaching and learning at AHC.
Banner Committee
There are no new updates from the Banner Committee at this time. Our regular meetings will continue monthly, typically on the 2nd Monday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., focusing on the maintenance and enhancement of the Banner system.
Web Services Committee
The Web Services Committee did not meet over the break. We're set to reconvene bi-monthly, usually on the 1st Thursday, from 9:30-11:00 am, to discuss and implement improvements to AHC's web services.
How to Request Support for the Fastest Turnaround Time
As we begin a new term, it's common to see an increase in ITS tickets. To ensure you receive the best service, it's important to report issues appropriately. Here's how you can help us help you more efficiently:
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Emergencies: If a computer, piece of Audio/Visual equipment, or another district-owned device is hindering work or classroom instruction, please submit a 'Something Broke' ticket here. You can also reach the Help Desk at extension 3345 for assistance with ticket submission. During high-volume periods, our team may not be able to immediately respond to all calls. Submitting a ticket online is the fastest way to alert a technician, as they are often on campus addressing requests. Tickets can be submitted from any device with internet access by signing in at the top of the ithelp.hancockcollege.edu page. Alternatively, emailing ithelp@hancockcollege.edu will automatically create a ticket, using your email's subject line and body for the ticket title and information.
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Contacting the Help Desk: If you've already completed a ticket, providing that information will expedite the process. Our technicians will ask exploratory questions to understand the problem and may suggest immediate steps like restarting the device. These quick fixes can often restore function faster than waiting for a technician to attend to your ticket in the queue.
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Direct Email Requests: For efficient service, please avoid emailing individuals within the department directly, as this can delay response times and remain unaddressed until noticed by the team member. Emailing helpdesk@hancockcollege.edu reaches our entire department and is closely monitored. This ensures that your issue is addressed promptly, especially outside normal working hours, when on-duty technicians can immediately see and respond to your requests.
Ticketing Summary Info to be Posted in February
We want to keep you informed and involved in our continuous improvement process. To this end, we will be posting a summary of ticketing information in February. This summary will provide insights into the types of issues encountered, response times, and resolutions. It's part of our commitment to transparency and our ongoing effort to enhance the services we offer at the ITS Help Desk. Stay tuned for this informative update, as it will give you a clearer picture of how we are addressing the technological needs of the Allan Hancock College community.