Help Desk Hours and Location
The ITS Help Desk is located in the Library on the Santa Maria campus and offers in-person support from Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Library will be closed for extended periods during the Summer break. Please ring the doorbell to the left of the library door and/or call ahead for support so that we may let you into the Help Desk when needed. If issues arise, please submit tickets via ithelp.hancockcollege.edu or by emailing ithelp@hancockcollege.edu to automatically generate a ticket request based on email. Please do not email individuals directly; If that individual is on vacation or otherwise unavailable, your email may be missed until their return.
Important Updates and Notices
π Welcome to Our New AV Coordinator β Nathaniel Lynn!
Nathaniel Lynn is a skilled audiovisual professional with experience supporting complex AV systems in academic, broadcast, and large-scale event environments.
Nathaniel, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has recently joined the Central Coast and Santa Maria community. He possesses significant experience in technical roles at Milwaukee PBS, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and various arena venues, specializing in system configuration, live broadcast engineering, and equipment setup, particularly with Extron-based switching and control systems. Nathaniel has demonstrated a strong capability to troubleshoot, maintain, and operate diverse audiovisual infrastructures both independently and as part of a collaborative team. His professional background reflects a deep commitment to providing accessible technology support, facilitating user training, and fostering effective cross-functional communication. This unique combination of skills positions him well to serve and support the diverse student and staff community at Allan Hancock College. Please join us in welcoming Nathaniel to our ITS team. His office will be located in K-14. Feel free to stop by anytime.
Welcome aboard, Nathaniel β we're excited to have you with us!
Essential Articles and Ticket Requests
Updates from Technology Council and Committees
- Web Services Committee
- Schedule: Meetings are held bi-monthly, usually on the 1st Thursday, from 9:30-11:00 am.
- No Update
- Educational Technology Advisory Committee (EdTAC)
- Schedule: Meetings are held bi-monthly, usually on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday, from 2:30-4:00 pm.
- No Update
- Banner Committee
- Schedule: Meetings are held monthly, usually on the 2nd Monday, from 9:00 - 10:30 am.
- No Update
- Technology Council
- Schedule: Meetings are held bi-monthly, usually on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday, from 2:30-4:00 pm.
- Update: LVC's network upgrade will be completed Friday 7/25/25.
Windows 11, EAP-TLS, and Mass Email Updates
π¨ Windows 10 End of Support β Upgrade to Windows 11 Underway
Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security patches, making devices more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.
To keep AHCβs network secure and compliant, all college-owned devices will be upgraded to Windows 11.
π§ For questions about the rollout:
Xavier Ortiz β Assistant Director, ITS β xortiz@hancockcollege.edu
Andy Specht β Executive Director, ITS β aspecht@hancockcollege.edu
π§° Classroom and Lab Update Requests
To ensure your instructional spaces are ready for the Windows 11 upgrade and other updates, please let us know if your area needs attention.
β‘οΈ Submit a Classroom/Cart Maintenance Request 
π EAP-TLS Wireless Security Updates
ITS is transitioning to EAP-TLS certificate-based authentication to enhance security and streamline wireless access across campus:
Further details will be shared once deployment begins. ITS will provide documentation and support in advance of any changes.
π£ Student Mass Email β New Process Required
Due to Microsoftβs updated email controls (June 2025), departments can no longer send bulk emails to students via Outlook or distribution lists. Attempting to do so may cause delivery failures or result in account restrictions.
To send mass communications to students, use the:
β‘οΈ AHC Publicity Request Portal
β
Be sure to check the Email box under the Services section.
Faculty and staff are both welcome to use this process. Public Affairs will manage delivery to ensure compliance.
For messaging individual classes, use Canvas or SuccessNet. Contact Distance Education for support with those tools.
June 2025 Ticket Summary
Hereβs a brief overview of ITS activity:
Total Tickets (Whole Department)
- April: 474
- May: 439
- June: 420
Location-less Tickets
278 tickets had no location specified.
Lompoc Valley Campus (LVC) Tickets
18 tickets originated from the Lompoc Valley Campus.
Top 5 Forms Used at LVC:
- Something Broke: 11
- Install Something: 6
- Problem Form: 1
Only 3 unique forms submitted from this location.
5 Most Common Request Locations:
- LVC 1: 8
- LVC 2: 4
- LVC 3: 4
- LVC 5: 2
Santa Maria Valley Campus (SM) Tickets
124 tickets originated from the Santa Maria Valley Campus.
Top 5 Forms Used at SM Campus:
- Something Broke: 61
- Install Something: 32
- Problem Form: 9
- Classroom/Cart Maintenance Request: 9
- VOIP Telephone Request: 3
5 Most Common Request Locations:
- Building A: 22
- Building S: 19
- Building C: 15
- Building L: 13
- Building H: 7