Leaves will soon start falling, and that means a new semester is calling. As we trade beach towels and flip-flops for football games and sweater season, fall brings more than a change in weather. Faculty and staff, check out the guide below for several technology tools and features that have had updates since Fall 2024.
Chatting with Help Desk support
The Office of Information Technology Help Desk has entered the chat. The IT Help Desk added a new, AI-assisted chat feature to its remote troubleshooting arsenal. To use the chat feature, users must be logged into the Rutgers IT Help portal, so it will not be available for password resets or other password-related issues.
Smarter link sharing with go.rutgers.edu
Did you know Rutgers has its own URL shortener? Go.rutgers.edu lets you create short, easy-to-share links for emails, flyers, social media, and more. The platform recently got a refresh, with a mobile-friendly design and new features that make it even more convenient to use on the go.
Software by subscription
The University Software Portal’s new software subscription model allows yearly software subscriptions and monthly billing for certain purchased software. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time by visiting the software portal.
Forging new connections on Rutgers Connect
If Rutgers Connect is your go-to resource for planning and scheduling, Microsoft Lists and Bookings with me add new options for managing tasks and time. There is some setup prior to using either tool, so faculty and staff should be sure to do this in advance of the semester.
Easy video creation
ScarletApps users can use Google Vids, a video creation app, to view, edit, share, and collaborate on video resources.
New options for web conferencing tools
In 2025, a maximum of 300 attendees will be permitted at any Zoom meeting. Additionally, Zoom Webinars will only be supported via departmental accounts. Need a meeting that will support up to 300 attendees or a webinar to host up to 1,000 attendees? You can register for one via Microsoft Bookings.
Meanwhile, Webex’s Slido plugin adds more interaction during meetings by allowing polling and Q&A features.
Microsoft Teams-compatible video conferencing equipment can now integrate with the Rutgers Connect environment, allowing Teams meetings to be hosted in conference rooms and lecture halls throughout all Rutgers campuses.
Keep AI on your radar
NotebookLM and ChatGPT Edu, a paid version of the AI chatbot, joined the Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini chatbots as AI tools available to the Rutgers community. More questions about AI at Rutgers? Visit the Guidance on the Use of AI at Rutgers webpage for more information.