Dear colleagues,  

Our campus community is well aware of the huge amount of activity going on across the University right now. This is true for us in IT Services as it is for colleagues in Estates, Schools and beyond. In ITS, we are working on several improvement projects in areas such as cyber security and infrastructure.  

Many of the projects are reaching a crucial stage where we will be asking you to start doing a few things differently. So, I want to update you on why we are making these transformations, what each project will mean for you, and what we need you to do to help make each one a success.   

Identity and Access Management Systems (IAMS)

What it is: We’re continuing to build on our identity and access management systems (IAMS) which control access to our systems and help to keep the University cyber secure - a number of parallel initiatives are now underway.

What you need to do: We’ll need your help as these projects progress and we’ll be in contact via email when we need you to take action.

When: Underway

Cyber security: Proofpoint / Cyber Essentials  

What it is: Whilst we are making some significant changes to our systems to keep us cyber secure, it is also important to make sure that you yourselves know how to keep the University and our shared work safe. Proofpoint is an education platform that will offer bite-sized videos and content to help you stay safe online at work and at home.

What you need to do: We will be getting in touch soon to ask you to login to a piece of software called ‘Proofpoint’ so we can check what you know about cyber security (don’t worry, it is not a test, but it will tell us where we need to focus our efforts). Once you are logged in, we will ask you some questions, then, when we have your feedback, we can use Proofpoint to make sure you get the cyber security information and training that is right for you.  

When: June 2023 onwards.

Apple users: system upgrades  

What it is: We are using a system called JAMF to ensure that all University-issued Apple Mac computers and laptops are cyber secure and operating effectively and in line with University policies. This requires quite a substantial change, and if you are an Apple user you will need to effectively ‘factory reset’ your device. This will mean you need to complete a full back up of your device and ensure you have saved all your work and information in a cloud environment.  

What you need to do: Apple device users will be contacted by ITS directly with full instructions and support, walking you through what you need to do. It sounds like a daunting prospect, but it is quite simple. IT colleagues and the Service Desk will be on hand to support throughout.

When: Underway - part of Cyber Essentials+ project, due to complete December 2025.

Digital Infrastructure Programme satisfaction survey  

What it is: The Digital infrastructure Programme (DIP) covers several pieces of work, all of which will contribute to us delivering a modern, sustainable, integrated, and secure infrastructure. This secure infrastructure underpins the University’s digital operations so that we can deliver responsive and innovative services across teaching and learning, administration, and research. It includes a single telephony platform (more about that below), better computers, more energy efficiency and simplified document and file storage.  

What you need to do: To help us understand what people know already about the current service offering and how they feel about it, we will shortly be launching our first ‘satisfaction’ survey related to these services. The survey will be repeated twice a year so that we can keep track of progress and ensure that we are delivering what our users need.  

Please look out for information about the survey, which will be shared via newsletters and other communications channels. It is a concise survey of fewer than 10 questions.  

When: Starting from July 2023.

Introducing Teams Calling  

What it is: Our Telephony Modernisation project is introducing ‘Teams Calling’ which will mean colleagues can make and receive telephone calls using existing Microsoft Teams software. You will be able to use your University extension number to call anyone from wherever you are working and receive incoming calls on your computer.   

What you need to do: We are finalising arrangements to make sure the change from Skype for Business and desk-based landlines to ‘Teams Calling’ runs smoothly. Local communications and detailed instructions for your area will follow.

When: Expected from end of June 2023.

Network Replacement Programme (NRP)  

What it is: Our Network Replacement Programme (NRP) will give us a modern, fast, reliable, secure wired and wireless network across campus and the project has now reached the delivery phase.   

Initial work has started in Sussex-owned residences to get them ready for the rollout of a new ‘WiFinity’ internet solution which will increase reliability and coverage for students who live there, responding directly to student feedback. From Monday 19 June, we will see the start of trenching, ducting, and cabling work and the project team will begin to conduct initial work inside buildings too. We will give you more information about this work and how it will affect you via the website and in our ‘This week at Sussex’ colleague newsletter soon.  

What you need to do: There will be no changes to the actual network until 2024, however, the works across campus may require you to take alternative routes around campus, and even sometimes within buildings. Please keep an eye out for communications, as well as signage around campus, which will keep you up to date on any changes to access.  

When: June 2023 – August 2025

I hope this update has given you a better insight into our projects and the exciting developments that lie ahead. You can find out more about the projects and programmes on the Capital Programme webpages and you can sign up to receive our regular Transforming Sussex newsletter update direct to your inbox.

Best regards,   

Jason  Oliver

Chief Digital Transformation Officer

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