April 2025
Get to Know Microsoft Teams
The last of a four-part series…
By Lisa Sawyer
In the fourth and final installment of our four-part series, we’ll explore some useful settings you can configure in Teams.
Updating your Profile Picture
To change the picture that others see in Teams, click on your profile picture in the top right corner. Then, click on your picture again and simply upload a new photo. Remember, this should be a professional or semi-professional photo since this is your “work” Teams account.
Status Update
You can change your status in Teams by clicking on your profile picture and selecting an option from the menu, such as Available, Busy, Do not disturb, Be right back, Appear away and Appear offline. Additionally, you can set a Duration for your status, specify your work location and add a status message.
Managing Notifications
In the Notifications and Activity settings, you can customize how you receive alerts for new activity in Teams. Do you want to hear a sound? Do you want it to be displayed in a specific location on your screen? To adjust these settings, click on the Settings and more (ellipses …) next to your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings.
When you have a moment, explore additional settings available under the Settings and more ellipses.
I hope you’ve found these Teams tips helpful for the past four months. If you missed any, you can see the previous IT Newsletters at www.canyons.edu/PoweredOn .
Mobile Learning Lab (NEW)
Discover Day was the on-campus debut of the newest and mobile computer lab. The Mobile Learning Lab is a 10 student classroom on wheels! The off-grid solution is self-powered and mobile with a mobile hot-spot to provide internet access. A PTZ camera and a wireless microphone are available for hybrid instruction and can aid an outdoor lecture with some folding and chairs to accommodate up to 20 more people. Four televisions are connected to the instructor station to display content to your attendees and speakers both inside and outside provide sound amplification.
The Mobile Learning Lab is perfect for outreach events, small group classes, and workshops. Please contact Mat Camara, the Director of Technology and User Support Services, if you’d like to explore reserving the lab for an event.
COC to purchase 500 typewriters
04/01/2025
The reintroduction of the typewriter is making a comeback among security agencies.
16 student labs of 30 typewriters will soon be available for instruction.
Contact the April Fools director to align your curriculum with this hardware. ;)
Introducing Freshservice: Our New IT Ticketing System
By Mat Camara
Exciting changes are coming to our IT support services! We are pleased to announce that we are implementing Freshservice as our new ticketing system, with a planned go-live date of June 30, 2025.
Freshservice is a modern, user-friendly platform designed to improve efficiency, streamline requests, and enhance communication between IT and our users. With features like an intuitive self-service portal, automated workflows, and improved tracking capabilities, Freshservice will make it easier than ever to request and receive IT support.
What to Expect:
- A more user-friendly experience for submitting and tracking IT requests
- Faster response times and improved issue resolution
- A knowledge base for quick access to IT resources and FAQs
- Enhanced communication and status updates on your tickets
As we transition to Freshservice, we will provide training and resources to ensure a smooth rollout. Stay tuned for more details and tutorials in the coming months.
We’re excited about this upgrade and look forward to providing an improved IT support experience for everyone!
What is a Ghost Student: Financial Aid Fraud in 2025
By Michael Gunther
There is a growing issue of bad actors across the state who have been exploiting financial aid systems in educational institutions, particularly community colleges. Throughout 2024, many sources have been reporting an uptick in fraudulent applications by ‘ghost students,’ or individuals who enroll in classes and ‘ghost’ the first day of school by not showing up. This type of fraud surged after the COVID-19 pandemic, with bots completing the necessary assignments to qualify for financial aid, collecting the aid, and disappearing. College of the Canyons has been no exception, with entire classes being enrolled by fraudulent ‘ghost students.’
Recognizing the growing threat, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO), in partnership with the CCC Technology Center and individual colleges, has been actively implementing fraud prevention strategies since 2022. Key measures include:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance local student account security
- Pattern recognition technology that analyzes statewide fraud data
- ID.me verification tools to prevent impersonation and identity fraud
Locally, COC has taken additional steps to combat fraudulent enrollments. As outlined in a recent update from Vice President of Student Services Jasmine Ruys (March 22, 2025), the college’s Fraudulent Enrollment Taskforce has introduced:
- Automatic removal of unverified students from courses and waitlists
- Adjustments to the registration cycle to prevent fraudulent sign-ups
- Implementation of Voyatek software to enhance fraud detection
CSS Employee Spotlight: Chris Neal
by Mat Camara
Meet Chris Neal, a dedicated and highly skilled Computer Support Technician III in the Computer Support Services department. With a career spanning over two decades at the college, Chris first joined as an adult hourly employee in 1999 before transitioning to full-time in 2006. His commitment to service extends beyond IT, as he is also a United States Navy veteran.
Chris is a proud alumnus of College of the Canyons, holding an Associate degree in Fire Technology. His passion for helping others led him to serve as an active member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Antelope Valley Search & Rescue Team for ten years, from 2007 until 2017. Always eager to expand his skill set, Chris recently completed the rigorous Commercial Class A Driver’s course and DMV test, earning his license as a commercial truck driver so that he can drive our Mobile Learning Lab to events.
Within the IT department, Chris plays a vital role as the campus ergonomic and printer lead, ensuring smooth operations across campus. He is also the driver and lead operator of the college’s 35-foot Mobile Learning Lab, bringing education and technology directly to the community. In addition, Chris maintains and oversees the surplusing of all campus electronic equipment, ensuring proper disposal and repurposing of outdated technology.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys a full and active life. He has been married for 22 years and is the proud father of twin daughters—one a talented soccer player and the other a tennis star. Fully embracing the role of “Soccer Dad,” he not only supports but also manages both high school and club teams. When he has free time, Chris enjoys riding his Harley and embarking on road trips with his family in their 36-foot fifth wheel.
Chris Neal’s dedication to his work, family, and community is truly commendable. We appreciate all he does to keep our campus running smoothly and to make a positive impact on those around him. Thank you, Chris, for your service and commitment!
Laugh it up, chuckles!
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