January 2021 CIO Update
Happy New Year! With the Spring semester just starting, I would like to highlight some changes to Google that will help to enhance our community’s virtual experience, and I will also feature one of our projects to enhance safety for those of us here in person.
Google continues to add features to enhance remote collaboration
Google is continuously adding new features in both ways that add large and new functionality and simple quality-of-life upgrades. Below are some of the most notable features released recently:
G Suite and general news:
- Branding for G Suite will be changing to Google Workspace in the coming months. G Suite refers to the combined suite of Google apps included with your Google account, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and all other apps located in the Google app switcher.
- VCU now has enterprise licensing in G Suite which provides additional features to all VCU Faculty and Staff.
Gmail:
- Gmail now has an integrated experience with Google Chat and Rooms, and Google Meet so you can access collaboration tools all in one place quickly.
- Grant access to Google Drive files directly from Gmail without the need to open the file.
Drive:
- Visitor sharing for sharing with individuals without G Suite or Google accounts, such as staff with @vcuhealth.org email addresses, is now available. (Currently restricted for clinical areas)
- Office editing mode for editing Office documents in their original formats
- Folder sharing in shared drives is now available. Managers of shared drives can now share folders to individuals who are not members of the shared drive.
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms:
Google has added many features and it’s easier than ever to start and jump right into a Meet. Some of the newest features include:
- Breakout Rooms, Q/A, Polls, Noise cancellation, and Attendance Reports are now available for Google Meet hosts (Faculty and Staff only)
- You can now use background blurring or set a background image in your Google Meet.
- Jamboard (whiteboard) integration makes collaboration easier in a Google Meet.
- Raise your hand in a Meet if you need to ask a question.
Google Chat: Google Chat is now the default chat experience for VCU. With its integration into the Mail app, it is easier than ever to collaborate with your colleagues. Quickly drop a Meet into your chat when you need further discussion.
VCU Entry Pass
New to this semester is VCU Entry Pass (https://together.vcu.edu/public-health-measures/entry-pass/), a mobile and web app that helps to ensure students staff and faculty are complying with daily health checks and/or mandatory surveillance testing by providing an easy way to show compliance when entering our larger spaces. While the application seems relatively simple, the below diagram demonstrates some of the underlying complexity of this project:
This tool, developed by the Web Services team, has so far received positive reviews and represents the latest in a series of projects and initiatives that demonstrate the critical role the entire Technology Services team has played in addressing the unique requirements of operating during the pandemic.
Thanks to all of the IT staff at VCU for their tireless efforts, and best wishes for a safe, healthy, and rewarding semester!
Alex