IT Initiatives
Getting More with Zoom Workplace
GW IT is transitioning to Zoom Workplace as our primary communication platform for phones, web conferencing, and more. The transition provides enhanced features, creates a more unified experience, and optimizes resources by simplifying the support of multiple platforms. This is a multi-year project that includes moving all phone and voice services and retiring Webex.
Windows 11 Upgrade
As Microsoft phases out support for Windows 10 operating system, GW IT will be upgrading GW managed computers to Windows 11. Windows 11 introduces a range of new features and improvements, including a redesigned user interface, enhanced capabilities, better integration with Microsoft services, and improved security features.
Exploring Gen AI
Partnering across campus, GW IT is strategically implementing Generative AI (Gen AI) solutions. To ensure responsible and secure adoption, we evaluate emerging technologies to provide the university community with compliant, Gen AI tools and services.
Moving Banner to the Cloud
We are excited to announce GW is modernizing its student information system and human resource system by implementing Ellucian’s Banner Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. This will lead to significant improvements in efficiency and the faculty/staff/student experience.
Advancing Research at GW by Expanding HPC
GW IT, in partnership with academic and administrative units, is in the process of expanding the High Performance Computing (HPC) platform, Pegasus. The expansion integrates the Nvidia Grace Hopper superchip, L40S GPUs, and additional compute nodes. With enhanced compute power and memory capabilities, this expansion will advance research efforts across various fields.
Role Based Access Control (RBAC)
GW IT is implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to assign account access by role rather than an individual. This approach enhances compliance with data governance and cybersecurity regulations, improves monitoring and auditing, and will strengthen university operations.
Accelerate to the Cloud
GW IT is committed to delivering top-tier education, research, and clinical care through a secure and efficient digital experience. To achieve this, we have been investing in AWS cloud computing to reduce our reliance on campus data centers, enhance service availability, and support sustainability efforts.
Completed Initiatives
- GWireless Network Retired
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Eduroam is the primary Wi-Fi network at GW. It runs on the same reliable hardware as GWireless and offers secure, international roaming for research and education.
GWireless retired on January 2, 2025. For the best experience, remember to forget the GWireless network once you join eduroam. - New myGW Available
The myGW webpage and mobile app have been redesigned to centralize access to the university’s online services. Along with a fresh look, the new myGW includes customization features that make it easier to find the GW resources that matter to you.
Access the new myGW by visiting go.gwu.edu/mygw. Both sites will be available until the end of the semester.- Network Upgrades
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Summer 2024, GW IT completed the first full 5 year lifecycle of its network strategic plan. This strategic approach allows us to stay updated with network technology advancements, manage costs, and ensure timely hardware replacement to minimize risk or unplanned interruptions.
- GW IT Notifications have a New Look
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GW IT has updated the notifications sent by our ticketing system. You will notice new GW branding and helpful links to IT resources. If you have any feedback on how we can continue to make these notifications better, please let us know.
- Shibboleth Authentication to GW SSO
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GW IT updated authentication for many applications, including InCommon Apps to GW Single Sign On (SSO) on June 26 at 9:00pm. The most popular applications are Sona Systems, PeopleAdmin, REDCap, Elsevier, GW Enterprise Organizational Chart and CourseLeaf. Using GW SSO streamlines access and enables Two-Step Authentication (2SA) to provide additional security.
- Alumni Account & Google Storage
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In keeping with best practices in higher education to manage storage and to address security concerns, GW will no longer provide Google Drive or Google Calendar to alumni. Your @gwmail.gwu.edu Google email account will continue to be available to you, but it will now have a storage limit of 5GB.
GW IT is also increasing security requirements for all GW accounts. Accounts must have a successful web login annually to remain active. Checking your GW email using a third party email application, like Outlook or Google Mobile App, and forwarding your GW email to another email account does not count as an active login.
- Zoom Authentication Changes
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To enhance security, we will begin requiring that all Zoom accounts using a GW email use GW Single Sign-On (SSO) for authentication. This change was completed August 2024.
- Tableau Has Moved to the Cloud
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The Business Intelligence team has been working for several months on migrating 300+ dashboards from GW's on-prem Tableau server to Tableau Cloud. The migration, which covers different business areas such as Academics, HR, Finance, and Research, was completed 100% -August 2024.
- EAS to Use SSO Authentication
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On May 25, 2024, the Enterprise Accounting System (EAS) was integrated with GW Single Sign On (SSO) for authentication. This initiative streamlined access for new users, reduced GW’s cybersecurity risk, and prevented the need for additional login credentials for many EAS users. This change did not change the system or how you log in to EAS. Please report issues or provide feedback to GW IT.
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The annual report highlights the progress made during FY 24, and includes a roadmap for our ongoing and future initiatives.