Join CITS for a Lunch & Learn session on Data Classification and AI Tool Choice on September 22 at 12:00 p.m. This session will help participants understand how UMB classifies institutional data, why data classification matters when using AI tools, and how to choose the appropriate AI tool based on the type of information being used. Members of the IT Security team will be on hand to answer questions and discuss best practices for using AI responsibly while protecting university data.
Information and News
Learn, Share, and Explore AI with CITS!
UMB's MS Teams Calling Initiative
Calling is moving to Microsoft Teams at UMB. This yearlong initiative will bring chat, video, and phone together in one familiar app while helping modernize campus communications and reduce technology costs. Visit the MS Teams Calling website for project updates, training resources, the Town Hall recording, and FAQs.
Meet UMB's Research Collaborator Chatbot
The UMB Research Collaborator Chatbot is an AI-powered assistant built on the NebulaONE Microsoft Azure platform. Using trusted UMB information and relevant external data, it helps faculty, staff, and researchers find expertise, identify collaborators across schools and disciplines, explore funding opportunities, and support early grant planning and team formation.
For instructions on how to use the Research Collaborator Chatbot, please view the Research Collaborator Chatbot User Guide pdf or watch the video overview.
Experience, the new student portal, is now live!
Designed to make everyday student tasks easier, Experience brings key academic tools and services into one mobile-friendly, accessible dashboard.
Students can use the portal to register for courses, update personal information, check grades, review financial aid, and access connected systems such as Blackboard, TouchNet, and Degree Works. The customizable dashboard provides a simpler, more intuitive way to manage academic tasks in one place.
For more information and to login, visit the Experience website and take a virtual tour of the portal.
The AI Toolkit: Find Tools Fast, Use AI Responsibly
This short video introduces the AI Toolkit webpage and shows how to explore approved AI tools, submit software requests, and make informed decisions based on data classification and security. Check out the AI Toolkit Webpage to find the right AI solution for your work and use AI safely, efficiently, and responsibly and visit umaryland.edu/ai to stay connected with all things AI at UMB.
New Software Requests and Approval Timeline for SRE users
All new software requests for the SRE must be submitted by noon Thursdays. Requests received after the deadline will be reviewed during the next request cycle, which may delay availability. Learn more about the updates to the SRE here.
M365 Copilot Chat- Crafting Effective Prompts
Microsoft Copilot is now available to the UMB community. Learn more about Crafting Effective Prompts for Copilot Chat For additional information including instructions on accessing Copilot, visit the Copilot webpage.
Connect with CITS:
CITS Upcoming Projects
CITS is dedicated to enhancing the technological experience at UMB, and we have several projects underway. We are particularly excited about two of these initiatives:
- Consulting Project Underway to Enhance Student Experience Through Improved Records and Registration Business Processes
- Experience Dashboard Under Development for UMB Students
To learn more about either of these projects, please visit the Upcoming CITS Projects page.
CITS Strategic Reports
To learn more about CITS goals and projects that have been taking place, please visit the CITS Strategic Reports and Projects page.
CITS Calendar
To view important information about scheduled application upgrades, maintenance, and downtime, please view the CITS Calendar.
CITS Newsletter
To view CITS' quarterly updates please visit our IT Newsletter page
IT Public Alerts - Calendar View
Quantum Financials Downtime
09/19/2026 1:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Quantum Financials will be unavailable on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM for maintenance.
Network Maintenance - VPN Firewalls
09/19/2026 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
The Center for Information Technology Services (CITS) will be performing Network maintenance on the VPN firewalls. Maintenance is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 6:00am to 7:00am. No downtime is anticipated.
Mediasite Maintenance/Downtime
09/26/2026 1:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Mediasite will be undergoing maintenance by the vendor on September 26, 2026 1:00 AM - 5:00 AM EST. The application may be unavailable for brief periods during this maintenance window.
Contact
Help Desk
601 W. Lombard St.
Suite 540
Baltimore, MD 21201