Welcome to 2026!

A new year brings fresh opportunities—and fresh tech habits. As we dive into the semester, let’s focus on staying secure, embracing innovation, and making technology work smarter for us. From updating your devices to exploring AI responsibly, this year is all about progress with purpose.

Update & Secure: Because Your Password Isn’t a Family Heirloom

Welcome to 2026! A fresh year means fresh starts—and yes, that includes your tech habits. If your password is still “Password123” or your laptop hasn’t seen an update since the last solar eclipse, it’s time for a little digital TLC.

Why Update?

Think of software updates like vitamins for your devices. They patch security holes, squash bugs, and keep hackers from turning your computer into their personal playground. Ignoring updates is like leaving your front door open with a sign that says, “Free Wi-Fi and snacks inside!”

Why Secure?

Your password should be strong enough to survive a zombie apocalypse. No birthdays, no pet names, and definitely no “12345.” Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols—bonus points if it looks like you sneezed on the keyboard.

Acceptable Use Policies

Millersville University (MU): Where Tech Rules Are Serious… But We Can Laugh About Them

Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources

Think of this as the “Golden Rule” for gadgets: use them responsibly, ethically, and legally. It applies to everyone—students, faculty, staff, contractors, and even that guest who only came for free Wi-Fi. The mission? Keep tech supporting teaching, learning, research, and public service without turning the network into the Wild West.

Highlights from the Responsible Use Policy (aka: Don’t Do These Things):

• Don’t share your account credentials. Your password is like your toothbrush—don’t share it, and change it occasionally.
• Access only what you’re allowed. If you’re not invited to the party, don’t crash it.
• Respect copyright and intellectual property. No pirating—this isn’t a Caribbean adventure.
• Prohibited activities: Illegal stuff, harassment, discrimination, and cyberbullying. Basically, don’t be a villain.
• Consequences: Lose access, face disciplinary action, or star in a courtroom drama.
• Monitoring: Yes, IT might peek in for security and compliance.

Full bedtime reading: Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources

Acceptable Use of AI Policy

This one’s for the robots. MU wants AI to be helpful sidekicks, not evil overlords. It applies to anyone using AI for teaching, research, or admin work. The goal? Make AI a team player while keeping ethics and transparency in the spotlight.

Key Features (aka: How to Keep Your AI From Going Rogue):

• AI should assist, not replace humans. The union’s position on this is very clear.
• Validate AI outputs. Because sometimes your chatbot thinks 2+2=5.
• No deepfakes, misinformation, or cheating. Keep it classy.
• Human oversight required for big decisions. Don’t let HAL run the show.
• Cite AI-generated content. Give credit where credit’s due—even if it’s a bot.
• Disclose AI use when asked. Honesty is still the best policy.
• Follow academic honesty rules. AI isn’t your loophole to skip studying.

Full policy here: Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence

IT Advisory Council

What you have heard is TRUE!  MU has an IT Advisory Council that serves as a strategic decision-making and prioritization body for technology initiatives across the University.

What does it do?

• Evaluates project submission forms and uses a rubric to score proposals (new this year).
• Advises on IT priorities before recommendations go to Cabinet for final review.
• Supports initiatives like digital accessibility improvements, AI policy implementation, and technology lifecycle planning.
• Shares information with IT and with represented departments regarding IT happenings and initiatives.

Why does this matter to me?

If you have an idea for a technology project—such as new software, classroom tech upgrades, or accessibility improvements—the Council is the group that reviews and prioritizes those requests.

The Council includes representatives from IT leadership, faculty, and administrative units. Current invitees for Spring 2026 meetings are:

• Josh Hartranft – Chief Technology Officer
• William Benton – Student Success Specialist & Starfish Coordinator – Associate Provost for Academic Support Services
• Sam Earman – Associate Professor – Earth Sciences
• Shawn Reinfried – Laboratory Technician – Physics
• Melissa Gold – Associate Professor – Library Department (APSCUF)
• Kay Keen – Administrative Assistant, Institutional Assessment & Planning
• Scott Helfrich – Director, University Housing and Conference Services
• Chad Hogg – Associate Professor/Chair – Computer Science (APSCUF)
• Abdulsalami Ibrahim – Associate Professor, Educational Foundations
• Andy Welaish – University College/Director of Library Operations
• Ruth Sheetz – Procurement Director
• Dan Keefer – Professor/Chair – Wellness & Sports Sciences (APSCUF)
• Bertha DeJesus – Assistant Professor – School of Social Work (APSCUF)
• Ronald Frankum – Professor – History & Philosophy (APSCUF)
• Aaron Haines – Professor – Biology
• Mary Dolheimer – Senior Director of Public Relations – Communications & Marketing
• Taylor McTigue – Interim Associate Director of Gift & Data Administration – Alumni Engagement
• Jennifer Jester – Associate Professor – Music

Reach out to your representative if you have any questions, comments, or ideas!

AI Corner

Build Your Own Copilot

Within Microsoft Copilot, there’s a new feature where you can create a custom AI agent—without writing a single line of code! These agents can answer questions, automate tasks, and even tap into your team’s data sources like SharePoint and Teams. It’s fast and designed to make your workday easier; it’s 2026—why not give it a try?

Here’s how you can get started:

• Open Microsoft 365 Copilot and click Create Agent in the menu on the left side.
• Describe your agent in plain language, or use Configure mode for more control or to start from a template.
• Add knowledge sources (SharePoint, Teams, or internal docs) for smarter answers—including charts, graphs, and document creation—or restrict where your agent can search.
• Test and refine by chatting with your agent and adjusting its responses.
• Publish and share with your team—your agent is live!

If that wasn’t enough to convince you to give it a go, remember that Millersville has an enterprise data agreement with Microsoft, so internal data, prompts, and progress are secured—never shared with Microsoft or used to train AI. Happy building!

*Some parts of this newsletter were created with the aid of AI