URI is part of the Open Storage Network for research data storage and sharing

URI has been part of the National Science Foundation's Open Storage Network (OSN) for 3 years.

ReadSpeaker & TextAid: Making Learning More Accessible

ReadSpeaker and TextAid support inclusive learning by making content more accessible. ReadSpeaker lets students listen to Brightspace materials, while TextAid adds tools like writing support and web page reading.

Have You “Engaged” with the Local Community?

New for 2025: URI now offers a simplified storefront for non-credit and professional development courses via Course Merchant and Brightspace Engage, streamlining registration, payment, and enrollment.

Recognizing Our Graduating ITS Student Employees

We're celebrating our graduating ITS student employees and their lasting contributions across Service Desk, Networking, Endpoint Support, and Research Computing.

Staff Milestones: Celebrating Years of Service

Join us in recognizing ITS team members who reached 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and even 40 years of service—an incredible testament to their dedication to the URI community.

Securing Our Inbox: URI ITS Implements Stronger Email Protections

URI ITS has fully implemented DMARC enforcement to block spoofed emails and reduce phishing risks - bringing pass rates from 47% to 99.85% in just one year.

CCR supports research in Environmental Economics

Prof. Corey Lang and postdoctoral researcher Jarron VanCeylon, supported by the CCR, recently published a paper in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management exploring how homebuyers’ preferences for environmental amenities align with their political leanings.

CCR AI/ML Seminar: Machine Learning Approaches for Characterizing Global Sea Surface Temperature Fields

The Center for Computational Research is planning a series of monthly talks on AI/ML techniques and applications across various scientific domains

World Quantum Day 2025

Celebrate World Quantum Day at URI on April 11th!

AI Big Data Forum — Spring ’25

April 18th noon, Galanti Lounge. Details in the attached flyer!  Event Flyer

Faculty Alert: Brightspace Updates Coming May 16th

Brightspace is getting two key updates on May 16, including a refreshed Quiz Evaluation interface and upgraded integrations for Top Hat and McGraw Hill. Learn what’s changing and how to prepare.

CCR/RC staff Michael Puerrer publishes in Nature journal!

Machine-learning algorithm analyzes gravitational waves from merging neutron stars in the blink of an eye

Andromeda HPC cluster to merge into Unity HPC/AI system at MGHPCC

URI’s Andromeda HPC cluster will merge into the Unity HPC-AI system at MGHPCC, enhancing computational power and research capabilities—learn more about the transition and its impact.

Academic Summit: AI@URI 2.0

Come with me on a journey exploring AI in teaching learning @ URI. The URI Academic Summit welcomed faculty to discuss AI @ URI 2.0, reflecting on progress since 2024 and the future of generative AI in education and research.

Calling All Gamers

Rhody eLab, URI’s first dedicated eSports space, is now open in Room 317 of the Memorial Union. Featuring high-performance gaming stations and a growing game catalog, it’s open to all students after completing a Code of Conduct.

URI Speed Networking Event for Graduate & Senior Students

Graduate and senior students are invited to URI’s Speed Networking Event—connect with industry professionals, expand your network, and explore career opportunities.

Ash Giri Recognized at the White House!

URI’s Ash Giri was honored at the White House for his contributions to research and innovation—celebrating excellence in technology and academia.

Spring Semester Workshops by URI CCR / AI Lab

The details of our CCR / AI Lab semester workshops are available here.

Shining a Spotlight on Jill Rasmussen: IAM Expertise and Upcoming Opportunities

Jill Rasmussen of ITS continues to make a significant impact in cybersecurity, including facilitating EDUCAUSE's IAM Learning Lab and serving as faculty for the Cybersecurity and Privacy Managers Institute.

Major Unity Upgrade!

We are pleased to announce that a major upgrade to our primary HPC/AI platform UNITY is finally complete!

Multifaceted Teaching & Learning: Leveraging Digital Tools for Large-Scale Education

Peter Phipps uses Mentimeter, Brightspace Groups, and Google Docs to enhance student engagement and collaboration in his large journalism classes.

Illuminate with Lumi Education: Hotspots

Transform images into interactive content and experience with Lumi's free Hotspot tool, available on desktop or cloud platform.

Celebrating Excellence: URI’s Tech Innovators Honored in Tech10 Awards

URI celebrates Indrani Mandal and Gaurav Khanna, honorees of RI Monthly's 2024 Tech10 Awards, for their outstanding contributions to AI and research computing.

Empowering Students: Critical Thinking Can Balance Curiosity and Caution with AI

AI is transforming education, offering new tools and insights, but also raising challenges. Educators must foster critical thinking, guiding students to verify sources, question biases, and use AI responsibly. By blending curiosity with caution, students can leverage AI as a tool while maintaining intellectual independence.

AI Big Data Forum: Quantum Computing and AI

Join us Nov. 22 at noon in Galanti Lounge for the AI Big Data Forum featuring URI's Len Kahn on quantum computing and Brown's Stephen Bach on AI's data-driven evolution.

Using Brightspace Learning Analytics to Enhance Course Engagement and Teaching Strategies

Brightspace’s learning analytics tools help instructors track student engagement and optimize course design. Tools like Class Progress, Content Reports, and Quiz Statistics provide insights into student interactions, enabling targeted support and course adjustments for improved learning outcomes.

RICHAMP wins award at PEARC!

Received a wonderful note from Dr. Ginis: Pranav Sai received the award for the best abstract at PEARC24 held in Providence last summer. He presented RICHAMP and its implementation on URI nodes at MGHPCC for real-time storm forecasting. 

Quantum Computer at the MGHPCC!

A state-of-the-art neutral atom quantum computer, facilitating open-access research, hardware innovation, and hands-on training for students.

New Email Ticketing System for Faster Support

The IT Service Desk has launched an Email Ticketing System! Now, your support requests are automatically converted into tickets for faster resolutions and centralized updates.

Action Needed: Update Pearson Integration in Brightspace Courses

Faculty using Pearson in Brightspace must update to the new LTI 1.3 standard by the end of December. Existing links will not migrate automatically.

Major Upgrade to UNITY HPC/AI Infrastructure

UNITY HPC/AI resources expanded by 50% with 1,000 new CPU cores and 24 advanced GPUs, enhancing research capabilities at URI.

CCR supported student awarded fellowship!

Matt Paolella, a CCR-supported student, received the Moissan Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship from the American Chemical Society.

URI receives $795,000 boost for high performance computing and cybersecurity

URI receives $795,000 boost for high performance computing and cybersecurity

Speed Networking Event AI, Quantum, and Computationally Enhanced Research & Innovation

Join us on October 11th for an interdisciplinary speed networking event to explore research collaborations in AI, quantum, and computational innovation. Register by October 4th to secure your spot!

The Better Scientific Software (BSSw) Fellowship Program

The Better Scientific Software (BSSw) Fellowship Program recognizes and promotes leaders and advocates of high-quality software.

New Unity HPC/AI Quick Start Guide!

Fall ’24 workshops on Python, R, Statistics Software, etc.

Workshop series covering topics like Python, R, Statistics Software, Unity HPC and more.

Enhancing Online Courses with Panopto

Vince Petronio uses Panopto to enhance his online asynchronous course: The Art of Storytelling.

Discover the Key Features of Rhody Connect: Your Essential URI Mobile App

Whether you’re a new student, a current student, faculty, staff, or a visitor, we are excited to introduce you to Rhody Connect, the all-in-one mobile app designed to enhance your experience at URI.

Brightspace Integrations: Pathway from LTI 1.1 to LTI 1.3

ITS is excited to announce an updated process for Brightspace integrations to reduce the technical burden on faculty and save time. Starting August 2024, ITS will handle all LTI integrations and upgrade older ones to LTI 1.3. Submit integration requests by early August to ensure timely review and implementation.

Expand your reach with Course Merchant for Brightspace Engage

URI is streamlining public access to courses with Course Merchant on the Brightspace Engage platform. This user-friendly tool allows easy class searches, payments, account creation, and enrollment.

RhodyBuy

URI will be implementing a new procurement system, RhodyBuy, this Fall. The integration of punch-out and hosted catalogs provides an “Amazon” like experience and will improve purchasing for high-volume suppliers, reducing reliance on manual processes.

ServiceNow 2024 – Expanding Service Management at URI

ServiceNow is approaching its second year at URI and is now in use by 75 work groups at URI across numerous departments for Incident Management, Request Management, Knowledge Articles and Problem Management.

Capeverdean American Community Development (CACD) Summer Program at URI AI Lab!

We are delighted to share the highlights of an incredible summer program hosted at the University of Rhode Island’s AI Lab, organized in collaboration with the Capeverdean American Community Development (CACD) and supported by the United Way of Rhode Island.

Funding for student travel to SC24

There is funding available for student travel to the major Supercomputing ’24 conference (Atlanta) this November and IPDPS conference (Milan, Italy) in June ’25.

IT Contract Review and Fiscal Year 2024 Wrap-Up

As we conclude Fiscal Year 2024, the University of Rhode Island’s IT Contract Review team proudly reflects on a productive year.

Planning Grants to Create AI-Ready Test Beds

Planning Grants funded through this DCL are expected to cultivate research teams that actively address the expansion or enhancement of an existing test bed to evaluate the impact on and interaction with users of novel AI methods.

Exploring the Future: Integrating Generative AI at URI

We are thrilled to share our exciting journey toward integrating generative AI technologies into our university’s ecosystem. This transformative initiative aims to enhance learning, teaching, and administrative processes.

4th Annual Tech Day on August 22, Come Join Us…

Join us for Tech Day 2024, where faculty can explore and embrace EdTech for evaluating learning. This event offers something for everyone, from EdTech novices to seasoned users, and aims to enhance teaching strategies and learning environments.

Enhance Your Summer: Discover Our EdTech Support, Professional Development, and Events

As we move from spring to summer 2024, we're excited to support your professional growth and technological advancement. The IT Teaching and Learning Services Team offers tailored training and support options for our faculty.

Gaurav’s research on black hole “hair” gets some attention!

Black holes are mysterious, yet also deceptively simple − a new space mission may help physicists answer hairy questions about these astronomical objects.

NAIRR Pilot Resource Requests to Advance AI Research

The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot has opened calls for projects with a 12 month duration for computational resources.

MGHPCC and UNITY shutdown May 20 — 24th.

UNITY HPC shutdown next week (May 20 — 24) to coincide with the annual MGHPCC shutdown.

R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Unity, Bioinformatics and more workshop recordings available!

Recordings of all the workshops we ran including R, SAS, SPSS, Python, Bioinformatics, Unity and others.

Enhancing Student Engagement with PointSolutions

Professor Dombi incorporates the PointSolutions response system in his large chemistry classes to create dynamic and engaging learning environments that foster interactive learning.

Congratulations to Roxanne for prestigious international research grant!!

GSO Professor Roxanne Beinart awarded international research grant to investigate symbiotic relationships among microorganisms

PEARC and IEEE HPEC Conferences

Two computational research conferences coming up in the next few months: PEARC and IEEE HPEC.

Eclipse viewing event planned for the URI Quad on April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Don’t be left in the dark: URI professor provides lowdown on Monday’s total solar eclipse

AI – Big Data Forum

Join us for the third AI-Big Data Forum at URI.

Call for Student Research and Project Posters Competition

We are seeking students to submit posters to be shown to the university community that describe computationally enhanced research and projects that students are working on this semester.