On January 21, 2026, internet, VPN, and phone service went down on campus for approximately one hour (3:50 PM – 4:55 PM).

This was due to a bug in the security software maintained by our Internet Service Provider (ISP), as a result URI internet access was accidentally blocked.

ITS quickly rerouted traffic through an alternate system to restore service. Next steps include moving traffic back to the original system within one week, having the vendor fix the underlying software bug, and following up with the vendor on updates.

Service was restored with minimal disruption to campus operations.

An Audio-Technica case study spotlights how URI’s ITS team modernized audiovisual systems in over 150 learning spaces—improving hybrid learning experiences and supporting more flexible, connected classrooms.

The story highlights our collaborative approach to campus-wide AV design, led by ITS in partnership with faculty, facilities, and academic leadership.

Read the full article

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is an AI tool that lets users ask questions, get summaries, draft content, and retrieve information through a simple chat interface. All faculty, staff, and students at URI have access to the base level of this tool through the Microsoft 365 suite.

While this provides access to a useful set of AI prompting capabilities, please note that more advanced features of Microsoft Copilot, such as integration across Microsoft tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, are not available at this time.

Executive Lead

Robert Viens

Technical Lead

Mark Oliver
moliver@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
Tier 2 Support

About the Service:

Features

  • AI Assistance: Ask questions and get clear, conversational answers powered by AI.
  • Content Support: Draft, rewrite, or summarize text to save time and improve clarity.
  • File Uploads: Share documents for quick analysis, summaries, or idea generation.
  • In-App Access: Use Copilot Chat in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote to get context-aware help.
  • Web Insights: Pull in information from the public web to enhance your work.
  • Flexible Use: Apply Copilot Chat to brainstorm, learn new topics, or refine communication across tasks.

Access

Sign In:

Support and Training

Resources:

Get Help:

For questions or consultations regarding Microsoft 365 Copilot chat, contact the ITS Service Desk at helpdesk@uri.edu or explore the Microsoft Support Center.

 

smartphone support with icon of phone and support headset

The ITS Service Desk offers support for connecting smartphones and tablets (iOS or Android) to URI’s wireless network infrastructure. While URI provides assistance with device connectivity, services related to cellular plans, rates, or connectivity issues with providers (e.g., Verizon) must be handled directly by your cellular provider.

Get Help

For assistance with connecting your smartphone or tablet to URI’s wireless network, contact the ITS Service Desk.

Executive Lead

Robert Viens

Technical Lead

Mark Oliver
moliver@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
Tier 2 Support

recording and streaming with icon of live and play symbol

URI A/V, also known as Classroom Media Assistance, offers comprehensive support for recording and streaming activities such as class sessions, fieldwork, and campus events. Services include live streaming, event recording, and specialized audio and video solutions. Whether it’s a classroom lecture or a special event, URI A/V ensures your streaming and recording needs are met with professional quality.

Get Help

To request support or schedule a consultation for recording and streaming services, contact the ITS Service Desk.

Executive Lead

Robert Viens

Technical Lead

Katie Babula
kbabula@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
A/V Team

post production with icon of computer with music and play button pop up

URI IT offers post-production services to assist with multimedia editing needs, including sound and video editing for presentations, classroom recordings, and special events. These services are designed to help faculty, staff, and students enhance their multimedia projects with professional-quality editing.

Get Help

To request consultation or assistance with multimedia post-production, contact the ITS Service Desk to open a request.

Executive Lead

Robert Viens

Technical Lead

Katie Babula
kbabula@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
A/V Team

 

computer support with icon of computer and wrench

The ITS Service Desk (Tier 1) and Tier 2 support teams provide comprehensive assistance for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff have access to reliable tools and services.

Tier 1 handles initial troubleshooting and common issues, while Tier 2 offers specialized support for more complex problems.

Executive Lead

Robert Viens

Technical Lead

Mark Oliver
moliver@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
Tier 2 Support

Services Offered

  • Device Support: Assistance with Windows, Mac, desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
  • Software Support: Help with Google Workspace, Office 365, eCampus, Brightspace, and other URI-supported applications.
  • Specialized IT Support: Advanced troubleshooting and support for escalated issues managed by Tier 2.

Get Help

For support with your desktop, laptop, or other devices, contact the ITS Service Desk for initial assistance. Tier 2 support is available for escalated or specialized issues.

Pay for Print with icon of printer

Pay for Print is URI’s printing and photocopying service available on the Kingston campus and at the Nursing Education Center in Providence. Students and guests can print or photocopy documents by using their RAM Account or a Guest Pass. Wireless printing is also supported in designated locations for added convenience.

Executive Lead

Robert Viens

Technical Lead

Mark Oliver
moliver@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
Tier 2 Support

About the Service:

Features and Cost

  • Black & White Printing/Copying:
    • $0.10 per page for single-sided.
    • $0.20 per page for double-sided.
  • Color Printing/Copying:
    • $0.25 per page for single-sided.
    • $0.50 per page for double-sided.

Guest Passes

  • Value can be added to existing guest passes at the same kiosk.

Purchase Locations:

  • Carothers Library – 24 Hour Room (Kingston Campus).

Access | Printer Locations

Kingston Campus

  • University Library:
    • Learning Commons *
    • 24-Hour Study Room *
    • Second Floor
  • Memorial Union: Second Floor Lounge
  • Pharmacy Building: First Floor
  • Quinn Hall: Computer Lab – Room 215
  • Swan Hall: Language Lab – Room 301

Providence Campus

  • Nursing Education Center: Second Floor

(*Color printers indicated with asterisk.)

Support and Training

Get Help

If you encounter issues with Pay for Print or need further assistance, contact the ITS Service Desk.

 

Webex calling with Webex Logo

Webex Calling replaces URI’s previous VoIP phone system with a cloud-based solution that allows users to make and receive calls using their URI phone number on multiple devices, while also integrating advanced calling features and collaboration tools.

Executive Lead

Bob Viens

Technical Lead

Tim Klatt
tklatt@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
Telecommunications

About the Service:

Features

  • Use your URI phone number on any device
  • 5, 7, and 10-digit dialing supported
  • Secure encrypted calling and E911 support
  • Manage voicemail, call forwarding, and settings in the Webex app
  • Integrated messaging and collaboration
  • Getting a VoIP phone
  • Desk phone support (select Cisco models only)

Access

  • ITS will coordinate your migration to Webex Calling
  • Log in with URI SSO credentials
  • Webex app required on desktop and mobile devices

Support & Training

  • Live and recorded training sessions offered by ITS
  • Additional setup and troubleshooting via ITS Service Desk
  • Webex Help Center
  • FAQs and migration documentation coming soon
OMR Grading with image of test with bubble answers

ITS offers Optical Mark Reader (OMR) grading services using an OpScan 8 scanner and Remark OMR Classic Grading Software. This service supports instructors by processing bubble-sheet assessments and delivering a variety of analysis reports. While most users will not need direct access to the grading system, faculty can drop off grading jobs at the ITS Service Desk in the Library.

Executive Lead

Terry Wild

Technical Lead

Keith Banks
kabanks@uri.edu

Support Team

ITS Community Services
Service Desk

About the Service:

Features

  • Drop-off and Pickup: Blank forms, job drop-off, and job pickup are located at the ITS Service Desk in the Library basement.
  • Job Sign-In: All jobs must be signed in and out.
  • ID Required: Identification is needed when picking up completed jobs.
  • Delivery: Completed reports and data files (in Excel format) are emailed to the requester.
  • Turnaround Time: Up to 48 hours for processing.

Access

No Cost: The service is now free—no purchase order required.

Reports Include:

  • Class roster of grades
  • Histograms
  • Item analysis
  • Individualized student reports

Advanced Options:

  • Supports multiple answer keys
  • Weighted questions
  • Multiple sections

Updated System:

  • Uses built-in software grading
  • New look for grading reports

Brightspace Integration: Preparing your OMR Grading Data for Upload to Brightspace will guide users on formatting CSV files for grade upload.

Support and Training

Instructions and Forms: Paper copies are available at the ITS Service Desk; digital versions are below.

Knowledge Articles:

Future Improvements: The process will continue to be refined based on feedback.

Need Help? For assistance or consultation, email omrgrade@uri.edu or contact the ITS Service Desk.