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Information Technology

Information Technology is responsible for all computing, classroom A/V, and distance learning capabilities at the MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School. 

CONTACT

GSBS IT Department is on-site at 6767 Bertner Ave, Floor 3, Room S3.8411. We are here to assist with classroom, website and technical issues for students, faculty and staff. If you need to book time for a meeting with us for a technical, administrative or website question, please do so via our Bookings page.

If you are on-site at GSBS and need classroom assistance, have a website request, or need on-site technical support please contact [email protected] 

Michael Valladolid [email protected] 713-500-9858 BSRB S3.8411
Michael Orlando [email protected] 713-500-9854 BSRB S3.8411

If you are off-site and located in another building or institution, please contact the local IT Department, or submit a ticket with UTHealth Service Now, you must have Duo Mobile set up to submit a ticket.

To speak to someone at the UTHealth Help Desk please call 713-486-4848.

If you need assistance with MD Anderson e-mail or services, please call 4INFO at 713-794-4636 or email [email protected]

Student Software, Discounts and Research Resources

HIED OnTheHub TMC Library MD Anderson Research Medical Library
Grammarly

HIED and OnTheHub have been officially endorsed by UTHealth. Both use your UTHealth username and password as verification of your status as a student, staff or faculty member. Discounts vary by student, staff and faculty level employees.


UTHealth GSBS students will be able to request a BioRender license from the Research Medical Library at MD Anderson. Send an email to  [email protected]. Please provide your first name, last name, degree program (PhD, MS) and UTHealth email address with subject line: GSBS Student  BioRender License

  • How do I get my network account?

    Your network account will be activated when the IDM (Identity Management) hold in your student record in ApplyUTH or myUTH is removed through identity verification. The IDM hold is a "soft" hold and will not prevent registration. This should be one of the last holds you should work to remove.

    STEP 1

    Remove your IDM (Identity Management) Hold. Identity verification is included as part of the criminal background check, therefore your IDM hold will be automatically removed once the CBC clears.

    For international students who are exempt from the CBC requirement, Email Michael Valladolid, GSBS IT Director, to schedule an identity verification appointment either in person or online through WebEx to clear this hold. Present a current (not expired) state or federal issued photo ID - Drivers License, Passport. 

    STEP 2
    You will be asked to provide a recovery email address, so make sure you have continued access to it. This email address can be used to reset your UTHealth password if you forget it. Your UTHealth User ID, email address and password recovery web link will be emailed to this address.

    STEP 3
    Enroll in Two-Factor Authentication

    Recover your password.

  • E-Mail FAQ
    • Students are issued an official UTHealth email account, @uth.tmc.edu. Please visit the Exchange Online FAQ for more info (UTHealth internal link)
    • Mailbox Storage Space: 100GB, with 100GB Archive Space)
    • The total message size for outbound messages is 100MB.  That includes all parts of the message (To, From, Subject, body content, and attachments). Keep in mind that all attachments are decompressed for scanning.  Also, most receiving domains usually limit their receiving message size at 25MB or 50MB. 
    • Webmail: https://mail.uth.edu/ 
    • Microsoft Outlook Mobile  for iOS and Android.
    • Anti-Virus

      Free Anti-Virus Software

    • Two-Factor Authentication (Duo Mobile)

      Two-Factor Authentication (you must enroll to access myUTHWebmail and Employee Self Service outside the UTHealth network and VPN)
      Two-factor authentication, also known as two-step authentication, adds an additional layer of assurance onto your normal login process. This is done by both verifying something you know, such as a password, and something you have, such as a phone.
      You must first enroll your phone by following these instructions. Once enrolled, you will then be able to use your phone as a second factor for applications that require two-factor authentication. You may enroll any type of phone. However, we highly recommend enrolling your smartphone with the optional smartphone app.

      On Campus Registration

      Connect to the UTHealth network using the secure Wifi Access Point UTHealth or use a computer in the GSBS Computer Lab S3.8112
      Access our Two-Factor Login page.
      Log in with your existing UTHealth credentials.
      If you have never enrolled, you will be prompted to enroll with enrollment instructions for your device.
      For further assistance on enrollment, please visit this guide.

      Off Campus Registration (Two Options)

      • Contact the UTHealth Help Desk at (713) 486-4848. The Help Desk operational hours are Monday through Friday (North American Central Time CT) from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends.
      • Email the Solution Center at [email protected], and to schedule a WebeX meeting
    • Online Surveys

      QuestionPro is a comprehensive online survey software designed to streamline the process of creating, distributing, and analyzing surveys for various purposes, including market research, customer feedback, employee engagement, and academic research. Here are some key features:

      • User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive interface makes it easy for users to create surveys without any coding knowledge.
      • Versatile Question Types: Offers a wide range of question types, including multiple-choice, rating scales, open-ended, and more, to suit diverse survey needs.
      • Customization Options: Allows customization of survey themes, branding, and layouts to maintain brand consistency.
      • Advanced Reporting: Provides robust reporting tools with real-time analytics, graphical representations, and customizable dashboards for in-depth analysis of survey data.
      • Survey Distribution Channels: Enables distribution of surveys via email, social media, website embedding, and QR codes to maximize response rates.
      • Collaboration Features: Supports collaboration among team members by allowing multiple users to work on surveys simultaneously and share access to data.

      Question Pro Link: https://go.uth.edu/qp


      Qualtrics at MD Anderson. Note: this link is only accessible within the MD Anderson network.

    • Student Laptop Request

      You will be able to request a Windows laptop with either Photoshop, GraphPad, or both programs. The length of time a laptop can be loaned until the end of the calendar year. Laptops will need to be returned on or prior December 15th. The beginning of the calendar year for laptop loaners is January 5th. The end is December 17th. If you would like to borrow the laptop longer, we request that you fill out another loaner laptop form that is appropriate to you, listed below. Failure to return or renew your loaner by the due date may result in no longer being able to participate in the loaner laptop program.

      Laptop Request for students with an Advisor

      Students who are currently in a lab with an Advisor will need to have their Advisor sign and fill out the form as well. There is a field located within the form that allows you to send it to your Advisor. Once both parties have signed the form, we will reach out to the student and schedule a time for laptop pick-up.

      Laptop Request for students without an Advisor

      Students who are within Core Course and do not have an Advisor yet should use this form to request a loaner laptop.

    • Laptop Specs

      PC

      Screen Size

      14" 1920 x 1080

      Processor

      AMD Ryzen 5 4500U with Radeon Graphics

      RAM

      12 GB

      Hard Drive

      M.2 250GB

      Operating System

      Windows 10

      TPM Chip

      Enabled, Bitlocker

      Antivirus Software

      Windows Defender

    Additional Information

    • Classroom Specs
      Our classrooms are located on the 3rd floor of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center's George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Sciences Research Building (BSRB).
      Each classroom is equipped with the following or as otherwise noted: 
      • Windows PC with PowerPoint
      • Laptop VGA Connection
      • Ethernet and WiFi
      • Webcams
      • DVD Playback through PC
      • LCD Projector w/ Screen (LCD screens in Gallick Classroom)
      • Telephone
      • Dry Erase Board
      • Document Camera (Large, Gallick Classroom)
      • Podium with Microphones (Large, Gallick Classroom)
      • Handheld Wireless Microphones (Large, Gallick Classroom)
      • Lavalier Wireless Microphone (Large Classroom)
      Each classroom is equipped with the following or as otherwise noted:
      GSBS Information Technology Classrooms

      Room

      Location

      Capacity

      Reconfigurable Seating

      Video Conferencing

      Digital Recording

      Schissler Library
      BSRB S3.8351
      10 to 20
      No
      Yes: Polycom RealPresence Group 500
      No
      Conference Room
      BSRB S3.8355
      12
      Yes
      Yes: Cisco Spark
      No
      Gallick Classroom
      BSRB S3.8367
      20 to 25
      Yes
      Yes: Polycom RealPresence Group 500
      No
      Large Classroom
      BSRB S3.8371
      60 to 90
      Yes
      Yes: Polycom RealPresence Group 500
      Yes
    • MD Anderson Canvas Access

      UTHealth's Canvas Course Management System is able to accept logins from Faculty and Designees with MD Anderson login credentials. An initial setup within Canvas will be required and specific information will be needed about your MD Anderson credentials. To provide this information, please follow these steps:

      Visit the Shibboleth login page and click on the MD Anderson logo button to login.

      After you successfully login, you will get a page that looks like the following:

       UTHealth Authentication Service Screenshot

      Copy all of the text or make a screenshot and email this information to [email protected]. Please include which Canvas course you are needing to be added to, with the class course number (if available, example GS02 1014)

      You will get an email when your Canvas access has been setup after around two business days.

    • Classroom Reservations

      Guidelines:

      GSBS Room Reservations are limited to GSBS-related activities. Only requests from GSBS faculty, student and staff will be honored. Examples of acceptable events include:

      • Study Groups
      • Student Group Meetings
      • Student Committee Meetings
      • GSBS Faculty Meetings
      • GSBS Program Meetings
      • And other events that are school related

      While using these rooms, please be courteous of others and observe the following:

      • Keep noise to an acceptable level as to not disrupt other meetings or classes in process
      • Rearrange furniture to its original configuration
      • Place all trash and leftovers into the proper receptacles and recycling bins
      • Erase the classroom whiteboard
      • Shut down the AV system (directions on how-to are listed on every podium)

      If violations of these guidelines are reported, GSBS will contact the person who requested the reservation. Multiple violations will result in denial of future room reservations from the requester and/or group.

      Policies:

      • Reservations and cancellations are accepted via email only. No walk-ups or phone calls.
      • Priority reservations are given to GSBS classes.
      • Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis.
      • Cancellations require 48 hours advanced notice.
      • Please make sure room is clean after use, especially if catering is involved.
      • Please return the room to its original setup.
      • There is no presentation setup service. All rooms have instructions to self-start the A/V equipment.
      • We do not support the equipment you bring in.
      • There is no technical support before 8:00 am and after 5:00 pm during weekdays. There is no technical support on weekends and University Holidays.

      How do I reserve a room?

      1. Look in the Calendar for your preferred room, available date and time. At least a 15 minute gap* is required between adjacent events.
      2. Fill out the GSBS Room Reservation Request form.
      3. Wait for an email confirming your reservation - typically after 1 business day.

        *30 minutes for video conference. Failure to observe this will cause your meeting time to be adjusted when you receive your confirmation.

      How do I cancel a reservation?

      1. Cancellations require 48 hours advanced notice.
      2. The original requestor (or cc the original requestor) must send an email to [email protected].
      3. Wait for an email confirming your cancellation - typically after 1 business day.
    • Policies

      Passwords. Passwords are NEVER to be shared with anyone and under any circumstances. It is a violation of University policy to share a password. Passwords expire every 90 days. Passwords must meet a "strong" complexity requirement as outlined in the password change procedure. You can reset or recover your password.

      Email. You are responsible for monitoring official email from GSBS and UTHealth which will only be sent to your official email account (ending in @uth.tmc.edu.) Automatic forwarding of GSBS/UTHealth email is not permitted.

      Account Duration. A change in your official status as a student according to the UTHealth Office of the Registrar will cause your network and email accounts to be deleted based on any of the following:

      • You withdraw from all your classes.
      • You are administratively withdrawn, dismissed, or placed on leave.
      • 90 days have passed since the end of your most recent term of enrollment.
      • You graduated and 90 days have passed since the last day of your final term of Enrollment.

      Procuring Information Technology. Any purchase of information technology goods and services using GSBS funds must be approved by the GSBS IT Manager. Certain purchases may require additional approval from GSBS Deans and Institutional IT personnel.

      Confidential or Sensitive Data. Confidential or sensitive data will not be stored under any circumstances on personal laptops, mobile devices and storage devices. Doing so is a violation of Institutional policy and there are Federal and State penalties. All users are provided with institution approved cloud storage. Users are encouraged to use this space for all critical and valuable data sets.

      Personal Laptops. All personal laptops must have a working and updated anti-virus scanning software installed. 

      Personal laptops must have password protection at the operating system level and have full hard disk encryption active (BitLocker for Windows; Filevault2 for Mac OS X)

      Graduate Research Assistants and Faculty requiring the use of a laptop to fulfill their duties should request and secure approval and funding for a laptop from their department, lab or program if possible.

      MD Anderson Policies

      If you are working at MD Anderson, you must comply with MD Anderson's IT policies. Consult the MD Anderson Intranet at inside.mdanderson.org (accessible within MD Anderson's network.)

      UTHealth Policies

      The following sites have policies which govern information technology use at the institutional level.  Not all policies affect GSBS directly; however, most IT Security and Network Operations policies do apply to all GSBS computers and resources.

      UT System Policies
      State/Federal Governing Policies
    • Recommended Minimum Laptop Requirements for Personal Laptops

      Specification Mac and PC

      Wireless Adapter Intel 802.11ac (or better)Intel 802.11ac (or better)

      *TPM chip is required for BitLocker Encryption

      **VPN requires Anti-Virus protection 

      Questions? E-Mail us at [email protected]

    • MD Anderson Computing Device Policy and Process to Request Computing Device(s) for GSBS Students

      This is intended to help educate faculty, students and department staff who support GSBS students, on MD Anderson computing device policies and the process for requesting computing devices for students.

      (Rev. 9/22/22)

      Computer Eligibility Policy for GSBS Students

      GSBS students working in MD Anderson labs are eligible to receive one MD Anderson computing device.  This policy also applies to all students appointed at MD Anderson (with or without a position number, i.e. contingent worker).

      Students may request a second device on an exception basis. However, a clear justification associated with such a request would be needed and the approval process will go through multiple levels.

      Although GSBS students are eligible to receive a computing device, it is not guaranteed and the final decision to provide any device, including a laptop, is at the discretion of the student’s department.  Students who need a secondary device or need a laptop instead of a desktop should express their need to their faculty advisor.  The faculty advisor should then work with the departmental staff to request a device.

      Process for Requesting a Computing Device - this is done by departmental staff

      There are two basic methods for a department to request and assign computers to GSBS students. In all cases, a designated department staff member, not the graduate student, will submit the requests through CEMS (MD Anderson’s Computer Equipment Management System).

      (1)  Submit an “Equipment for a New Position” request in CEMS for the designated student.

            When to Use: When a student has selected a thesis advisor and will have a continuous appointment in a department for an extended period of time. This method requires that the student has both an ID number and a Position number. In this case, the computer will be assigned directly to the student.

      (2)  Submit a “Project or Workspace Expansion” in CEMS and assign the computer(s) to a department staff member

            When to Use: When one or several students will spend short periods in a department and need a computer on short-term loan.  In this case, the device(s) are assigned in CEMS to a department staff member, not the student(s). The staff member is responsible for assigning the laptops to students for the period needed, and for keeping an inventory of devices. This option allows a department to request and maintain a small pool of laptops to assign to their rotating students on an as-needed basis. 

      Please refer to MD Anderson Institutional Policy #ADM0334 for additional guidance.

      USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES

      Links are only viewable inside the MD Anderson network

      1. Computer Equipment Information Dashboard
      1. MD Anderson Computer & Security Policies
      1. MD Anderson Institutional Policy #ADM0334: Policy on Acquisition, Support, and Security of Institutionally-Owned Computers and Mobile Devices Policy. This policy is available through link #2 above.
      2. On a MD Anderson Owned and Managed computer, launch the Software Center program to access the list of Preferred Software titles .