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Last updated: Aug. 1, 2025

With the Fall semester fast approaching, Information Services and Technology (IST) is pleased to announce the following changes to our lab and classroom environment:

• Operating system and software changes
• PC hardware renewals
• Software installation request process
• Changes to remote access to lab software
• Changes to Adobe Creative Cloud in MacOS labs
• Changes to Windows software availability in MacOS labs

Operating system and software changes

IST is in the process of migrating to Windows 11 and Office 2024 within centrally scheduled and departmental Windows computer labs. This change will offer new features and functionality not only to the lab environment but also to the centrally scheduled classroom environment.

PC hardware renewal

The following Windows centrally scheduled computer labs will be upgraded to new Dell computers and LCDs, comprising over 750 lab workstations on campus. 

• Arts 1-09, Arts 1-18
• Biological Sciences CW403
• Business B-18, B-24, B-28
• Cameron 1-30
• ECHA L1-250, L1-270, L1-350
• H. M. Tory B-39
• Mechanical Engineering 3-3
• Medical Sciences 2-50
• NRE 2-117,  NRE 2-125
• Rutherford South 203/205A

The following MacOS centrally scheduled computer lab will be upgraded to new Apple Mac Mini hardware and large screen LCDs:

• Arts 1-12

In addition to the above labs, IST will be renewing Windows desktop computers in 250 centrally scheduled classrooms on North Campus.

Software installation request process

Due to the hardware renewals that have taken place in many of the Windows computer labs on North Campus, only a new operating system and base software will be initially reinstalled: 

• Windows 11
• Microsoft Office 2024 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Google Drive
• VLC media player
• Yuja Software Capture
• Respondus Lockdown Browser

Specialty software or program-specific software has not been reinstalled. This step was taken to clean up many of the older versions of software and unsupported applications that had been added over time. 

As an instructor, if you have specific software requirements that need to be installed in a specific computer lab for your courses, please submit a software installation request for each lab that you may be using in the Fall term.

To have software installed in central or departmental computer labs, please submit a service request through the by selecting " from the IT Services catalogue. The deadline for submitting requests for the fall semester is August 11, 2025.

The form will require the following information:

• Building and room location
  • Location of the lab where the software is to be installed
• Software title/name, version and OS (if applicable)
  • Please indicate required add-ons, software modules, scripts or other specialized configuration requirements
• Date required
  • First day that you will be using the software
• Number of seats/users required
  • Normally, this means all seats in a lab space.
  • Software licence limitations may require adjustment.
• Does this request support a GFC-approved course?
  • Please include your course number (e.g., ENG 101 or MEC E 539) in the notes section

Installation requests received after Aug. 11 may not be fulfilled for the September timeframe. IST will take every possible measure to fulfill the request, but installation cannot be guaranteed due to the anticipated increase in requests.

Additional information and considerations

• Please confirm that the requested software is installed in the lab you are teaching in prior to the start of classes. Do not assume that previously installed software will be available for the upcoming semester.  
• IST can only install software applications that are able to be run on modern operating systems such as Windows 11, Mac OS X 15, Ubuntu 24.04, RockyLinux 8/9.
• IST can only install and support applications that are supported by a software vendor.
• Please ensure that new versions of software applications are fully tested. IST staff are only able to test the launching and execution of an application, not its full functionality.
• Software installations that create a  security vulnerability within the lab environment will not be installed
• Departments are responsible for the cost of purchasing course-required software applications and licenses.
• The installation of freeware, trial, open-source, or other non-commercial applications will require an IST assessment and approval before installation. A small percentage of applications do not meet technical requirements and cannot be installed. In this case, the requester will be advised of the limitation.

Changes to remote access to lab software

Due to significant infrastructure level changes, IST will be transitioning to a new remote access service for the Fall 2025 semester. This new service is significantly different from what instructors and students are accustomed to. Please contact IST to discuss your remote access requirements prior to the start of the semester.

Changes to Adobe Creative Cloud in MacOS Labs

IST will be reducing the number of centrally scheduled MacOS lab stations that will offer Adobe Creative Cloud.  This change has been made in consultation with primary users of Adobe Creative Cloud to better align with their teaching needs and control rising software licensing costs.

• Education South 155A - no longer available
• Education South 155B - 20 student copies, 1 instructor station
• Fine Arts 1-7 - 20 student copies plus instructor podium computer
• Fine Arts 2-36 - 20 student copies plus instructor podium computer
• Industrial Design Studio 1-02 - 21 student copies plus instructor podium computer

IST understands that this change may impact existing bookings and instruction.  Please contact IST if you have any questions or concerns.

Changes to Windows Software Availability in MacOS Labs

Effective August 1, IST will no longer offer access to a virtual Microsoft Windows OS or Windows application software in the centrally scheduled MacOS computer labs. We kindly ask you to relocate to one of the many native, centrally scheduled Windows computer labs on campus. For a list of centrally scheduled computer labs on campus, please visit

How to contact IST

Please visit the Staff Service Center service portal or call 780-492-8000 to submit a service request. 

You may indicate the Learning Spaces OS & Application Provisioning team in your request.