Information Technology

IT News and Announcements

7/10/25

AI Chatbot Tools at Florida Tech

• Access: Available via the Copilot mobile app, online at https://copilot.microsoft.com, and integrated into Windows OS.
• Performance: Access to GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo during off-peak hours; may revert to GPT-3.5 during high demand.
• Image Generation: 15 daily boosts for AI-generated images.
• Integration: No direct integration with Microsoft 365 apps; manual copy/paste required.
• Advanced Features: Basic functionality only; custom GPT creation not supported.
• Best For: Users seeking essential AI capabilities through a web-based interface.

• Core Capabilities: Strong foundational models with some limitations.
• Performance: May experience slower speeds or rate limits during peak usage.
• Advanced Features: Limited access to cutting-edge capabilities.
• Support: General support available, though response times may vary.
• Usage Limits: May have stricter limits on task complexity and frequency.

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5/29/25

Microsoft Defender - Florida Tech's New Antivirus Solution

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the university's cybersecurity posture, IT will be transitioning from Fortinet Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint as our primary endpoint protection and antivirus solution. 
Read more about this transition >>

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3/27/25

New Login Authentication Page for University Applications Beginning 3/31

We are pleased to announce an upcoming improvement to Florida Tech’s authentication system. Beginning Monday, March 31, the university will initiate a phased transition from the current CAS (Central Authentication Service) to Fischer Single Sign-On (SSO) for all university-related logins. This change is part of our continued efforts to strengthen security and streamline the login experience across campus systems.

What’s Changing?

✅ New Login Page – The CAS login screen will be replaced with the Fischer SSO login interface.

✅ No Change to Your Credentials – Your Florida Tech username and password will remain the same.
✅ DUO Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Your DUO authentication process will remain unchanged.

Migration Timeline

This migration will be conducted gradually across various services between March 31, 2025, and February 1, 2026, to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the IT Help Desk at 321-674-7284 or visit help.fit.edu for more information.

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1/8/25

Panther Mobile - Your Digital Panther Card!

Florida Tech has launched the exciting experience of adding your Panther Card to your mobile device! Panther Mobile is an alternative to carrying a physical Panther Card, offering the convenience of digital access on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone.

With Panther Mobile, students, faculty, and staff can use their mobile device to:

• Access campus buildings and rooms
• Make purchases at dining locations and vending machines (coming soon)
• Release copies from printers
• View meal plans, FlexCredit, and Panther Cash balances at a glance
• Use anywhere your physical Panther Card is used

Simply hold your mobile device at the same reader where you use your Panther Card, without unlocking the mobile device or opening an app!

View Panther Mobile setup instructions and FAQs

Participation in Panther Mobile is voluntary at this time. Panther Card users who do not elect to use Panther Mobile may continue using their card as normal.

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8/15/24

Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage Across Campus

The start of the fall semester brought expanded Wi-Fi across the Florida Tech campus. Throughout the summer, the Office of Information Technology installed new wireless access points throughout the vast majority of outdoor spaces on campus, as well as indoors at five highly utilized buildings.
 
Approximately 200 new outdoor wireless access points have been installed on the exterior of nearly all buildings on the Melbourne campus. The largest scope of outdoor work began in the spring of 2024 and wrapped up prior to the start of the Fall semester on August 19.
 
The outdoor access points allow those connected to eduroam, Florida Tech’s secure Wi-Fi network, to roam university grounds while experiencing continuous coverage. The Wi-Fi heat map notates the areas with expanded coverage in yellow.

Additionally, approximately 200 new indoor wireless access points have been installed in Crawford, Skurla, Olin Engineering, Olin Physical Sciences, and Panther Dining Hall. Work began during the Fall 2023 semester and wrapped up at the end of July 2024. Users should notice increased indoor Wi-Fi coverage while working, teaching, learning, or enjoying a meal within these buildings. 
 
“The Florida Tech IT Network team led by Erik Guadalupe (recently promoted to Sr. Director of Technology Services) have been working hard to build a robust network to help us meet the ever-increasing demand for the network connectivity necessary to continue to advance the university’s mission.” - Scott L. Ferguson, CIO

Further Plans for Growth

Before the end of the fall 2023 semester, IT installed 11 outdoor access points to the exterior of the Columbia Village residential buildings. That project sparked the continuous momentum for the current phase of network expansion.
 
Enhancements will continue throughout campus to increase Wi-Fi coverage and provide an improved network experience for all. Future plans include further Wi-Fi coverage in parking areas and indoor network upgrades throughout campus in academic, administrative, and residence buildings.

Read all the latest IT News and Announcements >>