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Due to the ever-increasing demand for higher security, starting Dec. 28, 2016, the University of Utah will require all employees to use two-factor authentication (2FA) when logging in to applications that use CAS (Central Authentication Service), such as CIS, Canvas, Box and others. In addition, the following systems/services will require 2FA: access to U systems via virtual private network (VPN); access to high-risk servers; and the Citrix Netscaler Gateway.
2FA provides an extra layer of security by requiring a second authentication method—one that isn’t your password—to confirm a user’s identity. The second method is something a user has physical access to, like a cellphone or tablet. This ensures that even if a hacker manages to obtain a user’s login credentials, the information is useless without access to the user’s secondary device.

Further information is online at it.utah.edu/2fa.

If you have questions, please call your IT help desk: Main Campus – UIT Help Desk 801-581-4000 option 1; Hospitals and Clinics – ITS Service Desk 801-587-6000.

Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) researchers Michelle Mendoza, Ph.D., and Eric Snyder, M.D., Ph.D., were recently named 2016 V Scholar award recipients. The V Scholar award is a two-year grant from the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Mendoza’s research at HCI is focused on learning more about the changes that cause cells to turn into invasive cancer. Her lab is characterizing the cell changes in lung, head and neck cancers that have spread to other parts of the body. This work will help identify the specific changes that could be targeted in new treatments to improve patient survival.

Snyder is studying how cancers growing in different parts of the body may not react to the same drugs, even if the tumor has the same mutation. His lab has developed a mouse model of lung cancer that lets researchers change the state of the tumor. Snyder and his colleagues will then study if that change affects how lung tumors respond to targeted therapy.

One of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, The V Foundation grants this award to early-career cancer researchers in the hopes of identifying promising young scientists establishing their research. It can also help further their careers. The V Foundation awarded $5.8 million in V Scholar grants in 2016. V Scholar grants are each $200,000, two-year commitments.

“Our goal is to put an end to cancer,” said Steve Bornstein, the V Foundation’s board chair. “We will move faster, push harder and fund the best people to meet that goal.”

The Office for Equity and Diversity is eager to launch its first-ever Diversity Student Emergency Fund. The fund is a one-time grant providing financial support to students facing a crisis or unexpected expenses, such as an accident, illness, a death of a family

member, fire damage or need for temporary housing. To maximize resources, create a network and strengthen partnerships, these funds are a collaborative effort with various student services across campus. Pools of funding and resources will help students navigate long-term financial goals. Now you can be a part of the network. Your donation will get students back on their feet, so they can continue to pursue their college career.

To contribute, click here.

As part of a pilot project to determine cost savings and user impact over the holidays, the J. Willard Marriott Library will be closed during the U’s winter break (Dec. 23, 2016, through Jan. 2, 2017). They recently reviewed the resources required to run the library compared to patron use during that week and estimate the closure will have a low impact on the campus community while providing real savings in areas such as heating and electrical costs. Following this pilot project, the library will evaluate the results and report the findings in 2017.

To provide for those who will require assistance during the three days the library would normally be open (Dec. 27, 28 and 29), they will offer online research assistance from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

To meet the increased demand for library services at the end of the fall semester, the library will offer extended hours Dec. 4-15.  During this time, the library will be open until 3 a.m. Sunday –Thursday, and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Click here for complete schedule.

The Uonline Testing Center located in the library will be closed during the break as well. Other library TLT services will continue during the break, but will be moved to Milton Bennion Hall in room 212. For questions email classhelp@utah.edu. This closure includes all groups with locations in the library, including CTLE, TLT, the Writing Center, grant development services and academic advising.