Know Your IT Resources: Status Monitor, Help Desk and More

Ever had a moment on campus when your internet connection drops and you're left wondering: Is it just me, or is something bigger going on?

IT Services works hard to make sure those moments are few and far between — but when they happen, knowing where to go can save time and frustration.

The university's IT Status Monitor provides real-time updates on the campus network, teaching and learning tools, collaboration platforms, administrative services and more. It also includes scheduled maintenance notices and a log of resolved incidents.

IT Services encourages the campus community to first check the IT Status Monitor if they experience anything unusual, like degraded performance, lack of connectivity or any unavailable services or tools. The Status Monitor is one of the first resources updated when something technical goes awry. Can't find your issue on the Status Monitor? Contact the Help Desk.

The IT Help Desk offers support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Help Desk's physical location, on the A3 floor of the Arkansas Union, is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Support is available anytime over the phone at 479-575-2905 or via online chat.

For ongoing updates, the weekly IT newsletter is another valuable resource. Anyone can sign up to receive this email, which includes scheduled IT maintenance and important IT-related news.

If there's a campus event, such as a book signing, webinar or training opportunity that would appeal to someone in the IT field, it will likely be listed in this email. The IT newsletter is a great way to stay informed about IT-related happenings on campus.

For those looking to build skills and stay current, IT Services encourages the campus community — faculty, staff and students — to explore the university's DevelopIT website, a professional development and IT training resource.

A companion to the DevelopIT website is the DevelopIT community of practice. The community of practice aims to deliver IT-focused micro lessons and insights that enhance digital literacy and improve the use of campus technologies. Anyone with UARK login credentials can join as a member.

These platforms are continuing to grow and are designed to serve as central hubs for IT training resources and long-term skill development. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to explore both.

The U of A also offers a community of practice focused on artificial intelligence. The AI Literacy and Data Responsibility community of practice supports the responsible use of AI tools with university data. It provides a space to ask questions, share knowledge and exchange best practices.

Faculty, staff and students can also visit the university's artificial intelligence website to learn more about campus guidelines on using AI, approved AI tools for campus use and more.

For more information, including Wi-Fi instructions, on-campus printing locations and recommended tech by major, visit IT Services' Get Started page.