Microsoft has announced the release of GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot, reinforcing its commitment to delivering OpenAI’s latest models to customers within 30 days of launch. This integration brings significant advancements in AI-powered productivity, offering users a more intelligent and responsive experience across their daily workflows. GPT-5 introduces a dynamic model-routing capability within Copilot. When […]
Category: IT Staff News
Meet more of WashU IT’s “People of ImpacT”
WashU IT is continuing to highlight some special employees who are making an impact within WashU. These are some of the individuals who received multiple nominations as People of ImpacT in 2024. Employees are nominated by their peers, managers, and customers. While 93 employees were acknowledged as People of ImpacT last year, there were 12 distinguished […]
Tune into Episode 346 of the “Something Extra” Podcast for an intriguing interview with WashU CIO Jessie Minton
In a recent episode of the “Something Extra” podcast hosted by Lisa Nichols, CEO of Technology Partners, WashU’s Vice Chancellor for Technology and CIO Jessie Minton, shares compelling insights into how her lifelong passion for equestrian competitions has shaped her leadership style. Drawing parallels between horse-riding and effective team management, she underscores the importance of […]
Bryce Mueller honored for dedication as a 2024 Person of ImpacT
Recognized for his exceptional dedication and teamwork, Bryce Mueller is one of 12 WashU IT employees recognized with multiple nominations as a 2024 Person of ImpacT. His journey within the department over the past several years epitomizes a spirit of collaboration and mentoring that has been instrumental to its success. “In IT, we basically help […]
Microsoft Teams unveils new Chat & Channels experience
Microsoft has unveiled an exciting update allowing individuals to customize the Teams platform. As of late June, the new Chat & Channels experience was introduced, allowing for a streamlined interface merging Teams and Chat into a singular menu. This redesign means the left navigation bar, traditionally home to separate sections for Teams, will now unify […]
Partner with EUX: Simplify IT, amplify impact
IT in higher education doesn’t need to be complicated. The End User Experience (EUX) team helps cut through complexity, reduce friction, and deliver smarter, more user-focused services across campus. Whether launching a project, troubleshooting a process, or navigating change—EUX is the trusted guide for customers and serves the rest of WashU IT through transparent, collaborative […]
From Clipboards to clicks: How RFID supercharged the LAMPS census
In January 2023, Washington University in St. Louis started the process to modernize how staff verify the animal census by pairing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)—a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects—with the Laboratory Animal Management and Protocol System (LAMPS). While LAMPS continues to determine the census based on cage […]
New Capabilities Coming to Microsoft Copilot in Word
Microsoft is rolling out enhanced functionality for Copilot in Word, designed to transform how users create and edit documents. These updates introduce a more conversational and iterative experience, allowing users to interact with Copilot more naturally and efficiently. Starting in September 2025, Microsoft will begin a worldwide rollout of new features for Copilot in Word, […]
Keeping WashU IT Communications Clear and Consistent
At WashU IT, effective communication is essential to the mission and delivering an excellent customer experience. To ensure messages are clear, consistent, and reach the right audiences without causing email fatigue, we have developed the Executive/Stakeholder Email Procedure, Executive Etiquette Best Practices, and Mass Email Policy for widely distributed emails from WashU IT. Watch the […]
Changes to the custom Depot order process
As of last week, Custom Hardware Requests are submitted separately from Custom Software Requests in ServiceNow — and Custom Hardware Requests will trigger automatic email updates throughout the process. Custom Hardware Requests are now submitted separately from Custom Software Requests in ServiceNow — and Custom Hardware Requests will trigger automatic email updates throughout the process. […]