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Upgrade to Windows 11 now available on compatible devices

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Stellenbosch University’s Information Technology Division is rolling out upgrades to Windows 11 to ensure all university devices remain secure, up to date and optimised for performance. With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10, it is critical that devices transition to Windows 11 to continue receiving security updates and technical support.

The IT configuration team has now made the Windows 11 upgrade available to all compatible Windows 10 devices. If your device is eligible, you can complete the upgrade at a time that suits you.

How to upgrade

If your device is compatible:

1.Click on Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows update.

2. Look for Windows 11, version 24H2 under View optional updates.

3. Select Download and install to begin the upgrade.

4. You can continue working while the installation takes place. You’ll be prompted when a restart is required.

If you do not see the Windows 11 upgrade listed, your device may require assessment. Please log a request via the ICT Partner Portal, select “Upgrade my computer” and complete the form. A technician will then contact you to assess your device and advise on the next steps.

Why upgrade?

  • Enhanced security: Windows 11 includes advanced security features and improved integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, providing better protection against modern cyber threats.
  • Improved performance: Experience faster start-up times, better power management and optimised performance – particularly on newer hardware.
  • Modern software compatibility: Windows 11 is designed to support cloud-based platforms, AI-enhanced applications and modern productivity tools, all in line with SU’s governance and compliance standards.

What happens if you don’t upgrade?

  • Increased security risks: Without critical updates, Windows 10 devices become vulnerable to malware, ransomware and data breaches.
  • Compliance concerns: Using unsupported software can lead to non-compliance with SU’s cybersecurity policies.
  • Reduced efficiency: Older systems often slow down and are harder to maintain, leading to productivity loss and increased support needs.

What if my device isn’t compatible with Windows 11?

Some older devices may not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. If your device is ineligible, it may be time to upgrade. You can request a quote for a Windows 11-compatible device by logging a “Get new hardware” request via the ICT Partner Portal.

Don’t delay – upgrade today

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just a visual update – it’s a critical step towards a more secure, efficient and future-ready digital workspace. While transitions can bring short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits far outweigh the risks of staying on outdated software.

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Scheduled IT Maintenance 2025

Friday, April 4th, 2025

CAMPUS COMMUNICATION (3)

Dear Colleagues and Students 

We want to inform you about a scheduled upgrade to critical IT systems (both hardware and software) that will take place over the weekend from 05:00 on Saturday, 5 April, until 14:00 on Sunday, 6 April. During this time, various IT services will be impacted, including: 

  • Payment of application fees and student fees via SUNePay 
  • Vehicle pool bookings funds reservation 
  • Parking applications via the web 
  • Meal bookings and meal quota increases via the Meal Booking web application (students with existing quota and bookings are unaffected) 
  • SUN-E-HR 
  • Printing quota increases from student accounts and cost centres (students & staff with existing quota are unaffected) 
  • Password changes and resets 
  • Academic transcripts & qualification requests and payments  
  • Short course registration and payments 
  • Planon work-order integration to SUNFin 
  • All web apps (i.e. MySUN Menu links)  

This weekend’s maintenance builds on last weekend’s scheduled maintenance and focuses on additional critical upgrades. Although every attempt will be made to limit interruptions, the IT services and systems listed will be affected and may become unavailable during this time, either partly or entirely.  

If you have any questions, please log a request through the ICT Partner Portal. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

 

CAMPUS COMMUNICATION (2)

Dear Colleagues and Students 

Last week, we informed you about the scheduled maintenance on IT infrastructure components that will take place next weekend from Friday, 28 March, at 21:00 until Monday, 31 March, at 07:00. This maintenance weekend has been scheduled during the University’s first recess to minimise the impact on the SU community.  

Although every attempt will be made to limit interruptions, various IT services and systems will be affected and may become unavailable during this time, either partly or entirely. 

PLEASE NOTE 

Due to the reconfiguration and upgrade of the University’s network on Saturday, 29 March from 09:00 until 15:00, the network and internet services will be unavailable on ALL campuses and no access will be possible from inside or outside the campus during this period. This includes services such as SUNLearn, Microsoft 365 (including email, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint), the MySUN portal, the Stellenbosch University website, VPN access, library databases, and any other cloud-based university applications. 

For any enquiries, please log a request through the ICT Partner Portal. 

Thank you for your understanding. 

 

CAMPUS COMMUNICATION (1)

Dear Colleagues and Students 

As per the University’s annual calendar, Information Technology will conduct its quarterly scheduled maintenance on IT infrastructure components from Friday, 28 March 2025 at 21:00 until Monday, 31 March 2025 at 07:00. This will take place during the first weekend of the University’s recess. 

Although every attempt will be made to limit interruptions, various IT services and systems will be affected and may become unavailable during this time, either partly or entirely. This includes internet access that will be interrupted on Saturday, 29 March from 09:00 until 15:00. More information about the impacted services will be shared during the week of 17 March 2025. 

For any enquiries, please log a request through the ICT Partner Portal. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. 

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Why you should upgrade to Windows 11

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

Stellenbosch University’s IT Division is upgrading devices to Windows 11 to keep systems secure, up-to-date and running smoothly. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support, which means it will no longer receive important security updates soon. Upgrading to Windows 11 will help improve security, performance and the overall user experience.  

Our antivirus software, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, works best with Windows 11, offering advanced protection against cyber threats. It helps detect and prevent security risks, keeping your data and the university’s network safe.  

To help with this transition, we have added a notification to all Windows 10 devices. If you see this message, your device may need an upgrade. Please log a request so we can assess if your device is ready for Windows 11. Not upgrading in time could leave your device and data vulnerable to security risks. Stay ahead by ensuring your device is up to date! If your device isn’t eligible for Windows 11, we will guide you on the next steps. 

Benefits of upgrading to Windows 11  

  • Enhanced security features: Security is a top priority at Stellenbosch University. Windows 11 comes with stronger security protocols.  
  • Improved performance and efficiency: Windows 11 is designed to be more efficient, providing a smoother experience with faster boot times and improved power management and better memory for enhanced performance on modern hardware.  
  • Better compatibility with modern applications: Windows 11 ensures better support for new software, cloud-based services and AI-driven applications (with correct compliance and governance safeguards in place).  

Risks of not upgrading to Windows 11  

  • Security vulnerabilities: As Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life, security updates will stop, leaving devices and data vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches, unpatched security exploits that hackers can target and increased phishing and malware attacks.   
  • Compliance and regulatory risks: Stellenbosch University must adhere to strict cybersecurity regulations. Running an outdated OS could result in non-compliance with security standards and increased liability in case of data breaches.  
  • Decreased system performance and supportability: Over time, older operating systems become sluggish and outdated, causing decreased productivity and efficiency for the end user, higher support costs to maintain aging systems, and increased downtime and frustration.  

What to do if your device can’t upgrade to Windows 11  

Some computers in your Faculty/Department may not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. If your device is ineligible, consider upgrading your hardware. If your system is below the minimum requirements to run Windows 11, it may be time to replace it with a modern, Windows 11-compatible device. Please follow the link to log a Get New Hardware request. A quote will be provided for a device that is compatible with Windows 11.  

Upgrading to Windows 11 is more than just a cosmetic change – it’s a necessary step toward a more secure, efficient and modernised workstation. While the transition can sometimes be troublesome and inconvenient, the benefits far outweigh the risks of staying on an outdated OS and incompatible hardware. Don’t delay, upgrade today! 

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Keeping SU connected

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

At Stellenbosch University (SU), the Information Technology (IT) Division performs regular, scheduled maintenance to ensure our digital systems remain secure, reliable and efficient. While we acknowledge that there have been instances of slow running of systems during peak times, such as the student registration period, the scheduled IT maintenance is a critical part of how we work to maintain and improve SU’s IT infrastructure. In this article, we explore why this scheduled maintenance is important and how it helps to keep the university running smoothly.  

What happens during scheduled IT maintenance? 

To ensure that SU’s IT systems remain secure, reliable and up to date, the IT Division follows a structured maintenance schedule. While major system upgrades take place during four scheduled maintenance weekends each year, additional maintenance activities are strategically planned throughout the year to ensure essential updates and improvements are made regularly while minimising disruptions for users.  

This approach includes: 

  • Regular maintenance during working hours for testing and development systems, in consultation with affected group of users. 
  • Smaller system updates (such as specific services or applications that form part of larger systems) can be performed at any time, if they do not cause interruptions for end users. 
  • Thursday evening maintenance (from 20:00) for non-student-facing services, ensuring minimal impact on daily operations. 
  • Sunday morning maintenance (06:00 – 12:00) for systems that affect students, scheduled during a time that avoids peak usage. 
  • Major system upgrades will still take place during scheduled maintenance weekends, with at least 10 days’ advance notice to the campus community. 

This strategy aims to balance the need for system updates with minimal disruption to daily university operations. 

How are the IT maintenance weekends, specifically, determined? 

IT maintenance weekends, held four times a year, are planned well in advance as part of the university’s annual calendar. Each July, the IT Division participates in the scheduling process, ensuring that maintenance periods align with academic and operational requirements. While these weekends are scheduled ahead of time, the IT team continuously evaluates evolving needs and is working on improving the process to ensure better service delivery. 

What are the risks of skipping IT maintenance? 

Without regular IT maintenance, systems become vulnerable to security breaches, performance slowdowns and unexpected failures. Preventative maintenance helps ensure that students, lecturers and staff can rely on SU’s digital infrastructure. 

How can you stay informed? 

The IT Division ensures that all stakeholders are informed well in advance of scheduled IT maintenance: 

  • Staff and students receive direct email notifications. 
  • Important updates are shared via the SU staff newsletter, social media channels and website notices. 
  • It is also included in the university’s annual calendar. 

By staying informed, you can plan ahead and make the most of SU’s digital resources with minimal interruption. 

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Revision of the Information and Communication Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Friday, February 28th, 2025

The Information Technology Division is in the process of reviewing and updating its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Acceptable Use Policy to guide the acceptable use of SU’s information and communication technology resources (ICT resources) to ensure the lawful and secure use in support of the University’s activities whilst adhering to SU’s values. The Policy addresses the need to protect the University’s intellectual property and stakeholder(s)’ data while enabling them to do their work aligned with SU’s vision.

As part of a transparent and consultative approach, we invite input from stakeholders throughout the revision process. This page will serve as a central hub for updates and timelines in the consultation rounds. 

Where are we now?

The first draft of the revised policy was presented to the General Management Meeting (GMM) at the end of February 2025. Following this, a questionnaire was distributed to staff and students to gather feedback and recommendations.

We have now received and worked through the responses. Thank you to everyone who participated and provided valuable input. A response report has been compiled to summarise the feedback received and our responses to the key themes and suggestions. Further updates will follow as we move into the next phase of the policy revision process.

First draft: Stakeholder input phase (February – March 2025)

The initial draft of the policy will be presented for feedback and input before broader consultation.

  • Presented to the General Management Meeting (GMM) for input and comment.
  • Distributed to all stakeholders (SU staff and students) for input via a questionnaire.

Second draft: Consultation and feedback phase (May – June 2025)

After incorporating feedback from stakeholders, the second draft will be circulated for further consultation and discussion.

  • Presented to GMM for consultation and feedback.
  • IT Committee consultation and feedback.
  • Institutional Forum consultation and feedback.
  • Faculty Board meetings for consultation and feedback.
  • Rectorate consultation and feedback.
  • Senate consultation and feedback.
  • Council consultation and feedback.

Final draft: Approval and recommendation phase (August – September 2025)

Following a final round of revisions, the final draft will be submitted for approval through the relevant governance structures.

  • IT Committee review.
  • Institutional Forum recommendation to Council.
  • Faculty Board meetings for recommendation to Senate.
  • Rectorate review.
  • GMM review.
  • Senate recommendation to Council.
  • Council approval.

First draft

Read the full draft and response report by clicking on the icons below:

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