Application Programming Interface (API)
In simple terms, an Application Programming Interface (API) is like a set of rules and tools that allows different software applications to talk to each other and work together. It's a way for programs to communicate and exchange information, much like how people use a common language to understand and interact with each other.
Imagine you have two friends who speak different languages. If they want to communicate effectively, they need a translator who understands both languages. Similarly, when two software applications want to share data or request actions from each other, they use an API as a translator to understand each other's requests and responses.
APIs enable developers to access specific functionalities or data from another software application without needing to understand the internal workings of that application. They simplify the process of integrating different systems and services, making it easier for developers to create new applications that can leverage existing functionalities from other sources.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, learning, and language understanding. AI is widely used across industries—from powering virtual assistants and self-driving cars to enhancing medical diagnostics and customer service.
In academic settings, AI is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for both students and educators. It supports personalized learning through adaptive platforms, helps automate administrative tasks like grading and scheduling, and enables more efficient research through data analysis and writing assistance. While AI can enhance access and efficiency in education, it also raises important questions about academic integrity, equity, and responsible use.
AUConnect is an Antioch "homegrown" web-based software system that brings together a variety of tools to create a collaborative learning environment for the Graduate School of Leadership & Change.
AUDirect
AUDirect is the launch point from which you can navigate to a wide variety of Antioch services. It is also where you set up your initial password to access Antioch software. You can find AUDirect at https://audirect.antioch.edu
Blackthorn Events
A fully native Salesforce AppExchange app that turns Salesforce CRM into a complete event registration and management platform. It handles registration, payments, attendee communications, virtual/hybrid events, mobile check-in, reporting, and more—all without leaving Salesforce or needing complex integrations.
Blue is an online course evaluation system, developed by Explorance, a Montreal-based company specializing in learning experience management solutions. Blue is used by educational institutions to gather feedback from students about their learning experiences. It offers a comprehensive platform for creating and administering course evaluations, collecting student responses, and analyzing the feedback to improve teaching and learning.
Blue ensures student anonymity, which encourages honest and unbiased feedback. It protects the privacy of student responses and adheres to data security and confidentiality standards.
The Blue course evaluation system is widely used by universities, colleges, and other educational institutions worldwide. Antioch University used Blue from February 2014 until June 2025.
Brightspace is the new learning management system used for hybrid and online courses as well as any other online components of the learning experience here at Antioch. You can find your syllabus, instructor information, class assignments, discussion forums, and more on Brightspace.
D2L Brightspace Glossary of Terms
Business Objects
Business Objects is an enterprise business intelligence (BI) software that can be used to build simple ad-hoc queries, tabular operational reports, complex analytic reports and dashboards.
Available 24/7
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ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI. It uses deep learning techniques to understand and generate human-like text responses in natural language conversations. It can engage in a wide range of topics, provide information, answer questions, and engage in interactive discussions, aiming to simulate human-like conversation and assist users in various tasks, like composing entries for a glossary. Students and Faculty should consult their academic department's policy on AI before utilizing ChatGPT.
"The Cloud" (or cloud computing) refers to the on-demand delivery of computing resources: such as storage, servers, databases, applications, and processing power, over the internet ("the cloud") from remote data centers managed by providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure.
Instead of storing data or running software locally on your device or hard drive, it's hosted on these shared, scalable servers. This allows access from anywhere with an internet connection, reduces the need for personal hardware, enables easy scaling, and often lowers costs through pay-as-you-go models.
Benefits include flexibility, remote accessibility, and lower upfront costs; drawbacks include requiring internet access and potential security risks from third-party hosting.
At Antioch University, common cloud solutions include Google Drive (for file storage and collaboration via Google Workspace), Zoom cloud recording/storage (for meeting videos), and Panopto (for video management and integration with Zoom recordings).
Colleague (also Ellucian Colleague)
An administrative and student information system, sometimes referred to as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or application, or the Student Information System (SIS), used by Antioch University. Formerly produced by Datatel, it is now owned by Ellucian.
Colleague is used for administrative purposes, by internal offices including the Registrar, Academic Resource Center, Business Office, Student Financial Assistance, and most other administrative and academic departments. The data in Colleague includes student records, financial information, and wealth of other data that is used to drive the business of running an institution of higher education.
Antioch University Convert-a-File is an automated document conversion service that allows you to convert your readings into alternate formats. You can also use this service to convert inaccessible or tricky documents into more accessible formats.
You can convert readings, slides and lecture notes into formats that work best for you such as:
MP3 files
E-books & MOBI (aka Kindle)
Structured audio books in DAISY and e-books with media overlay
Digital Braille books
Use it to convert scanned PDF documents, pictures of text captured with your smartphone as well as PowerPoint presentations into formats that are more useful for you or easier to work with.
CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simple, plain-text file format for storing tabular data, where each line represents a row (record) and values within each row are separated by commas (fields/columns). It often includes an optional header row for column names.
Defined by RFC 4180 (the de facto standard), CSV files are lightweight, human-readable, and highly compatible across platforms and applications. They keep file sizes small compared to proprietary formats and are ideal for exchanging large datasets, importing/exporting data between databases, spreadsheets, and software.
Common tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, and even basic text editors can open, view, and edit CSV files easily.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Customer relationship management (CRM) is a set of integrated, data-driven software solutions that help manage, track, and store information related to an organization's current and potential customers. By keeping this information in a centralized system, organizational teams have access to the insights they need, the moment they need them. Examples of CRM software at Antioch include Salesforce, and HubSpot.
Cyber Security
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and digital information from unauthorized access, data breaches, theft, or damage. It involves implementing measures and technologies to safeguard against cyber threats, such as hackers, malware, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities. Cybersecurity aims to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, ensuring that systems and data are protected from unauthorized access, manipulation, or destruction. It encompasses various strategies, including risk assessment, network security, encryption, access controls, incident response, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate cyber risks and safeguard digital assets.
Dashboard
A visual presentation of data analytic data. Dashboards use a variety of visual presentation objects like graphs and charts. Dashboards integrate data from multiple systems at granular and aggregate levels, allowing users to manipulate presentation based on their immediate need. The manipulation could be done through applying filters, grouping or drill down options.
Data Integrity
Data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle. It ensures that data remains intact, complete, and trustworthy, maintaining its intended meaning and avoiding corruption or unauthorized modifications. Measures such as data validation, error detection and correction, access controls, and backup and recovery mechanisms are employed to enforce data integrity and safeguard against accidental or deliberate data manipulation or corruption.
Data Literacy
Data literacy is the ability to understand, share common knowledge of and have meaningful conversations about data.
Datatel
Datatel, Inc. was a private company that provided fully integrated software and professional services to build enterprise education platforms for higher education until it combined with its competitor SunGard Higher Education to form Ellucian in 2012. At Antioch, the Datatel name was synonymous with the Colleague software system and the names were sometimes used interchangeably when referring to it.
Digital Divide
The Digital Divide refers to the gap between individuals, communities, or regions that have access to and effectively use digital technologies, such as the internet and computers, and those who lack such access or have limited skills and resources to utilize them. It represents the disparities in digital literacy, connectivity, and access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), which can lead to inequities in education, employment opportunities, social participation, and overall socio-economic development.
Education Cloud (also Salesforce Education Cloud)
Salesforce Education Cloud, or simply Education Cloud, is a specialized customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed specifically for educational institutions, including K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and lifelong learning organizations. It builds on Salesforce's core CRM technology but incorporates education-specific tools, such as a next-generation Student Information System (SIS) and the Education Data Architecture (EDA), to unify student, alumni, and institutional data in one place. This enables personalized learner experiences, streamlined administrative processes, and data-driven decision-making across the entire education journey from enrollment and student support to alumni engagement and fundraising.
eForms
eForms is a collection of electronic forms that allow you to request access to a variety of Antioch software systems and services. Examples of eForms include: the Business Objects Access Request Form, the Colleague Access Request form, the GL and AP Access Request Form, and the Records Imaging System Access Request form. Note that most forms are intended for use by supervisors only.
Elevate
A Customer Relations Management (CRM) system is used for Continuing Education. At Antioch, it is used to manage continuing education course offerings, including admissions and enrollment, and is integrated with Colleague.
Ellucian
Ellucian is a software company that specializes in providing technology solutions for educational institutions, primarily in the higher education sector. Their products and services help colleges and universities streamline administrative processes, manage student information, facilitate enrollment and admissions, handle financial aid, and support other critical functions within the educational ecosystem. Antioch employs a number of Ellucian systems and uses Ellucian serves such as server hosting and off hour helpdesk coverage.
Endpoint
An endpoint is any device that connects to the corporate network from either within or outside its firewall. Examples of endpoint devices include:
Laptops
Tablets
Mobile devices
Internet of things (IoT) devices
Point-of-sale (POS) systems
Switches
Digital printers
Other devices that communicate with the central network
Endpoint Management
Endpoint management is an IT and cybersecurity process that consists of two main tasks: evaluating, assigning and overseeing the access rights of all endpoints; and applying security policies and tools that will reduce the risk of an attack or prevent such events.
Endpoint management is typically overseen by a cross-functional team of network administrators and information security (infosec) professionals. A comprehensive, effective endpoint management solution:
Ensure that only authenticated and approved devices are able to connect to the network.
Deploys cybersecurity tools and enforces related security policies for all approved devices through a lightweight software app or agent.
Establishes a centralized dashboard or console for the infsosec team to oversee all devices and manage activity.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a method of efficiently utilizing people, hardware and software to increase productivity, thus simplifying an organization's business processes. ERP may include many software applications or a single (but more complex) software package that smoothly disseminates data required by two or more unique business departments. Colleague is an example of an ERP system.
Ethos
Ethos is an Ellucian software product that serves as a unifying platform for other Ellucian systems, including Colleague. Ethos Integration allows applications to integrate and communicate with each other in real time.
Experience (also Ellucian Experience)
Ellucian Experience is a cloud-based, personalized digital dashboard and central workspace developed by Ellucian for higher education institutions. It provides a single sign-on hub that aggregates timely, role-based information, tasks, alerts, and applications from Ellucian and third-party systems into customizable cards, delivering a unified, mobile-friendly experience for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to simplify access, reduce information overload, and support data-driven decisions.
Experiential Learning Cloud
Experiential Learning Cloud (formerly known as Tevera) is a comprehensive online platform developed by Lumivero that serves as a centralized system for managing experiential and field-based learning programs in higher education. It streamlines the coordination of student placements, tracks clinical or internship hours, facilitates supervisor evaluations, handles competency assessments, and supports accreditation reporting by storing and organizing program data. Widely used in fields such as teacher education, counseling, and other professional preparation programs, it offers a lifetime subscription model and features mobile accessibility to empower students, faculty, and site supervisors in tracking progress and ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1974 that protects the privacy of student education records. It grants eligible students (those 18+ or attending postsecondary institutions) rights to inspect and review their records, request amendments for inaccurate information, control disclosure of personally identifiable information, and file complaints for non-compliance.
At Antioch University, as a federally funded institution, FERPA fully applies to student education records (e.g., grades, transcripts, enrollment data). The university is committed to compliance, restricting access to authorized personnel with a "need to know," requiring student consent for most disclosures (except limited exceptions like directory information), and providing options to withhold public directory info. Employees and student workers must protect confidentiality per university policy.
Students and faculty should consult the Registrar's Office or their department for guidance on handling student records.
Firefox
Firefox is a web browser developed by Mozilla. It allows users to access websites, browse the internet, and manage bookmarks. It is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and supports features like tabs, private browsing, and extensions for added functionality.
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is a web browser developed by Google. It provides users with a simple and fast way to browse the internet and is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Chrome supports features like tabbed browsing, syncing across devices, an address bar that doubles as a search bar, and a wide range of extensions to enhance functionality. It is widely used for its speed, minimalist design, and integration with other Google services.
Google Gemini
Google Gemini is an advanced AI system developed by Google. It combines language understanding with multimodal capabilities. It can process and generate different types of data such as text and images. Gemini is designed for a wide range of tasks, including answering questions, creating content, and analyzing visual data, all while providing context-aware and interactive responses. Students and Faculty should consult their academic department's policy on AI before utilizing Google Gemini.
Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, is a suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools developed by Google. It includes a range of applications designed to help organizations streamline their work processes, communicate effectively, and enhance productivity.
The core components of Google Workspace typically include:
Gmail: A powerful email service that allows users to send, receive, and manage emails with advanced features like search, labeling, and filtering.
Google Drive: A cloud storage service that enables users to store and share files, documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It offers collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same file simultaneously.
Google Docs: A web-based word processing application that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents in real-time. It supports various file formats and provides robust sharing and commenting features.
Google Sheets: A web-based spreadsheet application that provides tools for creating, editing, and analyzing data in a tabular format. It offers formulas, functions, charts, and collaboration features.
Google Slides: A web-based presentation application that allows users to create, edit, and present slide decks with rich media and collaboration capabilities. It offers various templates and transition effects.
Google Calendar: A web-based calendar application that helps users schedule appointments, manage events, and organize their time efficiently. It offers reminders, shared calendars, and integration with other Google apps.
Additionally, Google Workspace provides several other services and features, such as Google Forms for creating surveys and quizzes, Google Sites for building websites, Google Chat for team messaging, and Google Keep for note-taking and task management.
Grammarly
Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps improve the clarity, correctness, and tone of your writing. It provides real-time suggestions for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style across various platforms, including word processors, web browsers, and email clients. Grammarly also offers advanced features like tone detection, plagiarism checks, and tailored suggestions to enhance professional, academic, or casual communication. Students and Faculty should consult their academic department's policy on AI before utilizing Grammarly.
Grok
Grok is a free AI assistant developed by xAI, a company founded by Elon Musk and is integrated with platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Grok offers features such as real-time search, image generation, trend analysis, and conversational responses. It can also be used to answer questions, summarize information, assist with writing, and access current content from the internet. Students and Faculty should consult their academic department's policy on AI before utilizing Grok.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is the U.S. federal law that safeguards individuals' sensitive health information (Protected Health Information or PHI), establishing rules for how covered entities—such as healthcare providers—use, store, disclose, and secure it, in both physical and digital forms.
At Antioch University, HIPAA primarily applies to designated health-related units (e.g., campus clinics) and to individuals handling PHI during external clinical internships or placements. It may also apply in classroom discussions involving real patient data. Most student education records are governed by FERPA instead.
Students and faculty should consult their department or the university's compliance office before handling, storing, or sharing any protected health information.
The Information Technology Department, or simply IT Department, is the administrative organization responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and supporting all campus-wide computing, networking, and digital infrastructure.
It provides reliable technology services to students, faculty, staff, including network access, email (via Gmail), the learning management system (via Brightspace), classroom technology, cybersecurity, data storage, software licensing, help desk support, and emerging tools for teaching and administration. It does this while ensuring systems remain secure, accessible, and aligned with the institution's educational and operational mission. To get to know them better, click here.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects, devices, vehicles, and other items embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity capabilities that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet. It involves the interconnection of everyday objects, allowing them to communicate, share information, and interact with each other and with users, ultimately enhancing automation, efficiency, and convenience in various domains such as homes, industries, healthcare, transportation, and more.
Intranet is a private, internal network (using internet-like technologies) that enables secure sharing of information, communication, collaboration, and resources exclusively within an organization, such as a university, company, or institution.
Access is restricted to authorized members, e.g., students, faculty, and staff at Antioch University, via logins, firewalls, or VPNs, keeping it isolated from the public internet while supporting tools like internal portals, document sharing, announcements, and applications. This web site is an example of an Intranet site.
LDAP
LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. It is an application protocol used for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over an IP network, such as the internet. LDAP is primarily used to manage and access directory information, which includes user accounts, groups, devices, and other resources in a centralized directory service.
LDAP is commonly used in various scenarios, but particularly at Antioch for:
User Authentication: LDAP is often used for centralized user authentication and authorization. When a user attempts to log in to a system, the system can query the LDAP directory to verify the user's credentials and determine their access rights.
Network Services: LDAP can be used to store and manage network resources, such as printers, file shares, and network devices.
Single Sign-On (SSO): LDAP is a key component in SSO solutions, where a user can log in once and gain access to multiple applications and services without the need to re-enter credentials.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is a way for computers to learn from data and get better at tasks over time—without someone having to program every single rule or step explicitly.
In simple terms: Instead of telling a computer exactly what to do ("if this, then that"), you give it lots of examples (like photos of cats and dogs labeled correctly), and it figures out patterns on its own so it can recognize new cats or dogs later. The more good data it sees, the smarter it gets.
This is a key part of modern artificial intelligence (AI)—it's what powers things like Netflix recommendations, voice assistants (Siri/Alexa), spam filters, self-driving car decisions, and chatbots.
Maxient
Maxient is a cloud-based software platform designed for colleges and universities to manage student behavior records. It centralizes reporting and recordkeeping for issues like student discipline, academic integrity, care and concern, and Title IX matters, helping institutions track incidents, coordinate responses, and improve communication across departments.
MediaCarts consist of a computer with a built-in screen (monitor/large TV), video-camera and microphone. This technology enables classes to be taught in-person and remotely simultaneously. Mediacarts are currently available at the AUSB campus and information on their use can be found here.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based suite of cloud-based productivity tools and services developed by Microsoft. It includes popular applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, as well as other services like OneDrive (cloud storage), SharePoint (collaboration platform), and more. Microsoft 365 provides users with the ability to create, edit, and share documents, collaborate in real-time with colleagues, and access their files and applications from various devices with an internet connection.
At Antioch University, Microsoft 365 is made available for free to all students so long as they are enrolled at the institution. To log in and to begin using Microsoft 365 follow these instructions.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft products like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. It helps users by generating text, summarizing documents, analyzing data, creating presentations, and automating tasks. Copilot is designed to enhance productivity by providing real-time suggestions and handling repetitive work, allowing users to focus on more complex tasks. Students and Faculty should consult their academic department's policy on AI before utilizing Microsoft Copilot.
MuleSoft
MuleSoft is a tool (owned by Salesforce since 2018) that helps different software programs "talk" to each other and share information smoothly. MuleSoft acts like a smart bridge or universal translator. It connects all those apps, databases, cloud services, and on-site computers—whether they're in the cloud or sitting in your office—so everything works together automatically.
Its main product, called the Anypoint Platform, is basically a user-friendly toolbox where people (usually IT teams or developers) can:
Design and build these connections quickly (often without writing tons of custom code).
Create secure "doors" (called APIs) that let apps share just the right data safely.
Set up automatic workflows (like "when a new customer signs up in one system, automatically add them to our email list and update billing").
Manage and monitor everything in one place to keep it running smoothly.
Colleague's web-based client user interface for students, staff, and faculty is referred to at Antioch as myAntioch. You may occasionally hear it referred to by its generic name, Self-Service.
myAntioch is a software product designed to provide convenient and intuitive self-service capabilities for students, faculty, and staff using their computer or mobile device. Developed by Ellucian and customized by Antioch IT staff, myAntioch aims to streamline administrative processes, enhance communication, and improve overall user experience within the academic community.
Some key components include:
Registration and Enrollment
Academic Records
Financial Management
Personal Information Management
Course Management
Communication and Support
National Clearing House
The National Student Clearinghouse is a nonprofit organization that provides educational data and verification services. It collects and maintains student enrollment, degree, and credential information from over 3,600 U.S. colleges and universities, serving as a centralized hub for tracking student progress, verifying academic records, and supporting education-related research and compliance.
Antioch University uses the National Student Clearinghouse for transcript ordering and enrollment verification services. Students can order official transcripts online through the Clearinghouse, with options for including narrative evaluations, and the university provides free enrollment verification via the Clearinghouse’s Student Self-Service, allowing students to generate enrollment certificates using their student ID.
Panopto is a comprehensive video platform that is primarily used for recording, managing, sharing, and streaming video content. It is commonly utilized in educational institutions and organizations for various purposes such as lecture capture, training, knowledge sharing, and video content management.
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format created by Adobe for sharing documents that look the same on any device or software. It preserves exact layout, fonts, images, and formatting regardless of the operating system or viewer.
Ideal for fixed, unalterable sharing (e.g., contracts, journal articles, invoices), PDFs support features like digital signatures, encryption, annotations, and forms. While tools like Adobe Acrobat or Preview allow viewing and commenting, the format's main strength is maintaining consistent, tamper-resistant presentation across platforms.
Perceptive Content
Perceptive Content, also known as Hyland Content Services, is an enterprise content management (ECM) software developed by Hyland, a leading provider of content services solutions. It is designed to help organizations capture, manage, process, and retrieve large volumes of content and documents efficiently.
Document Capture: The software enables organizations to capture content from various sources, such as scanners, email, fax, and digital files. It supports automated document classification and indexing, facilitating the conversion of physical documents into digital format.
Document Management: Perceptive Content provides a centralized repository for storing and managing documents. It allows users to organize documents into folders, apply metadata and tags for efficient search and retrieval, and control access permissions to ensure data security.
Records Management: Perceptive Content helps organizations maintain compliance with record-keeping regulations and retention policies. It offers features for document retention scheduling, disposition, and auditing, ensuring proper management of records throughout their lifecycle.
Collaboration and Sharing: The software facilitates collaboration by providing tools for document sharing and version control. Users can collaborate on documents, track changes, and maintain a single version of the truth across the organization.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where malicious actors impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals to deceive people into sharing sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial details, or personal data. Typically executed through fraudulent emails, text messages, or fake websites, phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency or trust to lure victims into clicking malicious links, downloading harmful attachments, or entering information into deceptive forms. These attacks exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, making user awareness critical for prevention. To stay safe, individuals should verify the sender’s identity, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never share sensitive information through unsolicited communications.
PowerFAIDS
PowerFAIDS is a comprehensive financial aid management software developed by the College Board. It automates key processes for college and university financial aid offices, including need analysis, award packaging, loan origination, disbursements, verification, compliance checks, and federal reporting. Designed for institutions of all sizes (public or private), it's intuitive, customizable, integrates with campus systems and federal platforms (e.g., FAFSA, COD), and is trusted by hundreds of schools to streamline operations while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Raiser's Edge
Raiser's Edge is a comprehensive fundraising and donor management software designed to streamline and optimize nonprofit organizations' operations, helping them efficiently track and engage donors, manage events, and analyze fundraising efforts. In Higher Education, it is also used for Advancement and Alumni Relations management.
Regroup
Regroup is a cloud-based mass notification and emergency communication software platform designed for organizations in sectors like education, healthcare, government, and corporations. It enables rapid sending of alerts and messages via multiple channels—including email, SMS, voice calls, social media, and mobile apps—to large audiences for emergency response, disaster recovery, and routine updates, helping keep people safe and informed.
Regroup is used at Antioch for our Emergency Notification System. This system is used to send out a mass notification of an emergency.
Sakai
Sakai was the name of Antioch University’s online learning management system (LMS) from 2008-2024. Sakai facilitated Antioch’s online course delivery.
The name ’Sakai’ is a play on the acronym ’CHEF’, a learning management system on which Sakai is in part based. The name comes from Hiroyuki Sakai, an elite chef best known for his participation in the television show, “Iron Chef“.
Sakai proved so versatile when it was launched by the university in 2008, it was also been adopted by a variety of academic and administrative departments as a resource sharing site, and as a place to share information, enable discussion, and work collaboratively on a variety of projects and activities. Sakai was succeeded by the Brightspace LMS for academic work, and other platforms for other uses.
ScholarshipUniverse is a scholarship matching tool designed to help students find and apply for scholarships from both their own institution and hundreds of external sources. It simplifies the scholarship search process by using self-reported information to match students with relevant scholarship opportunities.
Here's how it works:
Create an Account: Students log in using their institution's credentials.
Build a Profile: Students answer questions about themselves to build a profile.
Match with Scholarships: The tool matches the profile with available scholarships and alerts students to new opportunities.
Apply: Students can apply for scholarships directly through the platform.
This platform serves as a one-stop shop for Antioch students to explore and apply for scholarships.
Self-Service
See MyAntioch.
ServiceNow (SNOW)
ServiceNow can be used to set up systems that define, manage, automate and structure IT services for a variety of organizations, including higher education institutions. At Antioch University, it is used primarily for IT operations management (ITOM), especially Helpdesk services.
Simple Syllabus
Simple Syllabus is a centralized, template-driven platform designed to streamline the creation, management, and publication of interactive class syllabi for educational institutions, particularly in higher education. It integrates with learning management systems (LMS) like Brightspace, allowing instructors to efficiently build personalized, accessible, and compliant syllabi while reducing redundant administrative tasks.
The software is capable of automatically populating syllabi with institutional data—such as course descriptions, meeting times, policies, and learning objectives—pulled from other systems, saving time and ensuring consistency. Instructors can then customize their syllabi with rich media (e.g., images, videos, audio) and course-specific content, maintaining academic freedom while adhering to institutional standards. The platform generates syllabi in multiple formats (web, mobile, and print) and archives them in a central repository, making them easily accessible for accreditation purposes or student reference.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Single Sign-On (SSO) is a way for users to log in once and access multiple applications or services without having to enter their login credentials repeatedly. It allows users to use a single set of login credentials (e.g., username and password) to access various systems or websites.
Instead of remembering and typing in different usernames and passwords for each application, SSO enables users to authenticate themselves just once with a central authentication system. Once authenticated, the user is granted access to all connected applications without the need to re-enter their credentials for each application.
SSO improves user convenience and security, as users have fewer passwords to manage and are less likely to use weak passwords or reuse them across multiple services. Organizations and businesses commonly use SSO to streamline access to their various systems and applications, making it easier for users to move between services seamlessly.
Slingshot
Slingshot is an educational services company that partners with colleges to provide students with access to course materials through a subscription-based model. It offers both physical and digital textbooks, lab kits, and other supplies, typically included in a flat fee. Slingshot also provides platforms for faculty, administrators, and students to manage course material selection, orders, and billing.
Sneakernet
Also called "sneaker net", is slang term for the transfer of electronic information by physically moving media such as magnetic tape, floppy disks, optical discs, USB flash drives or external hard drives between computers, rather than transmitting it over a computer network. The term is a tongue-in-cheek play on net(work) as in Internet or Ethernet, and it refers to walking in sneakers as the transport mechanism. Sneakernets enable data transfer through physical means and offer a solution in the presence of network connections that lack reliability. A consequence of this physical transfer is high latency.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet. Instead of purchasing and installing software on individual computers or servers, users can access the software through a web browser or a thin client.
In the SaaS model, the service provider is responsible for maintaining the underlying infrastructure, managing software updates, and ensuring system availability and security. Customers, on the other hand, typically pay a subscription fee to use the software, often on a monthly or annual basis.
Common examples of SaaS applications include customer relationship management (CRM) systems, project management tools, collaboration software, email services, and many more. The SaaS model has gained popularity due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to offload infrastructure and maintenance responsibilities to the service provider.
SPSS
SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) is a software package widely used for statistical analysis and data management. It provides a range of tools and functions to perform various statistical procedures, data manipulation, and reporting. SPSS is widely used in the social sciences, market research, healthcare, and other fields that require statistical analysis. It provides a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to both novice and experienced researchers.
Contact the IT Helpdesk for more information about SPSS availability at Antioch University.
Strata Axiom
Strata Axiom (or simply Axiom) is a cloud-based enterprise performance management software suite developed by Strata Decision Technology (formerly associated with Syntellis). In higher education, it provides tools for budgeting, forecasting, long-range strategic planning, tuition revenue modeling, capital and grants planning, reporting, and analytics. It integrates seamlessly with Ellucian ERP systems like Colleague via Ethos, enabling automated data flows for accurate, data-driven financial decision-making in colleges and universities. It's an Ellucian partner product, not owned by them.
SurveyMonkey is a comprehensive online survey platform that enables individuals and organizations, such as Antioch University, to create, distribute, and analyze surveys. The platform offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of features designed to help users design customized surveys, gather responses, and extract valuable insights from the collected data.
SurveyMonkey is a favored tool among Antioch faculty for conducting online surveys. Through our contract with SurveyMonkey Inc., Enterprise level accounts are available to all Antioch employees and students. If you don’t have an account yet, you can easily set one up at https://www.surveymonkey.com/user/sso/antioch.
With an Enterprise level account, you gain access to SurveyMonkey's most powerful tools, including:
Advanced Features: Full access to advanced tools required for complex surveys, such as Advanced Branching.
Collaboration Tools: Easily share surveys and assets across the organization.
Expert Support: 24/7 support from survey experts via phone, email, or the SurveyMonkey Help Center.
Additionally, SurveyMonkey offers on-demand video training for Enterprise users, accessible at SurveyMonkey Training Videos. This 1-hour online video series covers the full range of services available.
Synoptix
Synoptix is a financial reporting, budgeting, and business intelligence software developed by Synoptix Software. Synoptix Software is a partner product with Ellucian. It integrates directly with Colleague. The tool enables users to create ad-hoc reports, dashboards, and forecasts with an Excel-like interface, drill down into data, and automate report distribution—primarily for colleges and universities to gain real-time insights into financial data.
Tableau
Tableau is a powerful data visualization and business intelligence software that enables users to create interactive and dynamic visualizations, dashboards, and reports from various data sources, helping organizations gain insights and make data-driven decisions.
TargetX/Salesforce
TargetX is a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system that provides a suite of software solutions that helps Antioch University streamline and enhance its student recruitment, enrollment management, and retention processes.
Tevera
See Experiential Learning Cloud.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that establishes a secure and encrypted connection between a user's device and a private network over the internet. It allows users to access and transmit data securely, protecting their privacy and enhancing their online security.
When a user connects to a VPN, their internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server located in a different geographic location. This process masks the user's IP address and encrypts their data, making it difficult for hackers, internet service providers, or other entities to monitor or intercept their online activities.
Antioch University provides Cisco AnyConnect to its employees as its standard VPN software. It comes installed on all Antioch University computers.
Visa Spend Clarity
Visa Spend Clarity is a suite of cloud-based spend management solutions developed by Visa. It helps businesses of all sizes control spending, gain real-time visibility into expenses, optimize cash flow, and streamline processes through features like virtual cards, customizable spend controls, detailed reporting, receipt management, and mobile apps. It's particularly used with Visa commercial cards for expense tracking, compliance, and insights.
Watermark
While Watermark offers a range of academic software, Antioch uses it specifically for course evaluations. Watermark Course Evaluations & Surveys is a platform used by colleges and universities to gather student feedback through course evaluations and institutional surveys. It integrates with learning management and student information systems to automate survey distribution and data collection. The platform allows for customizable questions, tracks response rates, and provides reporting tools to support academic planning and assessment.
New Directions Behavioral Health, the provider of WellConnect, offers student assistance programs (SAPs) specifically designed to support the mental health and well-being of students in educational institutions. These programs aim to address various personal, emotional, and mental health concerns that students may face during their academic journey.
WellConnect for students typically includes the following features and services:
Confidential Counseling
Mental Health Support
Crisis Response
Referrals and Resources
Wellness Programs
Online and Mobile Access
Student assistance programs like WellConnect recognize the importance of mental health support for students and aim to provide them with the necessary resources and services to enhance their well-being and academic success.
Wireless Access
Wireless access refers to the ability to connect to a computer network or the internet without the need for physical cables or wired connections. It allows devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets to access network resources and communicate wirelessly using technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular data, or satellite connections.
At Antioch University, wireless access is provided on our campuses through three separate subnets for visitors, students, and employees. Access instructions for the student and employee subnets can be found elsewhere on this site.
Details for access to on-campus Wi-Fi are available by accessing the campus Wi-fi guide.
Workflow
Workflow software, also known as workflow management software, is a type of software application designed to automate and streamline business processes and workflows. It provides a digital environment for defining, executing, and monitoring tasks and activities within an organization.
Wrike
Wrike is a project management and collaboration software designed to help teams and organizations streamline their work processes and improve productivity. It provides a centralized platform where team members can plan, track, and manage projects, tasks, and deadlines. It helps in improving project visibility, collaboration, and overall efficiency by providing a structured and organized approach to project management.
Key features and capabilities of Wrike:
Task Management: Wrike allows you to create and assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress. You can organize tasks into projects, set dependencies, and create task hierarchies.
Gantt Charts: The software offers interactive Gantt charts, which provide a visual representation of project timelines, dependencies, and milestones. This helps in scheduling and resource allocation.
Collaboration: Wrike facilitates collaboration by allowing team members to share files, comments, and updates in real-time. It also supports @mentions and notifications to keep everyone informed and engaged.
Document Management: You can store and manage documents within Wrike, enabling easy access and version control. It integrates with popular cloud storage platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Reporting and Analytics: Wrike provides reporting features to track project performance, monitor team productivity, and identify bottlenecks. It generates visual reports and offers customizable dashboards.
Integration and Automation: Wrike integrates with various third-party tools and platforms, such as email clients, CRM systems, and communication tools like Slack. It also supports automation through task templates, recurring tasks, and workflow rules.
Agile Project Management: Wrike offers Agile project management capabilities, including Kanban boards and Agile task management. It enables teams to follow Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban for iterative and incremental project delivery.
Zoom
Zoom is a video and audio conferencing tool which makes online meetings and mobile connections easy. The web-conferencing platform provides a high-quality experience that works on a wide range of devices and operating systems including macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. Antioch University relies on Zoom for the vast majority of its online meeting and webinar needs. Support for Zoom through their website is available here.
Antioch Zoom Site - A substantial collection of information and links to tutorials regarding all things Zoom. For all audiences.
Pre-Recording Guide / Interview Checklist - Created by AU Marketing, provides tips for recording video content in Zoom for distribution for audiences inside and outside Antioch. For all audiences.
Antioch University Academic Technology YouTube Site - A collection of Zoom-related tutorials. For faculty primarily, with some content for students and staff.
Zotero
Zotero is a free, open-source tool for managing and organizing research materials. It allows users to collect, store, and cite sources such as books, articles, websites, and more. With features like automatic citation generation, integration with word processors, and the ability to collaborate in groups, Zotero streamlines the research process for students, faculty, and researchers. It also supports syncing across devices, making it easy to access your library of references anywhere.