Changes Coming May 22 to Wireless Network & Employee Dashboard Access

This message was emailed to staff on May 18 and is being repeated here for your information. 

In a continuing effort to enhance the digital privacy, safety and security of our Heartland AEA systems, we are announcing two important changes that will go into effect on Tuesday, May 22 at 7 a.m.   

New Wireless Network Specifically for Staff 
First, the Agency is introducing a new wireless network called HAEAstaff that we expect all Heartland AEA staff to use when you are accessing the Internet and agency systems at any Heartland AEA office or co-location. Beginning May 22 at 7 a.m., you will notice the new HAEAstaff wireless network listed when you click on the Wi-Fi status icon in the menu bar in the upper righthand corner of your computer. Select the HAEAstaff wireless network by clicking on it in the list and verify that there is a checkmark to the left of “HAEAstaff.” You should not be prompted for a password to join the network as this information will be automatically applied to your computer.   

Employee Dashboard Access Limited to Agency Offices/Co-locations 
Next, the Information Systems Department will be changing the way you access the Employee Dashboard. Beginning May 22 at 7 a.m., staff must be located in a Heartland AEA office or co-location and be connected to the HAEAstaff network in order to log into the Employee Dashboard. We understand this will be a significant change in practice that will require some advanced planning for activities like requesting leaves, entering expenses and accessing the Intranet. Your understanding is appreciated as we enhance the digital privacy, safety and security of our agency systems. We are investigating options for making access to the Employee Dashboard outside the Heartland AEA network available again in the future.   

Thank you for your attention to these important security enhancements, and we encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.   

I need help! Who can I contact? 
- Connecting an agency device to the HAEAstaff wireless network 
Marquis Jones, Technology Support Specialist 
Tuan Dao, Senior Network Administrator

- Accessing the Employee Dashboard
Rod Howell, Information Systems Manager