New faculty and staff tech guide

Download the Faculty / Staff Survival Guide PDF or refer to the more extensive information below.

WSU Vancouver IT HelpDesk

Our HelpDesk is here to assist you with a variety of technology needs including:

  • Computer software/hardware advice and troubleshooting
  • Hardware repair
  • Wireless connectivity issues
  • Email issues and setup
  • Account issues and password reset
  • Virus/malware removal
  • File transfers and backups
  • Loaner laptops (laptops for students are loaned from the library)

Assistance is available by:

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IT Academic Services

Our Academic Services team is a group of specialists who support staff and faculty with:

  • Canvas support
  • Videoconferencing Services
  • Accessibility in courses
  • Closed Captioning Support for Universal Design
  • Zoom support

Assistance is available by:

Network ID (NID)

All WSU Vancouver students, faculty, and staff have a Network ID (NID) (typically firstname.lastname). Your Network ID is used to log in to most WSU online resources. This login and password are also used to access computers on campus and some Library resources, as well as for our WSU Wireless authentication.

Once all of your hiring steps have been completed, you will receive an email to your personal email address with a link to set up your Network ID. If you don't see it, check your spam folder. If you still don't see it, check with the person in your area who handles hiring to check on the status of the process, or contact us through the methods listed above so we can take a look.

Passwords are required to be reset every six months. To reset your password, go to account.wsu.edu.

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Wireless Access - WSU Wireless

The WSU Vancouver campus provides wireless internet access to all WSU students, faculty, and staff through the WSU Wireless network. Connecting to the WSU Wireless network is easy:

  1. Select “WSU Wireless” from the list of available wireless networks.
  2. When prompted, enter your Network ID and password.
  3. If asked to trust the security certificate, click “yes” or “trust.”

The WSU Wireless network is simple, secure, and seamless:

  • Simple: Log in once and, after that, your computer or device will auto-connect to the network.
  • Secure: Data is transferred securely so that others cannot intercept private information.
  • Seamless: All WSU campuses use this same network.

Note: We also offer wireless access to our campus guests via “WSU Guest.” This guest access is not secure and is only intended for visitors, not for WSU Vancouver students, faculty, or staff.

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Email Accounts

To access your email account via the web, go to office365.wsu.edu and log in using your network ID and password. Links are also available in the menus at the top and bottom of every WSU Vancouver webpage. To access your email account on your iPhone or Android phone, visit kb.wsu.edu for step-by-step directions.

This account is your official WSU account. Check it regularly as official WSU email communication from various WSU academic offices will be sent to this WSU email account. If you are having problems with your email, contact the HelpDesk.

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Email Account Safe Practices

Email accounts are often targeted by phishing emails which try to trick you into clicking on links and entering passwords. Never click on any link in an email unless you know it is legitimate.

If you receive a suspicious email through your WSU email account, forward it to abuse@wsu.edu where it will be investigated and, if necessary, blocked from sending future emails.

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Office 365 and OneDrive

Office 365 provides online access to Microsoft Office products. You can also download these products on up to five devices. The software available includes: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. To access Office 365, go to office365.wsu.edu and enter your Network ID and password.

Office 365 also provides access to OneDrive, 1 terabyte of free, cloud-based file storage. Files stored on OneDrive are available from multiple devices via the internet and can be synchronized on local devices so that they can be used offline. The files on OneDrive can also be shared with others both inside and outside of WSU.

Recommended use:

  • All files in a Documents folder on desktop or laptop computer.
  • Files that need temporary collaboration with others.
  • Use instead of a USB drive for access from any device.

OneDrive is accessed by logging in at office365.wsu.edu and clicking on the OneDrive tile. You may also install the OneDrive app by downloading it from Microsoft website (Windows and Mac), from the App Store (Mac and iOS), or from the Google Play store. Note: most Windows computers come with OneDrive pre-installed.

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Canvas - WSU's Learning Management System

WSU uses Canvas for online learning courseware. You can access Canvas from the menus available at the top and bottom of every WSU Vancouver web page, or at canvas.wsu.edu. Your Canvas login is the same as your Network ID and password. For help with Canvas, contact the HelpDesk to connect with our Canvas experts in our Academic Services team. They are also available through our Zoom IT Helpdesk.

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Videoconferencing Services

Vancouver Videoconference Services (a division of IT Academic Services) provides videoconference support for students in academic courses and meetings held at a distance. Utilizing high definition video and audio for distance learning, this videoconference system is designed to provide greater access to higher education in the state of Washington. Multiple classrooms can be connected via videoconference across the state, providing two-way video and audio collaboration to all participants. This videoconference system allows all class members to be seen and heard, and actively participate in the class as the professor instructs.

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Zoom

Zoom is a powerful collaboration tool and is accessible for all current WSU faculty and staff. It is WSU's main platform for audio, video, and dial-in conferencing. Zoom can host large numbers of meeting participants and can be scheduled by adding a meeting in Outlook's Calendar section with a button that adds the meeting information to the meeting invitation. An app is available for all major device types.

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Teams

Teams is our campus-wide platform for communication and collaboration. Share files, message your colleagues, and utilize a shared digital space. Visit its.wsu.edu/microsoft-teams request a new team to be set up for your unit, small group, or course.

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Wellness Checks

All employees with telework agreements must complete a Computer Wellness Check. Fill out your Wellness Check form at: vancouver.wsu.edu/wellnesscheck This check ensures that your WSU computer is secure and up to date.
After filling out your form, contact IT to schedule a Wellness Check Appointment.