Tech Ready: Non-Instructional Staff
Tech Ready: Wi-Fi and Network
Connecting on campus
- Many devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones can connect to eduroam. To connect other devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, smart speakers, and wireless printers, you will need to register your device.
How to connect any device to wi-fi
- Most buildings on the Athens campus have wi-fi. Reception is also available in many outdoor locations and parking lots.
- To see if your location has reception review the wi-fi coverage map.
Connecting off campus
Some university applications and tools can only be accessed using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or using Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
- Campus VPN creates a secure tunnel to the campus network, making your local device appear to be a part of the University network. When connected, all of your internet traffic goes through the campus network.
- VMware Horizon View (VDI) allows you to remotely accesses a Windows desktop environment from any PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device. When connected, the virtual desktop's screen images are sent to your device, and your keystrokes and mouse movements are sent to the virtual PC.
| Feature | Campus VPN | VMware Horizon View (VDI) |
|---|---|---|
| Resource-intensive for your device | Yes | No |
| Works with high latency connections (e.g. satellite internet) | No | No |
| Allows you to print wirelessly to OHIO printers from off-campus | Yes | By request |
| Available for faculty and staff | Yes | Yes |
| Available for emeriti | Yes | No |
| Available for students | By request | Yes (Features will vary depending on course enrollment and college affiliation) |
| Available for graduate student employees | Yes | No |
| Requires multi-factor authentication to access | Yes | No |
| Best for accessing sensitive data | No - though the VPN connection itself is secure, it does create local copies of data on your device while you work | Yes - data does not leave the virtual desktop unless you configure it to do so |
| Best for accessing University-supported, Windows-based applications (e.g. computer lab applications) | No | Yes - list of applications |
| Access to Network Attached Storage (NAS) on shared.ohio.edu and home.ohio.edu. | Yes | Yes |
| Licensing access to validate/activate software like ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Microsoft workstations | Yes | No |
Tech Ready: Accessing Your OHIO Account, PID, Email, & Password
Setting up your OHIO account
If you are new to the University or returning after an extended absence, you will need to activate your OHIO ID.
- Ensure you create a strong password using the University's password requirements
- Many applications supported by OIT use Single Sign On (SSO). If an application does not use SSO, do not use the same password you use for your OHIO login, but we still recommend following the University password requirements.
- Enroll in Multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA protects you against lost or stolen passwords by adding a verification step to your OHIO login using Azure MFA.
- Faculty and staff can access a password manager, which allows you to centrally manage and store multiple passwords behind one strong master password.
Finding your PID
Your PID is Ohio University's way of identifying you without needing to use a sensitive piece of information like your Social Security number.
- Access your PID by logging into the OHIO Accounts Page.
- If you are unable to access your PID from the OHIO Accounts Page try the alternate access methods listed on the What's My PID page.
Be sure to protect your PID like you would your student ID card or other identifiable information.
Accessing your OHIO email
Catmail is the official communication channel between you and members of the OHIO community. You will receive important messages regarding courses, fees, policies, and campus safety.
- Your OHIO email can be accessed from the web at catmail.ohio.edu.
- View the Catmail Setup Instructions for information on how to download the Outlook email app to your computer or mobile device to access you messages anywhere.
Ohio University strongly discourages forwarding your email to a non-University account.
- The only way to guarantee that important University-related messages actually reach you is to leave your OHIO email delivery set to your ohio.edu address and regularly check your email using Outlook, Outlook Web Application (OWA), or another compatible email client.
- If you would like to access messages from multiple accounts, we suggest forwarding your personal accounts to your OHIO email.
Using your account
Your OHIO ID and password are required to access most online services at Ohio University, such as:
- My OHIO Portal - A personalized, customizable web gateway to many OHIO online services
- My OHIO Student Center - An application used for storing, managing, and updating student information such as registration and finances
- My OHIO Success Network - An information and communications hub for students, faculty, and student support staff
- Blackboard Learn - An interactive online tool for course-related materials and interactions between students and instructors
- University Library Services - An account providing access to technology, research tools and information, and meeting spaces
- Catmail - Office 365-based email account used for students, faculty, staff, and alumni
- Workforce - application used for time and attendance tracking for student and hourly employees
Keeping your account secure
The Ohio University Information Security Office has many resources to make sure your online activities are safe and secure. Security is everyone's responsibility! Keeping your personal information safe is crucial.
- You should never share your account password with anyone, and do not reuse your password on other sites.
- If you lose your password or your account is compromised, reset your password as soon as possible.
- Follow the security tips and best practices provided by the Information Security Office.
- Make sure you follow all Information Technology policies.
Tech Ready: Software & Mobile Apps
Software downloads
OIT offers a number of software packages to the University or to specific groups like faculty, staff, or students at no cost or at a reduced cost. Our Licensed Software page lists all the available titles.
Office 365 applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, are essential to success at Ohio University. Anyone with an active OHIO email address can access Office 365 in a web browser, and all students and instructors have access to the downloadable applications.
Tools and Apps
| App | Description & Access |
|---|---|
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Blackboard |
Blackboard is a Learning Management System (LMS) where faculty can post course-related materials, class assignments, and grades. |
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Blackboard |
Blackboard is an interactive, Learning Management System (LMS) for posting course-related materials, managing student assignments, and grades. |
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Multi-factor authentication (MFA) protects users against lost or stolen passwords by adding a verification step to your OHIO login with the Azure MFA application. |
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Microsoft Bookings is a scheduling tool used to set up meetings with individuals across campus. Bookings will automatically synchronize with your Outlook calendar and attach a Teams meeting to each appointment. |
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Microsoft Forms creates simple surveys and forms. Comparison: Microsoft Forms vs. Qualtrics helps you determine which tool is right for you. |
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Microsoft Excel |
Microsoft Excel uses spreadsheets to make calculations, graph data, and collaborate with others.
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Microsoft OneDrive is a file storage service and syncs to other Microsoft products. |
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Microsoft OneNote is a digital notetaking tool for capturing information and data across all your devices.
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Microsoft Outlook |
Microsoft Outlook is used to access your OHIO email and calendar. |
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Microsoft PowerPoint |
Microsoft PowerPoint is used to develop engaging presentations.
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Microsoft Teams is a team-based collaboration tool that provides audio or video calls, channeled conversations, instant messaging, and document collaboration.
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Microsoft Word |
Microsoft Word is a word processing tool with additional collaboration features.
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Panopto is a cloud-based application for recording lectures and sharing videos with others. |
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Qualtrics is an easy to use, powerful tool for creating, distributing, and analyzing online surveys. Comparison: Microsoft Forms vs. Qualtrics helps you determine which tool is right for you. |
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Top Hat is an instructional tool to create, adopt, and customize educational resources for courses. Students may use this tool to take live polls and quizzes, access digital textbooks, or complete assignments. |
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| Web CMS provides an easy-to-use interface that allows users to author, administer, and manage web pages without requiring the user to have extensive knowledge of web markup and programming languages. Our Web CMS Help and Resources page contains tons of resources to help you create and edit user-friendly webpages. |
There are also many tools you can access right in your browser.
If you would like help with a tool not supported by the University, please contact the IT Service Desk. OIT may ask you to submit an OHIO Technology Review Request.
Tech Ready: OHIO ID Card, Bobcat Cash, & Printing
Your OHIO ID card is used to verify your identity and to utilize services across campus. You can obtain an initial or replacement ID Card at Bobcat Depot.
Use your ID for Bobcat Cash
- Funds in your Bobcat Cash account can be used to pay for printing, food, and other services across campus.
- Deposits to your Bobcat cash account can be made online or in-person.
Use your ID for printing
- Depending on your role at OHIO, you may have access to departmental, student, or guest printing.
- Money can be added to Guest Printing Cards at Alden Library.
Tech Ready: Hardware Recommendations
Hardware recommendations
Instructors: Contact your department Information Technology representative for device and software purchases.
Students: Learn about hardware specifications specific to your major.
- From a mobile device: Select Menu > Technology > Students: Shop by major on the Bobcat Depot home page.
- From your desktop or laptop: Select Technology > Students: Shop by major on the Bobcat Depot home page.
Tech Ready: Phones and voicemail
Phones and voicemail
Ohio University provides land line telephone service in faculty and staff offices, conference rooms, and other public areas on all campuses. Voicemail can also be accessed on the go.
- Learn how to set up your phone
- Learn how to set up your voicemail
- Faxes can be sent and received via email or the web.
Tech Ready: Getting Help
Many technology issues can be resolved by updating your device or software. Check your settings to make sure everything is up-to-date.
Are you having trouble with a webpage not loading correctly? Try clearing your browser cache and reloading the page.
Get help with technology
The Office of Information Technology has many resources to help you learn how to use the tech tools available to the OHIO community:
- OIT's Knowledge Base is a searchable resource for all of our help content, all in one place.
- Common tool and software concerns include:
- Accounts and Passwords
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Microsoft products
- IT Service Catalog contains a description of every service and technology that we offer.
Still have questions?