Back on campus? Start with these IT resources

August 12, 2026 - 05:04

The first few weeks of a new semester always come with a familiar scramble: finding classrooms, remembering passwords, and figuring out which systems still work. To cut down on the chaos, the IT department has put together a list of the most commonly used digital tools for faculty, staff, and students. Bookmarking these now will save you a lot of time later.

First on the list is the campus portal. This is your single entry point for email, course schedules, and payroll information, depending on your role. If you are a student, make sure you can log into the learning management system where your syllabi and assignments will appear. Faculty should double-check that their gradebooks and lecture uploads are syncing properly.

Next, set up multi-factor authentication on your phone before you need it. The verification code process can be annoying when you are in a hurry, but it is required for most secure systems. Do not wait until you are standing outside a computer lab with a dead battery.

Also, check your printing balance and install the mobile print app. Many students forget that campus printers require a separate setup from personal printers. And for those living in dorms, the wireless network has a specific registration page. Do that on day one, not when your roommate is trying to stream a lecture.

Finally, save the help desk number and the online chat link. Most issues can be solved remotely, but the queue gets long during peak hours. The IT team also posts quick video guides for resetting passwords and connecting to campus Wi-Fi. A little prep now means fewer headaches later.