Student Technology Orientation

It's important to be familiar with TU's widely-used and essential technologies. Check out the quick descriptions below and access more info through the provided links. Watch this video for an overview. For more help, see the technology self-help resources, search the TechHelp Knowledge Base for how-to articles or contact OTS Student Computing Services for support.

See additional recommended software applications for students.

Technology Essentials
 

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NetID Password Management

Your NetID is the key to accessing university computing services. NetID passwords must be changed once a year following strong password standards. Visit NetID Management to learn more. 

 

 

mascot and student assisted at the SCS Service Desk

Technical Support

OTS Student Computing Services (SCS)  provides support, advice and troubleshooting help to students experiencing technology problems. Contact SCS via phone, email, chat, text, TechHelp or stop by the Tech Services Desk in Cook Library's Academic Commons. Search the TechHelp Knowledge Base for self-help how-to articles.

 

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Wi-Fi Networking

TU has one of the largest wireless networks in the Baltimore area. Use your NetID to connect to  tu-secure  for the safest and fastest connection, and wider access to resources. Visitors without a NetID or residents with devices unable to connect to tu-secure should use  tu-openaccess. Learn how to connect.

 

male at printing kiosk

Printing on Campus

Wēpa is the flexible cloud-printing solution on campus. Print in grayscale or color from your USB drive, email, computer, or smart phone to any of the 24 Wēpa Print Stations. Login and pay by swiping your OneCard at any print station. 3D and large format printing are available at our Cook 35 location. Visit SCS Printing to learn more. 

 

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Safe Computing

Phishing, viruses, malware, spam and ID theft all represent serious threats to the security of the university computer systems and your personal information. OTS Information Security offers best practices for protecting yourself. Visit Information Security to learn more. 

 

Academics

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Blackboard

Blackboard is TU's system for delivering fully online, hybrid and web-supported classes via computers and the Blackboard Education mobile app. For support, hours, self-help resources and contact info, visit TU Blackboard. 
 

 

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Registration and Records

Towson Online Services / PeopleSoft is the web-based system through which students transact business with the university. Registering for classes, making schedule changes, paying bills, and checking grades are some typical applications. The Registrar's Office offers helpful PeopleSoft guides, and access is provided through myTU for Students.

 

two students working on a laptop

LinkedIn Learning

TU students enjoy full access to LinkedIn Learning, an online library of video-based instruction. Acquire new technology, business, personal and creative skills from nationally recognized experts in a wide range of content areas. Login from a computer or mobile device 24/7. Sign in with your NetID to get started.

 

 

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Adobe Creative Cloud

The Adobe Creative Cloud Master Collection is available for student use in many campus computer labs and Cook Library. If your work requires Photoshop, Dreamweaver, or another Adobe title, you can use these apps on campus without having to subscribe personally.

 

male student 3D printing in SCS lab

Multimedia Support

Regardless of your major or experience level, borrow multimedia equipment and get help producing video, audio, posters and 3D prints for class assignments. Try the latest in Virtual Reality and other emerging technologies at our weekly events. Visit OTS Multimedia Services to learn more.
 

 

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Virtual Workspace

Use Virtual Workspace to remotely access the TU desktop and published applications — such as SPSS, ArcGIS and Inspiration — from any computer with an Internet connection and a web browser. Visit Virtual Workspace & Remote Access to learn more. 

 

Communication & Sharing

sideways female student with smartphone

Email

TU uses Microsoft Outlook for email and calendaring. It's part of your Microsoft 365 (M365) account, and you can access it through a browser at outlook.towson.edu or the email tile on myTU. See self-help resources for accessing and using Outlook.

 

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Microsoft 365

TU provides each enrolled student with Microsoft 365 (M365), that means you get Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Learn how to use and access M365 services online, on mobile and on a desktop. The desktop versions of these applications may be downloaded and installed on up to five devices. 

 

 

two students looking at a smartphone with the Residence Tower in the background

File Delivery Service

TU’s File Delivery Service (FDS) is a tool for securely sharing files containing particularly sensitive data or files too large to send as email attachments. FDS can be used to send files to recipients both inside and outside the university network. 

 

 

Hawinks Psychology bridge at dusk

Cloud Storage

TU provides Microsoft OneDrive for cloud-based file storage, allowing you to edit your files via any computer or mobile device. Get five terabytes of space and the peace of mind that your content is safe from device loss or damage. 
 

 

three students working together on a computer

Student Websites

TU student WordPress websites are an excellent place to build an online portfolio to share ideas and projects. Students wishing to code pages or use a site development application such as Adobe Dreamweaver can also get a TigerWeb account. Visit OTS Web Publishing to learn more.

 

male student face reflected in laptop screen

Online Meetings: Zoom and Webex

Students can use both Webex Meetings and Zoom to collaborate on group projects and share documents and desktops remotely. Communicate with each other using voice, video and chat. You need only activate your TU Webex and Zoom accounts to get started. Visit the Webex Meetings and Zoom pages to learn more.

 

male student reading smartphone screen

Emergency Alerts

TU students receive emergency communications from the TU Police via email to all university-issued email accounts and via text message.