YOUR IT ESSENTIALS

Whether a student or a member of staff, we all use the same digital university.

New staff and students...please watch this short animation that walks through our big four systems!

YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD, OR YOUR IT ACCOUNT

Staff and students are given a user ID number and University email address, either of which you can use, alongside your password, to access all systems and services, except e:Vision. For e:Vision you will need to use your staff or student ID number, and password.  Your University email will have a @wlv.ac.uk address.

You can update your password from anywhere and on any device using this portalYou will need your username (University email address) and your current password. You will be prompted to enter your current password, your new password and to confirm your new password. 

If you are locked out of your account, you can change your password yourself using the Microsoft password portal, you will need your MFA phone with you. 

If a student, you will create a password as part of your enrolment.

Your IT Account stays with you for the duration of your studies at the University. 

MICROSOFT 365

You will be keen to get to know Microsoft 365 for your email, file creation storage/sharing and collaborating via chat and video.  STUDENTS! You do not need to purchase MS 365 for your studies as you get this free and can also add the suite of MS 365 applications to your own devices if you are a student. You also get 5TB of storage in your OneDrive application.

MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security to your University Microsoft 365 account (email, calendar, Teams), the Virtual Learning Environment - Canvas and the myWLV app, and proves you are the person who is authorised to access University systems and data. If your password gets stolen and used, with MFA in place on your account, you can be re-assured that your information is safer.

When you sign in to your University email, myWLV or Canvas, you will be prompted to set up your MFA credentials using the Authenticator app or a mobile phone number. But after set-up and initial sign-in, largely MFA will go unnoticed by you as you use your standard device (s), but will kick in if you (or someone else) tries to sign into your MS 365 account from an unknown device or unusual location.

When on or off campus - please carry your MFA phone with you.

For more information visit wlv.ac.uk/its/essentials/mfa

CANVAS (Virtual Learning Environment or VLE)

Canvas is the University's Virtual Learning Environment or VLE, you can find out more about how to use this by visiting Canvas and using the 'help' button in the left hand menu. Or if a new student you may have been using it as part of your Get Set badge as you join the University.

myWLV - for students

This is where you can find your timetable. Log into http://my.wlv.ac.uk with your University email and password, but set up MFA first!!

MICROSOFT TEAMS

Is one of the applications you get with your Microsoft 365 account and is used for video meetings, online teaching sessions, sharing files and chat. You can use the web version (open up a browser, go to https://office.com and sign in with your University email address and password) or you can install the application on your device (like Word and OneDrive). We have lots of useful information about using Teams.

Your teachers will use Teams to invite you to video sessions or meetings online. Once signed into MS 365, you will be able to access these meetings from the invitation in your email. 

STUDENT CHECK IN

This is how students register your attendance at your teaching sessions. Its basically a digital register. For more information whether a student or a staff member please take a look at wlv.ac.uk/its/student-check-in

SOFTWARE

Software is available to students and staff on and off campus. Please take a look at the software information for staff and students. We also have a Software Catalogue that lists all applications A-Z, giving a brief description of what it does as well as how to get it. If you are looking to support your studies with items like screen readers, keyboard shortcuts and tools that help you focus, please take a look at what is available in the Software Catalogue.

YOUR OWN LAPTOP/PC AND WIFI - advice for students

To get the best out of your studies you will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. Ideally you will have your own laptop to use, as well as a fast broadband connection, but if you don't, there are PCs on campus (currently within the Libraries) available to book too. We also have a laptop loan scheme, where you can borrow a laptop for up-to 4 weeks at a time. Find out more about booking a laptop on the Library website

For your own laptop, the basic requirements include:

Windows PC

  • a Windows 10 or 11 operating system
  • Any of these web browsers = Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 11, or Microsoft Edge.

Mac or Apple device

  • Operating System: OS X
  • Web Browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Safari.

If your broadband connection is not that great or your access to data is limited then there are still things you can do, like using your mobile phone to create a wifi hotspot, but this will of course impact your data usage (useful to know when your data is renewed each month).

The following tips will help to get the best out of your home network:

  • If using your home wifi, moving closer to the router will improve your wifi signal strength. 
  • Turn on your radio or watch broadcast TV rather than stream music or video whenever possible.
  • If internet streaming of TV or music is your only option, try to download as much content before you need it. Can you download that movie or box-set to your device(s) overnight?
  • Be aware of what everyone else at home is doing on the internet and work with them to not overload things when you need to study/work.
  • If you can reduce the resolution of streaming video, do. Reducing from 4K to HD, or HD to SD is about a 75% bandwidth saving each time.
  • If you can, ensure your broadband router is connected to the first incoming/master phone socket in your property.
  • Giving your broadband router a reboot from time to time can help prevent issues, maybe once a week?  
  • Most broadband routers have network ports. If you can, connect your laptop/PC directly to your broadband router with a suitable network cable.
  • Check with your network provider for offers, as some are providing unlimited data at the moment and good deals for students. 

If you are due to take an exam online, or have an important teaching session, let your house members know so they can help you protect your connection!

ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

If you have a Windows 10 or 11 laptop, it comes installed with ant-virus software called Windows Defender. Please do check that it is set to automatically update!

WIFI

When on campus you will want to get all your devices connected to the University wifi. You may have been using the guest network 'wolfradiolan' temporarily, but we really recommend moving all your devices over to eduroam, once you have your University IT account (email address) and password set up. With eduroam you can connect as many devices as you like and use it at other universities and places like hospitals/museums, all around the world!

KEEPING YOUR PERSONAL AND UNIVERSITY DATA SAFE ONLINE

Keeping your cyber belongings safe online is a key essential and this starts with setting and maintaining a strong password. We also want you to be able spot fraudulent emails or websites (Phishing).

PRINT, SCAN, COPY

We are all printing less as we thoroughly embrace all things digital for teaching and learning, but you can print if you need to! We have 'multi-functional devices' across all campuses where you can print, copy and scan.

SUPPORT

And finally, support is always available from the Digital Services team...you can call us on 01902 32 2000 or use the self service portal to raise a request for help. You may find the guidance you are looking for on the portal, using the 'Search' box, or Knowledge Base of information.