Student Guide to UConn Technology

Review the UConn Student Device Requirement Checklist

At UConn, students use technology for everyday use, remote learning, and online exams. Your devices need to meet certain requirements for your academic success. You will need a portable laptop for your classes.

Before you arrive on campus, make sure that your laptop includes:

• Required: Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5, or Apple silicon

• Recommended: Intel Core i7 (or higher) or AMD Ryzen 7 (or higher), or newest Apple silicon (M4)

• Required: 16 GB

• Recommended: 16 GB or more

• Required: 256 GB Solid-State Drive (SSD)

• Recommended: 512 GB or more Solid-State Drive (SSD)

Keep in mind your major, interest, and extracurriculars in mind when choosing a new device. If you know your school or academic area, you may check to see if they recommend or require specific technology. If purchasing a new device, consider whether the device you’re interested in will last the duration of your academic career; it will be used heavily and may be exposed to a lot of wear and tear (thrown into backpacks, used around food and drink, carried through inclement weather, etc.).

NetID

Your NetID is your unique identifier in all UConn systems. You use it to access online services and systems such as Student Admin, ResLife, HuskyCT and other technology resources. Your NetID remains the same throughout your career at the university.

Your NetID is composed of 3 random letters and then 5 numbers that help determine when your NetID was created.

Set your chosen name

You can change your name as it appears in UConn directories from the NetID home page. This will not change your UConn email address. Follow the instructions provided at Changing Your Chosen Name in UConn Directories.

If you have undergone a legal name change, contact the Office of the Registrar so that they can change the name on your record.

Reset or recover your NetID password

If you have forgotten your NetID password, you can use password recovery options via text or email to reset it. For instructions, visit: Reset Your NetID Password.

If you know your NetID password but you wish to change it, visit: Change Your NetID Password.

Password management

When you use your NetID to access online services, systems, and resources at the university, you also use passwords.  Your passwords protect your digital identity, so their strength and security is critical.

Never reuse passwords across accounts. If your password gets compromised on one website, it is very easy for someone to track your internet activity and compromise all of your other accounts that use the same or similar passwords.  Use different passwords for each of your accounts to avoid security risks.

Create long, unique passwords.  UConn’s standard password length is over 12 characters. One strategy for long and strong passwords is passphrases: they can help you make passwords that are both easy to remember and hard to crack.  Passphrases combine multiple random words together, for example: correct horse battery staple. 

Use a password manager. Password managers enable you to store your passwords and personal information in a virtual safe called a password vault. For more information on using a password manager at UConn, visit: LastPass at UConn. 

Never share your passwords.  Keep your passwords private from anyone within or external to the UConn community. 

For more tips on creating secure passwords, visit: IT Security: Set a Passphrase.

Microsoft Outlook

UConn uses Outlook for all emailing. Your Outlook account is where you will receive official messages from the university and communicate with your advisor and instructors. Your email account will be automatically created once your account is fully matriculated. For students starting in the fall, this usually happens around mid-May.

Students are expected to check their inbox frequently to stay up to date with important notifications from UConn, messages related to your academic progress, information about your fee bill and financial aid, and more. Outlook has a mobile app that can installed on a smartphone/tablet. You can also install Outlook along with the rest of the Microsoft 365 apps directly on your computer.

Learn more about Outlook.

Microsoft 365

UConn students have access to Microsoft 365 - a virtual suite of tools and applications that you can use for your assignments, projects, and personal work. Getting Started with Microsoft 365

You can access Microsoft 365 web applications directly through your browser, though web applications offer limited features or install the applications. You can download Microsoft 365 applications on up to five university-owned or personal devices including computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

Create files in Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 includes a variety of applications that you can use to create, edit, and collaborate on files of many different types. You can install programs including:

• Microsoft Word

  • Create and edit text-based documents

• Microsoft Excel

  • Create and format spreadsheets

• Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Create and design presentations

• Microsoft OneNote

  • Document information by taking notes or recording audio

Access your files online in OneDrive

With your Microsoft 365 license, you have available storage in OneDrive: a cloud-based storage solution, meaning you can access your files from anywhere with an internet connection.

Duo 2FA

Before you register for classes, you will need to set up Duo two-factor authentication (Duo 2FA). When you log in to UConn systems with your NetID and password, you will complete a second step and verify your identity on a device in your possession. This prevents outsiders from accessing your accounts: if your NetID credentials are stolen and someone tries to log in as you, you receive an alert and can deny their access.

UConn ITS recommends setting up the Duo Mobile app on a phone or tablet - it should be something you always have nearby. The app will send you a push notification on your enrolled device when you need to log in.

To begin setup for Duo 2FA on your mobile device:

1. Go to the 2FA Portal.

2. Sign in with your NetID and NetID password.

3. Click Opt in to 2FA.

Next, follow the steps for your device type:

• Set up a Mobile Phone for 2FA (Recommended)

• Set up a Tablet for 2FA

Student Admin

Student Admin is UConn’s student administration system: the space where you will register for classes, manage your fee bill and financial aid, view your transcripts and final grades, and access other important information and tools that you will need throughout your career at UConn. 

Manage your academics and finances in Student Admin

Your Student Admin account is organized into 10 separate pages. Each page grants you access to different information and tools that you will use to manage your academic progress and finances at UConn.

Open

Navigate pages from your Student Admin homepage.

Use the buttons on your Student Admin Homepage to navigate to:

• Action List

  • View any tasks you need to complete, existing holds on your account, or agreements you’ve completed in the past.

• Announcements

  • Check for university wide announcements relating to Student Admin, including fee bill due dates or system maintenance alerts.

• Academic Progress and Advising

  • Contact your advisor, view the academic requirements for your plan of study, view your course history, use the academic planner to plan your upcoming course schedules, and view high school/transfer credit summaries.

• Bursar Services

  • View your fee bill, make payments, view available 1098-T statements, and enroll in direct deposit. For support on managing billing and payments in Student Admin, review the guides available at: Finances: Student Admin Support. 

• Financial Aid

  • View information about financial aid awards and scheduled disbursements.  For support on managing financial aid in Student Admin, review the guides available at: Financial Aid: Student Admin Support.

• Graduation

  • View your expected graduation term, submit your final plan of study, apply for graduation, and review your academic requirements. 

• Manage Classes

  • Enroll in classes, view the date of your enrollment appointment, swap or drop classes, access the scheduler builder tool, and search or browse in the university course catalog. 

• Profile

  • Edit your contact information and emergency contact details, access FERPA designee form, and register as a Connecticut voter. 

• Schedule & Grades

  • View your previous and current course schedules, final exam schedules, and final grades for each semester. 

• Transcripts & Verifications

  • Request your official transcript, view your unofficial transcript, and access your enrollment verification certificate. 

HuskyCT

UConn uses HuskyCT/Blackboard as a learning management system: the space where you will access your assignments, exams, grades, class announcements, and other course materials.

As a student, you are responsible for frequently checking your HuskyCT to ensure that you are aware of course expectations. It is recommended that you log into HuskyCT daily to check for important announcements from your instructors. Download the Blackboard app to check HuskyCT on the go: Setup HuskyCT on your mobile device.

For support on navigating HuskyCT, visit: Student Technology Guide: HuskyCT

Respondus LockDown Browser

Your instructors may assign online quizzes and exams in HuskyCT that require the use of Respondus LockDown Browser: a software that controls your testing environment by blocking access to the internet and other resources on your computer for the duration of the test. Depending on the requirements set by your instructor, you may also be recorded with video and audio while you’re taking the exam to ensure that no outside resources are used.

You can download Respondus LockDown browser on your personal computer through HuskyCT or borrow loaner laptops with support for the application from the Technology Support Center.

For support on installing and using Respondus LockDown browser, visit: Student Technology Guide: Respondus LockDown Browser

UConn Internet Access

UConn provides both wired and wireless internet access on campus. Your wireless devices will connect to the university’s secure Wi-Fi network, UCONN-SECURE.

Connect your devices to a UConn network

While on campus or in residential buildings, connect your personal devices to a UConn internet network:

UCONN-SECURE Wi-Fi

While on campus, students have access to UConn’s secure and encrypted Wi-Fi network. UCONN-SECURE keeps your data secure, protects your internet activity, and grants you full access to university resources. Once you log in, you will automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network anytime you are on campus.

Use your NetID to login to UCONN-SECURE on your personal devices:

• Apple laptops, tablets, phones, and watches

• Windows computers, tablets, and phones

• Android tablets and phones

UCONN-GUEST Wi-Fi

Visitors at UConn may use the UCONN-GUEST Wi-Fi network to access the internet while on campus. It is an unencrypted network that does not require NetID credentials to log in. To connect, users must accept network terms and conditions. The connection resets every few hours.

eduroam Wi-Fi

Eduroam is a secure wireless network that gives students, faculty, and staff from UConn encrypted Wi-Fi access at participating academic institutions. Reciprocally, visitors from participating institutions can connect to eduroam while on the UConn campus.

To connect to eduroam as a UConn student visiting another institution, enter [NetID]@uconn.edu as the username and your NetID password as the password.

For more information on eduroam and a list of participating academic institutions, visit: Eduroam Support.

Ethernet (wired internet)

Ethernet ports are accessible on campus, including in most dorm rooms. You will need to use a personal ethernet cord. An Ethernet connection will provide you the most stable and fastest browsing experience.

LiveSafe Mobile App

To promote safety on the UConn campus, students are encouraged to use LiveSafe: a mobile app that connects you with university safety resources. You can use LiveSafe to instantly report emergencies, contact trained mental health professionals, access UConn maps and emergency procedures, and more.

For support on using the LiveSafe mobile app on campus, visit: UConn LiveSafe.

Software and Anyware

UConn students have access to a wide variety of university licensed software programs that you can use for your coursework, personal projects, and more. Some instructors may require the use of a specific software as a learning tool in their course.

To access these software programs, you can:

• Install software programs to your personal computer at zero or reduced cost.

• Launch Anyware: an application that allows you to access a virtual desktop containing all available software from anywhere with an internet connection.

Courses administered by the College of Engineering or the School of Business may require the use of certain software programs that you can access using Anyware. You can also use the public lab computers on UConn campuses.

For additional support on launching and using Anyware, review the guides available at Anyware Support.

Web Conferencing at UConn

UConn supports multiple web conferencing platforms that you can use to collaborate virtually with your instructors, classmates, and others both within and external to the UConn community:

• Microsoft Teams

• Cisco Webex

• Blackboard Collaborate (available through HuskyCT)

For support on using web conferences at UConn, visit: Student Technology Guide: Web Conferencing

UConn Campus Printing Service

UConn offers on campus printing in the library, student union, and other academic buildings on campus through the Wepa printing service.  Students, faculty, staff, and visitors can print documents at any Wepa Print Station from a mobile device, computer, web browser, Blackboard, OneDrive, or USB drive. Find a Wepa print station on campus: Location of Wepa Print Stations.

You can pay for printing with Husky Bucks or by adding money to your Wepa account.

Personal printers are welcome in residence halls but require the use of a printer cable (USB).  Wireless printing is not permitted in residence halls.

Nexus

UConn uses Nexus as a scheduling system: the space where you can schedule meetings with your advisor and reserve office hour appointments with your instructors. Your Nexus account also includes GPA calculation tools that you can use to track your academic progress and prepare to discuss your goals with your advisor.

Students are expected to meet with their advisor at least once per semester to discuss your plan of study, academic requirements, course schedule, educational opportunities, career and graduate school plans, and more. You can use the Nexus system to schedule these appointments unless your advisor has specified that they prefer to schedule appointments via email.

To find out how your advisor/instructor schedules appointments or what their office hours are, go to their department website and search for them in the faculty directory.

Schedule appointments in Nexus

1. Log into Nexus with your NetID and password at nexus.uconn.edu.

2. Click on Schedule Appointment from your Nexus homepage.

3. Select a faculty member to schedule a meeting with:

   1. If you are scheduling an appointment with an academic advisor: Click the Schedule Appointment button that appears under your advisor’s picture.

   2. If you are scheduling an appointment with an instructor: Click Search by Name or Search by Department to find an instructor.

4. Available appointment times will appear. Click on your preferred appointment time.

5. Enter a brief reason for your appointment and click Continue.

Your appointment has been scheduled and confirmation email has been sent to your UConn email address.

Calculate your GPA and Set Goals in Nexus

Your Nexus account includes a standard GPA calculation tool that you can use to monitor your academic progress and determine how your performance in current courses may factor into your cumulative GPA. This GPA calculator is designed as a student resource and is for unofficial use only.

If you are interested in raising your GPA, you can use the GPA Goal Setter: a tool in your Nexus account that lists various ways you can reach a desired GPA based on your current one.

For instructions on using the GPA calculation tool and goal setter, visit: Calculate your GPA in Nexus.

Submit a support ticket to the Technology Support Center

Students can request assistance in resolving a technology issue by submitting a support ticket to the Technology Support Center. Go to techsupport.uconn.edu, click Support Requests, and log in with your NetID and password.

For more detailed instructions, visit: Submit a Support Request to ITS.

Review support guides in the UConn ITS Knowledge Base

The Information Technology Services Knowledge Base is a technical support resource you can easily access at any time. It includes user guides, instructions, recommendations, and more to help you understand the technology you need to succeed at UConn and what’s available to you as a student.

Use the search bar to find specific support or click on a support topic to browse related articles. The knowledge base is available to everyone within or outside the UConn community, so you do not need UConn credentials to access it.

Loan a UConn device

UConn students can loan university-owned devices for technical support or academic purposes. Technology loans available to you include:

Laptop loans

If your device is being repaired or replaced, you can loan a university-owned Windows laptop for one week.  You have the option to extend the laptop loan for an additional week if your device repair/replacement is still in progress.  You are responsible for the care and security of the device until it is returned.  To receive a student Windows laptop loan, visit: borrow a Windows laptop.

iPad loans

You can loan a university-owned iPad for short-term academic use.  ITS student iPad loans are 2-week loans, during which you are responsible for the care and security of the device until it is returned.  To receive a student iPad loan, visit: iPad for 2 weeks.