5 IT resources to help students through fall semester
As the University of Utah gears up for a hybrid fall semester of in-person and online courses, one overarching goal has been to ensure students have access to resources that will set them up for success and keep them connected to the campus community.
The Remote Resources Guide is one site that instructors and students can reference. For instructors interested in sharing additional digital resources with their students, here are five IT resources/services that they may find beneficial. (You might find many of these useful, too.)
MobileU
With MobileU, students can connect to campus on the go. The official mobile app of the University of Utah provides a convenient way to navigate student life, helping students find their way around campus, stay up to date on news and events, and access information about helpful academic and technology resources. Features include:
- Campus map
- Shuttle tracker
- Arts Pass
- Scholarships and financial aid
- Health and wellness resources
Tech equipment checkouts
Through Marriott Library, students can check out various technology/devices for a limited amount of time. The loans may be especially useful during the fall 2020 semester, with many courses continuing online and computer labs remaining closed or limited in capacity. Home delivery is available. Available equipment includes:
- Laptops and tablets
- Mobile hot spots
- Cameras
- Graphics tablets
UIT Knowledge Base
Does a student have an IT question? Search the UIT Knowledge Base! The database contains help guides on UIT’s resources — from email and websites/applications to network/wireless and infrastructure. Top articles include:
Software
Through the Office of Software Licensing, students can get the software they need without breaking the bank. In fact, the U provides students access to a number of no-cost or low-cost software products. Popular options include:
- Microsoft 365 (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Skype for Business)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat)
- Zoom Pro
- Box cloud collaboration and storage
- MATLAB, Simulink, and 49 companion products
- LabArchives, a cloud-based Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
Additionally, graduate and professional students have access to Grammarly Premium free of charge, thanks to a licensing agreement by the Graduate School.
Security tools
Fact: We’re all susceptible to cyberattacks. Students, however, can take advantage of university resources to better protect their data and devices. Resources include:
- Duo Security — The two-factor authentication app can be used to add a layer of security to your U accounts, including Campus Information Services, UMail, Box, etc.
- Password tester — Find out if your password meets the U’s requirements
- Software — Low-cost and free security essentials, including ESET Endpoint Security, Ad-Aware, Intego ContentBarrier and VirusBarrier, and Spybot
- Virtual private networks (VPNs) — Secure, remote access to the campus network
- eduroam — Secure internet access at partner institutions
- Information Security Office — Cybersecurity training, guides, news, policies, and tips
Learn more
For more information about the digital resources available to students, please visit the New Student IT Guide.
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