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C&IT Computing & Information Technology

New student tech 101

All Wayne State students have access to a wealth of technology resources that C&IT provides for free or at a discounted rate.

Get connected

  • Account and AccessID

    AccessID

    Your AccessID is used as your username to access Wayne State IT systems and services, including your email and online courses. Every student has a unique AccessID made up of two letters and four numbers (e.g. xy6789). If you do not know your WSU AccessID, you may find it on your WSU OneCard (picture ID) or by searching your name in the WSU Online Directory.

    Once you are accepted to Wayne State, you'll receive your AccessID and a temporary password in an email from cit@wayne.edu. Together, your AccessID and this password will be your credentials for the majority of Wayne State resources.

    Two-factor authentication

    Two-factor authentication adds a layer of security when you sign in with your AccessID. With 2FA, first you enter your password, then use a 2FA device to prove it’s really you. 2FA is required to sign in with your AccessID on the web. We recommend using Microsoft Authenticator on your smartphone because it’s free, secure, and simple to use. Learn how to set up 2fa

    Permanent passwords

    AccessID passwords must be changed regularly to remain secure, but you can avoid having to do this by creating a longer permanent password. To be permanent, a password must be at least 14 characters long, include at least one special character, and cannot contain your AccessID, name, or date of birth.  

    Find tips for creating a strong password at tech.wayne.edu/about/strong-password-standard

    Account management

    Change your password, set a recovery email address (so you can reset your password when you forget it without calling us), and more at webmail.wayne.edu/am/

    Explore tech.wayne.edu/kb/accessid-accounts for knowledge base articles, guides, and FAQs related to AccessID and accounts.

  • Connect to Wayne State Networks

    WSU-SECURE

    Always login to this encrypted connection with your AccessID and password. Never log in on devices for friends or family. Learn how to connect to WSU-SECURE on your devices.

    WSU-LIMITED

    Students in campus residences can registers smart devices and gaming devices to this safe network by following the instructions at kb.wayne.edu/802

    WSU-PUBLIC

    This network is intended for friends and family while they're visiting campus.

    Explore tech.wayne.edu/kb/internet-networks  for knowledge base articles, guides, and FAQs related to WSU internet networks. 

  • Set up your email

    Access MS 365 Outlook

    As part of Wayne State University's partnership with Microsoft, we use Microsoft 365's Outlook as our official email system. You can access your email in multiple ways, including:

    Email forwarding

    The option of forwarding emails from your Wayne State email to a personal email address is available if you prefer.

    Custom email name

    Students with WSU email access have the option to use three different email aliases. It is strongly recommended that you use either the firstname.lastname email address or a custom email address. Emails sent to any of the addresses will arrive in your Microsoft 365 inbox. Your emails will be sent from whichever address you have chosen as your preferred address. If you change this, it may take as long as one hour to update within the system.

  • Wayne State alerts (emergency messaging)

    Be the first to know about campus closures or emergency situations—sign up for Wayne State Alerts at alerts.wayne.edu and opt-in to receive emergency text messages. All students receive these notifications via email automatically. Friends, family, and community members without an AccessID can sign up for Wayne State Alerts by texting WAYNESTATEALERT to 77295.

    Visit tech.wayne.edu/kb/822 to learn how to sign up for Wayne State alerts.

     

Get software and tech

  • Microsoft 365

    Currently registered Wayne State University students are eligible to use a free, full copy of Microsoft Office. Features included:

    • Available for Macs, PCs, and select mobile devices.
    • Download on up to five devices and five computers.
    • Fully-featured copy of Microsoft Office.
    • Keep up to date with the latest version with regular updates.
    • Includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and more.
  • Lastpass password manager

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  • Antivirus software

    WSU does not offer antivirus software for personal use, but the C&IT Help Desk recommends and offers support for Microsoft Defender and Sophos

  • Canvas Student mobile app

    Canvas is Wayne State's learning management system and you have the option to access your courses on the go using the Canvas Student mobile app.  The Canvas Student app will allow you to submit assignments, post to course discussions, and view grades and course materials. You can also access course calendars, “To Do” items, notifications, and Conversation messages.

    See tech.wayne.edu/kb/500242 to learn how to set up the Canvas Student app on your mobile devices.

  • Zoom

    Zoom is a web meeting tool that allows students, employees, and faculty to meet virtually. Licensed Zoom accounts are available for eligible Wayne State students who are enrolled in at least one class for the current semester.

    C&IT has integrated Zoom with other enterprise-class services, including Canvas and Microsoft Office 365.

    Visit tech.wayne.edu/kb/500261 to learn how to download and set up a licensed version of Zoom 

  • Virtual Private Network

    The Wayne State University Virtual Private Network (VPN) uses the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol (which provides secure communications on the internet and is found in standard web browsers) to allow access to WSU resources that are blocked by a firewall. Use the WSU VPN when off campus for private and secure access to Wayne State resources.

    See tech.wayne.edu/kb/682 for instructions on how to use VPN. Explore tech.wayne.edu/kb/security/wsu-virtual-private-network for knowledge base articles, guides, and FAQs related to VPN.

  • Help Desk store

    The C&IT Help Desk store provides free and discounted software, tech accessories, and diagnostics and repairs to current Wayne State students, faculty, and staff for academic, departmental, and personal use.

  • Computer and device repair

    The C&IT Help Desk offers walk-in computer diagnostic and repair services exclusively to Wayne State University students, faculty and staff for personal, non-university owned computers. The C&IT Help Desk will provide front counter computing diagnostics and repair at no charge. his includes virus removal and connection to WSU networks. If your problem cannot be resolved at the front counter, you may choose any of our paid services. 

    See Computer and Device Repairs  for more information.

  • Computer discounts

    Educational discounts are available for students, faculty and staff on new computers from Apple, Best Buy and Dell.

    Visit the tech.wayne.edu/software-hardware/computer-discounts for more information.

  • Laptop rentals

    Computing and Information Technology (C&IT) provides laptop lockers—or secure storage lockers that charge and dispense rentable laptop computers—across main campus. Laptops are available to check out for free for up to five hours from laptop lockers in the STEM Innovation Center and the Undergraduate Library.

    Visit tech.wayne.edu/kb/500399 for more information on how to rent laptops.

Get to work

  • Eessentials

    Academica

    Academica  is Wayne State University's single sign-on portal, providing secure access to most WSU systems and services. Academica also allows you to connect with your peers and instructors via a modern messaging system.

    Canvas

    Canvas is Wayne State's online learning management system. Students can take quizzes, upload assignments, participate in message boards and more. Free mobile apps for teachers and students are available.

    WSU Mobile

    WSU Mobile is the official mobile application of Wayne State University. Designed to enhance the university experience for students, faculty, staff,  the app provides convenient access to a range of essential information and services. 

  • Tech spaces

    The university offers a network of modern and well-equipped computer labs to cater to the technological needs of its students. These labs are strategically located across the campus and provide access to a variety of software and resources essential for academic and research purposes.

    • WSU Library System  provides both open, and restricted access computing areas for the entire campus community, with a variety of applications in support of student learning.
    • The Department of Computer Science has an open lab for computer science students located in the Prentis building on the second floor, Room 211.
  • Student print services

    Student printing and copying is available in multiple locations across campus, including libraries, labs and residence hall & apartment lobbies. 

Practice safe computing

  • Use strong passwords

    A secure password may be the only line of defense your computer possesses. If you have a weak password, a hacker may easily crack it and access all the information on your computer. Wayne State University offers students and employees guidelines for creating a strong password

     

  • Phishing scams

    Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking for personal information. Wayne State University staff and faculty will never ask you for your password or other private information via email.  WSU's email system keeps you safe from scammers, learn how to report phishing scams.

  • Multi-factor authentication

    Wayne State University uses two forms of MFA to add a second layer of security to access your account and sensitive systems, applications, and information.

    Microsoft MFA

    Wayne State University uses Microsoft MFA to securely access Wayne State email and other applications, including Office 365 (OneDrive, Teams, etc.)  Microsoft MFA can be used with the Authenticator mobile app, text messages, or voice calls to verify identity.

    DUO Security

    The university has also partnered with Duo Security to offer two-factor authentication to protect sensitive data in Academica.

Get help and support

  • Contact the Help Desk

    The C&IT Help Desk is Wayne State University's campus technology headquarters. Call, email, or stop in for one-on-one help with any WSU IT systems, including Wayne Connect, Canvas, Academica, and Wi-Fi.