IT Services
Training Tips
Training tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the wide array of useful technologies and services available at the University of Chicago. Check out IT Services on Twitter every Tuesday for the latest #TrainingTipTuesday.
Training Tip: Get Around the UChicago Campus
With Orientation Week kicking off this weekend, check out the navigation tools available to guide you around the University of Chicago campus. First, visit maps.uchicago.edu for an interactive look at campus buildings and landmarks.
The UGo shuttles offer students, faculty, and staff a free ride around campus with a simple tap of your UChicago ID card. You can also view CTA bus routes that service campus. Download the TransLoc app for your mobile device for easy tracking on the go.
Finally, view the UChicago Safety and Security website for information on parking and additional transit options.
Training Tip: Connect to Campus Resources with cVPN
The University of Chicago virtual private network (cVPN) provides faculty, students, and staff with secure access to University network resources as if you were on campus, no matter where you are in the world. cVPN is used to remotely access resources that are not available from off-campus locations.
To download cVPN, visit cvpn.uchicago.edu and log in your CNetID and password. There are detailed instructions available for Windows 10, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Recently, cVPN was added to the list of UChicago online services and system protected by two-factor authentication. If you haven’t already signed up for 2FA, you will need to do so in order to access cVPN or download the software. Read the 2FA Overview for more information about how this service protects your information.
Training Tip: Master Canvas with Instructor Resources
As a University of Chicago instructor, now is the time to revisit or introduce yourself to the Canvas learning management system. You can sign up for workshops, access online trainings, or view instructor guides on course content, collaboration tools, assessments, and other tools on the UChicago Canvas Resources web page.
Training Tip: Connect to Wi-Fi on Campus and Beyond
The University of Chicago offers two secure wireless networks you can join with your CNetID and password: uchicago-secure and eduroam.
With eduroam, once you connect to the network at UChicago, you can instantly and securely join any eduroam hotspot in the world. These locations include hundreds of other universities and educational institutions.
To find out which institutions offer eduroam wireless access, see the US map. If you’re traveling abroad, view the international map.
Training Tip: Make a Backup Plan
As the new school year approaches, make a plan to back up all your important files. The University of Chicago offers several online file storage services such as Box, Google Drive, and OneDrive. View the UChicago file storage matrix document to compare these services and choose the best one for your needs. Depending on the storage service you select, you can work directly on your files online or have them sync so the latest version of your document is available online.
It’s a good strategy to also have an offline backup tool, such as an external hard drive or flash drive, to make sure your files are accessible in more than one place. Don’t forget to back up your mobile device as well!
Training Tip: Move Your Website to Voices
As summer winds down, it is a good time to review your materials for the upcoming school year. Whether you are an instructor, student, or staff member who maintains a website, you may want to consider consolidating your content and moving it to the UChicago Voices service.
The UChicago Voices website template is free to use and is entirely self-service for members of the University of Chicago community. Voices is built upon the industry standard WordPress content management system. Learn how to review your content and get started using Voices.
Training Tip: View Your Google Calendar in Outlook
Online calendars are a convenient way to track personal and work events, but you may have more than one calendar to manage. By subscribing to your Google calendar in Outlook, you can see it alongside other calendars in Outlook Calendar View. You can also import a snapshot of your Google calendar if you don’t need it to update automatically when you make changes. View step-by-step instructions for both options.
Training Tip: Manage Your Two-Factor Devices
Using your smartphone to verify your identity for two-factor authentication (2FA) is a convenient option, but it’s a good idea to register more than one device in case you misplace or can’t access your phone.
Check out the devices you have registered by logging in to 2FA.uchicago.edu. Then register a new device, such as a landline phone, tablet, or token. You can also print a list of one-time passcodes to use when you don’t have access to your registered devices.
If you change phones but are using the same phone number, follow instructions to re-activate 2FA on your new device.
Get more information on using 2FA on different devices.
Training Tip: Access Software for UChicago Students
Whether you are a new student at the University of Chicago or you’re returning for Autumn Quarter, get a head start on the school year by viewing the list of available software. IT Services provides UChicago students with free or reduced-cost access to a wide range of software, such as Microsoft Office and MATLAB.
Training Tip: Check Your Social Media Privacy Settings
As you post photos from your summer vacation and connect with friends on social media, take a moment to check your privacy settings to make sure you are comfortable with how your information is being shared. Here’s a rundown of where to find privacy settings for popular social media platforms:
When you sign up for a new social media account, it’s also a good idea to read through the privacy settings before you start using it.