Follow the steps below to begin using Valparaiso University's technology resources for teaching.

Step 1 – Obtaining Your Valpo OneCard

Official identification cards (your OneCard) are required for all employees of Valparaiso University. ID cards may be obtained at the OneCard Office in the Christopher Center, room 250. Bring a government-issued photo ID when you go to get your new OneCard. Your OneCard allows you to purchase meals, get into buildings, check out materials from the library, use the recreation center's facilities, gain admittance to campus events, and much more.

More information on the Valpo OneCard> valpo.edu/it/onecard

Step 2 – Using the ValpoNet System – Change Your Password!

Your ValpoNet account consists of a single username and password that synchronizes your password across multiple accounts and opens online access to a wide range of information technology services at Valparaiso University. The ValpoNet Identity Manager is a self-serve utility that allows you to change your password once it expires, or to recover from a forgotten password at your convenience by answering the challenge questions you had previously set up.

This ValpoNet Identity Manager tip sheet includes instructions on setting up your challenge questions, changing your password, and more.

You can access the Identity Manager system using a web browser at valpo.edu/it/valponet.

Step 3 – Attend the Technology Sessions during New Faculty Orientation

You will be notified of the dates for the New Faculty Orientation prior to the start of the fall semester. We highly recommend you attend the technology sessions to become more familiar with what the campus has to offer. This session will cover campus email, a DataVU orientation, and an introduction to Blackboard Learn.

Step 4 - Learning About Instructional Technology Services and the Instructional Design and Faculty Consulting (IDFC) Center 

Instructional Technology Services works to support the effective use of technology in instruction and in the administrative offices of the University. The ITS team includes a classroom technology specialist (who supports the various levels of technology available in classrooms), an instructional technologist (who handles video and audio production in the distance learning environment), and an instructional designer (who works with faculty to build and refine courses).

As a part of ITS, the Instructional Design and Faculty Consulting Center is a resource for you both now as you begin your career at Valparaiso University and in the future as you explore ways to refine and enhance your courses. We offer instructional design consulting services to help build pedagogically sound courses. We can assist in the development of learning objectives and assessments to help measure student learning.  When appropriate, we can suggest technology solutions to facilitate both instruction and student learning.

More information on ITS and IDFC> valpo.edu/it/current/idfc

Step 5 – Using Your Valpo Email Account

Valparaiso University provides Google Apps for Education email accounts for all employees. Valpo email addresses are in the format of firstname.lastname@valpo.edu, and use the first and last names that you provide on your HR paperwork.

Faculty can access the Gmail@Valpo login page by going to valpo.edu/gmail. Use the firstname.lastname portion of your Valpo email address (without the @valpo.edu) with your ValpoNet password.

More information on the Valpo email system> valpo.edu/googleapps

Step 6 – Using the DataVU System

DataVU is the system that provides access to pay stubs, Fitness Center registration, class mailing lists, advising information, grade reports, and more.

You can access the DataVU system using a web browser at https://datavu.valpo.edu. You will need to know your ValpoNet login and password.

Step 7 – Learning About Valparaiso University’s Computing Equipment

You do not need to worry about bringing your own computing equipment in order to do your job at Valparaiso University. Your department will work with IT to provide you with your accounts, a working computer, a telephone, and printing access. For specialized equipment requests, please request a consultation between your department and IT staff to determine how we can accommodate your needs.

Step 8 – Learning About the Campus Network

All Valparaiso University buildings that directly affect employees, teaching and learning, and supporting services are served by secure high speed connectivity. All academic buildings also have wireless connectivity available.

To access the campus network in your office, you simply need to login when prompted during your computer's boot process.

To access the campus wireless network you need to open a web browser, authenticate using your ValpoNet username and password, and install the network policy key. More information on the SafeConnect system> valpo.edu/it/current/safeconnect

Step 9 – Using the Blackboard Course Management System

Blackboard Learn is the Valparaiso University online course management system, which allows for learning to expand beyond the classroom.  You may use Blackboard Learn in the courses you teach at Valparaiso University.

You can access Blackboard Learn using a web browser at https://blackboard.valpo.edu. You will need to know your ValpoNet login and password.

More information on the Blackboard Learn course management system> valpo.edu/it/current/blackboard/faculty

Step 10 – Using the Campus Phone System

Valparaiso University provides campus and local phone service for all faculty and staff offices on campus. Each office has a telephone with a campus extension, and each employee gets a voicemail box. Voicemail setup is important in case calls are missed via the phone system. Long distance calls are permitted on the campus phone system; international calling may not be activated for all extensions. Accepting collect calls is strongly discouraged and will result in fees being charged to your department.

More information on campus telephones> valpo.edu/it/current/telephones

Step 11 – Learning About Computer Labs on Campus

Over 330 computers are housed in public computer labs across the campus. The largest computer lab is located in the lower level of the Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources. There are also 24-hour computer labs in the Harre Union and all residence halls, and many academic buildings have technology-equipped classrooms and labs. To login to the machines in the public computer labs on campus, you will need to know your full Novell login context. If you have forgotten your full context, please bring a photo ID to the Help Desk and request assistance.

The computer labs on campus will also allow you to access your Novell file storage space as well as networked laser printers.

Step 12 – Using the Novell File Storage System

Valparaiso University uses a system of Novell file storage servers to grant you private storage space on the network, as well as shared file storage space which is utilized by most departments on campus. NetStorage is a web-based method of accessing the campus Novell servers from off campus. You have a 500 MB private space assigned on the Novell servers.

You can access NetStorage using a web browser at netstorage.valpo.edu – make sure to use your full Novell login context when logging in.

Step 13 – Accessing Library Databases

The Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources offers free access to diverse databases. Access to library databases is also available through the Christopher Center library services web site at library.valpo.edu. Accessing library databases from off-campus requires you to enter your ValpoNet login information.

More information on library databases> library.valpo.edu

Step 14 – Knowing Where to Find Help

The IT Help Desk is your first point of contact for any technology related issues or questions you may have. The Help Desk can assist with most challenges you may encounter on your personal computer, either Mac or PC. They can solve many different connectivity and software related problems, and can help you get connected with the right people if you are experiencing trouble with campus technology. The IT Help Desk is open 7 days a week and is located on the first floor of the Christopher Center across from Grinders Cyber Café. You can also call them at 219.464.5678, email them at it.helpdesk@valpo.edu, or even enter your own request online at https://webhelpdesk.valpo.edu.

The IT website is the best place to find help online, anytime, anywhere about Valparaiso University's technology tools for learning. You can learn more about issues for current faculty at valpo.edu/it/current.

More information on where to find help> valpo.edu/it/help/