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

BEFORE ENROLLING…

Know Your Financial Aid Login

DataVU is the system that provides you access to your Valpo Financial Aid award information. Newly-admitted students receive a letter with a special DataVU login and password and information on how to use DataVU for financial aid information. If you have not gotten your letter or you do not remember the login information, contact the Financial Aid Office by phone at 888.GO.VALPO or 219.464.5015 or by visiting Kretzmann Hall.

Please note: once you enroll in classes, this login will no longer work and you will receive a new, permanent login.

You can access the DataVU system using a web browser at https://datavu.valpo.edu.

AFTER ENROLLING…

Step 1: Obtaining Your Valpo OneCard

Valpo identification cards (your OneCard) are required for all students 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 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: Using the DataVU System

DataVU is the system that provides access to class registration, academic records (such as grades and transcripts), Fitness Center registration, student accounts, your OneCard accounts (Dining Dollars, Crusader Cash), pay stubs, and much more. You can contact the Registrar’s Office if you need help on how to use DataVU to access your academic program information.

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 4: Using Your Valpo Email Account

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

Students 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 5: Learning About Valparaiso University’s Minimum Computer Requirements

The VU minimum computer requirements are intended to ensure that the equipment you bring to campus meets any software requirements for the current academic year. Computer equipment recommendations represent what we consider to be the ideal system configuration for a computer that is expected to support you through your academic program. For the most recent minimum computer requirements please go to valpo.edu/it/techsvc/recommendations.php.

Step 6: Learning About the Campus Network

All Valparaiso University buildings that directly affect students, teaching, and learning are served by secure high speed connectivity. Every residence hall room is provided with a high speed network port for each bed, which uses an ethernet cable with an RJ-45 connector. Wireless coverage is also available in the residence halls and academic buildings.

To access the campus 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 7: 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.  Your professors may have you use Blackboard Learn in the courses you take 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/student

Step 8: Using the Campus Phone System

Valparaiso University provides campus and local phone service for students who live in the residence halls. Students must use a calling card to place long distance calls from campus phones. Emergency phones are available throughout campus and connect to the Valparaiso University Police Department (VUPD).

Instructions on how to setup your phone tree message and voice mailbox message.

Step 9: 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, available to all Valpo students. To login to the machines in the public computer labs on campus, you will need to know your full Novell login context, which is provided to each student during FOCUS. 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 10: 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 may be utilized in the courses you take. NetStorage is a web-based method of accessing the Novell servers available to students. You have a 75 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 11: Accessing Library Databases

The Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources offers students 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.

Step 12: Obtaining Help from the Writing Center

The Valparaiso University Writing Center offers students free online help for all types of writing through the Writing Center website at valpo.edu/writingcenter. The Writing Center staff offer consultations through email and Instant Messaging. They also have a blog that is full of wonderful information about writing at blogs.valpo.edu/writingcenter/.

Step 13: 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.

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