Information Technology
O r i e n tat i o n 2013 | highpoint.edu
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HelpDesk
Blackboard
Passwords
The Office of Information Technology offers services for students that need assistance with just about anything related to technology.
Once enrolled in courses, students will be given access to Blackboard, which is the course management software that High Point University uses to supplement the delivery of additional materials and resources for courses.
Each student at High Point University will receive a username and password that will be required to access a host of applications on campus, including Webmail, Blackboard, and MyStuff.
At High Point University, we understand that students rely heavily on technology for a number of daily activities, including their academics, communication, research, community involvement, and socialization. It is the mission of the HelpDesk to ensure that the technology functions when students need it most.
Faculty post materials, including syllabi, reading assignments, review questions, and website links, to each corresponding course offered on Blackboard.
Our services include: • personal computer assistance • wireless network access • cable TV • telephone services • mobile device support • campus email • software support • password assistance Students may also call the HelpDesk at (336) 841-4357 or email the Help Desk at helpdesk@highpoint.edu. For more information on this and other topics, please visit our website at http://www.highpoint.edu/it.
• Extends the classroom • Centralizes materials pertinent to a course • Gives students the ability to access additional course materials regardless of the time of day or the availability of peers • Leverages the web to deliver important course information before students arrive in class • Serves as a resource in the event that a class is canceled • Enables faculty to post materials on a given topic without requiring students to locate the resource individually In addition, Blackboard can be accessed through a Facebook application called Blackboard Sync, as well as on mobile devices with the Bb Learn application (for iPhones). To visit Blackboard, check out http://blackboard.highpoint.edu.
MyStuff MyStuff is the central campus portal on High Point University’s network that gives students access to grades, course registration, housing selection, important financial information, and a number of other personal elements specific to a student’s academic experience and time on campus. Need to see if a class is available for next semester? Check MyStuff. Want to make a payment against a student’s account? Payments can be made through MyStuff. Staying on campus over Fall Break? Alert Student Life through MyStuff by filling out a campus housing request form. At High Point University, we strive to make the experience of the student central to our mission. MyStuff extends this service into the cloud and empowers the student to complete a host of tasks throughout the course of the year. For access to MyStuff, check out http://mystuff.highpoint.edu.
The passwords for Webmail and Blackboard will be the same. This is the student’s main campus username and password combination, and it can be used for additional services, including checking the balance on the HPU Passport card, logging into computer labs on campus, registering for housing, and accessing library resources. A number of systems on campus require the use of the default username and password authentication. For each system, the username will remain consistent. The MyStuff password is initially set to a PIN number. After the first login, the password can be changed. This password should be unique since the MyStuff account contains important personal data. To learn more visit http://support.highpoint.edu. To reset a password, visit http://passwordreset.highpoint.edu.
WEB Security Students should be cautious of the types of content downloaded while on the web. Viruses and other malicious programs (known as spyware/malware) result from visiting certain websites, downloading software, plugging in portable drives, and often clicking on links in suspicious emails. At High Point University, students are encouraged to maintain an active anti-virus software subscription, which helps prevent these types of unwanted attacks.
A few quick tips for safe usage:
• Always make sure that emails are coming from a trusted source before downloading attachments or following links • If a file looks suspicious, it most likely is. • Peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing software, such as Limewire, and file sharing websites, such as uTorrent, can contain hidden malicious software embedded within.
Additional resources on security and safe browsing practices can be found on the Office of Information Technology website at http://www.highpoint.edu/it.