Student Technology Resources
Welcome to Loyola from Information Technology Services (ITS)! We want to help get you up and running as a new member of the Loyola community.
UNIVERSITY IS (UVID / USERNAME)
All Loyola students have several identifiers, but we want you to focus on your University ID (UVID), sometimes just called your username, which is your first initial + last name + a number (if needed for differentiation). You receive your UVID during the admissions process, and will use it to log in to nearly every IT service provided by the University. If an application asks for your username, it is almost always your UVID, so try that first.
YOUR PASSWORD, MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA) & LASTPASS
When your UVID is created, it is set with a temporary password. This temporary password will only work to give you access to our Password Self-Service system. Follow the instructions at luc.edu/its/services/firsttimesetup to set a new password of your choosing.
What makes a good password? A long password is a strong password. We recommend you use a passphrase rather than a short collection of strange characters. You can use a short quote, a song lyric, or even just a random collection of words from the dictionary. Choose a phrase that others won’t guess you would use. Loyola’s system requires that you use between eight and 20 characters, a number, a symbol, and at least one of each letter case, so make sure your passphrase meets these criteria. An example might be MaryHad2LittleLambs!
Password changes. If you run into issues with your password, you can always unlock your account or reset your password at luc.edu/password. When you reset your password, you will need to update the password on any devices you use with your Loyola account. (for example, browsers, email, or Wi-Fi on your on campus computer, mobile phone or tablet) to avoid being locked out by submitting your outdated password. On July 1st, 2021, the complexity of passwords changed in preparation for a January 1st, 2022 security change. After this date, all general use passwords that meet the required complexity will be set to never expire.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Loyola has implemented security measures to protect your personal information, your intellectual property, and LUC's data. MFA protects you even if your Loyola password becomes compromised. Using MFA means that users will download the Microsoft Authenticator application on your phone, or get a phone call or a text to securely sign-in to online resources. Your Loyola UVID and password plus one of the authentication methods is used to verify your identity and protect the community from data breaches. Learn more: Multi-Factor Authentication.
LastPass. Managing passwords can be difficult, but a secure password manager can help you be more efficient by generating, remembering, organizing, and filling in your passwords. Loyola University Chicago has partnered with LastPass to provide students with the benefits of LastPass. One master password is all you will have to remember to access all of your accounts. All students have access to this service and can sign-up for a LastPass Premium account. Once you are setup with LastPass you can configure it for your use. Learn more: LastPass.
STAYING SECURE
Awareness. Information security awareness is an effort to raise awareness of computer-related security issues. This section is dedicated to providing you with important information about current threats, as well as steps you can take to protect yourself and your devices. By securing your devices, you also help us to secure the Loyola University Chicago network.
- Loyola Aware - Interactive, on-demand awareness training.
- Blog - Our blog holds the latest security news for campus in addition to security tips and interesting articles.
- Current Newsletter - Our monthly newsletter is filled with security tips and advisories. Each newsletter focuses on a specific topic.
- Protect Yourself - This section contains a comprehensive list of steps you can take to secure your computer before a security incident occurs. Additionally, it provides a detailed description of common attacks and things to look out for.
Phishing: Phishing is the act of attempting to acquire sensitive information by posing as a trustworthy entity. The most common means of phishing is via an email that contains a link to an online form that prompts for your information
DMCA. Title II of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA") of 1998 limits the liability of online service providers, such as Loyola University Chicago, for certain copyright infringement liability if various procedures are followed. Full information on this policy, intended to take advantage of the liability protections in the DMCA, are available here: DMCA Policy.
SERVICES AND ACCESS
Outlook Web App. Loyola uses Microsoft Exchange to host student email accounts. Your email address is yourUVID@luc.edu; it is accessible from https://outlook.luc.edu.
Mobile App. Add LUC email account to your mobile device. The preferred method is to download the Microsoft Outlook app from the apple App Store or the Google Play Store. When using the built-in mail app and add it as an “Exchange” account.
LOCUS: LOYOLA'S ONLINE CONNECTION TO UNIVERSITY SERVICES
The Office of Registration & Records provides documentation to assist with the following:
- Dropping & Swapping a Class
- Enrolling for Classes in LOCUS
- Performing a Class Search in LOCUS
- Questions & Answers
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH SERVICES (ITRS)
Sakai. Sakai is the University's Learning Management System (LMS). Sakai is an open-source learning management system (LMS) used for Loyola online, blended, hybrid, and in-person courses. Sakai can also be used by the Loyola community to host collaborative project sites for research, student clubs and organizations, and a variety of learning and online training activities.
Zoom. Zoom is a web conferencing solution that can be used to conduct synchronous online meetings, webinars and is the primary platform for courses requiring online synchronous sessions. Students at Loyola can schedule and host meetings without a host license.
Panopto. Panopto is a lecture capture software that allows the faculty and students to include video, audio, screen capture, and slides into a recording. All Loyola students have the ability to create and share recordings in Panopto.
Learning Cloud. Learning Cloud (formerly Hoonuit) is an online, on demand training site that subdivides topics into small chunks and presents the training through one to two minute videos. There are over 50,000 tutorial videos on over 250 technology applications.
Research Technologies. Student access to quantitative and qualitative research applications are available. Learn more: Academic Research Technologies.
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD
At-home access. As a result of campus closure, student access to Adobe Creative Cloud in labs and classrooms is not available. Adobe has provided temporary at-home access for impacted students and faculty, so that they can continue their work remotely. .
LUC WIRELESS NETWORK
LUC. LUC is a secure wireless network providing access to campus resources for all users with valid UVIDs and passwords. Only 802.1X-capable devices will work on LUC.
LUC-TV-Printer-Games-Misc. LUC-TV-Printer-Games-Misc is a special network for non-802.1x compliant devices such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, steaming devices and personal printers.
LUC-Guest. LUC-Guest is Loyola’s guest Wi-Fi. Limited access guest privileges to public-access facilities may be extended to a student visitor. Guests are bound by the University's Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic University Resources.
Eduroam. Eduroam is an international Wi-Fi roaming service for users in research, higher education and further education. It provides students easy and secure network access when visiting an institution other than their own. If you are going to travel to another institution, find out if that institution is an Eduroam member via the Where is Eduroam? button at here.
AUDIO / VIDEO CONFERENCING AND CHAT
Zoom. Zoom is a web conferencing solution that can be used to conduct synchronous online meetings and webinars. Students at Loyola can schedule and host meetings without a host license.
LUie. LUie, Loyola’s Digital Assistant/Chatbot is currently being piloted to provide students with quick, accurate answers to common questions that otherwise would require a phone call or hunting through Loyola web sites. Last Fall Loyola launched the pilot program to test an artificially intelligent digital assistant. Students are able to access the digital assistant at the following sites: LOCUS, Bursar, Campus Card, Residence Life, and Advising.
COMPUTER LABS
Digital Media Services maintains over 30 computer lab and kiosk locations across the Lakeshore and Water Tower campuses. These locations range from open-access spaces, high traffic kiosk locations, to shared departmental-only locations. Workstations are accessible to students and in select locations, alumni and community guests. For hours, locations, available software and more, visit Digital Media Services.
PRINTING
Printing on campus. Printing is a key feature in many of our multimedia computer labs. We offer a variety of options such as Black & White, Color and Tabloid (11x17) self-service printing. Poster Printing services are also available for individual academic projects or limited on-campus signage.
MobilePrint. MobilePrint allows students to print from any device to our authorized printers throughout our campus locations. Documents can be sent via email and printed from not only on-campus computer labs, kiosk locations, but also from personal devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Print jobs can then be retrieved from our on-campus MobilePrint station printers.
RESIDENCE HALL NETWORK JACK ACTIVATION
Network Connectivity. All Loyola residence halls have wireless network access available. In addition students can request to have a physical network connection activated in their room. There is no cost for this service, however you will need to provide your own network cable to connect to the jack. To request jack activation, complete the on-line request form. (Username & Password required)
OFFICE 365 (O365)
Office Applications. Office 365 web applications are free for all active students. Install Office apps button at the top right of portal.office.com. Learn more about Microsoft O365.
OneDrive. OneDrive is Loyola’s preferred, secured cloud storage service. OneDrive provides place in the cloud where you can store, share, and sync your academic and personal files. You can update and share your files from any device with OneDrive for Business. You can even work on Office documents with others at the same time for real time collaboration. Students have 5TB of storage space with OneDrive.
Teams. Microsoft Teams is a unified communication and collaboration platform that combines persistent chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration.
EQUIPMENT LOAN
Students have the ability to check multimedia equipment and technologies, over 80 different kit types for up to 7-days of use based on availability, utilizing Digital Media Services' Equipment Loan Program available across our three main Chicago campuses.
TECHNOLOGY RECOMMENDATIONS
Techconnect. TechConnect is a location where you can find numerous technology discounts and software recommendations for personal use including:
- Apple & Lenovo discounts
- AT&T, Verizon & Spring discounts
- VarsityBuys software discounts (including statistical & research applications)
- Free and recommended software applications for personal use
Personal Purchase Recommendation are linked within TechConnect to review tech specs, recommendations and requirements for purchasing personal technology such as computers, headsets, microphones and other devices.
HAVE AN UNANSWERED QUESTION? NEED SOME HELP?
The ITS Service Desk is here for you 24/7 on the web at luc.edu/itsserviceportal with a constantly improving knowledge base. The Service Desk is also available by phone at x8-4-ITS (773-508-4487 off-campus) or by email at ITSServiceDesk@luc.edu. Note that the Service Desk's hours vary based on the academic calendar and may not be staffed at all times, visit the Get Support page to learn more about the Service Desk's open hours.
Welcome to Loyola from Information Technology Services (ITS)! We want to help get you up and running as a new member of the Loyola community.
UNIVERSITY IS (UVID / USERNAME)
All Loyola students have several identifiers, but we want you to focus on your University ID (UVID), sometimes just called your username, which is your first initial + last name + a number (if needed for differentiation). You receive your UVID during the admissions process, and will use it to log in to nearly every IT service provided by the University. If an application asks for your username, it is almost always your UVID, so try that first.
YOUR PASSWORD, MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA) & LASTPASS
When your UVID is created, it is set with a temporary password. This temporary password will only work to give you access to our Password Self-Service system. Follow the instructions at luc.edu/its/services/firsttimesetup to set a new password of your choosing.
What makes a good password? A long password is a strong password. We recommend you use a passphrase rather than a short collection of strange characters. You can use a short quote, a song lyric, or even just a random collection of words from the dictionary. Choose a phrase that others won’t guess you would use. Loyola’s system requires that you use between eight and 20 characters, a number, a symbol, and at least one of each letter case, so make sure your passphrase meets these criteria. An example might be MaryHad2LittleLambs!
Password changes. If you run into issues with your password, you can always unlock your account or reset your password at luc.edu/password. When you reset your password, you will need to update the password on any devices you use with your Loyola account. (for example, browsers, email, or Wi-Fi on your on campus computer, mobile phone or tablet) to avoid being locked out by submitting your outdated password. On July 1st, 2021, the complexity of passwords changed in preparation for a January 1st, 2022 security change. After this date, all general use passwords that meet the required complexity will be set to never expire.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Loyola has implemented security measures to protect your personal information, your intellectual property, and LUC's data. MFA protects you even if your Loyola password becomes compromised. Using MFA means that users will download the Microsoft Authenticator application on your phone, or get a phone call or a text to securely sign-in to online resources. Your Loyola UVID and password plus one of the authentication methods is used to verify your identity and protect the community from data breaches. Learn more: Multi-Factor Authentication.
LastPass. Managing passwords can be difficult, but a secure password manager can help you be more efficient by generating, remembering, organizing, and filling in your passwords. Loyola University Chicago has partnered with LastPass to provide students with the benefits of LastPass. One master password is all you will have to remember to access all of your accounts. All students have access to this service and can sign-up for a LastPass Premium account. Once you are setup with LastPass you can configure it for your use. Learn more: LastPass.
STAYING SECURE
Awareness. Information security awareness is an effort to raise awareness of computer-related security issues. This section is dedicated to providing you with important information about current threats, as well as steps you can take to protect yourself and your devices. By securing your devices, you also help us to secure the Loyola University Chicago network.
- Loyola Aware - Interactive, on-demand awareness training.
- Blog - Our blog holds the latest security news for campus in addition to security tips and interesting articles.
- Current Newsletter - Our monthly newsletter is filled with security tips and advisories. Each newsletter focuses on a specific topic.
- Protect Yourself - This section contains a comprehensive list of steps you can take to secure your computer before a security incident occurs. Additionally, it provides a detailed description of common attacks and things to look out for.
Phishing: Phishing is the act of attempting to acquire sensitive information by posing as a trustworthy entity. The most common means of phishing is via an email that contains a link to an online form that prompts for your information
DMCA. Title II of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA") of 1998 limits the liability of online service providers, such as Loyola University Chicago, for certain copyright infringement liability if various procedures are followed. Full information on this policy, intended to take advantage of the liability protections in the DMCA, are available here: DMCA Policy.
SERVICES AND ACCESS
Outlook Web App. Loyola uses Microsoft Exchange to host student email accounts. Your email address is yourUVID@luc.edu; it is accessible from https://outlook.luc.edu.
Mobile App. Add LUC email account to your mobile device. The preferred method is to download the Microsoft Outlook app from the apple App Store or the Google Play Store. When using the built-in mail app and add it as an “Exchange” account.
LOCUS: LOYOLA'S ONLINE CONNECTION TO UNIVERSITY SERVICES
The Office of Registration & Records provides documentation to assist with the following:
- Dropping & Swapping a Class
- Enrolling for Classes in LOCUS
- Performing a Class Search in LOCUS
- Questions & Answers
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY & RESEARCH SERVICES (ITRS)
Sakai. Sakai is the University's Learning Management System (LMS). Sakai is an open-source learning management system (LMS) used for Loyola online, blended, hybrid, and in-person courses. Sakai can also be used by the Loyola community to host collaborative project sites for research, student clubs and organizations, and a variety of learning and online training activities.
Zoom. Zoom is a web conferencing solution that can be used to conduct synchronous online meetings, webinars and is the primary platform for courses requiring online synchronous sessions. Students at Loyola can schedule and host meetings without a host license.
Panopto. Panopto is a lecture capture software that allows the faculty and students to include video, audio, screen capture, and slides into a recording. All Loyola students have the ability to create and share recordings in Panopto.
Learning Cloud. Learning Cloud (formerly Hoonuit) is an online, on demand training site that subdivides topics into small chunks and presents the training through one to two minute videos. There are over 50,000 tutorial videos on over 250 technology applications.
Research Technologies. Student access to quantitative and qualitative research applications are available. Learn more: Academic Research Technologies.
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD
At-home access. As a result of campus closure, student access to Adobe Creative Cloud in labs and classrooms is not available. Adobe has provided temporary at-home access for impacted students and faculty, so that they can continue their work remotely. .
LUC WIRELESS NETWORK
LUC. LUC is a secure wireless network providing access to campus resources for all users with valid UVIDs and passwords. Only 802.1X-capable devices will work on LUC.
LUC-TV-Printer-Games-Misc. LUC-TV-Printer-Games-Misc is a special network for non-802.1x compliant devices such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, steaming devices and personal printers.
LUC-Guest. LUC-Guest is Loyola’s guest Wi-Fi. Limited access guest privileges to public-access facilities may be extended to a student visitor. Guests are bound by the University's Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic University Resources.
Eduroam. Eduroam is an international Wi-Fi roaming service for users in research, higher education and further education. It provides students easy and secure network access when visiting an institution other than their own. If you are going to travel to another institution, find out if that institution is an Eduroam member via the Where is Eduroam? button at here.
AUDIO / VIDEO CONFERENCING AND CHAT
Zoom. Zoom is a web conferencing solution that can be used to conduct synchronous online meetings and webinars. Students at Loyola can schedule and host meetings without a host license.
LUie. LUie, Loyola’s Digital Assistant/Chatbot is currently being piloted to provide students with quick, accurate answers to common questions that otherwise would require a phone call or hunting through Loyola web sites. Last Fall Loyola launched the pilot program to test an artificially intelligent digital assistant. Students are able to access the digital assistant at the following sites: LOCUS, Bursar, Campus Card, Residence Life, and Advising.
COMPUTER LABS
Digital Media Services maintains over 30 computer lab and kiosk locations across the Lakeshore and Water Tower campuses. These locations range from open-access spaces, high traffic kiosk locations, to shared departmental-only locations. Workstations are accessible to students and in select locations, alumni and community guests. For hours, locations, available software and more, visit Digital Media Services.
PRINTING
Printing on campus. Printing is a key feature in many of our multimedia computer labs. We offer a variety of options such as Black & White, Color and Tabloid (11x17) self-service printing. Poster Printing services are also available for individual academic projects or limited on-campus signage.
MobilePrint. MobilePrint allows students to print from any device to our authorized printers throughout our campus locations. Documents can be sent via email and printed from not only on-campus computer labs, kiosk locations, but also from personal devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Print jobs can then be retrieved from our on-campus MobilePrint station printers.
RESIDENCE HALL NETWORK JACK ACTIVATION
Network Connectivity. All Loyola residence halls have wireless network access available. In addition students can request to have a physical network connection activated in their room. There is no cost for this service, however you will need to provide your own network cable to connect to the jack. To request jack activation, complete the on-line request form. (Username & Password required)
OFFICE 365 (O365)
Office Applications. Office 365 web applications are free for all active students. Install Office apps button at the top right of portal.office.com. Learn more about Microsoft O365.
OneDrive. OneDrive is Loyola’s preferred, secured cloud storage service. OneDrive provides place in the cloud where you can store, share, and sync your academic and personal files. You can update and share your files from any device with OneDrive for Business. You can even work on Office documents with others at the same time for real time collaboration. Students have 5TB of storage space with OneDrive.
Teams. Microsoft Teams is a unified communication and collaboration platform that combines persistent chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration.
EQUIPMENT LOAN
Students have the ability to check multimedia equipment and technologies, over 80 different kit types for up to 7-days of use based on availability, utilizing Digital Media Services' Equipment Loan Program available across our three main Chicago campuses.
TECHNOLOGY RECOMMENDATIONS
Techconnect. TechConnect is a location where you can find numerous technology discounts and software recommendations for personal use including:
- Apple & Lenovo discounts
- AT&T, Verizon & Spring discounts
- VarsityBuys software discounts (including statistical & research applications)
- Free and recommended software applications for personal use
Personal Purchase Recommendation are linked within TechConnect to review tech specs, recommendations and requirements for purchasing personal technology such as computers, headsets, microphones and other devices.
HAVE AN UNANSWERED QUESTION? NEED SOME HELP?
The ITS Service Desk is here for you 24/7 on the web at luc.edu/itsserviceportal with a constantly improving knowledge base. The Service Desk is also available by phone at x8-4-ITS (773-508-4487 off-campus) or by email at ITSServiceDesk@luc.edu. Note that the Service Desk's hours vary based on the academic calendar and may not be staffed at all times, visit the Get Support page to learn more about the Service Desk's open hours.