Office365 at SPU
SPU has partnered with Microsoft to provide the Office365 set of applications and services to employees and students. There are many services included under this umbrella that Micorosoft provides to SPU at no charge. Here are a few:
- SPU Email - your *@spu.edu email address with 50 gigabytes (GB) of storage. Accessible from all your devices, anytime, anywhere -- manage your email, calendar, and tasks. Take this address with you even after you graduate.
- OneDrive for Business - 1 terabyte (TB) of cloud based storage for your documents, pictures, and files. Linked to your SPU credential, accessible on all your devices, anytime, anywhere.
- Skype for Business - the enterprise version of Skype that is linked to your SPU credential and can be used for one-on-one or group meetings, events, discussions, or screen sharing.
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote, Outlook, etc) - install the full applications on up to 5 devices or use the Office Online apps.
Login to the SPU Office365 Portal to see all of the applications and services available. Use the upper left hand "waffle menu" (app launcher) to browse the apps.
Updates and Enhancements
There are frequent updates and enhancements to these services. Here are a few:
Updated SPU Branding and Graphics for the Office365 Login Page, Webmail, and Sharepoint Online
We have changed the "default" color theme for the Office365 portal and primary application menus. Login to: Webmail to see the changes. Don't like this theme? You can set your own personal color scheme as well.
SPU Sharepoint Moving to Sharepoint Online
Current SPU Sharepoint sites are migrating to Microsoft’s cloud-hosted infrastructure: SharePoint Online. This version has better tools to manage your sites as well as providing the newest features from Microsoft as soon as they are released. You will notice a slight change to the look of sites as they migrate to the new SharePoint Online environment. If you manage a SharePoint site, be on the lookout for an email during spring quarter to schedule the migration of your site.
How to Use (and configure) "Clutter" in My SPU Email Account
Clutter is an email filter feature introduced by Microsoft. It has additional filtering that takes low priority messages that arrive in your inbox and organizes them in a separate folder. Clutter looks at what you've done in the past to determine the messages you’re most likely to ignore and then moves those messages to a new folder in Outlook called Clutter. Don't like clutter? Want to turn it off? Go: here.
Yammer Now Available to All SPU Staff and Students
Yammer is a private social network linked to your SPU credential that helps you and your teams, groups, or departments share and work together. Setup a class project, start conversations, collaborate on files, and organize around projects. Learn more about Yammer here.
A few helpful links about Office365 at SPU:
Microsoft Office365 for Education at SPU
Install Microsoft Office on Your Windows Computer
Comcast will be on campus in Gwinn Commons at lunchtime on Thursday and Friday (9/29 & 30) during the first week of the quarter to introduce the service to SPU residential students.
Watch this short video clip from some SPU folks.
Comcast/Xfinity On Campus CableTV Service
SPU contracts with Comcast (Xfinity) to provide on-campus CableTV service in the residence halls and campus apartments. There are approximately 120 viewing channels (90+ in HD). You can preview the channel lineup here.
There are TWO ways for SPU residential students to get CableTV programming:
- Watch Comcast (Xfinity On Campus) CableTV Channels on your computer or tablets/phones. The Xfinity On Campus service is available to SPU students who live in campus housing units. The service requires you to login with your SPU Username and Password. Start watching at xfinityoncampus.com (you'll need to be on-campus to do this). Enter Seattle Pacific University in the "Enter Your School" field, then login with your SPU Username and Password. You'll be able to browse the channel lineup with the built-in media player and view live TV broadcasts and selected On-Demand shows from your computer.
- Use the CableTV jack in your room - Connect your TV to the CableTV system through a coaxial TV jack and cable. BRING A TV COAX CABLE WITH YOU TO CAMPUS. Some TV's may need to be programmed once on campus to get all of the channels. In order for your television to work with the campus CableTV service it needs to have a “QAM” capable channel tuner. Most consumer grade TV's purchased since 2006 support digital QAM tuning. Go here for more detailed information about the requirements for connecting your TV to the SPU CableTV system.
NEW "DVR" Service This Year
NEW THIS YEAR for Xfinity On Campus is 20 hours of personal cloud-based DVR ("digital video recording") storage. You can select a live show to record -- even before it airs -- and store it for later viewing. All of the storage is "in the cloud" and can be played back on any of your registered devices.
Here's how Xfinity On Campus works:
- The Xfinity On Campus service is available to SPU students who live in campus housing units that are under contract for Comcast CableTV service. The service requires you to login with your SPU Username and Password.
- The Xfinity On Campus media player is used to watch live TV channels while on-campus (residence halls and other campus buildings that are part of the SPU campus network).
- You can register and use the service on up to three personal devices including computers, and select tablets or phones.
- Apple iOS and Android app versions of Xfinity On Campus can be downloaded on both the Apple App and Google Play stores.
- Xfinity On Campus also provides additional subscription programming (movies and sports) packages at an additional cost -- however the BASIC service (and 120 channels of programming) is FREE to students as part of your housing.
CIS HelpDesk support pages on the campus Cable TV Service: SPU Cable TV Service
Residential students will move into their dorm room or apartment in just a few days. Technology services are an important part of the residential experience and SPU offers a host of top-notch technology to make your time here more productive. Please review this message so that you come to campus prepared!
New to SPU?
Prepare for your arrival on campus now by going to New To SPU to learn about campus technology resources. There are also instructions for getting your SPU email setup and configured on all your devices (computers, tablets, smart phones). Go to SPU Email Setup for email configuration instructions.
Wireless (and Wired) Networking
All residential buildings have robust wireless throughout the building. Many students bring multiple devices to campus that will connect to the campus wireless network (laptops, smart phones, tablets, gaming consoles, etc.). Once connected and registered, devices can seamlessly roam throughout campus on the WiFi. Here is a quick guide to network connectivity in the residence halls and campus apartments.
- Laptops, smart phones, and tablet computers on the wireless (WiFi) network must register and authenticate. Look for the network ID called SPU-Wireless, the network key/password is the same as the network ID ("SPU-Wireless" without the quotes, case sensitive). Once connected to the SPU-Wireless network, launch a web browser and login with your SPU Username and Password.
- Personal Wireless Access Points and Routers are NOT ALLOWED on the campus network and will negatively impact all other network users.
- Gaming Consoles (Xbox, PS3, Nintendo Wii, etc...) can connect to the wireless network however you may need to manually register your gaming console for network access. Go here for instructions to get your gaming device on the campus network.
- Video/Streaming Devices (Roku, DVR's, AppleTV, smart TV's, etc.). SPU provides a "best effort" level of service to assist in getting these devices connected -- BUT DOES NOT guarantee that all devices will work. There are some limitations and restrictions in the design of the campus network that may prevent certain levels of connectivity or functionality. Go here for more information.
- Wired Connections We have invested heavily to make the SPU WiFi network robust for nearly all networking needs, but there may be some equipment or devices that require a Wired network connection. Wired network connections in the Residence Halls are activated on a "as requested" basis. Go here for instructions to request your wired network port be activated.
For more information about general network connectivity on campus, go here.
Guest Wireless
SPU students should use and register on the SPU-Wireless network (see instructions above) -- but parents, friends, and campus guests may use the Guest Internet Access. Connect to the network ID called SPU-Guests, then launch a web browser and follow the guest registration instructions. SPU guests must provide a valid email address or text messaging cell phone number for registration. Additional instructions for Guest Access are provided here.
Personal Printers
Wireless printers DO NOT WORK on the campus wireless network. Disable the wireless networking on your printer and use a USB cable (available at the SPU Bookstore or other stores) to connect to your computer.
Better yet, leave your personal printer at home and use your print credit! As an alternative to bringing your own printer to campus, use the campus-provided copiers/printers. Many of these multi-function printers (MFP's) are located in student accessible locations (the Library, SUB, and many classroom buildings) and provide high quality B&W plus color printing and copying at very good rates (4 cents for B&W, 8 cents for color). All students are provided a small "free print quota" to use the campus-wide MFP equipment. The MFP's also provide document scanning to email for free! So leave your printer at home and make better use of your room space.
More information about using the campus MFP copiers/printers is here.
TV's and SPU CableTV Service
SPU has contracted with Comcast (Xfinity) to provide on-campus CableTV service in the residence halls and campus apartments. There are approximately 120 viewing channels (90+ in HD). You can preview the channel lineup here.
This year there is only one way to get TV programing. The Cable jack in residential housing is no longer funtional.
Xfinity streaming is available to students residing on campus.
1st Install the Xfinity Stream App from the App Store or Google Play.
2nd Visit xfinityoncampus.com
3rd In the search field enter “Seattle Pacific University”
4th Log in with your SPU login
5th Once authenticated, start watching!
(The Xfinity Streaming account includes a DVR function!)
Security Patches and Updates Before Campus Arrival
Installing operating system security patches and application updates on ALL of your computer devices BEFORE YOU ARRIVE on campus is one of the best strategies to assure quick and easy access to the campus technology resources. Download and install your Windows Updates, your iOS and Android updates, and check your computer browsers (Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox) for updates. A few minutes now will save headaches and irritations later.
CIS HelpDesk Services
Is your computer having trouble? Need help with Banner or logging in to Canvas? Think you might have a software virus or your computer is running very slowly? Having trouble getting your phone connected to SPU Email? We're here to help! Stop by the CIS HelpDesk in Lower Marston Hall and we can help with your technical issues.
CIS HelpDesk Hours
Beginning Monday, September 25th, and for the rest of the academic year, the CIS HelpDesk will be open extended support hours (evenings and Saturdays).
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended Hours
(phone, email and classroom support, office visits by appointment)
Monday - Thursday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Passwords... Your First Line of Security!
Test your password strength: Password Checker. Need something better?? See the instructions below to reset your SPU password. A password is often all that stands between a hacker and your sensitive data.
Use a PASSPHRASE to Create a Strong Password
What makes a strong password?
- Length - a minimum of eight characters are required for SPU accounts, but 12 characters (or more) will provide better security.
- Complexity- use upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters such as !@#$%^&*()?/[]\.
How to use a Passphrase (a few suggestions):
- Think of a short sentence or phrase you can easily remember. An example might be: God is in control. Add complexity to the phrase: Godis1nControl#2017
- Choose three random words: snake, apple, eve. Add complexity to the words: $nake@pple8Eve
- Add a letter(s) at the end of your base password to make the password unique for each account, such as: $nake@pple8EveFB (for your Facebook account)
Want to Change Your SPU Password?
At SPU, the same Username and Password are used for most campus resources: Banner, Canvas, Webmail/Outlook, network access, etc... Change this password through the Banner Information System.
- Login to Banner with your SPU username and password
- Select the Personal Menu--> then Computer Accounts Menu
- Choose Change Your Password
- The password sync takes roughly 15 minutes to be in effect for all SPU resources.
- After you change your password make sure you update it on any device that might store the password (phones, tablets, etc...).
Use Multi-Factor Authentication When Available
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a method of computer access control that requires two of the following: something you know (like a password), something you have (like a mobile device or a security dongle), or something you are (like a fingerprint or an eye scan).
SPU already uses MFA for certain administrative access to the Banner system, and will be adding additional MFA options and requirements later this school year.
Many banks and online services (Apple iCloud, Microsoft, DropBox, etc..) are providing optional multi-factor authentication. Take advantage of these new tools. It will make your access much more secure.
Store an External Email Address in the Banner System
There are times when you forget your password or need to reset your SPU password through our automated system. We can use an alternate/non-SPU email address to help reset your password if there is one stored in Banner. CIS recommends that EVERYONE setup a NON-SPU/External email address.
As an added security measure, you will receive email notifications to your Non-SPU account advising you of SPU password resets, DirectDeposit changes, and Location Tracking notifications (see above).
- Login to Banner with your SPU username and password
- Select the Personal Menu--> then Personal Information Menu
- Choose Update Email Address
- Then ADD, CHANGE or DELETE your NON-SPU email address(es).
If you forget your SPU password and need help to reset it, you can go to: http://spu.edu/findmyid/ for assistance.
Consider Using a Password Manager Application
The difficulty of keeping track of different passwords for all your online services is a big challenge. You might want to consider the use of Password Manager application or service. There are many to choose from, but here are three that have been vetted by CIS:
All of these provide low cost or free personal use.
A reminder that SPU will NEVER ask you to send your login credentials or other personal/confidential information via email. Your account credentials should not be shared with anyone.
Ransomware has been around for a few years but has recently been on the rise and has hit a few people here at SPU. There are many variations of ransomware -- two of the most prevalent are called Cryptolocker and WannaCry. Ransomware is a serious issue with potentially devastating consequences. Your data and/or your pocketbook is at stake! You could lose your documents, pictures, music, etc... ANY data files stored on your computer.
Once the infection is present the malware encrypts data files and folders on the local hard drive, attached drives, backup drives, network locations, and potentially other computers on the same network. This is nasty stuff and once infected all your data files are inaccessible. Users are not generally aware of the infection until they get a pop-up message advising of the attack and demanding a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key to restore access to their files. There are often requirements to pay such as -- "Your files are encrypted! Pay $300 in Bitcoin within 72 hours or lose access to your files forever."
For most variants of ransomware there are few if any tools to break the encryption and restore your system and files. Incidents are increasing and more people, businesses, and organizations (hospitals, governments, educational institutions) are being victimized.
What You Need to Do?
Tips for Dealing with Ransomware Threats (students and employee home computers):
- Backup your data regularly to a separate drive. For instance, use an external USB thumb-drive or hard-drive, and keep that drive locked away except when backing up your files.
- Patch operating systems, software, and applications.
- Ensure anti-virus software is running and up-to-date.
- Be careful with email, attachments from unknown senders, or demands to follow a link.
For SPU employees , using SPU managed computers , accessing institutional data -- CIS has some additional layers of ransomware protection but ransomware is still a serious threat. Software and application patches, anti-virus updates, protected data backups, mandated browser and security settings, are all enforced for university managed desktop and laptop computers, but you need to do your part.
Help! I Think I Messed Up!
If you think your system is compromised:
- Immediately shut down your computer -- press-and-hold the power button until the system shuts off if needed.
- Disconnect from the Internet (unplug the cable, turn-off your Wifi connection).
- Disconnect any external hard drives or portable devices (including USB drives).
- Call or email the CIS HelpDesk immediately (206-281-2982 or help@spu.edu). There may be actions we can take to limit or minimize the damage.
The FBI advises to not pay the ransom -- "Paying the ransom doesn't guarantee that you will get your data back -- we've seen cases where you never get a decryption key after having paid the ransom. Paying the ransom not only emboldens current cyber criminals to target more people, it also offers an incentive for other criminals to get involved." However, if your personal data files have been taken (your personal picture library, your music library, or all your personal records) and you don't have a good data backup, a few hundred dollars may be worth your risk and your expense to return your important data.
Computers that have been infected with ransomware must be wiped clean and rebuilt from the ground up. Any data on the computer is irrevocably lost, and must be restored from a secure data backup. This is not fun or easy and can take hours to complete.
If you see something, say something! We're here to help.
A reminder that SPU will NEVER ask you to send your login credentials or other personal/confidential information via email. Your account credentials should not be shared with anyone.