Technology Services FAQs

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Multi-factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), sometimes referred to as dual factor, is an important feature that keeps your account safer by adding another layer of security beyond a password. When you log in to access your campus apps you will provide a password and verify through another method (usually Okta Verify).

MFA is based on you providing two things:

  1. Something you know (username, password, pin to unlock your device)
  2. Something you have (your devices, biometrics like face or fingerprint identification

Okta is your personal UW-Superior dashboard with all your UW-Superior apps. Go to https://myapps.uwsuper.edu to login to Okta using your username, password, and multi-factor authentication and you will unlock access to Canvas, Microsoft 365, eHive, Navigate, LinkedIn Learning, and much more.

The Okta Verify app is the superior MFA method choice. This is quick, easy, and ultimately much safer than other methods. It uses number matching (you pick the correct number in the app that matches the login screen) and then you either enter your pin for your device or a biometric method (fingerprint or face ID) to verify it is you.

Okta sign in verification image

Visit https://myapps.uwsuper.eduand follow the prompts to set up Okta Verify or another approved method (Okta Verify is the best option for most users). Review our guide to Setting up Multi-Factor Authentication with Okta for more information on initial setup and adding or removing MFA methods.

In addition to this FAQ, we have created a guide to walk you through setting up multi-factor authentication. If you experience issues or have additional questions, please contact the Technology Help Desk for assistance.

Okta supports more secure options to protect your account. Weaker methods like text and email are more susceptible to phishing attacks, MFA fatigue attacks (such as push bombing), and other types of attacks (sim-swapping, etc.). Okta Verify and the alternative choices available to you are much stronger and are supported by Okta.

Most people do. The Okta Verify app (phone or tablet) is the preferred MFA method due to being the best of both worlds. It provides an extra layer of security while also being convenient and free. You can download Okta Verify to multiple devices. This is a good idea so you have a backup.

Employees that have a university owned mobile device may set up Okta Verify on that device, too.

No. Okta Verify simply offers you a convenient way to securely log into your apps and has no impact on your privacy or grant anyone access to the contents of your device. However, using a physical key is an accepted alternative. Students can purchase one with NFC/tap such as YubiKey (average $50). Employees should reach out to the Technology Help Desk to discuss.

No. You will have the option in the Okta Verify app to set this up, but you can opt out of using this feature. Instead of using the biometric scan, Okta Verify will use your pin that you use to unlock your device. Biometric verification methods are only available in the Okta Verify app. You will be able to set up either face or fingerprint identification depending on your device.

Okta Verify is usually used with number matching for convenience, but as an alternative option you can choose to verify with the code displayed in your app. This is typically not done since you need to type out the six-digit code before it refreshes. It is much easier to tap a corresponding number in the Okta Verify app using number matching. However, it is there if you need it.

Okta verify random numbers picture


Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator also can provide randomized codes like this if you decide to use one of them as an MFA method.

Okta defaults to the last method you used for MFA. To change this, click “verify with something else” on the login screen and select a different method. You must have already registered a method for it to show up as an option.

If you are stuck contact the Technology Help Desk to get a one-time passcode. Please be aware that we will ask questions to confirm your identity when you contact us, but we will never ask for highly sensitive information such as your password or social security number.

Users are required to report any lost, stolen, or compromised MFA methods to the Technology Help Desk immediately. If you can get into your Okta dashboard, you can also remove the security method(s) that are compromised under settings.

Contact the Technology Help Desk:
Self Service Portal: uwsuper.edu/helpdesk
Email: helpdesk@uwsuper.edu
Call: 715-394-8300
Visit: Swenson Hall 2100

Learn more on our website at uwsuper.edu/technology.

Yes. You will need to use your chosen MFA method every time you need to access your UWS apps in a new Okta session. It is important to not delete your app from your device or leave your physical key behind. Without using your registered MFA method(s) you will be blocked from accessing your account.

Please skip changing your password until your next login. Changing your password requires you to verify your identity with MFA so on your very first login you will not be able to make this change since your MFA isn’t set up yet. You will be prompted to change it the next time you sign into Okta.

Email

All UW-Superior students and employees have an email account comprising of [username] @ uwsuper.edu. Your username is used to access all your UW-Superior apps via your Okta Dashboard.

You can access all your UWS apps (including Outlook) through your Okta Dashboard: myapps.uwsuper.edu. Since email is one of the primary sources of information you may want to opt in to have your email automatically open when you sign-in. You can set this up on your Okta dashboard by clicking on the … in the upper right corner of the app to open the menu, click the box to launch on open, and save your choice.

Students also can download the app for their personal laptop computer or access it in the computer labs. Employees automatically have Outlook on their work computers.

On your Okta login page (https://myapps.uwsuper.edu) click on the link that says, “New user/forgot password?” and follow the steps to set up your password for the first time or to reset it if you forgot. You will use your registered MFA method to complete setup. You also can do this in your Okta dashboard under settings.

If you need further help, please contact the Technology Help Desk for assistance.  

We recommend you keep your uwsuper email account strictly for business/school purposes. This will help you keep your email organized so you are less likely to miss important information. It also keeps your email safer from potential phishing attacks.

You should consider using a personal email address for non-UWS needs such as signing up for a conference, outside organization/business webinar, or mailing list. You also can consider using an email alias. This will allow you to keep your personal inbox less full of junk or scams as well. When you use an email alias you are not giving your real address. 

Sign up for SAFE Alerts to receive voice mail/text messages/emails about critical UW-Superior campus information.

Phishing attacks are designed to steal money and private data through trickery using sending malicious emails, texts, phone calls, or with social media. They use social engineering to fool you into compromising your security.

While we are able to block many phishing attacks, scammers know if they can compromise a legitimate account they can victimize that user as well as use the compromised account to target others.

The good news is that there are simple habits you can build to keep yourself safe. Here are some of our top recommendations:

  • Use the Report Message feature in Outlook if you are not sure a message is legitimate
  • Be cautious of unsolicited messages. Do not click on links or attachments unless you are certain it is safe.
  • Look for red flags such as spelling errors (especially in email addresses and website URLs)
  • Don’t trust branding. It is easily faked. Go directly to the source you know to be true. For example, all UWS apps can be found in your Okta dashboard.
  • Set up MFA for all your accounts (not just your uwsuper account)
  • Check out the Technology Services Cybersecurity page for easy-to-understand tips, training videos and documents, security alerts, and more
  • Always read communications from Technology Services including the newsletter and cybersecurity alerts

Use the Report Message feature in Outlook. Reporting an email as phishing will not do anything negative so if you are not sure please select “phishing” so Technology Services can review the email and let you know if it is safe or not. We would rather you be safe than sorry. You also can select “junk” to block unwanted emails.

You have by default a focused, other, and junk inbox. If it is not in any of those folders, it may have been flagged by our email protection service. Learn more on our website about how to check and manage your email quarantine.

We recommend taking the free course on LinkedIn Learning, Tips for Writing Business Emails.You can watch individual videos or the whole course (35 minutes).

You can find more than 21,000 courses to learn new skills and boost your knowledge in a variety of topics on LinkedIn Learning (all included with your uwsuper account).

With your uwsuper account you get access to the Technology Services site at uwsuper.edu/technology. On the site, we feature training resources for specific apps as well as Microsoft as a whole. This includes a curated selection of courses from LinkedIn Learning.

Every Monday morning you will receive your weekly digest email of news posted to SharePoint the previous week. It is important to check this email to stay on top of important information from scholarship deadlines, club activities, student resources, and more. You also can directly go to your SharePoint.

Student Edition: The email includes all news shared on the student news site: https://uwsuper.sharepoint.com/sites/StudentNewsEvents. Examples of student/campus news include scholarships, social activities, important dates, and more.

Employee Edition: The email includes all news posts made the previous week. This includes posts to the student news and employee only news posted to the Employee Intranet: https://uwsuper.sharepoint.com/sites/VivaLanding. Examples of employee only news include webinars, workshops, grant information, webinars, celebrating accomplishments, benefits information, and more.

Posting News: Posts are made by approved employees that complete SharePoint training provided by Technology Services. They post news on behalf of their department or team. Students that want to have their information included in the digests and on SharePoint can submit their stories through Student Involvement. More information can be found on the Student Involvement SharePoint site.

Passwords and User Accounts

You can change your password yourself through our UW-Superior Login Portal. If you need further assistance, please contact the Technology Help Desk.

Go to the UW – Superior Portal login page to reset your password. Below the login boxes, you will see the options titled “Change Password” or “New/Forgot Password”. Follow the steps to create a new password. You will be required to enter personal identification information successfully to create a new password and unlock your account. Please see our Resources page for more information.  

If you are a student – contact the Registrar’s Office

If you are a staff or faculty member – contact the Human Resources Office

In either case, once your records are updated in our system, you will receive an email asking if you want your username changed.  Follow the directions in the email.

Phones and Voicemails

Using the online portal

  • Login to uwsuper.edu/voicemail (This portal allows you to access your voicemail, change greetings, and manage voicemail settings on your campus phone)
  • Select Web Inbox

Using your phone on campus

  • Push Voicemail Button (if you do this with the receiver down it will turn on the speaker phone)
  • Enter your PIN # followed by the # Key
  • Your New Voicemail’s will play automatically
  • Follow prompts to delete or save messages
  • After messages are played you will be taken to the main Voicemail Menu
  • From the Main Menu you can follow prompts to send or review messages or enter Voicemail Setup.
  • 0 will bring you to the help menu
  • The * Key will exit Voicemail.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Technology Help Desk.

Using the online portal

  • Login to uwsuper.edu/voicemail while connected to the VPN (this portal allows you to access your voicemail, change greetings and manage voicemail settings on your campus phone)
  • Select Web Inbox

Using a phone

  • From an off campus phone dial 715-394-8000
  • Immediately after system answers, press the * (star) key
  • You will then be prompted for your user id followed by # this must be the full number including 1 example: 1715394XXXX#
  • Immediately enter your pin followed by #
  • The voicemail menu will then play your options. Please follow the prompts

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Technology Help Desk.

  • Login to uwsuper.edu/voicemail (This portal allows you to access your voicemail, change greetings, and manage voicemail settings on your campus phone)
    • Select Messaging Assistant
    • Select Greetings tab and View Greetings
      • Record greetings that you would like to use (alternate greeting is used for vacation), you can also change the settings of each greeting.  Your standard greeting is automatically enabled unless you select a different greeting so you will need to enable the alternate greeting to use it.
        Greetings

Using your phone on campus

  • Log into your Voice mailbox.
  • Press 4 1.
  • Press 3.
  • Choose one of the following greetings:
    • 1 Standard greeting
    • 2 Closed (after hours) greeting
    • 3 Alternate greeting
    • 4 Busy (when on another call) greeting
    • 5 Internal greeting
    • 6 Holiday greeting
  • You will hear the greeting.
  • Pressing:
    • 1 Re-records the greeting
    • 2 Turns on the Standard greeting
    • 3 Turns on the greeting you just heard
  • Press * to exit.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Technology Help Desk.

Using the online portal:

  • Login to uwsuper.edu/phone (This portal allows you to enable/disable call forwarding and do not disturb as well as configure speed dials on your campus phone)
  • Select the Call Forwarding Tab
  • Check the Forward all calls to boxenter the phone number you would like the calls to be forwarded to, off campus phones need to start with a 9 (i.e. 91-XXX-XXX-XXXX), and Save
  • To stop forwarding your calls uncheck the Forward all calls to box and Save

To Forward All Calls from your phone itself:

  • Press the Fwd All softkey on your campus phone; you may need to press the softkey with three dots to see the Fwd All option
  • Enter the phone number you would like the calls to be forwarded to, off campus phones need to start with a 9 (i.e. 91-XXX-XXX-XXXX)
  • To verify that your calls are forwarded look for the forwarding information on the phone screen
  • To stop forwarding your calls press the Fwd Off softkey, you may need to press the softkey with three dots to see the Fwd Off option

Using Call Forwarding with Multiple Lines:

If you have multiple lines, be aware that each line on your phone is forwarded separately; forwarding your primary line does not forward the other lines on your phone.  To forward a line that isn’t your primary first click to select that line before you follow the same instructions as above for forwarding all calls.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Technology Help Desk.

  • Login to uwsuper.edu/voicemail (This portal allows you to access your voicemail, change greetings, and manage voicemail settings on your campus phone)
  • Select Passwords tab and Change PIN
  • Enter a new PIN that is 4 or more digits, this PIN is used to access voicemail and settings on your phone
  • Save

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Technology Help Desk.

If your phone system is not working or you are switching offices,  please contact the Technology Help Desk.

Yes, lines can be removed at any time lowering your annual telephone bill. Any disconnected lines will be put back into a pool of available lines and reused. If your department would like to keep a number that is not in service they may do so, however, you will still be billed for the line on an annual basis.

To disconnect a line, please contact the Technology Help Desk.

Yes, additional lines can be added at any time. When adding a line, you will need to purchase a telephone from Technology Services, and your annual bill will increase by the cost of a phone line. For current costs please contact the Technology Help Desk.

Yes the phones will work anywhere on Campus with an active data (computer) jack. If the office change is permanent Human Resources Office will have to be notified and the Technology Help Desk will receive the information and records will be updated for 911 location.

  1. Press the Transfer Button 
  2. Dial the extension you would like to transfer the call to
  3. Press the Transfer Button again
  4. Hang up receiver

For (715) numbers: Dial 9 + the 10 digit number: example: 9-715-000-0000.

For other area codes: Dial 9+1+10 digit number: example: 9-1-218-000-0000.

For calling a UW-Superior number, you may just dial the extension.

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance – Dial 911
    • Once 911 has been dialed, the building name, office number and the name of the person associated with the phone will be relayed to the 911 dispatch center
  • Non-Emergency and campus assistance, please call campus safety at 715-394-8114 .  Officers are on duty and calls are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Yes

  1. With a call on the line, select the Confrn (Conference) soft key.
  2. Dial the person you want to add to the conference with any additional digits (9-1-area code). If the third party does not answer or does not wish to join, select the EndCall soft key, then the Resume soft key.
  3. Announce the conference to the new party.
  4. Select the Confrn soft key again. All lines will be in conference.
  5. To add another party, repeat the steps above.

Removing Yourself from an Ad-Hoc Conference:

Hang up or press the EndCall soft key.

Yes, international calls are any country outside of the 50 United States. Each country has a different calling cost. These calls will be restricted and will require this feature to be activated on the phone line. Billing for international calls will be accounted for each month and applied to the extension and associated cost center.

Yes, all calls within the US 50 States will be free of charge.

No, all calls will be free local or long distance. International rates will still apply.

Computers and Printing

If you can afford your own computer, you will probably find that it will be a great convenience for you. Please refer to our laptop buying guide for suggestions. As an alternative, there are computer lab locations throughout the campus.

Most students do not exceed their print credits. However, if you do need to pay for more printing credits stop by the Technology Help Desk in Swenson 2100 to pay for more printing credits with cash or check.

Each UW-Superior student has a printing account on the campus network. This account is charged when you print documents in campus computer labs. The Student Technology Fee provides funds for $30 worth of printing each academic term.

Charges are 10 cents per black and white page; 17 cents per black and white duplex (double sided printing); or 40 cents per color page.

Color laser printing is available in Swenson Hall 1043, Jim Dan Hill Library, and the Yellowjacket Union.

When you log into a campus computer, your printing credit amount will be displayed in the upper right-hand corner. If you use your $30 allocation before the end of the term, you can add money to your account via cash or check at the Technology Help Desk.

Yes. Mobile printing is available from your phone, computer, or any device you can browse the web.

Go to https://green.uwsuper.edu/user (or uwsuper.edu/mp), sign in with your UWS credentials, and click on “Web Print” on the left-hand side. Not all printers on campus are available for mobile printing. Log in to see what printers are currently available.

ResNet

You can bring your computer to Swenson 2100. ResNet, located behind the Technology Help Desk. ResNet helps students that live on campus and students. If you don’t live on campus, the staff at the Technology Help Desk can help.

Yes. Residence Life currently creates accounts for all non-UWS students so you may connect to the network via your room or any wireless access point in the Residence Halls. You will use the same username and password that you use for Live@UWS.

If you can afford your own computer, you will probably find that it will be a great convenience for youeck out our buying guides. We have a laptop buying guide as well as a buying guide page with discount software information with your active uwsuper account.

If you cannot afford your own computer, there are computer labs with computers and printers in every resident hall (as well as throughout campus).

You can find ResNet policies on our policy web page.

These devices use network technology that is similar to computers. Like any computer in the Residence Life network, those machines would also have to be registered in order for them to work. Registration of these devices will have to take place in the ResNet office after school begins.

You can do one of two things to get your device connected to the network:

1. You can follow the instructions on how to register your own device by following the Connecting to ResNet page on the ResNet web page.

or

2. You can bring your system to the ResNet office, and we would be happy to help you get that set up.

No. Please refer to our Policies page to learn about this policy. 

A MAC address (or a Media Access Control address) is a series of letters and numbers that is assigned to your network card inside your computer, gaming system, or wireless device. This number is supposed to be unique. 

You will need a Cat6e/5e Ethernet cable to hook up your computer to the residence hall network. These cables can be pretty much purchased anywhere.

Yes. Every student computer is required to have installed and up to date antivirus. Other devices connected to the campus network should have working and up to date antivirus.  

These tools are extremely important to keep both your information and other people’s information safe from virus or malware attacks. There are many free tools available for people to use. Please contact the ResNet office for further information on available free and paid options for antivirus. 

You also can review our website (uwsuper.edu/technology) for information on protecting your devices.

Software Resources

UW-Superior apps are found on your Okta Dashboard. Students can download apps to their devices. Employees have the apps added for them to their work computer. Information on Microsoft 365 and individual apps can be found on the Technology Services website (uwsuper.edu/technology).

Employees have access on their work computers while students have access on lab computers on campus.

You can find information on tools available including download links and training resources at uwsuper.edu/technology.

Visit https://uwsuper.onthehub.com to find discounted software for students and employee personal use. For example, employees can only use our VPN for work purposes so they may wish to purchase a VPN for personal use.

Additionally, many tools allow you to get free or reduced rates by using an educational discount. Simply sign up with your UW-Superior email address.

Most software is included. However, some software can be purchased at a discount. Visit https://uwsuper.onthehub.com to find savings on software/bundles including:

  • Antivirus: Free built-in Windows protection is another option
  • Password Manager: Free built-in Apple password manager or Okta is another option
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN): Protection when using Wi-Fi off-campus, not needed on campus

You can learn more on our Buying Guides page. You also can review our Laptop Buying Suggestions.

You may use Qualtrics to build your survey. Contact Institutional Effectiveness to get an IRB approval number or a waver as IRB exempt so you can distribute the survey.

Technology Help Desk

The Technology Help Desk supports UW-Superior users with their technology questions and needs. ResNet provides technology support to the residence halls.

Contact Technology Help Desk:

Self Service Portal: uwsuper.edu/helpdesk

Email: helpdesk@uwsuper.edu

Call: 715-394-8300

Visit: Swenson Hall 2100

Contact ResNet:

Email: resnet@uwsuper.edu

Call: 715-394-8439 (or extension 8439 if calling from an on-campus phone)

Visit: Swenson Hall 2100 (behind Technology Help Desk)

You can visit our physical location in Swenson Hall 2100 Monday through Friday. However, you can submit a ticket anytime including reporting possible phishing messages using the Report Message feature in Outlook and submitting tickets to our portal at uwsuper.edu/helpdesk.

Regular Hours:
7:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Break/Summer Hours:
7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

You can create a Help Desk ticket through contacting us in any manner. You can submit or check on a ticket on uwsuper.edu/helpdesk. Learn more about Help Desk tickets on our website.

When you contact the Technology Help Desk, please have the following information available if applicable:

  • Computer number (campus-owned computers)
  • Computer model
  • Problem type
  • Location
  • Screenshots
  • Information on other devices (i.e., printers)
  • Whether you have you tried restarting your computer
  • Best contact information
  • Anything else that applies to us being able to assist

If you live in the residence halls, you can bring your computer to ResNet, located behind the Technology Help Desk in Swenson 2100. If you do not live in the residence halls, you can stop by the Technology Help Desk.

No. Please refer to our Policies page to know more about this policy.

A MAC address (or a Media Access Control address) is a series of letters and numbers that is assigned to your network card inside your computer, gaming system, or wireless device. This number is supposed to be unique.

Technology Services loans media equipment to University of Wisconsin-Superior faculty, staff, and students for university related activities. There are limited quantities of equipment items. All of our equipment is loaned out for up to 3 business days; see our Technology Loan Agreement for more information on loan eligibility, loan terms, renewals, and overdue fines.

Please check with the Help Desk for a list of current items available. To guarantee equipment will be available we recommend making a reservation in advance, contact the Technology Help Desk to make a reservation.

Yes! Visit uwsuper.edu/technology to find curated learning resources for users at all levels.

VPN

You can access any campus network resource the same as if you were on campus including access to network drives, email, and any other network-based software that you would have access to if you were connected on campus. The VPN is not intended for use on campus and is not available for personal devices. You can purchase a VPN (students or employees for personal use) at a discount at https://uwsuper.onthehub.com.

The steps depend on the device that you are connecting with, but in general you will log into Okta, launch the program, and it will launch in your preferred browser.

Contact the Technology Help Desk and provide them with your computer number (bottom of the device) and a phone number where they can reach you.

How you disconnect depends on the device, but in general you launch the “GlobalProtect” dashboard from the system tray or list of programs and click the disconnect button on the dashboard.

Polices for using this service are included in the broader Remote Access Policy. All other University policies including Appropriate Use Guidelines must be followed when connecting through VPN.

No. Because data you are sending and receiving must be encrypted and decrypted, you will sacrifice some performance. The speed of the connection is also dependent on the speed of your internet connection. The campus network is typically much faster than most hotels, airports, or other public networks.

Here are a few steps to help you secure your VPN connection and your campus devices:

  • Always disconnect from VPN when you have completed your work or are going to be away from your device for any period of time.
  • Never keep your VPN credentials on your device or your device carrying case. 
  • Store all critical data files on your network drives and password protect those files
  • Never allow you device to “Save Passwords” 
  • Avoid leaving devices in cars, hotel rooms, or in checked luggage
  • Pay particular attention to your devices in airports or other public places
  • If your device is stolen, immediately contact the Technology Help Desk or if it is after hours contact Campus Safety.