Introduction
University Technology Services (UTS) provides an effective and efficient information technology environment supporting the entire educational community in administration, teaching, learning and research.
This guide provides a brief overview of various technology services available to NEIU employees such as: network access, computers, email, phone, etc. Detailed information / instructions about the services are available through the links provided.
Any text in this guide that is BLUE and underlined is a clickable link to a content-related website. Everyone is encouraged to explore the links and review the provided information related to University Technology Services.
If you have questions after this training session, feel free to contact the University Technology Services Service Desk at servicedesk@neiu.edu, calling 1-773-442-HELP (4357), or clicking on the Service Desk icon in NEIUport.
User Policies
The University has instituted multiple policies to help faculty, staff and students become upstanding digital citizens.
Downloading, displaying, posting, sending, viewing, printing, distributing or otherwise communicating pornographic material, absent a legitimate academic or research purpose, is prohibited. Downloading displaying, posting, sending, viewing, printing, distributing or otherwise communicating child pornography is a violation of federal and state law and must be immediately reported to University Police at 1-773-442-4100.
Usage of all technology resources at NEIU is subject to acceptable use policies and security guidelines/policies.
The University Policy Library is accessible via the university website. This is a web site that allows users to navigate to specific University Policies. Specific University Technology Services policies are found via the Information Technology link on the web site. These policies can be downloaded, saved, and printed for future reference.
About Your Computer
You are either provided with a laptop or a desktop computer based on your needs and the policies of your particular department or organization. Your computer could be a PC running Windows 10 or higher or an Apple machine running macOS 14 Sonoma or higher.
The University’s computer replacement policy is five years. All University-issued computers are pre-installed with:
- Microsoft Office
- Publisher (PC-only)
- Access (PC-only)
- PowerPoint
- Excel
- Word
- Pages (Mac-only)
- Numbers (Mac-only)
- Keynote (Mac-only)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Pulse Secure (virtual private network)
- Carbon Black Cloud (cybersecurity)
- Several web browsers
If your role at the university requires a software title that is not installed on your computer, please contact your supervisor and the Service Desk.
Software will be periodically updated to strengthen cybersecurity, resolve issues, and to provide new features.
File Management & Drive Locations (including shared drives)
Your files can be stored locally (C: Drive or Macintosh HD) or online in cloud storage.
The University has moved away from the legacy Novell system to a Microsoft-based system for sharing department files, community files, & employee ‘Home’ drives.
Not everyone has access to the Windows File Shares, but anyone who had access to Novell drives will have access to the Windows File Shares.
PC users should log into Computer Only Logon and the network drives will show up in File Explorer.
Mac users should run the Self Service application (located in the Applications folder) and click on the Mount button under Mount my network drives.
Additional information can be found on our Novell Migration to Windows File Share knowledge base article.
Telephones & Faxes
Telephones
A Quick Start Guide for Cisco IP Phone 8811, 8841, 8851, 8851NR, and 8861 is available. The model number is located on the bottom of your phone.
A Complete User Guide is also available for download.
Faxes
Some departments have their own office fax machines. Please check with your Office Manager or Unit Supervisor regarding the use of your department’s fax machine. Employees who do not have access to a department fax machine can utilize the multifunction printers located in the hallways.
E-Mail Communications
Nmail is based on Google’s Gmail platform and can be easily accessed by one of the following methods:
When logging into a Google service with your NEIU account, please enter your email address as username@neiu.edu .
Network Connections
Approximately 98% of the NEIU campus is covered by a Wi-Fi signal. You can access the unsecured network without a password, but UTS recommends that users access the secured Wi-Fi network (NEIU) for their wireless networking needs.
Information on how to access the secured Wi-Fi network is available by going to NEIUport —> clicking on the Service Desk icon —> Search our Knowledge Base and doing a keyword search for wi-fi. The following mobile devices are supported on our secured wireless network.
- Android
- iOS / iPadOS
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
Printers
Most departments provide their staff with access to a networked group office printer, or will assign them a local desk-side printer.
The University also offers use of approximately sixty-five large Multi-Function Devices that print, copy, fax, and scan. These machines are located in most buildings located across the University campus and at all remote campus locations.
Click here for more information on how to print using the Multi-Functional Devices.
You can print from off campus to the multi-function devices by going to
https://print.neiu.edu .
NEIUport (NEIU Portal)
The portal provides centralized and secure access to University information such as: e- mail, Desire2Learn, employee records, etc., to all NEIU faculty, staff and students. You will have access to different tabs depending on your role at NEIU. Students would have access to certain tabs to which employees may not have access, and vice versa. NEIUport is also the location where you can register for N-Alert and access your settings.
The direct link to the portal is https://neiuport.neiu.edu
Workday
Workday is a cloud solution which supports Human Resources functions, services, & organizational business processes (such as Human Capital Management, Payroll, Benefits, Performance Management, and Time Tracking).
Detailed training materials such as PDFs and video guides can be found at:
https://workday.neiu.edu/node/41?check_logged_in=1
Duo Security
Logging into certain NEIU online services requires two-factor authentication. Duo can be used after the Duo app has been installed and set up on your smart phone. After entering your login information, a push notification will show up on your phone and request that you approve or deny the login.
For more information on Duo Security, go to: https://neiu.login.duosecurity.com , enter your credentials, then click on What is this?
Technology Discounts
The University is able to provide faculty, staff, and students with discounts for purchasing certain computer hardware and telecommunications services from certain companies (i.e. Verizon, Dell, Apple, etc.). If one of these select companies make a product or provide a service that interests you, follow their link and view the discounts. Click on the Main Menu at the top left corner in NEIUport and select the MyNEIU page.
Through Academic Software, faculty, staff, and students can receive discounts on software. These discounts are not for the general public. You will be requested to provide proof of your academic affiliation during the registration process in order to take advantage of the academic pricing available.
Requesting Technology Assistance
Faculty, Staff and Students can request assistance with on-campus technology or University-hosted software or application from the University Technology Services Service Desk. Service requests can be made in one of the following ways:
- By e-mail at servicedesk@neiu.edu .
- By phone at 1-773-442-4357 (extension 4357 on campus).
- In person at our office located in room B-107.
- Through the IT Service Desk Self-Service request ticketing portal through NEIUport.
