fall leaves

COVID-19 Technology FAQs

As we are all preparing for or actively engaged in a safe and productive return to campus, the Information Technology group has assembled FAQs to help you navigate the technology changes in this new environment.

Students

Students

What if I Have Technical Support Questions?

The University and its IT services teams are available to support students, faculty, and staff.

Students should reach out to the IT Service Desk by calling 973-655-7971, emailing itservicedesk@montclair.edu, or contact us through our Online Chat. For students who borrowed a laptop to use at home, please follow the Short Term Replacement for Break Fix guide for further guidance on support.

What Are the Support Hours?

The IT Service Desk will continue to provide support as normal. Hours for support can be found on IT Service Desk web page.

Does the University Have a Way for me to Host Audio or Video Conferences?

The University currently recommends two audio/video conferencing tools that are available for use by Faculty, Staff, and Students.

Canvas Conferences (formerly Big Blue Button) – A tool within Canvas that creates a virtual classroom space where synchronous (real-time) online lectures, office hours, and breakout sessions can take place. Please log into Canvas to use Canvas Conferences. Please review our guide on Canvas Conferences on how to use this application.

Zoom – An enterprise-wide video platform that allows for easy, reliable, communications for video meetings, voice, webinars, and chat across desktops, phones, mobile devices, and conference room systems. Please see our Video Conferencing through Zoom to learn how to use Zoom through the application or directly through Canvas.

Please Note: Directions are consistently updated as changes are made or new functionality rolls out.

What Help Is Available for Students to Succeed in Online Courses?

Canvas Orientation Course for Students

Student Guide for Online Learning. This is a guide for students learning online to understand what online learning entails, particularly for those who never have not previously taken online classes.

What if I Don’t Have a Computer?

For Fall 2021, we have reopened all of our public computing labs to full capacity and have laptops available to check out for up to 4 hours.  For more information on our computer labs, please click here.

What if I Don’t Have Internet Access at Home?

Information Technology also has a limited number of “wifi” mobile hotspot devices (Verizon JetPacks) to loan to commuter students who do not have Internet access at home and who cannot enable the hotspot feature of their smartphone.

Please Note: The Verizon JetPack has a monthly data cap of 25Gb so students are strongly encouraged to use them only for essential course-related Internet activity and not for non-course-related data-intensive activities such as Netflix, YouTube streaming, etc.

  • Commuters Only: To borrow a JetPack, please visit the UNCART laptop lending lab, University Hall, 5008) to pick one up.  Please Note: You must fill out the request form located in the lab.

We also advise that students that many internet service providers (ISP) and cell phone companies are offering Free or Low-Cost internet for K-12, Colleges, and Universities that are affected by closures due to the Coronavirus. More information about internet hotspots at home.

Can I Access an Online Class while On Campus?

A reminder that the campus is open and students can use the University WiFi for free. Almost all of our buildings are open and have study lounge areas available.

How Can Students Send Sensitive Documents to the Registrar’s Office Remotely? (Students)

They can use MSU File Hawk, a web-based service that provides a secure and easy method of file exchange between students, faculty, advisors, and administration. It allows you to send one or more files (up to 10 files at once).

Please Note: The PDF forms have been modified to be editable on your computer. Insert your information then follow the instructions to use MSU File Hawk for the secure transmission of your form. The Registrar’s office will not accept emailed versions of these forms.

How do I Securely Submit Documents to the Financial Aid Office?

For a student that has been selected for verification by the FAFSA processor, forms can be uploaded via the StudentForms portal.

Please Note: Students submitting documents to Financial Aid must use the instructions indicated for each form below. Please do not submit any documents to Financial Aid through MSU FileHawk, unless specifically instructed to do so.

How Do I Securely Submit Documents to the Student Accounts Office?

You can use MSU File Hawk, a web-based service that provides a secure and easy method of file exchange between students, faculty, advisors, and administration. It allows you to send one or more files (up to 10 files at once). The forms linked below contain sensitive data and MUST be transmitted using MSU Filehawk.

Please Note: The Student Accounts Office will not accept emailed versions of these forms.

Please use File Hawk to send the following documents to NetID OSAFORMS

The following documents must be scanned and transferred via File Hawk or printed and faxed to 973-655-4421, or printed and mailed to the Office of Student Accounts (RHC), Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043.

1098-T (Social Security Number) forms

Health Insurance Card

In-state residency checklist

How Can I Send Sensitive Documents to Students, Faculty, and Staff?

The MSU FileHawk service is a secure method for transmitting sensitive documents via email and should be used instead of regular email attachments for transmitting such documents.

Advisors, in particular, should be aware that many Registrar forms such as Change of Major/Minor and Credit Adjustments will now require the use of FileHawk to securely route the forms for approval. Students have been instructed to complete these fillable forms and FileHawk them to their advisors who will obtain the approvals and forward them to the Registrar at registrar@montclair.edu. Please visit the Red Hawk Central Forms page for a complete list of forms you should now expect to receive through FileHawk.

Instructions for using the MSU FileHawk service

For more information about the types of data that are considered confidential or private, please see the University’s Data Classification And Handling Policy on the IT Policies and Procedures webpage.

I Need Microsoft Office on my Home Computer. Are we entitled to a license?

All Montclair State University faculty, staff, and students can download a free copy by signing up with your Montclair email account (example: netid@montclair.edu) at Microsoft Office 365 Education web page.

What if my Browser Requires Updates on my Personal (non-MSU Managed) Computer?

We recommend only updating your browser from the vendor and not any 3rd party sites as these sites could prove to be a security risk. Please click on the browser name below to find out how to perform the update.

Google Chrome | Microsoft Edge | Mozilla Firefox | Safari

What Do I Need to Watch Out for from an IT Security Perspective?

With the increased use of remote access during this emergency period, it is important to remain mindful of ways to minimize the risk to University and personal information. Here are some tips for safer remote computing:

  1. If you have a University-issued laptop, please use it to take advantage of the built-in security features for all of your work-related needs.
  2. Avoid sharing your University laptop with others (family, children, etc.) and of course, never share your NetID password with anyone.
  3. If you must use your personal computer for work-related needs, please consider the following:
    • Make sure your computer is up-to-date with all system patches and bug fixes.
    • Always use antivirus software and check that it is running and actively updating. If you do not have anti-virus software, you can download Sophos Antivirus by logging into the MSU Software Repository.
    • Do not use your NetID password as the login to your personal computer. This can help to protect your NetID account if your personal computer is compromised by malware or other security issues.
    • Be very cautious when connecting to wireless networks off-campus in public spaces such as restaurants, airports, etc. These wireless networks are often not using secure connection methods.
  4. When reading emails, be extra vigilant in regards to possible phishing scam messages. This is especially important during emergencies as scammers may try to take advantage of the added stress and anxiety that people may be experiencing.
    • Do not click links or download files attached to an email that you are not expecting or from someone you do not recognize. Attempt to contact them directly first if you are unsure.
    • You can move your cursor over a URL/link and check that the resulting link displayed (usually in the bottom bar of your browser or email client) does not appear suspicious.
    • Continue to be aware of “social engineering” attacks such as someone posing as a colleague or manager and asking you (often with a sense of urgency) to provide information or perform uncommon tasks (“Please purchase four gift cards and send them to this address.”)
Faculty

Faculty

What if I Have Technical Support Questions?

The University and its IT services teams are available to support students, faculty, and staff.

Faculty/Staff in the Feliciano School of Business (SBUS), College of Education and Human Services (CEHS), and the College of Science and Mathematics (CSAM) should contact their local academic technology teams during their scheduled business hours and may contact the IT Service Desk, outside of normally scheduled business hours. All other faculty/staff (in the College of the Arts (CART), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), and the School of Nursing) and all non-faculty across all Divisions can receive support through the IT Service Desk by calling 973-655-7971, by emailing itservicedesk@montclair.edu, or through our Online Chat.

What Are the Support Hours?

The IT Service Desk will continue to provide support as normal. Hours for support can be found on the IT Service Desk web page.

Does the University Have a Way for me to Host Audio or Video Conferences?

The University currently recommends two audio/video conferencing tools that are available for use by Faculty, Staff, and Students.

Canvas Conferences (formerly Big Blue Button) – A tool within Canvas that creates a virtual classroom space where synchronous (real-time) online lectures, office hours, and breakout sessions can take place. Please log into Canvas to use Canvas Conferences. Guide to using Canvas Conferences

Zoom – An enterprise-wide video platform that allows for easy, reliable, communications for video meetings, voice, webinars, and chat across desktops, phones, mobile devices, and conference room systems. Please see our Guide to Video Conferencing through Zoom to learn how to use Zoom through the application or directly through Canvas.

Please Note: Directions are consistently updated as changes are made or new functionality rolls out.

What Help Is Available for Students to Succeed in Online Courses?

Canvas Orientation Course for Students

Student Guide for Online Learning. This is a guide for students learning online to understand what online learning entails, particularly for those who never have not previously taken online classes.

What if Students Do Not Have a Computer at Home? What Are Their Options?

Direct students to consult the Student portion of this FAQ for information about Laptop Lending.

What if Students Do Not Have Internet Access at home?

Direct students to consult the Student portion of this FAQ for information about Verizon JetPack lending.

What if I Need Support for Teaching with Technology?

To support faculty with this online transition, Instructional Technology & Design Services (ITDS) and the Office for Faculty Advancement (OFA) have prepared a series of live, online, synchronous training workshops and web-based resources.

ITDS Faculty Development Events

OFA Faculty Advancement Events

Web-based Resources

ITDS Virtual Support Sessions

ITDS is holding Daily Virtual Walk-in Sessions for Technology Support, Monday to Thursday, between 10 am-3 pm. No registration is required. Faculty can ask questions about pedagogical approaches and technology that can be leveraged to communicate with their students, deliver course materials, offer lectures, enable course interactions, and assess their students.

Faculty can join anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a remote session and connect with ITDS staff.

New Classroom Technologies Supporting Teaching to Remote Students

New technologies have been installed in many classrooms to enable teaching simultaneously to in-classroom and remote students. In addition, portable equipment is available to support this function in other spaces. Refer to our audio-visual services webpage for details. For support for these spaces, please contact the IT Service Desk at 973-655-7971, option 6, or your local academic technology department.

How Can I Send Sensitive Documents to Students, Faculty, and Staff?

The MSU FileHawk service is a secure method for transmitting sensitive documents via email and should be used instead of regular email attachments for transmitting such documents.

Advisors, in particular, should be aware that many Registrar forms such as Change of Major/Minor and Credit Adjustments will now require the use of FileHawk to securely route the forms for approval. Students have been instructed to complete these fillable forms and FileHawk them to their advisors who will obtain the approvals and forward them to the Registrar at registrar@montclair.edu. Please visit the Red Hawk Central Forms page for a complete list of forms you should now expect to receive through FileHawk.

Instructions for using the MSU FileHawk service

For more information about the types of data that are considered confidential or private, please see the University’s Data Classification And Handling Policy on the IT Policies and Procedures webpage.

How Can I Communicate with Students or Coworkers Without Using my Personal Cell Phone Number or Billing?

You can use Zoom to conduct audio and video conferences over the Internet, using just a computer, without using a cell phone voice or data plan.

If faculty and advisors need to call students from a personal phone and want to block their phone number when making outbound calls, most cellular providers support dialing *67 before dialing the outbound number. This will make your CallerID appear as “No Caller ID.”

Faculty and advisors can also use the Slack instant messaging application to send short communications to other Slack users. Montclair State has created a Slack “Workspace” that can be used by faculty and advisors to communicate with coworkers as well as students. You can join the montclairstate.slack.com Workspace.

Please Note: Slack can be accessed from a web browser, smartphone, or desktop application, making it extremely convenient to use no matter what device you are on.

You may use other options (e.g. Skype) if they are available to you, but the University is currently not funding licenses for, nor supporting, other products.

As an Adjunct, Will I Be Able to Borrow a Computer to Teach My Class?

We encourage all adjuncts to bring their personal laptops with them as not all classrooms have computers. If you do not have a computer for class, you can request one by filling out the laptop lending request form. These loans are for the class period only and will need to be returned then.

What if I Do Not Have Access to a Computer at Home?

If you do not have access to a University laptop or personal workstation/device and must access applications or shared drives remotely, contact your manager to evaluate your situation and potentially request a laptop from the University. As the University has a limited number of spare laptops available, Dean/VP approval will be required. To request to borrow a laptop, please fill out the online request form, including your Dean/VP’s approval.

Be sure to bring your MSU ID card. All visitors are required to wear cloth face coverings while on the premises to be serviced.

How to Access Voicemail from Off-Campus

You can access voicemail from off-campus by dialing 973-655-5323 and following the prompts. You can also have a copy of your voicemail messages forwarded to your email account as an audio attachment. To request the voicemail-to-email feature, please send an email to itservicedesk@montclair.edu and include your name, NetID, office extension, and the Montclair State email address that you would like your voicemail forwarded to.

Do I Need to Have a University-issued Computer if I Am Working Remotely?

No. If you use a personal or non-University workstation or mobile device, be sure to follow the “What Do I Need to Watch Out for from an IT Security Perspective?” Q&A below.

How Do I Access Shared Drives Remotely?

There are two options for accessing your “O” or “N” Drive from off-campus: you can either log into Citrix or use a VPN connection. To request access to the VPN, please contact the IT Service Desk at 973-655-7971 or itservicedesk@montclair.edu

Alternatively, while on campus you can copy any files that you need from the O: or N: drive to your Google Drive.

Please Note: Any files that contain sensitive information (PII or FERPA) should not be copied to your Google Drive.

How do I access applications remotely?

You can access many applications remotely through your web browser, just as you would from on campus. You can access Canvas, Workday, NEST, and the New NetID account management center for changing passwords just as you would on campus. VPN is needed to remotely access any of the applications below:

  • Share Drive Access (O: and N: drives)
  • Tableau
  • Banner (including Document Management)
  • Course Submission Database
  • Program Assessment Database
  • Voicemail Portal
  • PeopleSoft
  • Cognos
  • Blackboard Transact (SDCL)
  • Titanium (Health Services only)
  • Contract Assistant (Procurement only)
  • Tax Navigator (Accounts Payable only)
  • Accounts Payable checks to network printers (Accounts Payable only)
  • Galaxy
  • NJFAMS (Financial Aid Office only)
  • COD (Financial Aid Office only)
  • CPS (Financial Aid Office only)

Upon connecting to VPN, these can all be accessed remotely, as usual via the web browser.

Note that some employees may be using Citrix for remote access. We recommend VPN as a more secure and more easily used solution. Contact itservicedesk@montclair.edu to move from Citrix to VPN.

I Need Microsoft Office on my Home Computer. Are we entitled to a license?

All Montclair State University faculty, staff, and students can download a free copy by signing up with your Montclair email account at Microsoft Office 365 Education web page.

How Do I Install Software Onsite or Remotely on my University Issued Laptop?

You can install approved software without administrative rights for all computers imaged by IT or a local academic technology department by going into the software center.

Software Installation Instructions for Windows 10 (pages 5 – 8).

Software Installation Instructions for Mac OS X (Document under revisement)

What if the Software Is not Listed on the Software Center?

If the software is not listed and you have a license and download for the software, please contact the IT Service Desk or local academic technology department to help you install it remotely.

What if my Browser Requires Updates on my Personal (non-MSU Managed) Computer?

We recommend only updating your browser from the vendor and not any 3rd party sites as these sites could prove to be a security risk. Please click on the browser name below to find out how to perform the update.

Google Chrome | Microsoft Edge | Mozilla Firefox | Safari

What Do I Need to Watch Out for from an IT Security Perspective?

With the increased use of remote access during this emergency period, it is important to remain mindful of ways to minimize the risk to University and personal information. Here are some tips for safer remote computing:

  1. If you have a University-issued laptop, please use it to take advantage of the built-in security features for all of your work-related needs.
  2. Avoid sharing your University laptop with others (family, children, etc.) and of course, never share your NetID password with anyone.
  3. If you must use your personal computer for work-related needs, please consider the following:
    • Make sure your computer is up-to-date with all system patches and bug fixes.
    • Always use antivirus software and check that it is running and actively updating. If you do not have anti-virus software, you can download Sophos Antivirus by logging into the MSU Software Repository.
    • Do not use your NetID password as the login to your personal computer. This can help to protect your NetID account if your personal computer is compromised by malware or other security issues.
    • Be very cautious when connecting to wireless networks off-campus in public spaces such as restaurants, airports, etc. These wireless networks are often not using secure connection methods.
  4. When reading emails, be extra vigilant in regards to possible phishing scam messages. This is especially important during emergencies as scammers may try to take advantage of the added stress and anxiety that people may be experiencing.
    • Do not click links or download files attached to an email that you are not expecting or from someone you do not recognize. Attempt to contact them directly first if you are unsure.
    • You can move your cursor over a URL/link and check that the resulting link displayed (usually in the bottom bar of your browser or email client) does not appear suspicious.
    • Continue to be aware of “social engineering” attacks such as someone posing as a colleague or manager and asking you (often with a sense of urgency) to provide information or perform uncommon tasks (“Please purchase four gift cards and send them to this address.”)
Staff

Staff

What if I Have Technical Support Questions?

The University and its IT services teams are available to support students, faculty, and staff.

Faculty/Staff in the Feliciano School of Business (SBUS), College of Education and Human Services (CEHS), and the College of Science and Mathematics (CSAM) should contact their local academic technology teams during their scheduled business hours and may contact the IT Service Desk, outside of normally scheduled business hours. All other faculty/staff (in the College of the Arts (CART), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), and the School of Nursing) and all non-faculty across all Divisions can receive support through the IT Service Desk by calling 973-655-7971, by emailing itservicedesk@montclair.edu, or through our Online Chat.

What Are the Support Hours?

The IT Service Desk will continue to provide support as normal. Hours for support can be found on the IT Service Desk web page.

Does the University Have a Way for me to Host Audio or Video Conferences?

The University currently recommends two audio/video conferencing tools that are available for use by Faculty, Staff, and Students.

Canvas Conferences (formerly Big Blue Button) – A tool within Canvas that creates a virtual classroom space where synchronous (real-time) online lectures, office hours, and breakout sessions can take place. Please log into Canvas to use Canvas Conferences. Guide to using Canvas Conferences

Zoom – An enterprise-wide video platform that allows for easy, reliable, communications for video meetings, voice, webinars, and chat across desktops, phones, mobile devices, and conference room systems. Please see our Guide to Video Conferencing through Zoom to learn how to use Zoom through the application or directly through Canvas.

Please Note: Directions are consistently updated as changes are made or new functionality rolls out.

How Can I Send Sensitive Documents to Students, Faculty, and Staff?

The MSU FileHawk service is a secure method for transmitting sensitive documents via email and should be used instead of regular email attachments for transmitting such documents.

Advisors, in particular, should be aware that many Registrar forms such as Change of Major/Minor and Credit Adjustments will now require the use of FileHawk to securely route the forms for approval. Students have been instructed to complete these fillable forms and FileHawk them to their advisors who will obtain the approvals and forward them to the Registrar at registrar@montclair.edu. Please visit the Red Hawk Central Forms page for a complete list of forms you should now expect to receive through FileHawk.

Instructions for using the MSU FileHawk service

For more information about the types of data that are considered confidential or private, please see the University’s Data Classification And Handling Policy on the IT Policies and Procedures webpage

How to Access Voicemail from Off-Campus

You can access voicemail from off-campus by dialing 973-655-5323 and following the prompts. You can also have a copy of your voicemail messages forwarded to your email account as an audio attachment. To request the voicemail-to-email feature, please send an email to itservicedesk@montclair.edu and include your name, NetID, office extension, and the Montclair State email address that you would like your voicemail forwarded to.

Do I Need to Have a University-issued Computer if I Am Working Remotely?

No. If you use a personal or non-University workstation or mobile device, be sure to follow the “What Do I Need to Watch Out for from an IT Security Perspective?” Q&A below.

How Do I Access Shared Drives Remotely?

There are two options for accessing your “O” or “N” Drive from off-campus: you can either log into Citrix or use a VPN connection. To request access to the VPN, please contact the IT Service Desk at 973-655-7971 or itservicedesk@montclair.edu

Alternatively, while on campus you can copy any files that you need from the O: or N: drive to your Google Drive.

Please Note: Any files that contain sensitive information (PII or FERPA) should not be copied to your Google Drive.

How do I access applications remotely?

You can access many applications remotely through your web browser, just as you would from on campus. You can access Canvas, Workday, NEST and the New NetID account management center for changing passwords just as you would on campus. VPN is needed to remotely access any of the applications below:

  • Share Drive Access (O: and N: drives)
  • Tableau
  • Banner (including Document Management)
  • Course Submission Database
  • Program Assessment Database
  • Voicemail Portal
  • PeopleSoft
  • Cognos
  • Blackboard Transact (SDCL)
  • Titanium (Health Services only)
  • Contract Assistant (Procurement only)
  • Tax Navigator (Accounts Payable only)
  • Accounts Payable checks to network printers (Accounts Payable only)
  • Galaxy
  • NJFAMS (Financial Aid Office only)
  • COD (Financial Aid Office only)
  • CPS (Financial Aid Office only)

Upon connecting to VPN, these can all be accessed remotely, as usual via the web browser.

Note that some employees may be using Citrix for remote access. We recommend VPN as a more secure and more easily used solution. Contact itservicedesk@montclair.edu to move from Citrix to VPN.

I Need Microsoft Office on my Home Computer. Are we entitled to a license?

All Montclair State University faculty, staff and students can download a free copy by signing up with your Montclair email account at Microsoft Office 365 Education web page.

How Do I Install Software Onsite or Remotely on my University Issued Laptop?

You can install approved software without administrative rights for all computers imaged by IT or a local academic technology department by going into the software center.

Software Installation Instructions for Windows 10 (pages 5 – 8).

Software Installation Instructions for Mac OS X (Document under revisement)

What if the Software Is not Listed on the Software Center?

If the software is not listed and you have a license and download for the software, please contact the IT Service Desk or local academic technology department to help you install it remotely.

How Do I Install my Home Printer on my University-owned Laptop?

We have preloaded a number of the most commonly used printers into the operating system. Please try to install the printer and if you have an issue, contact the IT Service Desk or your College or School’s technology team.

What if my Browser Requires Updates on my Personal (non-MSU Managed) Computer?

We recommend only updating your browser from the vendor and not any 3rd party sites as these sites could prove to be a security risk. Please click on the browser name below to find out how to perform the update.

Google Chrome | Microsoft Edge | Mozilla Firefox | Safari

What Do I Need to Watch Out for from an IT Security Perspective?

With the increased use of remote access during this emergency period, it is important to remain mindful of ways to minimize the risk to University and personal information. Here are some tips for safer remote computing:

  1. If you have a University-issued laptop, please use it to take advantage of the built-in security features for all of your work-related needs.
  2. Avoid sharing your University laptop with others (family, children, etc.) and of course, never share your NetID password with anyone.
  3. If you must use your personal computer for work-related needs, please consider the following:
    • Make sure your computer is up-to-date with all system patches and bug fixes.
    • Always use antivirus software and check that it is running and actively updating. If you do not have anti-virus software, you can download Sophos Antivirus by logging into the MSU Software Repository.
    • Do not use your NetID password as the login to your personal computer. This can help to protect your NetID account if your personal computer is compromised by malware or other security issues.
    • Be very cautious when connecting to wireless networks off-campus in public spaces such as restaurants, airports, etc. These wireless networks are often not using secure connection methods.
  4. When reading email, be extra vigilant in regards to possible phishing scam messages. This is especially important during emergencies as scammers may try to take advantage of the added stress and anxiety that people may be experiencing.
    • Do not click links or download files attached to an email that you are not expecting or from someone you do not recognize. Attempt to contact them directly first if you are unsure.
    • You can move your cursor over a URL/link and check that the resulting link displayed (usually in the bottom bar of your browser or email client) does not appear suspicious.
    • Continue to be aware of “social engineering” attacks such as someone posing as a colleague or manager and asking you (often with a sense of urgency) to provide information or perform uncommon tasks (“Please purchase four gift cards and send them to this address.”)