IT Help Desk
Our professional and student staff members are ready, willing, and able to assist you with any and all technology-related questions that you may have.All interactions are linked to your Global ID. Updates and additional communications are managed through yourCMUemail account. Hours of operation can be found on the website linked below.
- Phone: (989) 774-3662
- Email:helpdesk@cmich.edu
- Web:helpdesk.cmich.edu(Chat available)
- Walk-in:Park Library 101
- Self-Help
NOTE:Sign-in required to view some content- Explore theOIT Knowledge Base
- Explore theOITService Catalog
Global ID
Your Global ID is a unique user name based on your last, first, and middle name plus a number that, along with a strong password, you use to sign in to all of CMU'sonline services, system and website. It is also the first part of your CMU email address (before the @cmich.edupart). While you will regularly asked to type in and provide your Global ID to others, it is very important that younever share your password with anyone else, under any circ*mstances. Your Global ID and password are necessary to access your CMUaccount whichincludes, but is not limited to,email, course registration, course content, financial information, health information, and MUCH more. YourID # is NOT the same as your Global ID, but they are connected. (Learn more)
If you have not already done so, you canactivate your CMU account here.
VisitMy Accountto change your password, review personal information, set or change yoursecurity questions, and more.
CentralLink and My Account
CentralLinkis the internal portion of CMU's website. You can sign in by visitingcentrallink.cmich.eduor by clicking the Sign In link on thecmich.eduhome page. Once you are signed in, you can find a plethora of information that is not available to the general public.
My Account is one of the most useful sections withinCentralLink. It offers links to nearly all of the online services you'll ever use as a CMU student, including by not limited to, academic calendars, course bulletins, course registration, degree progress interfaces, all things financial, student employment opportunities, profile update options, transcripts, grades, and MUCH more. You can access My Account by visitingmyaccount.cmich.eduor clicking on My Account after logging intocmich.eduorCentralLink.
Authorized Payers
If someone else will be taking financial actions on your behalf, such as paying tuition or other expenses, you should set up an "Authorized Payer" account for them rather than sharing your Global ID password. This gives them their own account within our QuikPAY finance system.
- Learn more about and how to set up an Authorized Payer account
- Visit the Authorized Payer loginpage athttps://quikpay.cmich.edu
NOTE:The CMU website serves up content based upon audience type. Provided content will be shown dependent upon whether you are a public or signed in viewer as well as whether you are a student, faculty, or staff member.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication is a way to add an additional layer of security to your account when accessing protected systems and services. This requires both something you know and something you have. Something you know is your Global ID and password, and something you have would be your smartphone, desk phone, or hardware token. For certain CMU services, such as anything that would use our standard logon page (Blackboard, Office365, etc.), once MFA is enabled on your account, anyone attempting to log into those services with your Global ID and password would also need that second factor, helping to protect your account should your password become compromised.
- Learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication
Email and calendar
CMU'semail and calendar are provided within a Microsoft-based environment that is userfriendly across all major operating systems and devices.
All CMUemail addresses are created in the form of YourGlobalID@cmich.edu.(See Global ID / CMU Account above)
All official administrative and course-related communications are sent to your CMU email address. As such, you are expected to check your account regularly. We discourage the practice of auto-forwardingCMUemail to non-CMUemail providers (gmail, yahoo, personal domains, etc.). Our support staff are unable to troubleshoot non-CMU email systems. We can help with our own.
You can access your email and calendar in a variety of ways, including:
- Visiting and signing in tomail.cmich.eduoroffice365.cmich.edu
- Clicking on the email icon within CentralLinkor My Account
- Via anapp on your mobile device(iOS, Android, Kindle, etc.)
- Installing andconfiguring the Microsoft Outlook email and calendar client
VisitMy Accountto change your password, set or change yoursecurity questions, set anemail alias,and more. Email aliases are ideal for those wishing to use a preferred name or a simple firstname.lastname@cmich.edu formatted address.
Phishing and spam
Scammersandspammersdon’t take days off, so neither can you.CMU’sInformation Technology team encourages all members of the University community and their supporters to be vigilant when reading and responding to email. Requests for personal information, promises of jobs or easy money, and prompts for immediate action are tell-tale signs ofphishing. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Attention to detail, skeptical hovers, and grammar checks are but a few ways to identify and thwartphishingattempts. Check out our PhishingAwareness pagefor additional information, tips, tricks, and the way to report SPAM to our admin team.
CMU utilizes Microsoft Office 365 for email and collaboration as well as their built-in spam/phishing filters. We also subscribe to Microsoft’s Advanced Threat Protection tools which help to filter out additional malicious messages. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible catch them all. Across the world, new threats are launched on an almost moment my moment basis. Our OIT Security Team continues to evaluate and implement additional controls to further reduce the amount of these types of messages.
Central Mobile ID
For many years, CMUused a physical Central ID card that students would swipe or tap to gain access to secured spaces, pay for meals, use Flex dollars, check out library materials, attend events, and more. Starting in the Summer of 2022, incoming students beganusing Central Mobile ID on their mobile devices.
- Learn more about Central Mobile ID
Hardware recommendations
One of the most commonly asked questions that we receive is, "What kind of computer do I need?". Unfortunately, there is nosingularanswer that, as an Information Technology organization, we can offer. Our best recommendation is for you to connect with a faculty member or advisor within the curriculum that you plan to study and ask them for advice. Some areas of study have very strict requirements related to operating systems, video card specifications, RAM, processors, hard drive size, etc., and others not so much.
From an Information Technology perspective, we offer support to the very best of our ability regardless of hardware type or operating system.Windows and Macintosh operating systems are the most commonly used and supported devices across the University community. As such, the vast majority of our enterprise level software and systems are chosen and designed to run these same major operating systems.
If you are interested in seeing the specifications and cost of the standardmachines that we purchase for faculty, staff, classroom and lab use, check out our pre-approved computer list.
NOTE:While fine machines for very basic computing needs (typing, web surfing, etc.), we discouragethe use of Chromebooks. Students using these devices are unable to take advantage of the numerous free software available to themas a member of the CMU community. Additionally, many students have experienced challenges when taking tests or completing course work throughonline learning systems.
Hardware purchasing
As a CMUstudent, you are eligible to purchase Apple and Dell computers at special discounted rates available only through the CMU Bookstore. The Bookstore also offers bundle deals on laptopand desktop computers, tablets, accessories, extended warranties, standard and custom configurations, and more.Anextensive device trade-in serviceis available for numerous types of hardware.
Visit the CMU Bookstore website, search for keywords Apple or Dell or click on Shop by Department > Technology to see all available hardware. If you have additional questions, contact the CMU Bookstore at 989-774-7493 orbookstore@cmich.edu. A staff member will respond and assist you as soon as possible.
Free software
Oftentimes, when you purchase a new computer or mobile device, you are offered special bundle or package pricing if you also include select software.As an enrolled student,you are provided with a LOT of software at no cost. Don't spend money on things that you can get for free.
The list below includes some of the most popular software and systems utilized by students for academic, research, and personal use. Each is available for Windows and Mac operating systems, and many have mobile apps and/or web interfaces.
Blackboard Learning Management System
When professors say blackboard, they’re not talking about a chalkboard. They're talking about our learning management system. For every course that is offered at CMU, a Blackboard course shell is created. Think of it as a course-related website on steroids. Faculty use Blackboard in many different ways. They will post their syllabus, announcements, assignment information, and they'll have you submit assignments and documents inside of Blackboard. You can take exams, look at your grades, and of course, get feedback and comments on your work. Course shells are opened prior to or at the very start of each semester and are available to students and faculty members for the duration of the course.
- Log in to Blackboard atblackboard.cmich.edu
- Visit theBlackboard section of the Knowledge Base
Microsoft Office 365
When most people think of Microsoft Office, they think of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and they also think of these software being installed onto a computer. While this is all accurate, Office 365 offers so much more. Office 365 is a collection of more than 25 different applications that you can use for all of your academic, research, and personal needs. Examples includeOutlook, OneDrive, OneNote, Teams, Sway, Lists, Planner, Forms, Bookings, and more. Desktop and mobile applications are available to install on up to five of your personal desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets. You can also access many of the tools via a web interface.
Office 365: Download, Install and Activate Microsoft Office on a Personal Computer
To access the web interface, visitoffice365.cmich.eduin a web browser and sign in with your Global ID and password. Click on the 9 square grid in the top-left corner of the interface (the waffle) and select from the drop down list ofApps. If you don't see what you are looking for, clickAll apps-->.Shortcuts are availableto some of the most commonly used apps. Keep an eye out for the the waffle whenever you are logged into the CMU website. You can click it from a lot of places and access this same web interface.
Use your CMU email address, Global ID, and password to log into mobile apps. Search your respective app store for individual apps.
Visit theTechnology Awareness and Training section of the Knowledge Baseto learn more about some of the most popular apps.
OneDrive
Think of this as your hard drive in the sky that you can access from anywhere that you have an Internetconnection. All students are provided with 1TB of cloud storage space where you can store whatever you wish, regardless of file type. This amount is, on average, four times larger than the built-in hard drive size of a standard user computer.Whatever you upload or save to OneDriveis secured behind your Global ID and password. Additionally, you can use all of the applications available within Office 365 web interfaceand save your work directly into your OneDrive. If you so desire, you can share individual files or folders with collaborators within and outside of CMU. You have full control over who sees what, for how long, and what they can do to the files.If your personal deviceneeds to go in for repair, gets lost, or is stolen, you can still access yourfiles and complete your work on a public or lab computer.
- To access the web interface, visitonedrive.cmich.eduand loginwith your Global ID and password
- Visit theOneDrivecollection of articles within the Knowledge Base
Adobe Creative Cloud
With a goal of increasing digital literacy across the University, CMU has partnered with Adobe to become an Adobe Creative Campus. That means that everyone, regardless of your field of study, has access to the two unique software collections at no cost, Adobe Express Premium or Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat DC, Premiere Pro, Express, Audition, Dreamweaver, and more).
Once you are officially registered for classes, you can request a license and then download and install mobile and desktop applications to your personal devices and start using them immediately.
- Compare theAdobe software collections available to studentsand request a license.
- Click around theAdobe category of the Knowledge Base.
- Check out the Adobe Digital Lounge websiteto learn about available hardware, software, support and training offerings, and more
QualtricsResearch Core
Qualtrics Research Core XM is CMU's enterprise-level survey and data collection tool for both research and administrative projects. It offers users the ability to create surveys, collect responses, and analyze data.
Panopto
Panoptois used by faculty and students to record, edit, and deliver course content within a secure environment. Software is available via a local installation, web interface, and mobile application. The system offers screen recording, voice over, and video functionality. Whomever owns the content decides who can see it, for how long, if they can edit it, and more. It is not uncommon for faculty to record and provide links to content for students to review before or after class.
Cisco Webex and Microsoft Teams
These systems are two of our staple communication and collaboration tools. Each allows users to create a virtual space where they can come together, interact via audio and video, screen sharing, chat, whiteboards, file creation, cloud storage, and much more. Students are able to use each of these within their own respective personal and secure virtual environments. Faculty may choose to live stream and/or record classes using one of these tools.
- Visit theCisco Webexcollection of articleswithin the KnowledgeBase
- Visit theMicrosoft Teams collection of articles within the Knowledge Base
Top Hat
The Top Hat system is our classroom audience response tool. It allows faculty to pose questions during class and students respond using their mobile devices.All ofthe results are dumped into the grade book and made part of your overall grade. There's also some great homework, review, testing, and electronic textbook features in the system.
NOTE:This is the only system in this list that is NOT FREE, but greatly discounted access is available through the CMU Bookstore vs. purchasing directly from the vendor.
Virtual Lab
Some disciplines require the use of specialized and/or very expensive software. Not wanting to impose greater costs upon our students, we license that software and make it available to you via Virtual Lab machines. In short, you connect your computer to acloud-basedsystem, run the software, use the software, save your work, disconnect, and walk away. Your professors will let you know if you need to use Virtual Lab.
PrintQ(printing on campus)
We live in a very electronic world. You're probably not printing as much as you used to, but sometimes it needs to happen. If you're making a list of things to bring to campus, a printer should be very low on it, and maybe not at all. Printers are cheap, but ink is expensive. It will probably dry up or your roommates will use it all before you're able to. Students are highly encouraged to use thePrintQsystem. Each semester, anallotment of PrintQ creditis provided to students. This is use it or lose it credit. So, if you don't use it, it's gone. So, use it.Our goal with PrintQ is to promote thoughtful, responsible printing in order to reduce paper waste, so we encourage students and faculty to use digital options wherever possible.
Students can print from public or lab computers or upload documents via a web interface from their own computers. PrintQ kiosks are available in each of the academic buildings and residence halls. Most commonly, they are located in the atrium or lobby areas. The library has kiosks on each floor and within the 24-hour spaces.After selecting the closestprint station, print jobs are released using their Global ID and password, and the appropriate amount is deducted from their PrintQallotment. Print history, balance, and the ability to add creditis possible via the web interface.
- Personal printers with wireless capability used within residence halls must have this feature disabled. Please, plan to use acable to connect directly to your device.
- Visit thePrintQinformation pageorcollection of articleswithin the Knowledge Base
- Login to thePrintQweb interface
Cell phone and mobile hotspot service
Students and family members are able to take advantage ofCMU-exclusivedeals with three major carriers - AT&T, T-Mobile, andVerizon. Considerable discounts, terrific device replacement cycles, and more are available through CONNECT CMU. Existing individualand family plans can be transferred into the CMU service environment and special rates continue when you become an alum.
- Phone: (989) 774-3087
- Email:connect@cmich.edu
- Web:connect.cmich.edu
- Locations:Lower Level Woldt Hall and CMU Bookstore (Hours shown on website.)
Network (wired and wireless)
Stop and think for a moment how many devices are connected across campusat any given time - computers, phones, tablets, gaming systems, televisions, and more. When you arrive to campus, you can choose the best option for your device and needs and proceed accordingly.
Upon connecting to the network, your device is linked to your Global ID.All that does is tell us who owns it. Nobody is watching your every online move. That said, don't do anything stupid. Any kind of illegal activity ismonitoredand we will come have a chat with you if you're found to be doing peer to peer sharing, hacking, or any other type of illegal activity.
- To connect yoursmartphone,tablet,laptop, ordesktopwith wireless capability, select theCMICHwireless network and follow the prompts to sign on using your Global ID and password
- To connectsmart televisions,gaming systems,streaming devices, and similar devices, selectCMICH-DEVICEwireless network and follow the prompts to sign on using your Global ID and password
- Ethernet-enabled devices can be connected via a cable and registered onto the network. In general, there is at least one Ethernetport per person living in eachresidence hall suite.Cables are not provided. If you wish to purchase a cable prior to arriving on campus, you will need to estimate measurements off of provided floor plans or buy long and plan to coil it up at one end or the other. Don't forget to consider and discuss the placement of furniture and devices within the overall space with your roommates.
- Learn more about wireless options and networks
- Wired and Wireless Network Support
- Personal networking equipment is NOT allowed on campus(routers, access points, switches, etc.)
- Personal printers with wireless capability are not recommended for use on campus. Please, plan to use acable to connect directly to your device.
- If you find yourself traveling to or near a partner institution, consider taking advantage of CMU’s eduroam membership that provides free and secure highspeed wireless internet connectivity using your CMU credentials.
SpectrumU(television programming)
CMU has contracted with Spectrum to provide television programming via the SpectrumU app, which can be used to stream live television to your computer or mobile device.The SpectrumU service is only available to on-campus residents.
NOTE:SpectrumUis a different service offeringthanSpectrum TV, which requires separate Spectrum account credentials and will NOT work with a CMUGlobal ID and password.
Central Alert (emergency notification system)
CMU has implemented measures to enhance communication through the use of the Central Alert notification system. In the event of a situation affecting the campus community (weather, campus closure, incidents on campus or in the local area, etc.), emergency notification broadcasts may be sent out in an effort to alert as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. The system can alert you via phone, text, or even an alternate email address. Students are automatically enrolled into the system using their CMU email and the cell phone information they specify in their application.Occasionally, we find that a parent or guardian’s phone number, and old land line, or a high school email account that you no longer have access to was used during the application process, so we recommend that you sign in and verify that your contact information is up to date and accurate so that if we need to contact you, we can.
A mobile app is available with additional safety features that complement Central Alert emergency notification messaging. Search forRave Guardianin the App Store (iOSdevices) or the Play Store (Android devices).
- Visitcmich.edu/centralalerttoupdate your contact information as necessary and appropriate
- Learn more about the Central Alert notification system
CMU Dining mobile apps
Hungry? Use the the website link and apps below to find out which of our numerous dining locations are open and what they are serving, including residential restaurants and food on the go. You can even order online and pick up on the fly.
- CMU Dining Website- includes links to Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Dine On Campus app overview
- Transact Mobile Ordering app
Information Technology-related policies
As an IT organization and a University, we have a lot of policies. We know it's easy to ignore them, kind of like the user agreements when you install new software, but they really do mean something. By enrolling as a student at CMU, you automatically agreeto abide by them. You can find a full list of our IT-related policies via the link below. At minimum, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Responsible Use of Computing policy.
In general, if it feels like you're doing something wrong, you probably are. So, stop doing it, or contact the OIT Help Desk to find out if it's ok or not.
- https://it.cmich.edu/policies
OIT student employment opportunities
Interested in becoming astudent employee within any area of the Office of Information Technology? We have Work-Study and General Student Assistance positions available. Visit the OIT Employment Opportunities pageto learn about the positions that are currently available. We would love to have you join our team!