3D Printing
3D printing allows you to create physical, three-dimensional objects from digital files. This service is available in Rettner 201 on River Campus. Prints are charged at a per-gram rate to a URos (Flex) account.
Account Initialization (New User)
Account Initialization is a one-time process that all new users (faculty, staff, students, and guests) must follow when joining the University of Rochester/Medical Center and its affiliates. This process allows for the initialization of all University accounts and enrollment of those accounts in our two-factor authentication solution, DUO Security.
Active Directory
Active Directory (AD) is your domain account at the University, used to log in to Windows workstations, the UR_Connected wireless network, Office 365, SharePoint, Blackboard, and other applications. AD accounts are automatically provisioned upon joining the University.
AlertUR
AlertUR is the University's emergency notification system. In the event of an emergency, alerts are sent to the University community by phone call, text message, or email. All students and employees are automatically enrolled with their University email address. You can opt to provide other contact information by logging in to the system with your NetID.
Antivirus Software
CrowdStrike Falcon is the University’s trusted source of endpoint protection (antivirus software) and is automatically installed on all University managed devices. This computer monitoring tool is designed to prevent, detect, and respond to attempts that could compromise computer systems by recognizing patterns in network connections that indicate malicious activity.
Blackboard (Learning Management System) – For Faculty & Instructors
Blackboard is the University's Learning Management System and provides faculty and instructors a place to manage their course content, collect student assignments, facilitate online tests, and more. It also provides access to many of the technology tools available for teaching.
Blackboard (Learning Management System) – For Students
Helpful documentation and descriptions of Blackboard features and tools for students. If you have questions about Blackboard, or the student portal in general, check out the Student FAQ.
Blackboard Basics
The following are some basic features of Blackboard that will help you manage your course.
Blackboard Discussion Boards
The Discussion Board is an asynchronous communication tool that lets students or groups of students participate in threaded online forums. Discussion boards are hierarchically organized forums with threads and replies. Typically used by instructors to post course-related questions and have students provide answers.
Blackboard Grading
Blackboard has the ability to distribute interim grades (homework, quizzes, tests, assignments) to students throughout the term.
Blackboard Online Assessment
Collecting assignments electronically via the Assignments tool is one of the most popular used in Blackboard. Blackboard can also be used to facilitate online tests and surveys. Tools often used for online conversations (discussions, blogs etc.) can also be graded and managed in the Grade Center by the instructor.
Blackboard Online Course Content
Delivering content online to your students is an important part of your teaching process. You can deliver any electronic digital information to your students through Blackboard.
Box
Box allows you to share and collaborate on documents and other files online. With a UR Box account, you can collaborate with individuals both internal and external to the University.
Box Drive
Box Drive is a desktop application that provides access to all of your files and folders in the Box cloud. Create and work with files using the applications on your computer and any changes you make will automatically save back to your Box account. Use Box Drive to quickly and easily leverage Box's collaborative features such as sharing, locking, and creating Box Notes.
Cellular and Data Plans
University faculty, staff, and students can receive discounted plans through two major cellular providers, Verizon and AT&T. There are plans for both devices used for University business and personal use. The discounts also extend to tablet and hotspot data plans and international data plans.
Classroom Technology
Event and Classroom Management provides classroom technology support to classes and other curricular activities for the College of Arts, Sciences & Engineering. This includes supporting traditional audio/visual needs as well as computer and multimedia projection in classrooms.
Cloud Computing for Non-Research
UR-sponsored cloud services for faculty, staff and departments include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) via Microsoft Azure and AWS. Consult your local IT staff regarding cloud use within your unit or department. We are also available to consult regarding technology options.
Computer Labs
Computer labs equipped with Windows and Macintosh computers, printers, and other technology are located around campus. Specialized software is installed on lab computers for use in coursework.
Computer Repair (Students)
The Help Desk in the IT Center offers computer repair service for undergraduate students in Arts, Sciences and Engineering. Students can check in their machine with technicians who will run a standard repair procedure to fix software-related issues and complications that can arise from viruses and spyware.
Contract Management
The Contract Management Program offers stewardship and consistency for Information Technology (IT) contracts and services as a value-added service.
Domain Names
Host and domain names in the Internet's Domain Name System carry significant marketing and branding value. Third-level host or domain names under rochester.edu are reserved for names of organizational sub-divisions or institution-wide activities/services. All names must be registered with University IT.
Electronic File Management (OnBase)
OnBase integrates document management, workflow processing, and records management. It allows you to scan, store, index, and retrieve any paper documents, emails, multimedia, and many other types of files.
Email Aliases
Email aliases provide everyone in the University community with consistent and easy-to-remember email addresses based on their name (e.g., firstname.lastname@rochester.edu). You can opt in and choose an email alias. This does not require you to reconfigure your email application or re-subscribe to any email lists.
Enterprise Architecture
Enterprise architecture describes the principles and standards by which the organization utilizes information technology to meet business objectives. The architecture team sets policies and guidelines based on industry best practices and provides governance through collaboration with stakeholders to develop systems that are highly available, scalable, fault tolerant and secure.
Faculty/Staff Telephone & Voicemail
Telephone and voicemail service is offered to faculty and staff with full support from University IT. There are wired, wireless, and multimedia IP phone options for remote workers capable of managing multiple lines and providing features like call transferring and call forwarding.
File Servers
Each faculty and staff member is typically provided with a home share on a file server (sometimes called a network drive) to store their files. Departments or groups may also use file servers to store and share files that they are working on collaboratively.
Gartner Research Access
University faculty, staff, and students are granted access through the University’s enterprise contract. For faculty, staff and students, Gartner’s research can help validate technology decisions defined in requests for proposals and requests for information. Two popular qualitative data analysis tools — the Magic Quadrant and the Hype Cycle — are especially helpful.
General Encumbrance Management System (URGEMS)
URGEMS is a general encumbrance management tool used to track and manage transaction details that shadow the UR Financials system, for both grant and non-grant accounts.
Google Analytics
University IT can help integrate Google Analytics into your website to gather data on user interactions, which you can use to improve your website. University IT also consults on creating properties, views, segments, custom campaigns, and other features of Google Analytics.
Guest Accounts
Guest accounts provide a convenient and secure way for guests of the University — such as visiting scholars, special program attendees, and contract employees — to access a variety of online services at the University of Rochester. Active University, URMC and Affiliate Hospital employees can sponsor and manage their guests in the Guest Account System.
Human Resource Management System (HRMS)
The Human Resource Management System (HRMS) allows you to access payroll, benefits, and recruiting information. It also supports time keeping and attendance tracking for staff and students through the Kronos clocks that are installed in many University workspaces.
Institutional Data Definitions (Business Glossary)
The business glossary provides authoritative definitions for institutional data related to clinical, administrative, research, and instructional activities. The Data Cookbook hosts the glossary online and provides a forum for communicating with data experts and users. This central resource creates reliability and consistency in reporting and systems across the University.
Institutional Data Reporting (Cognos)
Cognos offers drag-and-drop report building to summarize and organize institutional data from the Data Warehouse. Cognos tools include Query Studio, Workspace Advanced, and Report Studio.
Institutional Data Visualization (Tableau)
Tableau allows users to make ‘visual sense’ of data and through the use of interactive controls, such as filters and parameters, a user can see various aspects of a data set. It is available as a desktop application or as a limited web interface application. The desktop application is available to purchase through University IT ( click on the Request button below).
Instructional Technology Resources
Technology can assist with making instruction more effective, accessible, and comprehensive. A variety of instructional technology resources are available for faculty and students at the University.
Integration Platform (Boomi)
The integration platform allows users to build, deploy, and manage integrations between databases, applications, and software-as-a-service both on premise and in the cloud. The platform can be utilized for self-service integration development, or University IT offers integration development services.
IT Center Lending Library
The IT Center loans laptops to faculty, staff, and students for up to 3 days.
IT Equipment Recovery Program
You can securely recycle personal or University-owned consumer electronics free of charge. All devices are tracked by serial number and all hard drives and storage media are physically destroyed at a secure location to provide you with peace of mind. Please keep all equipment secured until pickup.
Keeper
Keeper is a secure password management tool that employs end-to-end encryption to ensure your logins and files are always secure. Students are able to sign up for their free annual Keeper account (annual registration is required to maintain your free account).
Mailing Lists: Exchange
Exchange distribution lists allow you to send an email to a single address and then have that message automatically delivered to a group of people. Exchange lists enable easy two-way communication between those authorized to use the list, and they are accessible through the University's Global Address List (GAL).
Mailing Lists: Listserv
Listserv allows you to send an email to a single address, and have the message automatically delivered to a group of people. Mailing lists enable easy two-way communication between you and other members of your list, both internal and external to the University. Listserv is effective for announcements, moderated discussions, and mailing to groups on a variety of email systems.
Microsoft 365
Faculty, staff, and students can download the latest version of Microsoft 365 (Formerly Microsoft Office) free of charge as part of the Microsoft Campus Agreement. You can install Microsoft 365 on up to five computers or devices, either University owned or personally owned. The package includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and Access (PC only) for Windows and Mac.
Microsoft 365 Delve
Delve helps you discover the information that's likely to be most interesting to you across Microsoft 365. Find information about people - and through people - and help others find you. You don't have to remember the title of a document or where it's stored. Delve shows you documents no matter where they're stored in OneDrive for Business or in SharePoint in Microsoft 365.
Microsoft 365 Forms
Microsoft 365 Forms is a tool to create surveys, quizzes, and polls, and easily see and analyze the results as recipients complete them. Form data, such as quiz results, can be easily exported to Excel for additional analysis or grading.
Microsoft 365 Mailbox, Webmail and Calendar
Microsoft 365 is a suite of collaboration tools that includes Exchange-hosted email and calendar service. It offers a seamless workflow with Microsoft Office and other programs. Each mailbox includes 100GB of storage.
Microsoft 365 OneDrive for Business
OneDrive for Business provides a place in the cloud where you can store and sync your work files. Update and share your files from any device and work collaboratively with others on Office documents.
Microsoft 365 Stream
Microsoft 365 Stream is an internal portal where users can post and view videos. It's a great place to share videos of executive communications or recordings of classes, meetings, presentations, or training sessions.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a chat-centered workspace in Office 365. It brings people, conversations, files, and tools into one place, so everyone has instant access to everything they need.
Mobile Device Management
Mobile devices are a valuable tool in a wide variety of applications with convenient features typically found in a personal computer making them susceptible to theft, loss, and unauthorized use. To ensure your device is properly protected, please contact the University IT Help Desk to request MDM for Office 365 be activated on your account.
myIdentity
myIdentity is a password management portal for account owners (faculty, staff, students, guests and affiliates) to change passwords and designate security questions for identity verification.
NetID
Your NetID is your account for securely accessing a variety of online services at the University of Rochester, such as the Human Resources Management System (HRMS), Zoom, BOX, and UR Gmail.
Online Collaboration Tools for Teaching
The University offers a number of options for online collaboration between students. These tools offer different workspaces for different purposes, including documentation, bulletin board, and annotation and note-taking.
Online Discussions
Discussion boards are useful tool facilitate learning, asynchronous communications in both face-to-face and online or hybrid courses. A discussion board might be used to begin a conversation amongst students prior to a class meeting, or continue a conversation following a class meeting. Discussion boards can also be used as assessment tools by turning on grading.
Paging
Pagers are available to faculty and staff who need to be reached quickly and reliably around the University and in the Rochester area. Paging is an inexpensive, reliable alternative to cellular telephones for short messages and alerts.
Parking Management System
The parking system manages online parking permits, citations, gates, and intercoms.
Piazza
Piazza is a free, online gathering place where students can ask, answer, and explore 24/7, under the guidance of their instructors. Students as well as instructors can answer questions, fueling a healthy, collaborative discussion.
Polling (Poll Everywhere)
Poll Everywhere is a polling system that allows you to capture audience feedback live, across remote meetings, and in hybrid workspaces through live online polling, surveys, Q&As, quizzes, word clouds, and more.
Printing
Color and black and white printing is available in computer labs and at kiosks across the University. Prints are charged at a per-page rate to either a URos (Flex) account or Visitor account balance.
Project Portfolio Management
The Project and Portfolio Management Office oversees the overall IT portfolio functions that drive strategy, planning, delivery, and execution across departmental and enterprise impacting projects and programs. Provides oversight for several Service Centers, including the Project Management Office and multiple University help desks to ensure appropriate customer service levels
Quality Assurance
University IT can assist you with quality assurance (QA) and testing of your applications. QA services include test strategy and planning, use case identification, exploratory testing, manual testing, automated testing, and browser emulation.
Qualtrics
The Qualtrics XM is a user-friendly, feature rich, web-based survey tool available to University of Rochester Faculty, Staff and Students at no cost. Similar to Survey Monkey, this collaboration tool allows users to build, distribute, and analyze online surveys, collaborate in real-time, and export data in multiple formats.
Remote Access (VPN)
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is used to access restricted University resources from off campus through a secured Internet connection. Faculty, staff, and students with a current, active relationship with the University can use VPN. University resources that do not require VPN to access remotely include email, SharePoint, and most library resources.
Reporting and Analytics (Institutional Data Warehouse)
University IT will consult with you on the use of reporting tools and resources, data gathering processes, proof-of-concept reporting, visualization creation, data analysis, and access to University data marts.
ResNet
ResNet is the wired residential network at River Campus, Eastman Living Center, Books Crossing, South Campus, and Riverview Apartments.
Rettner 201 Software Consulting
Need help with software? Want to learn something new in 30 minutes? Try our new consulting service in Rettner 201. It's FREE!
Rettner Technology Lending Library
The Rettner Technology Lending Library provides Arts, Sciences & Engineering with access to an array of standard and experimental technologies, including GoPro action cameras, Google Glass, and Oculus Rift.
SecureMail
Faculty and staff sending high risk information to external email addresses are required to use SecureMail. University IT recommends also using SecureMail to send high risk information to University email addresses.
SharePoint
SharePoint is a web-based tool that enables teams to collaborate using team sites, document publishing, blogs, wikis, and forums. It provides a secure place to store, organize, share, and access information from almost any device and all major web browsers.
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a cloud-based application offering lightweight project and task management features for individuals and small groups. Smartsheet uses a spreadsheet-based interface to capture and display action items, budgets, inventory, and more, with a variety of reporting and display features.
Software Licensing
The UR Tech Store manages software licenses for commonly used software programs across the University. For information about software not listed, please contact UR Tech Store.
Space Management System (URSpace)
URSpace tracks physical space utilization and equipment inventory at the University, including who is assigned to a space, its square footage, and active equipment.
Spam Management (Proofpoint)
The University uses Proofpoint to help protect University email addresses from spam, phishing messages, and other malicious email. Proofpoint also protects all mailing lists and distribution lists. You are automatically enrolled in Proofpoint.
SSL Certificates
The University has an arrangement with InCommon for issuing digital certificates, which are used to confirm that a website is legitimate and that its online transactions are secured. Certificates are provided free of charge for all University websites and web applications, including in test environments.
Stream2
Stream2 service is now available on all University of Rochester networks! Stream2 is an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) service from Apogee that allows you watch live TV and sports from your computer, tablet, phone, AppleTV, Roku and Amazon Firestick. This service allows you access to your favorite shows from anywhere on campus.
Student Email (Gmail)
University IT, in collaboration with Google, Inc., provides a Gmail interface for student email. This system features 10Gb max storage (including email), enhanced mail search, Instant Messenger chat integration, access to Google Drive, and full calendar use.
Student Telephone & Voicemail
Students can request in-room telephone and voicemail service if they live in a residence hall. In-room phone service includes telephone and voicemail, 5-digit on-campus calling, free local calls, 800-number calls, and 24-hour help and information.
Talent Management System (MyPath)
MyPath is a companion system to HRMS. It brings together performance management, employee learning and development, competency assessments, and career planning into one suite of tools. MyPath is currently available to Medical Center employees and select staff in Central Administration. Faculty and remaining staff will begin using MyPath next year.
Teleconferencing
Teleconferencing services are available for faculty and staff conducting University business. Conference calls can be initiated using the University's telephone system or arranged by University IT through GlobalMeet.
Timekeeping System (Kronos)
Kronos captures employee time swipes daily at 150+ time clocks and sends them to the Human Resources Management System (HRMS).
Two-Factor Authentication (Duo)
The University uses Duo for Two-Factor Authentication to better protect University data, especially when University accounts are used fraudulently to gain remote access to sensitive information. Duo authentication occurs after you log in with your user name and password using a mobile phone, tablet, or landline to verify your identity.
United Way Reporting
United Way Reporting supports the annual campaign by compiling employee pledge data and campaign statistics for reporting purposes.
University-wide Research Resources
Researchers require technical assistance, aid with grant writing, understanding University and research policies and resources that are available through their department, school or center. The Office of the Vice President for Research has an extensive list of research resources and current information on guidance directly related to grant requirements.
UR Budget (Axiom)
UR Budget (Axiom) supports budget development and forecasting as part of the budget process.
UR Cable TV
The UR Cable TV Service has been upgraded to include a new high definition channel lineup. Users should re-program their TVs to find the new channels that are listed below.
UR Faculty
UR Faculty is University of Rochester’s faculty information system. This tool was designed to streamline workflows, improve data quality, and ensure consistency across the schools and units. It is broken down into four modules:
• Faculty Search
• Appointment Management
• Review, Promotion & Tenure
• Faculty Activity Data
UR Financials (Workday)
UR Financials (Workday) manages the University's financial and accounting activities. It currently supports chart of accounts, general accounting and reporting, fund accounting, post-award grant management, and accounts payable. Future developments will include billing and accounts receivable, budget development and forecasting, treasury, and encumbrance of expense.
UR Mobile
UR Mobile is the University's mobile app that provides on-the-go access, to events, the online directory, maps, bus tracking, and other resources. The app is available on iOS, and Android.
UR Student (Workday)
UR Student (Workday) is the University's primary student administration system and supports the processes associated with a student's progression from admission through graduation; including, student records, registration, course rosters, grading, advising, and transcripts. UR Student will be used by all faculty and students and is accessible via a mobile app.
UR Tech Store
The UR Tech Store offers computer hardware and software, as well as an extensive line of computer accessories, audio/video equipment, video gaming products, and more. Educational discounts are available to the University community.
UR Workday Applications
UR Workday encompasses four Services modules: UR Financials, UR Procurement, MyHR (Highland HCM), and UR Student. More information regarding these individual modules are provided below.
URSecurePay
URSecurePay allows departments to securely accept credit card payments through University websites. Funds can be collected for goods and services, fees, and donations to the University.
Usability Testing
Usability testing measures the quality of users' experience when interacting with a service or application. Faculty, staff, or students on any campus may volunteer to participate in a usability session. Usability practitioners on any campus may recruit from the pool of volunteers. University IT can consult on usability testing methods.
Video Production
Video services include HD video recording and editing, green screen work, creating motion graphics, sharing or archiving content, storyboarding, outline development, and basic scripting. Common video productions include lecture/event recordings, tutorials, instructional/course content creation, and promotional videos.
Virtual Desktop
Virtual desktop allows you to connect to software applications or a Windows desktop environment over the Internet, from anywhere and any device.
Voicethread (Discussion Board)
Voicethread is a tool that can allow you to have a conversation around media. It can be used to facilitate multimedia-based discussions and presentations. Linking Voicethread to your course will automatically create accounts for you (the instructor) and your students based on enrollment within the Blackboard course.
Web Content Management: Cascade
Cascade enables departments and programs to maintain their own web pages by using a browser-based application that requires no special software or knowledge of HTML. It provides an easy-to-use editing interface so that each page can be previewed before it is published.
Web Services
Web services include support for the University's central web server (WWW) and related sites. University IT will provide you with information on how to create and maintain your own site or consult on your site development.
Wireless
Wireless access is available across all campuses in academic buildings, residence halls, medical departments, and other spaces, covering a total of about 5.5 million square feet. The University also participates in Eduroam, which provides secure Internet access for students, researchers, and staff when visiting other Eduroam-participating institutions.
Zoom Video and Web Conferencing
Zoom video and web conferencing allows up to 300 participants to simultaneously collaborate over the Internet. You can attend video or audio meetings, share presentations, hold training seminars, and more from any location with a computer and Internet connection.