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Faculty

Welcome

Computer Services offers resources that benefit everyone at Temple University. Services include a free e-mail account, access to systems to perform administrative functions, connection to a high-speed on-campus network, assistance resolving technical issues through a 24-hour support Help Desk, and much more.

In addition, Computer Services offers numerous services and resources targeted to meet the special needs of faculty. Resources include access to Blackboard, a web-based online course management and delivery system with components for creating discussion groups, blogs, and wikis. Computer Services also supports over 300 smart classrooms. Also, faculty can reserve computer laboratories for classroom instruction.

Students, faculty, and staff can access technology resources at Temple with an AccessNet username and TUsecure password. An AccessNet account enables you to log in to the majority of Temple University’s online resources and services. The particular resources available to you will vary depending on your designated role (applicant, student, faculty, or staff) within the University. For more information, see Obtaining an AccessNet Account.

If you need assistance with technology, consultants in one of our three Instructional Support Centers (ISC) are available to assist you with Blackboard, PowerPoint, scanning, or other technology used for instruction or research. Additionally, Computer Services offers free hands-on seminars on a variety of topics geared toward faculty. "Getting Started with Blackboard," "Using a Digital Image Database to Build In-Class Presentations," and "Creating Online Tests and Gradebook items" are just a few of the topics offered.

News Items

What's new for Fall 2008?

Stronger Passwords Set for TUsecure

The TUsecure initiative to standardize password security across Temple’s major systems is now in place. This project was a success largely because the University Community fully cooperated by creating stronger passwords and answering security questions. Now that this important framework has been established, you will be reminded every six months to change your password to continue this best security practice.

Remember to always keep your password secure by not sharing it with anyone. Also, be aware that hackers will try and trick you into revealing your password through e-mail phishing scams. Temple University and any other legitimate organization will never request your password from you via an e-mail message. For more information on phishing, go to www.temple.edu/cs/security/phishing.

Need Assistance? Try the New TUhelp Self-Service Site

Requesting assistance from the Help Desk is now more convenient through TUhelp. TUhelp is an easy to use, online self-service web site for requesting help with technical support issues. The web site enables you to:

• Automatically submit requests for help on your own time.
• Track live progress of requests.
• View progress notes made by Computer Services consultants.
• Cancel submitted requests.
• Submit questions about a request.
• View the history of past requests.

To take advantage of this enhanced service, go to tuhelp.temple.edu.

New TUportal Marks First Major Phase of Project Enterprise

On Monday, July 28, Temple launched the newly reengineered TUportal. The improved portal is the first major component of Project Enterprise, a multi-million dollar initiative to replace Temple’s administrative systems with SunGard’s Banner system. The scope of Project Enterprise includes upgrading the University’s finance, human resources, student information and advancement systems, as well as numerous other administrative systems.

With the upgrade, TUportal takes center stage as the hub for accessing Temple’s major systems and online services. In addition to technical improvements, TUportal also sports a redesigned streamlined look, more customized announcements, plus access to familiar TUportal resources.

Stay tuned for more news on the progress of Project Enterprise. Over the next several years, new systems will be rolled out, bringing resources together into a modern integrated system platform. Up next is the replacement of the finance system, with completion scheduled for July 2009.

Pinpoint Building Locations on TUportal

A new resource is available on tuportal.temple.edu to help you locate buildings on Main Campus. When you log in to the portal under the "MyPortal" tab, look for the Temple Buildings channel to see the buildings listed both by the name and building codes. Once you click on the button with the building code or name, you will see a Google map showing the exact building location with the name, code and street address, as well as the cross streets and surrounding area. In the near future, additional buildings will be included for the other campuses.

Reminder to Sign Up for Emergency Notifications

Temple’s emergency notification system (MIR3) is designed to broadcast alerts to the University community. This multi-pronged emergency communication system relies on text-messaging, phone calls, e-mail, and web updates to alert staff, faculty, and students of any potential school closings or emergency situations.

If you have not already done so, please follow the instructions below to update your emergency notification information. The process takes less than a minute.

Updating Faculty Emergency Notification Information:

1. Go to the ESS web site and log in.
2. Under the My Profile section on the left, click on Emergency Notification.
3. Follow the instructions to fill in your information in section 1 or section 2.
4. When you have finished, click on Update.
5. Next, enter your AccessNet password and click on Confirm.

Go Wireless with a New Network on Main Campus & HSC

Temple now has a new wireless network for Main Campus and the Health Sciences Center called wifi4owls, providing Internet-only access. Connecting to this new network is very easy because you do not need to register or set up your computer in advance. To obtain access, you simply enter your AccessNet username and TUsecure password.

The wifi4owls network is designed for general Internet wireless access. It provides access to the same resources that are available to you when connecting from home or from a public Wi-Fi hot spot, such as in a Starbucks.

For more information, please go to www.temple.edu/cs/wireless.

Academic Resources Enhanced

During the summer, Computer Services made improvements in the following areas:

• A number of standard classrooms were converted into smart classrooms with built-in multimedia, Internet access, and computing capabilities. Since May 2008, 20 rooms were converted in Anderson Hall, the Engineering Building, and Presser Hall. This brings the total number of smart classrooms to over 300.
  
  
• Blackboard was upgraded to version 8.03. This upgrade will enable Computer Services to install the Content and Learning Outcomes modules that you will be hearing about soon.
  
  
• The southeast corner of the TECH Center was under construction over the summer to provide space for 28 additional computers to accommodate student technology needs. As part of the construction, the TECH Center's new recording booths were relocated to a more centralized location. In addition, the computers in Room 213, the "Advanced Technology Lab," were reconfigured to allow for video editing and multimedia software.
  

Euler Available for Large Computational Research

Are you a faculty member or student engaged in large computational research? If so, you may be interested in taking advantage of a high-end computer called Euler. Euler is a Linux-based, Sun Microsystems computer featuring 16 64-bit CPU cores and six terabytes of storage with over fifteen data analysis programs, including SAS, S-PLUS, and Maple.

The system, which is managed by Computer Services, is intended for use by any student or faculty member who needs to take advantage of its high-end tools to perform computationally-based research or coursework.

To learn about the software packages and programming languages available on the system, as well as how to obtain an account, please visit the Euler web site.

Access & Share Files Anytime, Anywhere with MyBackpack

MyBackpack provides a convenient way to access and share files and web pages from any web browser connected to the Internet. Once your files and web pages are uploaded, you can share them with your Temple colleagues and friends by indicating their AccessNet username or alias.

MyBackpack was recently improved with added options and user-friendly features. For example, when you share a web page, users are informed by e-mail that they have access to your page and provided with a link to log in and view it. You also have the option to make your web pages private or public.

To begin using this resource, go to mybackpack.temple.edu.

Students Can Purchase “Clickers” Online

TurningPoint is a classroom performance system that enables instructors to obtain immediate feedback from their students. By using a response pad, also referred to as a "clicker," students can answer questions, respond to surveys, take opinion polls, and much more. Instructors can also use this technology to take attendance.

In addition to the campus bookstore, students can now purchase Turning Point clickers at a discount ($30 plus shipping) from Turning Technologies.

Note: When accessing the Turning Technologies online store, students will be prompted for a school code. The code for Temple University is 6mS4.

Duplex Becomes the Default

As part of Temple's sustainability effort, double-sided (duplex) printing has become the default option in labs managed by Computer Services including the TECH Center, Tuttleman, Ambler and TUCC. Double-sided printing saves paper and maximizes student printing quotas because it counts as only one sheet.

Fall '08 "Technology at Temple" Guide Released

For an overview of the University’s computer resources, explore the current edition of the “Technology at Temple” guide. The guide offers a snapshot of TUportal features, a summary of popular classroom tools, information on getting connected to Temple's technology resources, and much more.