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Congratulations on starting your journey at Villanova University! Technology is a crucial part of our core mission and goals, and it will play a central role in your educational experience. In preparation for your transition to Villanova, Technology Services has created this New Student Guide that provides important information about technology use at the University.
Getting Started
This past spring, you received an email to the personal email address you used to apply to Villanova, from University Technology Services with the subject "Information for your Villanova University Email Account" The email includes your user ID, email address, and Villanova number. If you have not already activated your account, please do so as soon as possible. After you have activated your account, please enroll in our multi-factor authentication app, DUO, which adds an extra layer of security to your account and data.
Once enrolled, you can now access the University's portal, MyNova, your gateway to various applications and links connected to the University that can be customized to your needs by favoriting items. One of the top items is to access your Villanova email. You can search for “Check Villanova Email” on MyNova or visit webmail.villanova.edu. You can also download, install, and configure the O365 Outlook app on your mobile devices for quick access. We recommend checking your Villanova email regularly to ensure you don't miss important announcements and communications.
Next, your Wildcard, which is your campus ID card, is more than just an ID; it's your key to on-campus buildings and facilities, as well as NovaBucks, which you can use for purchases both on and off campus by adding money to the card. For additional information, how-to videos, and secure access to card-related services, please visit the Wildcard site.
Lastly, we highly encourage you to sign up for NOVA Alert, which delivers important emergency alerts, notifications, and updates to any mobile device or email you choose to register. When an incident or emergency occurs, authorized senders will notify you using NOVA Alert.
Before You Arrive
As you prepare to arrive this fall, please review our student toolkit. For more information on which computer to get, please review our knowledge base article on the college-specific computer standards shared in May. The article outlines the type of computer required and the specific requirements for each college and school. Once you have your laptop, consider downloading Microsoft's Office 365, which is available to the Villanova community at no charge. The cloud-based version of the Microsoft Office desktop suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, and more. Additionally, you have access to Zoom meetings and webinars and Microsoft Teams for your video conferencing needs.
Villanova offers multiple mobile apps to support and enhance your Villanova experience, including the official University app, Nova Now, and Nova SAFE, a free smartphone app designed to help the Department of Public Safety respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. Another app to download is Blackboard Learn, the University's learning management system. Blackboard is your source for content and resources for both on-campus and online courses.
Arriving On Campus
Upon arriving on campus for fall move-in this August, you will be greeted by members of Technology Services, who are ready to answer any questions you may have. They will help you get connected to the VU Mobile network for all your devices, including your streaming and gaming devices. The University has partnered with Comcast to provide XFINITY On Campus, a service that enables students to watch live TV from a pre-selected channel lineup on their smart TV or streaming device once connected to the network. You will also have access to view content on demand directly on your computer and select mobile and video streaming devices, such as Apple and Android devices, through the Xfinity Stream App.
Whether you need to quickly access a piece of software that is not installed or print a paper before class, you will want to familiarize yourself with the campus vDesktop and vPrint services. vDesktop is a virtual desktop technology that allows students to access a standard OS and set of software applications virtually, via any computer with an internet connection. vPrint is an accessible, cost-effective, and convenient public printing solution available to Villanova students for uploading and printing documents on campus.
Lastly, within the next year, you will be required to do security training in support of our Securitas program, which establishes security requirements and provides a framework for safeguarding information. At Villanova, everyone plays a role in protecting our data, which includes your data. We empower our community with the knowledge and tools needed to stay secure in an increasingly digital world, thereby fulfilling our commitment.
Finding IT Support
While our team will be there to support you when you move in and begin the semester, please know we offer multiple ways for you to reach out for any IT support you may need. We offer walk-in help at several locations through our TechZones, including a collaborative working space at the Dobbins Hall location. Alternatively, you can ask our AI chat, NOVAchat, found on any Technology Services website or knowledge base article. Additionally, we can call us at 610-519-7777 or submit a support ticket.