Extended Access to Office 365 Email and Tools for Graduates

Penn State has had a number of questions and concerns raised around email access for graduating students.  As a result of the Covid19 pandemic, Penn State has made the decision to extend access to Office 356 email (one year) and apps/tools (90 days) for graduating and stop-out students.  Please see below for more information on Office 365 and G Suite access for these students.

Office 365

When do student lose access to O365?

Due to the extenuating circumstances of the Covid19 pandemic, graduating student access to the Office 365 apps will be extended to 90 days and access to the Office 365 @psu.edu email will be extended to 365 days.  Stop-out or stop-gap student Office 365 @psu.edu email and apps access will be extended to 365 days.

How do students get access to content after that time? 

Mailbox: Data is retained for 30 days after license is removed.  The student can open a ticket via email to [email protected] to have the data retrieved during this 30 day window.  After 30 days, the mailbox data cannot be recovered. 
OneDrive:  Data is retained up to 100 days after the license is removed. The student can open a ticket via email to [email protected] to have the data retrieved during this 100 day window.  After 100 days, the data cannot be recovered. 

G Suite for Education

When do student lose access to G Suite?  

Due to the extenuating circumstances of the Covid19 pandemic, graduating and stop-out or stop-gap student access to G Suite for Education will be extended to 365 days.  

How do students get access to content after that time? 

Google retains a data from a deleted account for 20 day after the removal of the account. 
The student can open a ticket via email to [email protected] to have the data retrieved during this 20 day window.  After 20 days, the data cannot be recovered.

Non-Subscription Office 2019 and Windows Through Kivuto

In addition, I would like to remind students that they can also get Office 2019 and Windows for download, which is separate from the Office 365 subscription.
 
A free version of Microsoft Office and Windows is available for Penn State students.  This free software can be used indefinitely, after graduation and beyond.
 
This is a non-subscription version of Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook that can be downloaded for free at http://softwarestore.psu.edu/news/microsoft-no-cost-software
 
Students looking to get the most out of their final weeks as a Penn State student should take advantage of this free download, but should also note that this is not a download of Office 365, the comprehensive suite of applications currently licensed for use by Penn State students, faculty, and staff.

Changes to Default Zoom Meeting Settings Beginning May 11

Beginning on May 11, Penn State will be making changes to the default meeting settings in order to enhance the security of University Zoom sessions.

Information on the changes can be found on the OIS website at https://security.psu.edu/zoom-meetings/

Remote Learning Information For Students

Delivery of fall curriculum will occur through a highly flexible mix of in-person, remote, and online instruction throughout the semester.

Visit https://keeplearning.psu.edu/ to learn about transitioning from the classroom to remote learning.  This site will provide Penn State students with resources to help them access the information they need for courses this fall.

Web Labs

WebLabs (https://weblabs.psu.edu/) is a new offering that provides students and faculty remote access to Penn State lab computers so that they can connect to the technology resources they need to complete coursework. This includes specialty software located on lab computers, such as programs used in engineering and other scientific disciplines. It is available to students and faculty at most campus locations, including DuBois.  

To access the resource, connect through the new Penn State WebLabs website. Students must also enroll in two-factor authentication before using WebLabs, if they have not done so already.

At DuBois, please use Swift 204 for access to Minitab and Smeal 149 for access to Matlab.  SolidWorks is available on any of the lab computers.

These machines also include all of the software that is available on the physical lab computers on campus.  Any software that you have used on campus is now available remotely.

If you have any additional questions regarding the offering, please let us know.

Computer Labs

Campus computer labs are now closed until fall 2020. Lab space will be available in a limited capacity to ensure proper social distancing.

Students with unmet technology needs should contact Penn State IT at 814-865-HELP (4357) or [email protected] for individual arrangements. We are committed to helping you fulfill your responsibilities.

Instructions for Installing SolidWorks 2020

This is information is from the engineering webpage, and everything you need can be found from this link: https://www.engr.psu.edu/swdownload/

  1. Navigate to the link above and open the installation instructions in a new tab or window.
  2. Click on “64Bit Download” at the top of the page and then click on the 28MB file “Download” button.
  3. Fill out the form on the page that opens with your information. (Select yes for the Serial number and choose 2020-2021 for academic version)
  4. Read the SolidWorks Community Access Initiative and click “Accept and Continue”.
  5. Click on the “Download” button.
  6. Save the file in the prompt that opens.
  7. Run the solidworks.exe file that you just downloaded.
  8. Unzip the file on the next screen that opens.
  9. From this point on, refer to the installation instructions that were opened in Step One. The instructions will run you through the rest of the steps to complete the setup.

Students who are trying to use SolidWorks at home will need to install the VPN client provided by Penn State. The easiest one to use is located here: https://softwarerequest.psu.edu/Home/AllReleases

  1. Select AnyConnect VPN. 
  2. Run through the installation setup, and you will be all set. 

Students will need to sign into the VPN network (with your PSU username and password) at home anytime you want to use SolidWorks. If you do not sign into the VPN, SolidWorks won’t see that it is licensed, and it can give you errors.

Remote Learning Information For Faculty

Delivery of fall curriculum will occur through a highly flexible mix of in-person, remote, and online instruction throughout the semester.

Visit https://keepteaching.psu.edu/ to learn about transitioning from the classroom to remote teaching.  This site contains resources to help Penn State faculty access the information they need to teach courses this fall.

Tech TAs

Tech TAs are Penn State students who will be the technology gurus during the synchronous portion of a class. Their work can include: muting/unmuting students, offering tech support to students with issues like not being able to see video or hear audio, moderating the chat, polling, setting up and monitoring breakout rooms, and sharing whiteboards.
 
Additionally, the Tech TAs can help configure Zoom so that students cannot enter a “room” unless the host is present. This will prevent faculty from receiving emails anytime someone enters their Zoom room, and it will help eliminate excessively long recordings.
 
Faculty can request the help of a Tech TA by completing this Tech TA faculty request form. Upon submission, you will receive an email that introduces you to your Tech TA. After the intro email, the Tech TA will follow up with you directly to assess your needs and determine the next steps.

Remote Work Information Technology Resources 

For students, faculty and staff, visit the Remote Work page that includes technology resources, FAQs, and a form to submit additional questions.  https://it.psu.edu/remotework-tech

This site includes great tips like best practices for preserving bandwidth during Zoom calls.  http://it.psu.edu/remotework-tech/faqs

Jabber

What is it?

Jabber allows you to make and receive calls as your office extension while you're away from your office phone. Think of it as “phone forwarding” taken to the next level.  Not only can you receive calls from your office phone while you are at home, but you can also make calls that will appear to be coming from your office phone.

How to get it

If you are interested in using this, faculty and staff can sign up themselves using the link below.  You will be able to install the app on your cell phone by yourself, however you will need our assistance to install the Windows app on your campus laptop/Surface.  
If you have questions about the service, you can reach out to us.  

You can read more about it here:

https://itld.psu.edu/learning-path/unified-communications-cisco-jabber-learning-path

Sign-up via the Service Now Cisco Jabber Request form:

https://pennstate.service-now.com/sp?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=a02c4a706fd2db00687a30444b3ee4be

Hotspot

What is it?

A hotspot is a device that connects to the cell phone service and then extends that to a Wi-Fi connection or a USB connection.

How to Get One

Students can go to the Penn State Cellular Service Request form.  Use the link to make sure you get the PSU discounts.  Faculty and staff can also use the link to purchase one on their own. 

Caveats

  • Many internet service providers have suspended their data caps during this crisis, or they never had data caps at all, so you might not need a hotspot in order to get more data per month.
  • If you have bad cell service, this solution might not help you.
  • Some of your phones might be able to do this already.  However, this depends on you phone, your plan, and your service provider.  Work with your service provider's support or visit their website for help.
  • Work with IT if you are having internet issues.  We can discuss your situation and give you advice.
  • This site includes great tips like best practices for preserving bandwidth during Zoom calls.  http://it.psu.edu/remotework-tech/faqs
  • Also, see Tips to Maximize Zoom Performance at Home.

Penn State DuBois Help Desk (Remote Only)

IT Service Desk