Students: Getting Started with Technology Resources


 

Watch the Tech Checklist Video!

Would you prefer to watch a video? All of the steps and resources listed below are covered in this video. Sections are marked in case you would like to skip around to different sections.

 

  1. 0:48 – Step 1 – Know your DePaul Login Credentials
  2. 2:16 – Step 2 – Set up BlueKey Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  3. 2:54 – Step 3 – Mobile Blue Demon Card
  4. 4:43 – Step 4 – Access Campus Connect
  5. 6:13 – Step 5 – Microsoft 365 Apps (including Office)
  6. 7:27 – Step 6 – Check your BlueM@il in Outlook
  7. 8:44 – Step 7 – Activate DePaul Zoom Account
  8. 9:38 – Step 8 – Access D2L and Teaching Commons
  9. 10:31 – Step 9 – Collaborate with Teams and OneDrive
  10. 11:18 – Step 10 – Get a Physical Blue Demon Card (and Ventra U-Pass info under Step 10 below)
  11. 12:06 – Step 11 – Complete Security Awareness Training
  12. 13:01 – Step 12 – The Help Desk and Genius Squad
  13. 14:23 – Step 13 – Additional Resources
  14. 15:00 – More Information

1. Know your DePaul login credentials

As a DePaul student, you have been issued the following email and login credentials during the orientation process:

You will need these credentials to log in to various applications and DePaul systems like Desire2Learn(D2L), Campus Connect, Zoom, and Office 365. Because our transition to BlueKey login is still in progress, most systems will request your email address and password, but some systems may still request your username and password. Learn about authentication and password security.

Having trouble finding your login credentials or password? Contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@depaul.edu or call (312) 362-8765.

2. Set up BlueKey multi-factor authentication

Register now for BlueKey multi-factor authentication and self-service password reset. Watch this tutorial video for help registering. When logging into certain DePaul systems, you will be asked to authenticate your identity through Microsoft's multi-factor authentication using a designated device, such as your mobile phone.  An increasing number of DePaul systems and applications will use BlueKey multi-factor authentication in the future. Registering also allows you to reset your password without assistance from the Help Desk. Learn more about Microsoft's authentication process or watch this tutorial video.

Important Note: If you have a smartphone, please check your multi-factor settings. The preferred "Default sign-in method" is "Microsoft Authenticator - notification". Please set the default to this method. 

Please add backup verification methods! It will make life much easier if you ever lose or can't access your phone. Add verification methods here at bluekey.depaul.edu/multifactor or watch the video in this article.

3. Steps to get your mobile Blue Demon Card (and use the eAccounts app)

Follow these steps to get your mobile Blue Demon Card. The process begins by registering for multi-factor authentication and submitting a profile photo based on the guidelines. Visit bluedemoncard.depaul.edu for more details.

  1. Install BlueKey MFA (if you haven't already)
  2. Review Blue Demon Card photo guidelines
  3. Submit your photo as soon as possible. If you visit the "submit your photo" link and already have an approved photo that works for you, skip this step.
  4. Check your BlueM@il for confirmation when your photo is approved (usually 2 business days)
  5. Follow instructions to install the mobile Blue Demon Card on iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone. Review device requirements

Problems? View the Blue Demon Card FAQs or contact the Help Desk

Transact eAccounts app and eAccounts web page

Manage Demon Express, iPrint, Meal Plan accounts from either the Transact eAccounts app for Apple or Android, or the eAccounts web page. The app is installed on your phone during the process of adding the mobile credential to your device. DePaul students and employees can make changes and check various accounts through the eAccounts app and web page. Tasks you can do:

4. Access Campus Connect

Campus Connect is your gateway to many web-based services at DePaul. This is where you will register for classes, check your grades, view your tuition account, request transcripts, refill your Demon Express account, and much more. To log in, visit campusconnect.depaul.edu and use your BlueKey login credentials (username@depaul.edu email address and password).

Update contact info: Navigate to the "Profile" tab and make sure your name, address, and contact information are accurate and up-to-date. Make sure to double-check for accurate contact information under "DPU Alert", which is DePaul's emergency notification system.

5. Access your DePaul-based Microsoft 365 (including Office) account

Sign in to office365.depaul.edu with your BlueKey login credentials. Access Office 365 web apps including Word, Excel OneDrive, Outlook, and others, or install Office desktop apps on your personal computer. You can also download Office 365 mobile apps for iPhone or Android. Learn all about how to use Microsoft 365 apps (including Office). Another way to view apps available to you is to visit the Microsoft 365 dashboard at microsoft365.com/apps (login with your BlueKey credentials).

6. Regularly check BlueM@il in Outlook or your preferred email client app

DePaul students have several options for accessing their BlueM@il (username@depaul.edu): the Outlook Desktop App, the Outlook Web App, or through an email app on a smartphone or other mobile device.

View more detailed instructions for connecting to your BlueM@il through the web, desktop, or mobile app. Many important university communications will go to your BlueM@il. Learn more about student email and university communications. Learn to spot malicious phishing emails.

7. Activate your DePaul Zoom account

You will likely use the Zoom application to connect with colleagues while taking online classes. For most classes that use Zoom, you will connect through D2L (see next step). Activate your Zoom account at depaul.zoom.us using your DePaul login credentials. Learn more about accessing and using Zoom.

8. Access Desire2Learn (D2L) and other teaching resources

Desire2Learn (D2L) is an electronic course management system used by many professors at DePaul. D2L gives students online access to course documents, discussion boards, assignment submissions, an online grade book, quizzes, and more. For more information about using D2L, as well as other technology available at DePaul, visit the Teaching Commons and Teaching Guides pages. To log into D2L, visit d2l.depaul.edu and use your BlueKey login credentials (username@depaul.edu and password). 

9. Collaborate in Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Teams and OneDrive

Faculty, staff, and students all have access within Microsoft 365 to Microsoft Teams, a collaborative tool where your team can chat, make audio and video calls, host meetings, and share screens and files. Learn all about collaborating and working in Teams or OneDrive. Access Microsoft 365 web apps or download the desktop apps at office365.depaul.edu, or download the mobile apps.

10. Get your physical Blue Demon Card (if you want one) and Ventra U-Pass

Although the Blue Demon Card on your mobile device works at card readers all around university campuses, DePaul students, faculty, or staff members may still want a physical Blue Demon Card. The first step in obtaining a card is to submit a photo online based on profile photo guidelines. You can then visit a Blue Demon Card office to request a physical card during office hours.

Ventra U-Pass

Please note: U-Pass is a separate card and not associated with the Blue Demon Card. The Ventra U-Pass provides unlimited rides for eligible DePaul students on CTA buses and trains during the Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters. The U-Pass is not available during the Winter Intersession.

11. Complete Information Security Awareness training

As a student at DePaul, it's important to be aware of some of the most common cybersecurity threats.  Through this series of helpful topics, you will learn about important topics like email phishing, safe browsing, protecting your identity online, and others.

12. Know how to reach the Help Desk and Genius Squad

You can get help with a wide variety of technology issues in the Knowledge Base, or reach out to the Help Desk (helpdesk.depaul.edu). You can get in-person support with your computer or mobile device through the Genius Squad, located on both of DePaul's campuses. Please check the latest information about Genius Squad hours.

13. Demon Discounts and LinkedIn Learning Courses

As a DePaul student, you can take advantage of free and discounted software from various vendors. Get free unlimited access to thousands of online training courses via LinkedIn Learning. Also, take advantage of discounts on dining, technology, entertainment, and more from hundreds of vendors via the Demon Discounts program.

A Few More Resources

Bookmark important technology links

Download the iDePaul mobile app

iDePaul - In addition to being a convenient hub for university information, students can access other mobile-friendly resources directly on the mobile app. Available for students to download from either the Apple Store or Google Play. 

Technology in residence halls

Lincoln Park residence hall rooms are equipped with both high-speed wired internet connections and WiFi internet access. We recommend that you use the wired network as your primary internet connection in your residence hall room, as this network is faster and more secure than WiFi networks.In each residence hall, except for Sheffield Square, one computer with our standard lab experience is available for student use. All residents also have the capacity to print using their personal computer to an Intelliprint printer located within each residence hall (including Sheffield Square).

For more information about the technology offered in the residence halls, visit the Department of Housing.

Student jobs in technology

To see current open positions and apply, visit Student Employment. When filtering your search by department, look for Information Services.

Prepare to learn on and off-campus. I will be learning... 

On-Campus

Remotely