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Welcome to ITS 101, a webpage with some of our most-used IT services and must-know BGSU technology information; all in one place. Be sure to bookmark this page!

If you experience an issue with BGSU devices, applications, connecting to the BGSU network, etc., inform ITS! It is imperative that you notify ITS so that we can collect needed information in order to investigate. Sometimes an issue that is impacting multiple users goes unreported and is not fixed promptly because we are either unaware of the issue(s), or only one or two users report the issue and we are unable to recognize there is a larger problem rather than a one-time issue. When multiple users report the same issue in a short period of time, it becomes more obvious to ITS that there is a problem needing immediate attention. 

If your issue is listed on the ITS Reported Issues webpage, ITS is aware and is working to resolve it as quickly as possible. Please call the ITS service desk directly at 419-372-0999 to report an issue so that we can quickly collect information needed for the investigation process.

Check the Reported Issues Page

BGSU ITS manages a variety of technical and business process projects that support BGSU academic, physical, and digital operations, as well as specific strategic objectives portfolios defined by Vice Presidents/Provosts and C-level staff across campus. 

Complete the Project Evaluation to submit a formal BGSU IT New Project or IT Ongoing Operations request. The Project Evaluation Request is the starting point for ongoing operations and new project requests requiring IT resources. Depending on the nature of the request, there may be several levels of approval required in order to complete a request.

BGSU manages over 525 software applications. This number grows every year as new purchase requests are made. Thus, it is important to ask the question, "Does the University currently own software that will perform the same function?"  Check our list of list of approved software to determine if your application is included or a similar application is already purchased for use, prior to submiting a Software Procurement Request. You can request software be installed on a device during the University Device Request process and many approved applications are available for download on University-owned Windows devices from the Microsoft Software Center. 

Any software that is not currently available or approved for installation must be reviewed by the University using the Software Purchase & Request Process for University Devices. This may include but is not limited to desktop-based software, cloud-based and mobile apps, as well as, domain purchases.

Laptops are the standard issued device for BGSU faculty and staff.  ITS' recommended setup is a laptop, monitor, dock and wireless keyboard/mouse. This provides faculty/staff with the convenience of a laptop, while allowing for a desktop setup when the laptop is plugged into the dock.

ITS upgrades employee primary devices based on a 3-4 year cycle referred to as the Employee Device Upgrade (EDU) program. Select the Employee Device Upgrades icon below for additional information. 

Use the University Device Request form to request a new or replacement device or add-on/accessory for current employees. This form should also be used to request a new device for new hires, to request devices for a university event, and/or to request a student/shared device.

The recommended network for all BGSU faculty, staff and students is eduroam . The eduroam network encrypts all traffic and maintains consistent connection until a user changes their BGSU password. 

The BGSU Virtual Private Network (VPN)/Pulse Secure allows faculty and staff to securely access resources on the BGSU network using their University-owned device while physically off-campus. VPN allows users in remote environments to connect to secure websites, BGSU file shares and on-campus only software. ITS provides all faculty and staff affiliated employees with a VPN account that can be accessed using their BGSU credentials.

BGSU offers three different self-service account recovery options for resetting forgotten passwords: email, voice call or SMS text message. Instructions for configuring accounts to use SMS or voice call recovery options are available on our BGSU Passwords webpage. The email reset option is configured by default. If you need assistance resetting your password, you must call the ITS service desk at 419-372-0999. Password resets cannot be performed via chat. 

Duo Two Factor Authentication protection is used as an additional measure to help protect sensitive university/personal data. Enter your BGSU credentials and authenticate via the Duo app (preferred method), SMS text or voice call to access protected applications/services. 

Cybersecurity training is available in the Bridge training application and covers topics including passwords, malware, phishing, mobile security and physical security.

BGSU offers a variety of applications to faculty and staff to help them efficiently and effectively perform their jobs. Utilize remote meeting tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom to assist with online instruction, business meetings and general communication. 

Install the Microsoft Office suite of applications, for free, on up to five devices (including your University-owned device). This includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, a web version of Visio and cloud file storage via OneDrive. Users can also collaborate on documents using SharePoint.

Manage course content, quizzes and communication using the Canvas LMS. View our Canvas Tips for helpful technical resources and contact the Center for Faculty Excellence for teaching and learning support.