Getting Started with Tech at KU
Welcome to Kutztown University! This guide will get you started with the tech and tools that you'll be using for the duration of your time with us. We'll go over the basics of each service and link to more detailed pages that will walk you through specific tasks.
If you have questions or run into issues, reach out to the IT Help Center at helpcenter@kutztown.edu or 610-683-1511. Visit us in person at Stratton 201, Academic Forum 204, or in Deatrick Hall (ResNet).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Your KU Account (Microsoft)
The first thing you'll do once you receive your KU username is set a secure password and enroll in multi-factor authentication. This account is used for all of our Single Sign-On services here at KU, including the tools that power email, student information and registration, and course delivery.
Be aware that you can keep your Microsoft Account after leaving KU. To do so, be sure to log into it regularly. Alumni accounts retain access to Outlook, but cannot use the Microsoft Office suite or OneDrive. Details about your account after leaving KU can be found on IT Solutions.
Setting a Password & Authenticator
You should receive your KU username and email address in a welcome message shortly after being accepted to the University. Your KU Username is the first part of your email address (everything before @live.kutztown.edu).
To set your initial password, navigate to the password reset page: Microsoft Self Service Password Reset. Alternatively, you can click on forgot password anywhere the KU SSO appears. Enter your KU email address, answer the challenge image, and set a new password. Detailed instructions and password requirements can be found on our IT Solutions article on password resets.
After logging in with your new password, you will be prompted to set up Microsoft Authenticator. Follow the step-by-step instructions on screen or KU's this Microsoft Authenticator setup guide.
Note: Kutztown University will NEVER ask for your password. If you receive an email asking you to fill out a Google Form with your password or provide it in a response, report it as phishing!
Outlook
All KU email is handled via Outlook. You can access Outlook from the KU homepage by clicking K You and select the envelope icon. You can also navigate to it directly at Microsoft Outlook.
Outlook is available via web app, desktop app, or mobile app. The app is free to access or install on all devices. When setting up your account in Outlook, be sure to specify it as a Work or School account. For detailed setup instructions, refer to our IT Solutions Article on adding an email account to your mobile device.
Note: To keep communications safe and secure, Kutztown University does not support automatic forwarding to external addresses or adding KU accounts to email apps other than Outlook.
Microsoft Office & OneDrive
All KU users have access to the Microsoft Office suite. This suite includes web versions of most apps, as well as desktop installers (for up to 5 devices).
To access Microsoft Office on the web, navigate to Microsoft Office 365 Cloud. To install the desktop apps, follow the instructions on this IT Solutions article on installing Microsoft Office desktop editors. Note that Microsoft Office is already installed on all KU-managed devices.
Your access to Microsoft Office includes a OneDrive account. OneDrive is a cloud storage solution that makes it easy to access your documents across devices and share them with others.
Wi-Fi
Kutztown University offers students a few different ways to get connected. For detailed instructions on accessing the internet, see our Wi-Fi guide on IT Solutions.
- BearNet is a temporary network used to connect devices to the appropriate permanent network.
- BearNet Secure is used by KU-managed devices and should connect automatically.
- Golden Bears is used for personal devices.
- ResNet is used for non-browsing devices in residence halls (consoles, smart TVs, etc.)
- KU Guest is a temporary network reserved for visitors of KU. It requires approval from a staff or faculty member to join. KU Guest access is reset after 48 hours, and prevents users from accessing any of the permanent networks.
- Note: If you are a KU student, do not try to access the internet via KU Guest.
If you experience issues connecting to the network, reach out to the IT Help Center.
MyKU
MyKU is Kutztown University's Student Information System and handles everything from registration to applying for graduation. You can access MyKU via the KU homepage (K You>MyKU) or at the MyKU homepage.
MyKU is also available as a mobile app. You can get it now from Google Play or Apple App Store. The mobile app helps to keep track of your schedule, courses, and upcoming events at KU.
The following IT Solutions articles should help you get started with the system:
D2L
D2L is Kutztown University's learning management system. It is used to deliver course content, conduct assessments, collect assignments, and more. To sign into D2L, click the K You tile and select D2L or navigate directly to KU's D2L Portal.
After signing in, you may see a welcome announcement, any active courses, and some helpful links.
My Courses
The Course selector widget is divided into tabs by semester. Most non-academic courses (such as department-specific training and clearance courses) will be under the Other Courses tab.
Note that D2L courses are only visible to students after their instructor has marked them as active. Additionally, courses expire two weeks after the end of the semester. Be sure to back up any data you wish to keep from a course before that time! Instructors may opt to extend or remove the expiration date from a course to keep it accessible to students.
Navigation Overview
The top navigation menu in a course includes all essential areas of that course.
- Content is where your instructor will post readings and activities.
- Communications includes the classlist and discussion boards.
- Assessments includes assignment dropboxes, quizzes, and your class progress, as well as access to the gradebook.
- Resources includes links to a number of handy tools available through D2L, including MyMediasite (video assignments), Panorama (accessibility tools), and more.
- D2L Help links to the D2L guide on IT Solutions.
Inclusive Access & Courseware
Some courses will come with a digital version of the textbook. This eText can be accessed through D2L. To check if any your courses use inclusive access, reach out to your professor or check the KU Bookstore's Virtual Bookshelf.
Your instructors may incorporate third-party courseware into their instruction. This courseware is provided by the publisher of your textbook and can include additional readings, activities, and assessments. If you experience issues with courseware, reach out to your professor or contact the publisher's support line.
Other Tools in D2L
While completing coursework on D2L, you may come across the following services:
- LockDown Browser is a secure browser that may be required when completing exams on D2L. The browser is pre-installed on all KU devices and can be installed on personal devices from the quiz on D2L.
- Turnitin is an anti-plagiarism tool at D2L. It detects copied material against a large catalogue of existing works and scans for AI-generated text.
- MediaSite is used to embed videos into the content area of D2L and for video assignments.
Learn more about the system with our extensive D2L guide on IT Solutions.
Other Technology Services
Below are some general tips regarding technology at Kutztown University. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the IT Help Center.
Labs & Loaners
Kutztown University provides students with a plethora of University-owned devices to help with classwork. Most academic buildings feature a computer lab. An early/late/weekend lab is available next to the laundromat in Old Main. The Rohrbach Library has MacBooks and Windows laptops available to loan for up to 7 days at a time.
Starfish
Kutztown University uses Starfish for student success planning. It supports students by monitoring attendance records, connecting students to their advisers, and more.
Video Conferencing
Most online classes use Zoom for communication. To ensure a smooth experience with Zoom, be sure to log into your KU zoom account via Kutztown's Zoom Portal (SSO).
Software
Kutztown offers a small selection of licensed software to students.
- Students can request a license to install the Adobe Creative Cloud suite on a personal device (note that licenses are limited and students enrolled in relevant Art and Design classes are given priority).
- Other licensed programs (Wolfram, SPSS, MiniTab) are available at Kutztown University's Software Hub. Valid KU credentials are required to access the hub.
Help Center & ResNet
Need help getting onto wi-fi or resetting your password? Having issues with Outlook, MyKU, or D2L? Reach out to the IT Help Center by email at helpcenter@kutztown.edu or phone at 610-683-1511. Visit a help desk in person at Stratton 201 or Academic Forum 204.
Something wrong with your personal computer? Trying to connect a dorm device to the network? ResNet can help! Visit the ResNet help desk in Deatrick Hall or online at the ResNet website.