ITS Information for Students

Download the ITS Student Computing Handbook.  Read helpful information below about SOAR, registering for classes, proxy access for parents, IT in the residence halls, and more!

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    Students/Parents Attending SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration)

    The Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) events provide an excellent opportunity to become familiar with Detroit Mercy's technology resources. Details regarding SOAR are listed below.

    Help Desk

    The ITS Help Desk will be on-site during the SOAR check-in to share information or answer any technology related questions. Feel free to stop by. For incoming resident students, there is an excellent checklist of technology items to bring to make the move into the residence halls smooth. Later in the day, the Help Desk Manager will be speaking to students and parents during the sessions.

    Account Credentials

    During the admissions process, each student will receive account credentials and instructions for accessing Detroit Mercy systems. 

    Students can authorize account access for parents through proxy access. During SOAR and PTV, the student will be trained on how to authorize access.

    In the event that the student never received his/her login credentials or that the credentials have been lost, an ITS staff member will be on-site at the registration location to reset the password.

    Learn more about My Portal on the Account Information page.

    Academic Computing Labs

    During SOAR, the Quad Commons Lab will be open for general use. All other labs have more restrictive schedules during the summer time or may have class sessions taking place. With a new Detroit Mercy ID, students are welcome to step into the Quad Commons Lab to use the computers. The student will need to show the student TechTeam member his/her ID for entry. Students may familiarize themselves with the lab and feel free to take any of the hand-outs available for future reference. If there are any questions, please feel free to ask the student TechTeam member on duty. They will be more than willing to answer any question to the best of their ability.

    Students are welcome to step into any open lab and take a look around.

    Notebook Recommendations

    During the SOAR sessions, students and parents may hear about a general notebook recommendation and more specific notebook recommendations for various programs. Please note these are solely recommendations and not requirements. For details on the recommended notebook specifications, please visit the Notebook Recommendation page.

    Overnight in the Residence Halls

    Students are to bring enough 3 to 2 converters for their equipment. Not all rooms have three-pronged outlets and so it is good to have converters on hand. Also, due to the popularity of cell phones, landline telephones are only available in residence hall rooms upon request. If a student needs to make a phone call and doesn't have a cell phone, please track down one of the orientation leaders.

    WiFi Access

    For WiFi access in the residence halls, please ask one of the orientation leaders for the password. At the library, the reference desk can also provide the current password to students.

    Emergency Alert System

    Register for University of Detroit Mercy emergency communications and be among the first to receive alerts on class cancellations or other emergency notices via text message and email through the Rave Mobile Safety system.

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    Register for Classes

    Watch the Course Registration Demonstration video instructions on the registration process.  

    Where advisor approval is required for registration, students should see their advisor to have them released for registering.

    In My Portal Self-Service, it is recommended students check their registration status to clear any "holds" that may be on their account. Students with holds should contact the departments listed.

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    Proxy Access

    Detroit Mercy students can designate their relatives or employers as authorized users to view (not update) their Self-Service account through Proxy Access. Following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy ACT (FERPA), students control the authorized access. Students select the kind of information that can be viewed for each person they authorize and also select the date range that allows the view access to the information that they have authorized. 
     
    There are 13 screens available for students to authorize access in the areas of academics, financial aid, and student accounting. It is the student's choice to allow access to all the screens or only some of the screens. 

    Proxy Setup Instructions 

    Student  

    1. Navigate to: https://my.udmercy.edu
    2. Click “Student Profile.” 
    3. Click “Proxy Access.” 
    4. Click “Add New.” 
    5. Enter your relative or employer’s information. 
      • Ensure that you select a “Stop Date” after today’s date. (By default, this is set for today’s date.)
      • Under “Authorizations,” select the pages that you would like to provide access. 

    Relative or Employer 

    1. After the student grants you access, you will receive two emails at the address the student provided for you: 
      • An email with the subject “New proxy identity” will provide a temporary link.   
      • A separate email with the subject “New proxy confirmation” will provide an initial password. 
    2. Open the temporary link and enter the initial password that you received via email.  (The temporary link and initial password can only be used once.) 
    3. You will be prompted to change your password. 
    4. Sign in using your email address and the new password that you just created.   
    5. Save or bookmark the authentication page for future access: https://studentssb-prod.ec.udmercy.edu/StudentSelfService/login/auth

    Troubleshooting Proxy Access Issues 

    If the relative or employer needs assistance, the student can be the first and best resource for help since the student accesses the same web pages to which they are granting access. If the third-party forgets their password, the student may reset it for them. If the student is unable to resolve the issue, email proxyaccess@udmercy.edu or call the ITS Help Desk at (313) 993-1500. 
     
    Student  

    1. Navigate to: https://my.udmercy.edu
    2. Click “Student Profile.” 
    3. Click “Proxy Access.”  
    4. Click on the pencil icon under your relative or employer’s name.  
      • Verify that the “Stop Date” is after today’s date.   
      • Verify that the correct pages have been authorized.  
    5. If needed, click “Reset Password.”   
    Relative or Employer 
    1. If you are unable to log in, please ask the student to follow the troubleshooting instructions above. 
    2. If the student resets your password, you will receive two emails: 
      • An email with the subject “Send proxy password reset request” will provide a temporary link.   
      • A separate email with the subject “New password reset confirmation” will provide an initial password. 
    3. Open the temporary link and enter the initial password that you received via email.  (The temporary link and initial password can only be used once.) 
    4. You will be prompted to change your password. 
    5. Sign in using your email address and the new password that you just created.   
    6. Save or bookmark the authentication page for future access: https://studentssb-prod.ec.udmercy.edu/StudentSelfService/login/auth
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    Send Payer Invitation for Tuition and Fees

    Students may send an invitation for a relative or employer to pay tuition and fees on a student's account.  The student and payer must follow the steps below for this access to be granted.

    Student 

    1. Navigate to: https://my.udmercy.edu
    2. Click “Student Profile.” 
    3. Click “Student Account.” 
    4. Click “Pay Now * (CashNet)” or “Payment Plan * (Transact).” 
    5. Click “My Account.” 
    6. Click “Send a payer invitation” and enter your payer’s information. 
    Payer 
    1. After the student sends you an invitation, you will receive an email at the address the student provided for you.   
    2. Open the link and enter the username and initial password that you received via email.  
    3. You will be prompted to create a new password. 
    4. Save or bookmark the authentication page for future access: https://commerce.cashnet.com/udmercypay?LT=P 
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    IT Information for Residents

    Technology to bring on move-in day

    A notebook or desktop computer with WiFi or network ports available. (For information on connecting to the Detroit Mercy network, please see the Network Access page.)

    • A CAT5E or greater network cable to connect a notebook or desktop computer to the wired port in the room. A wired connection is the fastest method for connectivity to the University's network.
    • Antivirus software installed and configured for daily updates if already owned. (If a license is not already owned, Detroit Mercy provides free commercial McAfee anti-virus software to resident students.)
    • COAX cable to connect a TV to Detroit Mercy's digital cable TV service. (For compatibility requirements, please see the Cable TV page.)
    • Enough 3 to 2 electrical converters for every device.
    • Power strips and extension cords.
    • Media for any commercial application installed on the device, just in case it needs to be reinstalled.

    Technology to leave at home

    • Personal WiFi access points. Detroit Mercy provides WiFi coverage to all resident room locations and personal WiFi access points are not necessary. To ensure quality WiFi signal for all students, it is the University policy to shut down wired access in rooms where personal WiFi access points are installed.
    • Any illegal software
    • P2P file sharing applications

    Will there be a telephone in each residence hall room?

    Telephone services within the residence halls will only be available on a per request basis. This service may be requested at no cost to the student by contacting the Help Desk. Requests may be made at any point and the service will be available until graduation day each academic year.

    Obtaining access the free antivirus software for student residents

    Each year, the University provides free commercial anti-virus protection to current students living in the campus residence halls.

    During Freshman move-in, the Help Desk will provide a one-year McAfee Anti-Virus license for installation.

    Resident students who need to pick up their license after the freshman move-in date may do so by bringing their University identification card and residence proximity card to the Help Desk in Student Union 013. The Help Desk staff will verify the student's name and room location and, then, will install and configure McAfee.

    A student who already owns a licensed copy of an anti-virus product will likely not need the University license. Students who have only a trial license installed on their computer are ideal candidates for the University licensed installation.

    Please note that all users should never install more than one anti-virus protection application. Multiple anti-virus protection applications on one computer will typically compete against each other resulting in a very slow computer. Only one anti-virus product that is updated daily is necessary.

    The ITS department is unable to provide virus protection for non-Windows computers.

    Does IT repair personal computers?

    The Help Desk staff strives to be as helpful as they can in assisting Detroit Mercy students during their academic studies. The Help Desk, however, is unable to work on personal devices. Please contact a local repair shop for assistance.

General Technology FAQs

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    Academics

    How is technology used to enhance classroom learning?

    With Blackboard, instructors can post syllabi, readings, and assignments as well as communicate via email, discussion boards or virtual chats. Some additional features include Course Announcements, Online Tests and Surveys, Course Study Groups and Course Calendars. 

    What is the technology like in the classrooms?

    An instructor computer, data projector, document reader, and WiFi are available in each classroom or delivered upon instructor request. A Classroom Directory detailing the technology in each room is available online.

    Does Detroit Mercy offer online classes?

    Yes, some classes are available online. Many other classes are web-enhanced, allowing class materials such as notes, handouts, and readings to be posted online, supplementing material provided by the instructor in class.

    Does Detroit Mercy accept credits from courses taken electronically (online or at a distance) from other institutions?

    Once a student's official transcript has been received, the transcript will be sent to the Office of the Registrar and the transfer evaluation staff will evaluate the coursework that the student took at the other institution(s) for transferability to a Detroit Mercy degree program.

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    Learning Opportunities

    Does Detroit Mercy provide access to work with multimedia (audio and video)?

    Multimedia applications, such as Moviemaker, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver, are available on all ITS lab computers. In addition, the Neil Shine Media Center in the Briggs building offers a variety of digital design, imaging, audio, and video production and editing resources. 

    Does Detroit Mercy offer classes to ensure that students are fluent in current information technologies?

    Yes, Detroit Mercy offers classes in Computer and Information Systems. View the course catalog for a current listing of courses.

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    Accessing Computer Services

    What public access for computing is available to students?

    There are several Academic Computing Labs, as well as a Library Computing Lab, providing computers for student use. An open wireless environment also exists around the University. Please see the map of covered areas for details.

    How does the campus support printing for students and is there a charge for this service?

    A pay-for-print solution is in place to help students make environmentally friendly choices about printing and significantly reduce paper waste.  A 400 page per academic year allotment is provided for all students to support their course printing requirements. Additional pages may be purchased if needed.  Students will be asked to confirm their print requests by entering their My Portal credentials. Once successfully entered, the print job will be sent to the printer. Printing instructions are available in all Academic Computing Labs and the Lab Assistants are available to address any questions.  

    Does the campus provide institutional email accounts for all students and use email as an official medium?

    Yes, a Detroit Mercy email address is created for each student to receive announcements from the University and instructors. 

    Does the campus provide electronic space for personal student web pages?

    Yes, students may create a web page/site through the University using WordPress.  Visit the Help Desk Knowledge Base for details.  

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    ID Cards

    What campus services are covered by a student ID card?

    Students may purchase food from their Detroit Mercy meal plan, check out books from the Detroit Mercy library, use game equipment in the Student Center game room, purchase Theatre Company tickets at the student rate, and attend Detroit Mercy home athletic events for free. For more information, visit the ID cards page.

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    Using Technology with Library Services

    What library collections and resources are available online?

    Detroit Mercy offers a wide variety of online collections and resources. For a complete listing of catalogs, databases, eBooks, and special collections, visit the Detroit Mercy Libraries page.

    Does the library provide reference assistance?

    Yes, the Detroit Mercy Library provides reference assistance in person, as well as by email, phone, and chat. Live online assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, visit the research assistance page.

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    Accessing Student Information Online

    What personal information can a student view online?

    A student can view contact information, registration, class schedule, advisor, grades, transcripts, holds, and tuition information through My Portal.

    Where does a student go to do the following online?

    Login to My Portal to:

    • Review existing applications
    • Pay bills
    • Review and accept financial aid awards
    • Register fo courses and drop courses
    • View course grades
    • View and print unofficial transcripts

    Access the campus bookstore to purchase textbooks and Detroit Mercy apparel.

    Are the school catalog and term schedule of classes available on the web?

    Yes, course catalogs are available online and include course descriptions, degree requirements, and class offerings.

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    Connecting with Others

    Is contact information for faculty and staff readily accessible electronically? 

    Yes, Detroit Mercy maintains an Employee Phone and Email Directory.

    Are there Web sites for student organizations and clubs?

    There are more than 50 clubs and organizations that bring students together to build skills, make friends, and develop networks and have fun. For more information, visit the Clubs & Organizations page. 

    What career-planning services are available for students?

    TitanCareerLink! Is an online recruiting system for Detroit Mercy students and alumni. Search for jobs and internships, request an appointment with a career advisor/co-op coordinator, learn about career events, and more!

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    Technical Support

    Where is there information on using My Portal, email, and other Detroit Mercy systems?

    The ITS Knowledge Base contains a list of frequently asked questions for Detroit Mercy systems. Please contact the Help Desk for any additional questions.

    Does the campus have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current and, if so, what is the replacement cycle?

    To ensure quality computer equipment is available to all students and faculty, the University implemented a Refresh/Recycle program to replace all University owned desktop systems on a 3-year to a 5-year lifecycle.

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    Personal Hardware and Software Purchases

    Are students required to purchase their own computers?

    The School of Dentistry program has a formal Tablet PC program in place for all incoming School of Dentistry students. Students within other academic disciplines are recommended to have access to a notebook or tablet computer to support their studies. Tablet/Notebook recommendations are offered to guide students in the acquisition of equipment to ensure that they will have a system that best supports their major.

    Is special student pricing offered for computers and peripheral equipment?

    The ITS department has arranged special pricing for computers, peripheral equipment, and software through a number of different vendors. Please visit the Personal Purchases page for more information.

    Does the campus provide anti-virus software?

    McAfee Antivirus software is free to Detroit Mercy students when it is installed at the ITS Student Union 013 Help Desk.

    What, if any, technology fee is charged by the campus?

    There is no separate technology fee charged by the campus.

    Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in residence hall rooms?

    There is no charge for network connections or wireless access anywhere on campus.

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    Code of Conduct and Policies

    Is there a campus code of behavior when using computer resources?

    The ITS Academic Computing Laboratory Rules & Policy, Resident and Non-Resident Student Network Connectivity Policy and the Email Account Privilege Policy specify appropriate behavior when using computer resources. For a complete listing of all ITS policies, please visit the ITS Policy page.

    Are there restrictions for peer-to-peer software, gaming, or other programs requiring high levels of network resources?

    Peer-to-peer software, games, and other programs requiring high levels of network resources are not prohibited; however, the bandwidth may be limited. Any system unfairly using available bandwidth, whether deliberately or via a compromised system, will be immediately disconnected from the network without notice. Any system using available bandwidth for illegal or improper activities detected will be immediately disconnected from the network without notice.

    Are Web pages filtered?

    No, web pages are not filtered within the Detroit Mercy network.

    Does the campus have policies addressing copyright?

    All students are required to comply with copyright regulations. For detailed information on copyright policies, copyright standards, plagiarism, and academic integrity, please visit the Copyright page.

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    Privacy and Security of Information

    How does the campus notify students of their rights under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?

    The Registrar sends a notice regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Information (FERPA) annually to all students. In addition, information on FERPA is available in the undergraduate catalog and in the student handbook.

    How does the campus protect students from identity theft?

    Any personal information available online is password protected. In addition, Detroit Mercy's Social Security Number Privacy Policy is in place to protect the confidentiality of Social Security Numbers.

    The ITS department periodically educates the Detroit Mercy community on ways to prevent identity theft. For example, the ITS department offers a Cyber Security training session each year and sends information alerting email users to phishing scams. As a reminder, the ITS department will never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card numbers.