Getting Started Faculty/Staff

Administration

Rick Craig
Director of Information Technology
Phone: 231-2561
Email: hitman23@vt.edu

Robert Vaughan
IT Specialist
Phone: 231-8314
Email: robertav@vt.edu

Matthew Jezierski
IT Specialist
Phone: 231-1490
Email: mattwj6@vt.edu

Idiris Hagi
Jr. Systems Administrator
Phone: 703-706-3020
Email: idiris@vt.edu

Create PID

Once your department’s Human Resources representative has completed the necessary steps and given you your Virginia Tech ID number, create your Virginia Tech Personal IDentifier (PID). For instructions, see Creating a Virginia Tech PID.

• Your PID is your unique Personal Identifier. Your PID and PID password grant you access to Virginia Tech services such as online courses, the library databases, and online personal information.
• Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by Virginia Tech imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to university policies, and local, state, and federal laws. For more information, see Acceptable Use of Information Systems at Virginia Tech.

Configure 2-Factor Authentication

Configure 2-factor authentication.

• 2-factor authentication is a method of securing access to Virginia Tech online systems.
• You will need at least one second factor device which is not your computer. This device can be a cell phone that can receive text messages or voice calls, a smart phone with the Duo app installed, or a hardware token or fob that you can take around campus and to class with you.
• 4-Help strongly recommends having two of these second factor devices available in case one device breaks, is lost, or temporarily unavailable.

Network Password

Create your network password by following the instructions at Creating a Network Password.

• Your PID and network password will allow you to access the eduroam wireless network and the remote access – virtual private network (VPN).
• Register for wireless network access.
  • Your departmental network or communications liaison will need to submit an ICR to register you for wireless network access.
  • To find your departmental communications liaison, see the Communications Liaisons page.
  • For information on submitting an ICR, see the Ordering Departmental Telecommunications Services: ICR Web page.

Get your Computer

Speak with your Department Head about the availability of Startup Funds or computer availability.

• Please check with your department’s technical support person for your computer needs.
• Computer Purchasing processes requisitions for computer equipment, software, maintenance, and service for faculty and staff.

Connect to the Internet

On campus, offices are equipped with a high-speed Ethernet Internet connection. Speak with your network liaison for more information.

• Wireless service via the eduroam network is available in 99% of academic spaces, most residence halls, and even some public outdoor common areas (Newman Library patio, Dietrick Hall patio). To connect to the eduroam wireless network, follow the instructions at Connecting to Virginia Tech Wireless eduroam.
• Off campus, there are ways to connect.
  • Your apartment complex may offer a high-speed Ethernet connection. Check with the rental office for more information.
  • There are also other connection options, such as local Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
• Public Ethernet portals are available in Torgersen Hall.

Configure Your Email

Check with your department for advice in choosing and managing your email services.

• All students, faculty, and staff have a VT Google Apps Mail account. For more information, see VT Google Apps Mail.
• To access your VT Google Apps Mail, follow the instructions at Checking or Viewing Your VT Google Apps Mail Email.
• Faculty and staff can also use the Exchange service, a premier email and calendaring solution. This service includes integrated email, appointments, tasks, contacts.

Get Additional Software

• Faculty and staff have access to the VT Office 365 suite of Microsoft web applications. For more information, see the Office 365 service catalog item.
  • Virginia Tech also offers other software to faculty at reduced prices. For a complete list, go to the Departmental Softwarepage.
  • Symantec Endpoint Protection is available at no charge to all Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff. For instructions, see Downloading, Installing, and Scanning for Viruses with Symantec Endpoint Protection.
  • The Virginia Tech University Bookstore also offers a variety of academically priced software packages.

Get to Know Common Computing Services

• Hokie SPA offers tools such as Faculty Access, Hokie PLUS, Hokie TEAM, and Hokie SPA for managing your personal information and your courses.
• MyVT is a gateway to Virginia Tech online services and information.
• Canvas is Virginia Tech’s learning management system available to Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students.
• Innovationspace offers consulting, computer labs, scanners, audio/visual bays, and equipment loans.
• Lynda provides interactive tutorials which cover a variety of topics.
• Banner is the collection of central administrative systems and data at Virginia Tech.
• Networked Learning Initiatives offers year-round technology training for both faculty and staff.