SAIT Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get access to DSA computing systems?
Your manager will have to fill out the “User Change Request Form” and submit it online. Please see: User Change Request Form
How do I get IT help from DSA IT?
In order to request support for IT issues, you can either enter a Kaseya ticket or email dsaitsupport@vt.edu.
Enter a Kaseya ticket: look in the bottom right corner of your screen, near the date and time. See the white K with the royal blue background? Right-click that and select “submit a ticket.” Click the green circular icon on the left that says “Tickets” when you scroll over. If you are using Edge (Windows 10 new web browser) reload the page (circular arrow at top, left of screen) to avoid challenges. Click “tickets” and then the green plus sign “new ticket”—complete the pop-up screen with your information and needs, and hit “save and close” (or “save and new” if you have multiple needs).
Send an email to dsaitsupport@vt.edu: provide detailed information regarding the issue you need help with and your contact information. Sending an email automatically creates a ticket for you.
How many IT departments are there at Virginia Tech?
Virginia tech follows a decentralized IT model. The Division of IT provides services for the entire university such as networking, email, distributed phone system, virtual computing services at a price as well as networked storage. Departments can also have their own IT teams and resources for departmental needs. Student Affairs has an IT team that consists of 15 IT professionals who provide tech support for end users as well as DSA IT resources.
Which systems does DSA IT handle?
Consolidated DSA IT team handles issues related to:
- User access to DSA resources
- Hardware
- Software
- Network phone and printer support
- Departmental applications support
- Sponsored Hokies accounts
- DSA public websites
- Office 365 access
For which IT issues should I contact computing services at Virginia Tech?
Contact computing services regarding PID and banner accounts, questions about email, non-DSA websites, questions about Hokiemart, Brio, and People Admin issues.
How can I get help with computing services at Virginia Tech?
A service catalog of computing services offered by Virginia Tech and a knowledge base of help pages with answers to common computing problems at Virginia Tech are available at https://4help.vt.edu. 4Help provides computer support to Virginia Tech faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Software, tools, and documentation that provide you with practical protection and prevention tips for your computer are available at https://security.vt.edu/.
Which university IT policies should I be aware of?
Please visit https://it.vt.edu/resources/policies/index.html for all IT policies and standards.
How can I create my PID?
Once your department’s Banner Human Resources representative has completed the necessary steps and given you your Virginia Tech ID number, you can 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, 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.
How do I get, create, obtain or make a Hokies account?
Your Hokies ID is a unique ID for current faculty and staff that resides on the central Virginia Tech Windows servers. Your assigned ID belongs to you and you only. This ID and its password serve to grant you access to the primary Windows-based systems: shared computer resources such as file and printer shares, and your Exchange email account. All Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students can create a Hokies account for themselves. For more information, see: Getting or Creating a Hokies Account
How can I 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 that 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.
University 4Help strongly recommends having two of these second-factor devices available in case one device breaks, is lost, or is temporarily unavailable.
Visit 4Help for enrollment instructions.
How can I activate my Office 365 License?
- Using the browser of your choice go to https://adadmin.w2k.vt.edu and login with your HokiesID and your Hokies Password. Note that this will require 2-Factory Authorization.
- Click on the “Messaging / Collaboration” option on the left side of the screen.
- Click on the “View / Edit VT Office 365 Licenses” option that appeared.
- Click on the “Activate” button in the “Status” column of the window.
- After reading the agreement terms, check the box that states you agree to the terms and click on the “Accept” button.
- Click on the “Close” button in the upper left corner of the window.
- Either logout of adadmin or close your browser
How can I create my 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).
How can I 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. Departments are listed alphabetically. Liaison contact information is listed next to the liaison’s name.
For information on submitting an ICR, see the Ordering Departmental Telecommunications Services: ICR web page.
Whom should I talk to about ordering a departmental computer?
Please check with your department's technical support person for your computer needs.
How can I 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 (e.g., 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, check with your rental office for more information about a high-speed Ethernet connection. There are also other connection options, such as local Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Public Ethernet portals are available in Torgersen Hall.
How do I configure my email?
Please check with DSA IT when 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, and contacts.
How can I 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, visit the Departmental Software page.
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.
Software purchases are strictly monitored by the ITA and require approval from ITA, University Registrar, and the IT Security office at Virginia Tech. For departmental software purchases, employees should check with DSA IT to find out what software is already owned in the division that may fit their need and/or check with their Finance Representative about purchasing requirements before making purchases. If none of the software owned by DSA or the university fits the need, the department should work with IT and Finance on finding and purchasing the appropriate software.
What are some common computing services at Virginia Tech?
- 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.
- 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.