New Faculty Information Technology Checklist

Accounts

• Activate your NetID.
• Activate your TAMU Email account, if you choose to use it, and set up your @tamu.edu email address.
• Activate your Open Access Labs account, which gives you access to campus computing resources.
• Request a supercomputing account, if needed.

Connecting

• Set up your laptop for TAMULink campus wireless access. 
• Get your smartphone ready for TAMU Email mobile access, if you use your account.
• Set up Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your home computer.

Teaching

• Become familiar with the Howdy web portal.
• Request an eLearning account to be able to use Blackboard Vista online teaching tools.
• Learn about using TAMUDirect, the class section email application.
• Make a reservation with Instructional Media Services to use classroom equipment.
• If you will be teaching in a Smart classroom, become familiar with the installed equipment. Contact Instructional Media Services for an equipment walk-through appointment, if needed. 

Security

• Sign up for Code Maroon, the campus emergency notification service.
• Set up your security questions for Self-Service Password Reset.
• If your computer needs antivirus software, download it at no charge at software.tamu.edu.
• Set up your computer for automatic system updates.
• Visit the Information Security web site to learn about information security responsibilities and best practices for faculty.

Other

•  Visit iTunes U for campus computing podcasts and other Aggie-related content.