Top 10 Faculty and Staff Questions

Where do I get my Ball State username and password created, or reset if I have lost it?
If you do not remember your Ball State username or password, stop by the Tech Center in Bracken Library, Room 101, with your Ball State ID. The staff of the Concierge Desk will reset your password and provide you with a document that lists the username and password. They will also answer any questions you have.

Information Technology also strongly recommends that all students and employees register an alternative e-mail address with Ball State. That way, if you do lose your password you can have a new one e-mailed to that alternative e-mail address. 

How do I get to my Ball State e-mail account?

Most employees prefer to use Outlook to access their Ball State e-mail. This software allows for the greatest functionality in managing your contact lists, calendar, tasks, and other functions.

For instructions on setting up a profile you can view our TechClips. You can also call the Technology HelpDesk and we can have someone come out to your office and assist you in setting up your e-mail client software for you.

Another way you can access Ball State e-mail accounts is via your Web browser by going to www.bsu.edu/webmail. Once that page appears, click on the Outlook Web Access (OWA) link. You will then be prompted to log in with your Ball State username and password. You can access your e-mail this way via any Internet-connected computer.

What is Blackboard (Bb) and how do I access it?

Blackboard is an online course management system that is used at Ball State University. It is accessed by going to http://blackboard.bsu.edu and logging in with your Ball State username and password.

How do I gain access to the IBM, BSU@Work, or WebXTender applications?

Employees can gain access to these systems by going to the UCS FormFinder web page and filling out the appropriate paperwork for access.

I would like a price quote for a new computer, hardware, or software, who can I talk to?

The Technology Store (Computer Store) offers discounts to employees for personal purchases. In addition, many items are available for departmental purchase. Employees can also call 765-285-1517 or e-mail the Technology HelpDesk and we will log a ticket for a quote to be made. Please have all information such as your price range, system requirements, PC or MAC, and any other details available. When you are requesting a purchase, your request should be fulfilled within 3 business days.

What is the coverage area of the Ball State wireless network?

Ball State offers wireless network access in all of the major academic and administrative buildings on campus. Wireless also radiates from the common areas in the residence halls and is available in all residence hall rooms.

The Ball State wireless network is a wireless local area network that operates at Ball State's campus in Muncie. The wireless network does not work outside the main campus. Ball State's wireless network does not function as an Internet service provider off-campus.

If you will not be using the wireless and wish to have a faster wired connection, but need a port activated in your office, fill out our Network Services Request - UCS-7 form.

What is iLocker? 

iLocker is a data storage solution that provides students, faculty, and staff with 2 gigabytes of storage for personal use, such as backing up important documents and files. It's a perfect solution for storing data as an alternative to flash drives, floppy/ZIP disks, and CDs/DVDs. It is accessible virtually anywhere.

Where can I publish a personal Web site? 

iWeb is the hosting platform for individual Web services at Ball State. Students, staff, and employees with Ball State computer usernames may create their own Web site to publish academic or personal information. Each site, by default, may contain up to 2 Gigabytes of information. You may publish via FTP or turn on the optional FrontPage Server Extension to make full use of the FrontPage publishing client. ASP scripts are also supported.

How can I get a username and password for a departmental account? 

The first step to getting a departmental e-mail account, iLocker, or iWeb space is to complete the BSU Computer Username - Special Account Request form and submit it to UCS.  Once you do that, then you will be sent a username and password that can be used to establish e-mail, iLocker, and iWeb accounts.

Where can I get help with technical issues? 

The Technology HelpDesk is a great place to contact if you have technology-related questions. The Staff of the Technology HelpDesk will normally be able to resolve your issue over the phone. If an office visit is required, staff will log a ticket for a technician to come to your office and assist you.

Faculty and staff can also check out TechClips, which are online tutorials that answer many common technology-related questions.