Getting started with IT for staff
In this article:
- Your staff IT account
- Getting set up
- Technology for teaching
- Cyber security
- Help and support
- Digital skills and training
Your staff IT account
To be eligible for an IT account you need to be registered with HR. You can access the majority of University IT services with your Essex username and password. You must not share your password with anyone.
Get your IT account details
You can get your account details online. You should change your password immediately if you've just got your account. After that you'll need to change your password once a year - we'll email you reminders.
If you create a passphrase, security question and answer, and provide us with an alternative email address, you can reset your password online.
Manage your external email address and passphrase
Account security
You’ll need to set up a security feature called multi-factor authentication (MFA) the first time you sign in. To set up MFA you’ll need a mobile phone, tablet or landline phone. We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Getting set up
Find out how to access your University email account wherever you are.
Email quarantine
We use specialist tools to detect and intercept potential malicious emails before they reach your inbox. Find out more about email quarantine and set up quarantine notifications.
Shared mailboxes
Find out how to access a shared mailbox in Outlook or Webmail.
Mailing lists and groups
The University has various subscription lists to cater to professional and personal interests, such as a parents’ support network and ‘small ads’. Find out more about mailing lists.
VPN and Remote Desktop
VPN and Remote Desktop allow you to securely connect to the University’s network and your computer on campus. Not all staff need VPN access to work from home as most services are available off campus without it. Find out how to set up VPN and Remote Desktop if you need to.
Virtual Desktop
The Virtual Desktop service gives you remote desktop access when you don’t have a desktop computer on campus. Find out how to connect to Virtual Desktop.
Connect to the campus wifi
eduroam, short for education roaming, is the University's main wifi network for current staff and students. It's free to use and is available at all of our campuses.
How to connect: choose eduroam from your available networks and enter your University email address and password. For help see how to connect to eduroam.
Get started with Zoom
Zoom is used for most meetings and online lectures at Essex. Find out how to get started with Zoom.
Saving, storing and sharing your documents
With Box, you can create and share files and folders online and collaborate with others both inside and outside the University. Start using Box.
Your department may also use shared drives or SharePoint. Speak to your Department Administrator about getting access.
Print, copy and scan
You can find multi-function printers conveniently located around campus. Use your staff card to tap and log into any printer. Find out more about printing on campus.
Microsoft Office
Most University PCs and laptops are supplied with Microsoft Office 365. All staff and students can download and install the latest version of Office 365 on personal computers and mobile devices for free.
Get additional software
The Software Hub gives you instant access to hundreds of applications wherever you are, and on almost any device or operating system.
Request IT equipment
Please speak to your departmental or section administrator about requesting new IT equipment.
Login to HR Organiser
Add next of kin details, book annual leave and look at courses in HR Organiser.
Access to corporate systems
Request access corporate systems such as ESIS, iTrent and Unit4.
Technology for teaching
Teaching room support
Each teaching room lectern comes with a PC that you can log into using your Essex user name and password.
If you're in a teaching room and urgently need support with the equipment, or if you need to report a problem, you can:
- Colchester Campus: call 3220
- Southend and Loughton Campuses: contact your local IT Helpdesk.
Teaching using Zoom
You can check your timetable calendar to see which Zoom rooms have been scheduled for you, and check in advance to see which type of Zoom Room you will be teaching in. Find out more about types of Zoom Rooms and how to use them.
Teaching timetables
Academics and students can view their timetables from a computer or mobile device. Find out more about teaching timetables, including a staff guide to online timetables.
Learning technology tools
- Moodle – for online course materials
- FASER – for assessment submission
- Listen Again – for lecture recording
- Talis Aspire – for reading lists
- Poll Everywhere – for live audience polling
The Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) team provide advice, training and support on most forms of educational technology. They can help you with Moodle, Zoom, Panopto and Poll Everywhere. They can also help you choose the right learning technologies to support your particular teaching and learning practices. Visit the TEL pages in Moodle.
Cyber security
Phishing
The University is regularly targeted by phishing attacks so it's important you learn ways to protect yourself. Find out more about phishing, and how to spot and report it.
Antivirus software
Antivirus software (CrowdStrike) is installed and runs automatically on all University-owned devices to help protect against viruses and malware, such as ransomware and spyware.
Keeping information safe
It’s important to know how to keep information safe when you are out and about. Data security is everyone’s responsibility, and data loss can lead to fines or reputational damage for the University. Find out more about working with information and data.
Help and support
Check the Staff Directory
We have lots of information, help articles and answers to frequently asked questions on the Staff Directory. Use the search box to find what you are looking for.
Contact us
If you need to speak to someone about IT, you can contact the IT Helpdesk.
If you need support for using any of our learning technology tools, contact the TEL team.
Digital skills and training
Digital Skills training courses
We offer courses in IT and Digital Skills, including Excel, Word and managing a busy inbox. Find out more and sign up for a course.
Learning Technology training
The TEL team regularly run workshops that explore new and exciting learning technologies and encourage staff to experiment with Moodle's more advanced features. They can also help you get more out of presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides and Prezi.
To find out more about our current training schedule or to book onto a waiting list visit the TEL training page.
LinkedIn Learning
As a member of staff at Essex, you get a free subscription to LinkedIn Learning, an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos. Get started with LinkedIn Learning.
You can also add LinkedIn Learning content to your Moodle courses to support your online module delivery.
Professional development and training
The University has a timetable of training that includes management, academic development, student support, and essential training all staff must complete. Find out more about staff training at Essex.
