Getting Started - New Students

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Last updated: Sept 09, 2024 by Jessica Wilson
6 min read

Are you a new on-campus student at Valpo? The answers to the common questions below will help you get started on the right foot.

Online Student?

Are you an online-only student? We have a special Getting Started guide for you, since you won't physically be on campus.

Welcome to the Beacon Family!

We are happy to have you joining us and look forward to supporting you along the way! Please read the items below to help you get more acclimated with our systems! Any time you have questions or need help with IT, email us at helpdesk@valpo.edu.

1: Change Your Password Through the Account Management System

Your Valpo credentials consist of a single username and password that synchronizes your password across multiple accounts and opens online access to a wide range of information technology services at Valparaiso University.

The Account Management System (AMS) is a self-serve utility that allows you to change your password once it expires, or to recover from a forgotten password at your convenience. Here are instructions for changing your password and setting up your recovery options. You can access the AMS using a web browser at https://apps.valpo.edu/ams.

2: DataVU/Self-Service

DataVU/Self-Service is the system that provides access to class registration, academic records (such as grades and transcripts), Fitness Center registration, student accounts, your OneCard accounts (Dining Dollars, Beacon Bucks), pay stubs, and much more. You can contact the Registrar’s Office if you need help on using DataVU/Self-Service to access your academic program information. You can access the system using a web browser at https://datavu.valpo.edu. You'll need to know your Valpo credentials AND be logged into your Valpo Gmail account to authenticate your account.

If you'd like to opt-out of listing your name in the online campus directory:

  1. Login to DataVU/Self-Service
  2. Go to the Students menu
  3. In the Academic Profile section, select the “My On-Line Directory Options” link and follow the on-screen prompts.

3: Gmail@Valpo

Valpo provides Google G Suite accounts for admitted students. Your email addresses is in the format of firstname.lastname@valpo.edu, and uses the legal first and last name provided on your registration paperwork.

Access the Gmail@Valpo login page by going to valpo.edu/gmail. Enter your full Valpo email address with your Valpo password.

4: Get Your Valpo OneCard

Valpo identification cards, also called the OneCard, are required for all Valparaiso University students. Get your card at FOCUS or at the OneCard from the IT Help Desk, located on the ground floor of the Christopher Center. Be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID. Your OneCard allows you to purchase meals, get into buildings, check out materials from the library, use the recreation center’s facilities, gain admittance to campus events, and much more.

More information on the Valpo OneCard> valpo.edu/it/OneCard

5: Bringing A Device- Laptops

While we don't expect you to bring a brand new laptop or device to campus, we will be best suited to help if you have an up-to-date OS. Please don't feel the need to splurge on something expensive! If there is something required for a course, you will have access to that same software in one of our campus computer labs!  

For Nursing students only:

Windows Requirements
 Operating System: 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or Windows 11. Windows RT and Windows 10
and 11 S, are NOT supported at this time
 The English (United States) Language Pack must be installed.
 CPU Processor: Non-ARM-based processor supported by your operating system.
 RAM: 8GB of usable RAM or higher
 Hard drive: 4GB or higher of available space.
 Screen resolution should be at least 1280 x 768. Scaling should be set to 100%
 Webcam: Integrated camera or external USB camera supported by your operating system.


Virtual cameras are not supported.
 Microphone (no headphones, no virtual mics)
macOS Requirements
 Operating System: macOS Monterey, Ventura, or Sonoma
 CPU: Intel or M series processor. Devices using Apple’s M series processors and Apple Rosetta 2
 RAM: 8GB or higher.
 Hard Drive: 4GB or higher available space.
 Screen resolution should be at least 1280 x 768. Scaling should be set to 100%
 Microphone (no headphones, no virtual mics)

What about other devices? Any device that receives a wi-fi signal should work on our network, including streaming devices, gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, and more.

6: Free and Discounted Software

Current Valpo students may purchase software for personal use at a discounted price through the "On The Hub" e-store. Valid Valpo credentials required to access the store, located at valpo.onthehub.com. The purchase of one software license of each product is available to each authorized person.

More information on the "On The Hub" e-store> https://apps.valpo.edu/authentication/kivuto/?action=signin

In addition, all current students get free access to Office 365 while enrolled at Valpo. A valid Valpo email address is required.

7: Campus Internet Access

All campus buildings directly affecting students, teaching, and learning are served by secure high speed connectivity. Most residence hall rooms are provided with a high speed network port for each bed, which uses an ethernet cable with an RJ-45 connector. (Brandt Hall has one network port per room.) Wireless coverage is also available in all residence halls and academic buildings. Annual registration is required to use our campus network.

To use the wired campus network in your residence hall, plug in an ethernet cord from your computer to the port in the wall.

To register to use the campus wired and wireless networks, follow these instructions.

Did you bring other devices? Contact the Help Desk for assistance in getting these devices registered on the network.

8: Canvas & Blackboard Learn 

Canvas and Blackboard Learn are Valpo's online course management systems, allowing learning to expand beyond the classroom. Your professors may use either system in your courses. Use your Valpo credentials to access Blackboard Learn at https://blackboard.valpo.edu. Canvas link is https://www.valpo.edu/it/canvas-access/. 

9:  Our Computer Labs and Classrooms

Over 330 computers are housed in public computer clusters across campus, and most academic buildings have technology-equipped classrooms and labs. The largest computer lab is located in the lower level of the Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources. There are also 24-hour computer labs available to all Valpo students in the Harre Union and all residence halls. To login at any publicly-accessible computer labs on campus, you'll need to know your Valpo credentials.

The computer labs on campus will also allow you to access network file storage space and network printing or log into a Remote Lab computer to access specialty software like SPSS, CAD and more!

10: Campus Printing

All labs and classrooms have nearby networked laser printers. Labs and classrooms use a quota system through PaperCut; all students have a quota on this system.

You can bring your own printer for use in your residence hall room; make sure to bring the cord so you can plug it directly into your computer, because wi-fi printing is not allowed on campus. (It interferes with our campus network.) Students are given a $50 print quota to last them from August 1st through July 31st each academic year. If needed, a student can add addition funds online but most students find that that $50 given is more than enough.

11: File Storage

Your Google account provides you with space for storing your files. You can also bring a flash drive or use the 1TB of OneDrive space associated with your free Office 365 account.

We also use a system of Microsoft Active Directory file storage servers to grant shared file storage space (S: drive) on our network, which may be used in your courses. WebStorage is a web-based method of accessing these network file servers from off campus. You can access WebStorage through a web browser at webstorage.valpo.edu.

12: Library Databases

The Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources offers free access to diverse databases. Access to library databases is also available through the Christopher Center's website at library.valpo.edu. Accessing library databases from off-campus requires you to enter your Valpo credentials.

13: Get Help

The Help Desk is your first point of contact for any technology related issues or questions you may have. Staff can assist with most challenges you may encounter on your personal computer, whether Mac or PC. They can solve many different connectivity and software related problems, and will connect you with the right people if you are experiencing trouble with campus technology. The Help Desk is open 7 days a week during fall and spring semesters (except for breaks) and is located on the first floor of the Christopher Center across from Grinders coffee shop.

The IT website or this knowledge base should be your first stop to find help online, anytime, anywhere about Valparaiso University’s technology tools for learning.

"Like" our Facebook page to keep up on current topics, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for helpful videos on technology topics and training topics.

More information on where to find help> valpo.edu/it


Still need help?

For additional assistance, contact the IT Help Desk.