Faculty & Staff Technology Guide (Academic Year 2025-2026)

A technology overview for UWL faculty and staff covering accounts and passwords, cybersecurity responsibilities, Okta multi-factor authentication, teaching and learning tools, available software, file storage, wireless access, printing, and technology purchasing.

A technology overview for UWL faculty and staff.

What accounts do I have and how do I manage my passwords?

NetID

This unique username allows you to log into most UWL technology services. The format for faculty and staff is first initial and last name — for example: jdoe.

For more information about your NetID, see the NetID and Email (opens in new tab) page.
Note: Faculty and staff accounts are disabled and lose access on the day contracts end through Human Resources, or on the day an employee separates from UWL.

Employee ID Number

Your employee ID number is an 8-digit number (usually starting with zeros) that is uniquely associated with you. This number should have been given to you by Human Resources (opens in new tab) and can also be retrieved from them if you have misplaced or forgotten it. Your employee ID number is not the same as your NetID.

Notes:

Not every employee hired by UWL has an employee ID number. Human Resources should have informed you of this during hiring. If you do not have one and need password assistance, contact the Eagle Help Desk at 608-785-8774.
If you need assistance with a physical employee ID card, please reach out to the Card Office (opens in new tab). Information about physical employee ID cards can be found on the Staff ID Cards (opens in new tab) page.
If you are a new employee, please work with your department's Endpoint Tech to set up your password when receiving your computer or IT equipment. Human Resources should point you to them during onboarding.

Account and Password Management

ITS provides a self-service password and account reset tool available 24/7. Use it to gain first-time access, reset your password, or unlock your account at the UWL Password Reset page (opens in new tab).

Need Help?

See Password Help (opens in new tab) if your password isn't working.
See Account Locked (opens in new tab) if you are experiencing an account lockout.

What is the importance of Cyber Security?

ITS wants to remind UWL faculty and staff about existing cyber security policies (opens in new tab).

Each UW-La Crosse employee is required to report the following incidents and situations:

All lost or stolen university-owned computers, mobile assets, or storage devices
Lost or stolen personally-owned computers, mobile assets, or storage devices that contain UW System-owned data
Any identified physical intrusion of secure campus areas
Discovery of malware, viruses, ransomware, or unauthorized access to data or information resources
Inappropriately shared, exposed, or lost data

If you have observed any of the above incidents, contact the Eagle Help Desk right away. Stolen equipment should be immediately reported to the UW-La Crosse University Police Department (opens in new tab).

Phishing Information

Sometimes you may receive suspicious or spam-like emails in your UWL email account. We encourage all faculty and staff to be on the lookout for potential phishing attacks. For more information, see Phishing — How to Spot a Phishing Email.

What is multi-factor authentication (Okta)?

Okta is UWL's two-step authentication method required when logging into UWL accounts such as Canvas, WINGS, and email. This method requires a second device — the Okta Verify mobile app on a smartphone is our most recommended option. Okta makes your account more secure because even if your password is compromised, only you have access to your Okta device.

For more information, see Okta — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (opens in new tab).

What tools are there for Teaching, Learning & Student Information?

Canvas (Learning Management System)

Canvas is our learning management system (LMS) and the central hub for online course materials, for both face-to-face and fully online classes. Find Canvas resources and your login at the Canvas page (opens in new tab).

Canvas — Accessing Canvas
Canvas Support can be reached at 1-833-826-8719 or see Canvas — How do I get help with Canvas? Note: This link requires a UWL login to access.

WINGS

WINGS is UWL's Student Information System (SIS), providing students, faculty, and staff with access to information about recruiting and admissions, records and registration, financial aid, student financials, and self-service capabilities.

Log in at wings.uwlax.edu (opens in new tab)
For help, see the WINGS Help page (opens in new tab)
See WINGS — How do I log in? (opens in new tab)
New to UWL? Make sure you have submitted the WINGS Compliance Form (opens in new tab)

Classroom Directory

The classroom directory is a searchable resource that identifies classrooms by filterable criteria, including seating capacity, room type, display technology, and 360-degree room photos. See the Classroom Directory (opens in new tab).

Video Technology

A variety of video technology tools for teaching and learning are available to faculty and staff. See Video Technology Tools for Teaching & Learning (opens in new tab).

What apps & software do I have access to?

Software for UWL-Owned Computers

In addition to the software listed in Software — Standard Faculty & Staff Setup, you also have access to other applications such as SPSS. See Operating System — Software Center (PC) and Self Service (Mac) on UWL-Owned Computers.

Microsoft Office 365 — Free During Your Employment

Faculty and staff are eligible to download Office 365 desktop or mobile apps at no cost for up to 5 personal devices. See Office 365 — Accessing Office 365 Applications (and Installing Office).

Antivirus and Malware

We encourage safe, virus-free computing. Without antivirus software your computer can become severely infected. All faculty and staff computers have Cisco AMP installed automatically.

VPN

The UWL VPN service allows you to connect to campus remotely from home, hotels, and many other network connections. See VPN — Install and Connect.

Zoom

Your UWL Zoom account allows you to host and join Zoom meetings. See Zoom — FAQ.

Additional Productivity Tools and File Storage

Though Office 365 is used campus-wide, faculty and staff also have access to Google Drive, Sheets, and Sites.

Where should I back up or store my files?

Faculty and staff may use Microsoft OneDrive (1 TB) or Google Drive (30 GB). Online files can be accessed using your NetID from campus computers, from home, and as read-only files online. For more information, see the File Storage (opens in new tab) page.

How do I connect to WiFi (Wireless)?

Wireless is available throughout campus. UWL-Eagle is a secure wireless network requiring your NetID and password, and should be your default wireless network for full campus access. See Wireless connection guides in the Knowledge Base.

Where and how do I Print/Copy?

Generally speaking, each department has its own printer or copier, and your computer should come with it already set up. Note: Printing only works when you are on campus and connected to UWL-Eagle WiFi or a wired network connection.

How do I purchase technology and software?

Technology

Recommendations and purchasing information for university-owned computers can be found on the Technology Purchases (opens in new tab) page. Special pricing for personal computers through Dell and Apple is also available for UWL staff and students.

Software

Software, including licenses and maintenance, can be purchased through ShopUW+ (opens in new tab). Please use the Non-Catalog Item Add in ShopUW+.

For more information about ShopUW+ or purchasing in general, contact the Purchasing Office (opens in new tab).

Looking for online help? Browse the UWL Knowledge Base.

Need Help? Contact the Eagle Help Desk.