Faculty FAQ
Getting Help
Accounts
Passwords
E-mail
File Services
Web Pages
Printing
TCU Hardware and Software
Network Connectivity
Computing Policy
Classrooms
TCU Campus Communication
Getting Help
How do I get assistance with computer problems?
Contact the Computer Help Desk for assistance with supported services either by phone or by creating a Computer Help Desk request ticket from the portal, my.tcu.edu. Documentation and information on computer related issues can be found at the Computer Help Desk web site, help.tcu.edu.
Accounts
What type of computer account will I have while at TCU?
Every faculty member is provided with an account to access the TCU e-mail system, the campus network, file and print services and the TCU portal, my.tcu.edu.
How do I create an account?
After obtaining your TCU ID number, go to newuser.tcu.edu to create your account. You will select your user name and e-mail address during this process.
What should I do if I forget my user name?
Go to my.tcu.edu and select the "Forgot your Username?" link to retrieve the username for your TCU account.
If I have a name change, how do I request a change in my user name?
In accordance with university policy, a change of name requires that you go to Human Resources and provide a copy of your new social security card reflecting the desired name. Once the change of name has been completed, then you should contact the Computer Help Desk to request a change in your user name and email address.
What causes my account to get locked out?
Account lockouts occur when the authentication server receives too many attempts with an incorrect password. This can happen if a password is entered incorrectly too many times or if a device is attempting to authenticate with an old password. For example, a laptop or smartphone trying to connect to wireless or a smartphone trying to access e-mail.
What should I do if my account is locked out?
The TCU Password Self-Service Center, password.tcu.edu, is available for faculty to unlock accounts. If you are unable to log on to your computer, then you will need to go to a computer where you have Internet access or to the TCU Password Self-Service kiosk located in the library.
Is anyone else allowed to access my account?
In accordance with university policy, you should not allow anyone else to access your account.
How long will I keep my TCU account following termination or retirement?
Your faculty account remains active while you are employed with TCU. Your account is disabled when Human Resources changes your employment status. Retirees may keep e-mail accounts active after leaving TCU, but will no longer have network or portal access.
Passwords
How do I change my password?
The TCU Password Self-Service Center, password.tcu.edu, is available for faculty to change passwords, unlock accounts and reset forgotten or expired passwords.
What are the password requirements for my account?
Passwords must:
- Be at least 7 characters long
- Contain at least one alpha character: A-Z, a-z
- Contain at least one numeric character: 0-9
- Contain at least one special character: ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) { } [ ] - _ = + ` ~ ; ' " ? / , < > or .
- Not be too similar to your last password
- Not be too similar to your name
- Not be found in the dictionary (words 4 characters or less are acceptable)
A password's strength increases with its length, complication of characters used and the frequency of changes. Faculty should refer to password tips and examples for suggestions in selecting a complex and secure password.
How often do I have to change my password?
Passwords expire every 120 days.
What should I do if I forget my password?
The TCU Password Self-Service Center, password.tcu.edu, is available for faculty to reset forgotten passwords.
What should I do if I forget the answers to my security questions?
If there is a problem with your security questions then you will need to contact the Computer Help Desk for assistance. You will be required to provide personal information to verify identity.
Does changing my TCU password affect my ability to access e-mail from my mobile device?
You will need to change the password on your mobile device when you change your TCU password.
E-mail
What is my e-mail address?
Your TCU e-mail address consists of your user name with periods separating the parts of your name followed by @tcu.edu.
What is the supported e-mail application for faculty?
Faculty use Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Entourage and Microsoft Outlook Web Access for e-mail.
How do I access Microsoft Outlook Web Access?
Open your web browser and go to the address, mail.tcu.edu. Enter your user name and password when prompted.
Is there a limit to the size of my mailbox?
You are given 1 GB of space to store e-mail. If your mailbox size reaches 950 MB, then you will receive a warning. If your mailbox size reaches 975 MB, then you will no longer be able to send messages. At 1 GB, you will not be unable to send or receive messages.
What do I do if I exceed my mailbox size?
You must delete messages and save large attachments elsewhere if you exceed your quota. There are specific actions or steps you can take to maximize your available mailbox space such as archiving e-mail.
Can I forward my e-mail to another account?
It is not recommended that you forward your TCU e-mail to another account, but you can create a rule for e-mail forwarding if necessary.
Can I access e-mail from my phone?
Follow the directions for general e-mail setup on a cell phone or directions for iPhone setup in order to access e-mail from your phone.
What is spam?
Spam is electronic junk mail or unsolicited e-mail messages.
What is TCU Spam Quarantine?
TCU Spam Quarantine has been implemented in an effort to reduce the amount of SPAM received. E-mail messages identified as SPAM or Possible SPAM are sent to the Junk E-mail folder for your review. If a message is NOT SPAM, you can mark the message as NOT JUNK and the message will be moved to your INBOX; otherwise it will automatically be deleted after 14 days.
How can I check for quarantined messages?
At any time, you may look in the Junk E-mail folder for quarantined messages.
Why does a message get quarantined?
Special filters examine incoming messages to identify SPAM.
How do I release a quarantined message?
Select the mesage from the Junk E-mail folder. From the ribbon, choose Junk and choose Not Junk. This will release the e-mail to your Inbox and the Sender will be added to the Safe Sender List. Future messages from the sender will go to your Inbox.
Is there a way to prevent certain messages from being quarantined?
Select the mesage from the Junk E-mail folder. From the ribbon, choose Junk and choose Not Junk. This will release the e-mail to your Inbox and the Sender will be added to the Safe Sender List. Future messages from the sender will go to your Inbox.
What should I do if I am not receiving any e-mail messages from a specific sender?
Contact the Computer Help Desk if you are unable to receive e-mail messages from a specific sender.
What should I do if I receive an undeliverable message when trying to send e-mail to an off campus user?
Most undeliverable messages contain information explaining why a message could not be delivered. Check the message text to see if it includes an SMTP error. Typically these issues will have to be resolved by the recipient.
What is phishing?
Phishing is a fraudulent process where social engineering techniques are used by nefarious individuals to attempt to coerce a person into sending personal sensitive information such as their username, password, credit card information, banking information, etc.
What should I do if I receive a message asking for my user name and password for my TCU account?
Do not reply to e-mail messages requesting your user name and password. If you do reply to a phishing e-mail then you should change your password and security questions immediately.
File Services
Where do I store my files?
Each faculty member is given personal file storage space on the network which is accessible from TCU computers when on campus and connected to the network.
How do I access my personal file storage space or M: drive?
From Windows, the drive is listed under Computer or My Computer. Macintosh users would need to follow the Connect to network share on a Mac instructions.
How can I access my files from off campus?
You would need to FTP or VPN and then use Remote Desktop to access your files.
What should I do if my M: drive is full?
Contact the Computer Help Desk to request a quota increase.
What is the wwwpub folder?
All files that make up the content of your TCU hosted web site must be placed in your WWWPUB folder.
How long do I keep my M: drive or personal storage space following termination or retirement?
You will keep your personal storage space until Human Resources changes your employment status.
How can I share files with other people in my department?
TCU departments have common drives for file storage which can be accessed by members of the group.
How do I access departmental common drives?
You will automatically be given permission to access the main departmental common drive. Permission to other drives can be requested through the Computer Help Desk. From Windows, the drives are listed under Computer or My Computer. Macintosh users would need to obtain the name of the share and follow the Connect to network share on a Mac instructions.
How do I request a new common drive?
Contact the Computer Help Desk with the desired name of the share and the individuals that will need access.
How can I access department common drive files from off campus?
You would need to VPN and then use Remote Desktop to access your files.
Web Pages
Am I allowed to have a TCU hosted web page?
Faculty accounts can be used to create and store personal web pages on the file server. Each account should contain a folder named WWWPUB. All files that make up the content of the web site must be placed in the WWWPUB folder.
What is the url for my web page?
The addresses for personal web sites for faculty are the following:
http://personal.tcu.edu/username (for sites on personal shares)
http://faculty.tcu.edu/username (for faculty sites using FrontPage)
Is there a recommended web browser for accessing TCU web sites?
The recommended web browser for Windows users is Internet Explorer. The recommended web browser for Macintosh users is Safari.
Does TCU filter web sites?
TCU has an intrusion prevention system that blocks obvious malicious traffic.
Where can I get help with a new or current departmental website?
The Office of Website management oversees the development of TCU’s presence on the Internet and consults with other University departments on the design and management of their Web sites. An online request form is available at http://www.getonline.tcu.edu/request.asp.
What should I do if I am the owner of the departmental website and I have forgotten the user name or password?
Contact the Computer Help Desk and provide the url for the website.
Printing
Is there printing available on campus?
Faculty are given access to departmental network printers. The department would need to provide the queue name to Windows users or the IP address to Macintosh users so that the printer can be added to each computer used.
Am I allowed to use a local printer?
Your department would need to purchase a printer for you through TR Purchasing.
Am I allowed to use a printer that I purchased?
Personal printers are not supported and cannot be connected to the TCU network.
Can I print to a departmental network printer from a computer that is not owned by TCU?
Printing is only allowed from a TCU owned computer.
TCU Hardware and Software
Will I be issued a TCU computer?
Full-time faculty are allocated one computer, desktop or laptop, that is designated as their “primary” computer. These are replaced on a four year cycle.
How do I make additional hardware purchases using TCU or grant funds?
Contact TR Purchasing to ensure that your proposed computer-related purchases meet TCU's Acquisition Policy.
How do I know when my machine is scheduled for replacement?
Check with your department chair or refer to the supported/retired models list.
Are there educational discounts available for purchasing personal hardware?
TCU does not have special purchasing agreements with any hardware vendors. Some vendors do offer higher education pricing.
How do I get my computer repaired?
Contact the Computer Help Desk for assistance with TCU owned equipment.
Does TCU provide access to statistical software?
TCU has site licenses available for SPSS, both Macintosh and Windows and SAS for Windows.
How do I make additional software purchases using TCU or grant funds?
Contact TR Purchasing to ensure that your proposed computer-related purchases meet TCU's Acquisition Policy.
Does TCU provide any software for home use?
TCU provides one copy of Microsoft Office for Windows or Macintosh to faculty for use at home. Go to the Computer Help Desk in the library and present your ID card to obtain a copy.
Are there educational discounts available for purchasing personal software?
TCU does not have special purchasing agreements with any software vendors. Some vendors do offer higher education pricing.
How do I request help with eCollege?
Contact information for the eCollege Help Desk can be found at http://www.elearning.tcu.edu/helpdesk/default.asp
Network Connectivity
Is wired access available on campus?
Wired access is available in your office for TCU registered desktops and laptops.
How do I obtain a network cable?
Contact the Computer Help Desk to request a network cable.
How do I request an additional network drop?
Contact the Computer Help Desk to request a price quote.
Is wireless available on campus?
Faculty/Staff wireless, FSWPA2, is available for TCU owned and registered devices.
Where is it available?
Faculty/Staff wireless, FSWPA2, is available campus wide except in student residence halls.
How do I connect my TCU owned and registered device to FSWPA2?
Follow the configuration steps for your device’s operating system: Windows XP, Windows 7, Macintosh OS 10.5, OS 10.6, and iPad.
Am I allowed to connect a personal device on campus?
At this time personal devices are not allowed on the TCU network.
Is wireless access available for guests?
Internet access is available for temporary use by authorized guests of the University. Guest access is not designed for use by faculty, staff or students.
How do I request access for a guest?
TCU does not provide open network access. Contact the Computer Help Desk to request access if you are going to sponsor a guest. You will need to provide the guest’s name, length of stay and purpose of visit. Credentials for the Authorized Guests of TCU (AGOT) wireless network will be e-mailed to you.
Computing Policy
What is the TCU Computing Resources Policy?
The TCU Computing Resources Policy contains university regulations regarding the use of computers, privacy of information, security, electronic communication, plagiarism and copyright infringement.
What are TCU’s security policies?
TR Information Security Services is responsible for helping the university and its users better safeguard the confidentiality, integrity and availability of their electronic data. They work with other groups within Technology Resources and the university to provide security along with privacy to the users, computers, servers, networks and electronic applications used throughout the university. TCU Policies, Procedures and Guidelines can be found on their website.
Classrooms
How do I request equipment or report a classroom technology problem?
The Center for Instructional Services supports the technology equipped classrooms on campus. You can arrange a consultation for a classroom in which you will be teaching, request equipment, or report a problem by completing the online form at http://www.cis.tcu.edu/ctssproblemreport.asp A list of supported classrooms along with pictures and a list of provided equipment can be found at http://www.cis.tcu.edu/vclassrooms.asp
TCU Campus Communication
How does the University communicate with faculty?
TCU e-mail is the official form of communication on campus.
Is there a directory of TCU email addresses?
TCU has a global address book that is accessible from Outlook, Entourage and Outlook Web Access. The address book contains individual addresses, department distribution lists and TCU distribution lists. Additionally, from the portal, my.tcu.edu, you can search Frog Calls by last name under Helpful Links.
How do I request a departmental distribution list?
Contact the Computer Help Desk and provide the owner and the desired name for the distribution list.
What are TCU distribution lists?
These are automatically generated lists and sending permissions may be restricted.
What is TCU Announce?
TCU Announce is the preferred method for posting announcements and events for faculty, staff and students. TCU Announce is sent by email twice a week to campus. The postings also appear in the portal.
How do I post something to TCU Announce?
You may post an announcement or event to TCU Announce by logging on to my.tcu.edu and clicking on the "Submit Article" link within the myTCU Announce pagelet. Documentation can be found on this link.
What is TCU ALERT?
TCU ALERT is a service that will allow the University to send emergency text messages and weather-related campus closures via cell phones.
How do I register for TCU ALERT?
Go to my.tcu.edu. Click on Employee Self-Service and then click on the HR Self-Service Home link. Under Personal Information, click on the Home/Permanent phone number link. Add your cell phone number under the cellular phone category. Save the changes.
