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Frequently asked questions

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Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about the services we support. If you can't find the answer to your particular question, then please contact us.

Usernames and passwords
University apps and timetables
WiFi
Software
Blackboard

Usernames and passwords

What is my Use

Your username will be in the format A123456B (Letter – 6 numbers- Letter) The first letter is usually the first letter of your surname. This forms the first part of your email address and O365 login (A123456B@student.staffs.ac.uk).

What is my password?

Your initial temporary password will have been sent via email at the start of your studies.
IMPORTANT – Even if you have changed your E:Vision password, your IT password will still be this temporary password until changed (they are 2 different passwords).
We don’t know your password you will need to reset your password using our self-service password reset facility www.staffs.ac.uk/sspr

How do I reset my password?

Go to www.staffs.ac.uk/sspr and in the User ID prompt, enter your Staffordshire University email address and follow the prompts.
This changes your password for everything (O365, Blackboard, Apps and E:Vision).
Any problems, contact us stating your:
•    Username
•    DOB
•    Postcode
•    Mobile Number

I don’t have access to my personal email address anymore – can I add alternative contact methods to enable me to reset my password?

Yes, we encourage all students to add as many contact methods as possible, which will allow you to get back up and running should you forget your password. You can view and update your details at https://www.staffs.ac.uk/mysecurityinfo

I need more information about my account and password?

For more details about your account (including access to the password policy and tips to protect your account) visit our passwords page.


University apps and timetables

What University mobile applications do I need?

We recommend you install Beacon - Your Digital Coach, which will assist with your studies.

Beacon provides personalised and responsive information on student timetables, enables contact with personal tutors and provides the answers to over 1000 frequently asked questions, covering campus facilities and support services.
It is available from Google Play, the App Store, and via the standalone Beacon website.

What is Beacon?

Beacon is your intelligent digital coach to guide and help you through your university experience. Use Beacon to access your emails, view your timetables, get information on societies, get directions and much, much more. Beacon chat is your first point of call if you need to know anything about the university and its services. Just ask Beacon…

What account do I log on with?

To log onto Beacon, you will just need your university email address and password.

I am logged in as a guest, why can I not see content relevant to me?

When logged in as a guest you will not get personalised information. You will need to log out of the application and log in with your Staffordshire university username and password.

I can’t remember my password for the app or it is not being accepted?

Go to www.staffs.ac.uk/sspr and in the User ID prompt, enter your Staffordshire University email address and follow the prompts. Once reset log back into the app using these credentials.

I have reset my password, but the app is still not accepting my credentials?

If the new credentials are not being accepted, please delete the app and reinstall it, then try again.

How do I access email or blackboard via Beacon?

Click on the associated tile for the application you want to open, you may initially be prompted for your Staffordshire university email address, input the address and password and when prompted to stay signed in select ‘Yes’. You will not be prompted for credentials when accessing the tiles in the future.

How do I access my timetable?

The easiest way to access your timetable is via Beacon. Please note it can take 72hrs from enrolment for your timetable to appear.

Whis is my timetable blank?

Personal timetables are usually available a couple of weeks before the start of term. If you can log onto Beacon but have no timetable please check out our timetabling page

Can I access my timetables on the web?

Yes, you can access your timetable online. If you log on and still cannot see a timetable, please check out our timetabling page

Can I access my email via Beacon?

Yes, you can access your email via the Email tile in Beacon. You may be prompted for your email address and password the first time you access email via the app.

I have just received a push notification from Beacon – is this genuine?

Yes, we will send push notifications from the app – usually about maintenance, important news or campus updates.


WiFi

How do I connect to the University wi-fi?

The campus wide wireless network that students should use is Eduroam (please note this is different to the wi-fi in the Halls of Residence). When on campus search for available networks, select Eduroam and log on with your email address and password- accepting any certificates if prompted. Once logged on, you will be able to use the wi-fi across campus.

Can non-student visitors still use wi-fi?

If you are a visitor to the university, you can use ‘wi-fi guest’. Search and select this network and then open a web browser. The 1st time you access this network you will be asked to sign up and accept the terms and conditions.

I see the guest wi-fi is powered by Sky. I have signed up to their guest wi-fi before – can I use those login credentials?

Yes, if you have previously signed up to this guest service you can login with your previous credentials.


Software

What software is available to install on my personal device?

These is a wealth of software which is available for you to install on your own personal device while you are a student at Staffordshire University. View the full list of available software.

Is it right I can get Microsoft Office 365 for free?

Yes – Office 365 (which includes Word, Excel, Teams and OneDrive) is available free of charge  while you are a Staffordshire University student (excluding overseas partners). In fact, you can install it on up to 5 devices. To download, please visit the software downloads page and scroll down to Microsoft Office 365 plus.

Can I get Microsoft Windows free?

No, unfortunately there is no site wide licence for Microsoft Windows, although you are entitled to Microsoft Office 365 free of charge.

What is Microsoft Teams?

Chat/Meet/Call and Collaborate – Microsoft Teams brings peers and colleagues together so you can work as one, even when you are apart. For guides on how to use Microsoft Teams visit the Digital Learning SharePoint site.

What is OneDrive?

The best place to save all of your work is on your Staffordshire University student OneDrive.  This is your own personal storage area, which you can access from anywhere.  So if you do some work on a University computer and save it in your OneDrive, you can carry on working on it from home on your own computer.


Blackboard

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is the universities VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) where all of your course content is stored.

What is the login for Blackboard?

You log into Blackboard with your normal username and password – if you cannot remember your password you can reset it.

I have installed the Blackboard app but I cannot log in?

On the Blackboard app, you need to pick your institution (Staffordshire University) and then login with just your username and password (you do not use your full email address). If it does not accept your credentials you will need to reset your password and then try logging in again. If it still fails to log in, please delete the app and reinstall or access via Beacon.

How to I get help and assistance for Blackboard?

If you want to know anything about Blackboard, Blackboard Ultra or Turnitin visit our Digital Learning page