KSU Student Guide to Communications and Technology

Kennesaw State University (KSU) prioritizes connectivity, innovation, and collaboration, relying heavily on communication technology to achieve these goals. This guide provides KSU students with essential information regarding communication tools, technology resources, and online learning support.

Communication Tools and Platforms

KSU offers a range of communication applications and infrastructure to support academic, research, and administrative activities. These tools enable seamless interaction among students, faculty, and staff, fostering a connected campus community.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a central communication and collaboration platform for KSU students, faculty, and staff. It allows for effortless communication and collaboration from anywhere at any time. New employees are encouraged to sign up for Teams Calling, which can replace traditional desk phones.

Emergency Notification Systems: RAVE and Alertus

KSU employs comprehensive notification systems, RAVE and Alertus, to promptly alert students, faculty, and staff in emergencies. These systems ensure timely and relevant emergency communication across the entire campus. It's crucial to keep your phone number updated in OneUSG Connect, as RAVE alerts are sent to the number listed there for emergency notifications.

LiveSafe App

LiveSafe is a free app that provides students, faculty, and staff with a direct connection to campus police, enhancing safety and security on campus.

Read also: Comprehensive Guide to UCF Email

Technology Resources and Support

UITS (University Information Technology Services) provides assistance and resources related to campus-approved devices, service plans, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a two-factor authentication solution designed to enhance the security of personal and university data for all campus community members. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that only you can access your account, even if your password is compromised.

Office 365

Office 365 is Microsoft’s suite of cloud-enabled productivity applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, Access, and more. KSU community members can access their Office applications and files online through a web browser or by using desktop and mobile versions of Office applications.

VPN Access

KSU VPN allows students to access the same online experience and network services available on-campus when off-campus. It can also be used to remotely access office Windows or Mac computers.

Mail and Package Services

KSU provides mail and package services for students, faculty, and staff.

Package Delivery Information

The university receives a high volume of packages daily. Here's some important information regarding package delivery:

Address Format: Ensure that all packages are addressed correctly.
Federal Holidays: Confirm whether the designated address can receive deliveries on Federal holidays.
Delivery Location: Specify the preferred location for package delivery at the address.
Package Processing: Once a package is delivered, it is received and processed by the university.
Amazon Deliveries: Amazon packages are accepted, only if they are SHIPPED to campus. Note that Amazon and other companies may use third-party delivery companies, and there is often little control over the delivery method used. Deliveries from Amazon Fresh, Grub Hub, Walmart, Door Dash, or Uber Eats are not accepted.
One-Time Password: For certain shipments, Amazon may require a One-Time Password (OTP) for delivery verification.
Package Pickup: Notification for pickup will be sent within 72 hours of receiving the package.
Holding Period: Packages are held for 10 days before being returned to the sender.
Annual Fee: There is an annual fee of $40, covering the fall term through summer term.

Transcripts

Instructions on how to request a transcript:

Read "Things to Know When Requesting a Transcript."
Order a Transcript using the provided KSU Transcript link.
Log in or create a new account.
If you have not created an account before, select "Create Account" and enter your personal information, paying attention to required fields.
From the list of University Documents, select "Paper Transcript (Former Students)".
The product information will appear.
The "Paper Transcript (Former Students)" form will appear.
Enter the recipient's name and address.
Enter the recipient's email address.
If you have attachments, upload them in the Attachment Field.
Enter any special instructions in the Special Instructions Field.
Enter the quantity of transcripts to send to this recipient.
Click "Continue".
Verify the charges and recipient information and click "Checkout".
Read about your FERPA rights, check the "I Accept" box, and click "Next".
Verify the payment and billing information and click "Next".
Re-verify all billing, recipient, and charge information and click "Confirm".
Enter your credit card information and click only once; this process can take several minutes.
A confirmation page will appear with your order number. Log out when finished.

Print Shop Services

The KSU Print Shop supports the university's mission through a comprehensive outreach program.

Guidelines for Mailing

Letters requiring minimum First Class postage do not need to be sealed and should not be nested.
Letters with three or more pages and letters not requiring postage to be affixed by the University must be sealed.
The envelope’s contents must be properly folded and inserted so that it does not extend out of the envelope.
All envelopes larger than a letter size MUST be sealed by the sender’s University department.
Contact the Print Shop for assistance with UPS labels.

Online Learning Resources

KSU provides various resources and guidelines for students participating in online courses.

Accessing Online Courses

Students gain access to their D2L (Desire2Learn) courses on the first day of each term. If a student registers during late registration/drop-add, it may take up to 48 hours to gain access to the course. Students are encouraged to contact their course instructor if they join a class during late registration.

Time Commitment for Online Courses

For a 3-credit hour online course in a typical 15-week session, a student should expect to spend approximately 6-9 hours per week engaged in class work. Online courses are not necessarily easier than on-campus courses.

Registration for Online Courses

Students wishing to take online courses will register for those courses through Owl Express in the same manner as on-campus courses. KSU Online courses in Owl Express are identified with a ‘W’ preceding the section number (e.g., ENGL 1101/W01). Students can search for online courses through the Owl Express Class Schedule Search. Course schedules for semesters are released shortly before registration opens for that semester. Online students are bound by the same registration guidelines as on-campus students.

Course Load and Academic Policies

Undergraduate and graduate students have different academic policies regarding what constitutes a full-time course load, the maximum course load, as well as policies regarding the minimum number of credit hours required to qualify for veteran status, financial aid, or insurance eligibility.

Course Availability

Online classes do not have unlimited availability of seats, so registering as early as possible is important for online students.

eCore

eCore (electronic core-curriculum) allows University System of Georgia (USG) students the opportunity to complete undergraduate, general educational requirements online through accredited colleges and universities.

Access for On-Campus Students

On-campus students can search for available online courses through Owl Express. Some online programs may have specific admission requirements and processes and may not open registration to all KSU students.

Technology Requirements for Online Learners

Online learners need a computer, Internet access, basic software (such as Microsoft Office Suite, Windows Media Player, Quicktime movie player, anti-virus protection, and a compatible browser), and auxiliary equipment (such as a webcam and microphone headset for video-based communication). Technology needs will vary by course.

Specific Technology Recommendations

Auxiliary Equipment: A webcam and headset are strongly recommended for video-based communication. Many newer laptops or monitor set-ups are pre-equipped.
Internet Access: A high-speed Internet connection (such as DSL or Broadband) is needed for smooth online learning.
Software: A recent version of Microsoft Office Suite is generally required. Access to MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel are expected and necessary for viewing course material or completing assignments. Additional requirements include anti-virus protection, Windows Media Player, QuickTime movie player, and a compatible browser.

Degree Equivalence

Online students at Kennesaw State University are completing and earning the same degree as their on-campus counterparts and are awarded the same degree.

Other Important Information

Password Management

After the initial login, students will be required to change their passwords. Passwords should include a special character (e.g., *, %, !) or a numeric character. Students can enroll in the Password Recovery Tool. If you did not apply via the Internet, use your birth date (MMDDYY) as your PIN.

Network Login

Instructions for connecting to KSU WiFi can be found on the Wireless Connections page under "How to Connect Laptops & Mobile Devices for Students".

D2L Brightspace

D2L Brightspace is the learning management system used by KSU. It is part of the 365 Apps for Enterprise. There is no fee associated with this tool.

Student Fees

Online courses do not have any associated student fees within the course syllabus.

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