Tech Quick Start Guide

Follow these five steps to get started with technology at KU.

1. Connect to Jayhawk wireless network while on campus

Follow these steps while on campus:

Go to the wireless settings on your computer or device.
Choose the JAYHAWK wireless network.
For your username, enter your personal KU Online ID (typically comprised of letters and numbers, such as j123h456). Enter your password.
Accept any prompts and/or certificates.

See our device setup pages for screenshots

Looking for Wi-Fi in the residence halls? See KU Housing’s webpage

2. Connect your KU email to your smartphone and computer

You will receive email communication from the University, your instructors, and campus support staff via your KU email address. We encourage you to monitor your email daily so you don't miss important messages.

Follow the guides below to connect your KU email to your mobile devices:

See our handout for directions with screenshots

Go to the App Store and search for and download the Microsoft Outlook app.
Open the app after it is installed.
Add your KU email address (for example, a123b123@ku.edu) and tap Add Account.
You will be prompted to sign in to KU's system using your KU Online ID and password.
When prompted to Add Another Account, tap Maybe Later.
Choose whether or not you would like Outlook to send you notifications.
If you chose to get notified, a message will pop up that Outlook would like to send you notifications. Tap Allow.

See our handout for directions with screenshots

Go to the Google Play Store and search for and download the Microsoft Outlook app.
Open the app after it is installed.
Tap Get Started.
Add your KU email address (for example, a123b456@ku.edu) and tap Continue.
You will be prompted to sign in to KU's system using your KU Online ID and password.
When prompted to Add Another Account, tap Skip.
Tap Skip if you want to bypass the app overview.

Checking KU email on laptops and desktop computers:

You can check your email through a browser at outlook.office365.com, or set up KU email on your Mac or PC.

Other email-related tips:

Create a personalized email address (email alias) by visiting myidentity.ku.edu and clicking on the blue button for “Email Services.” Note: You can’t change KU Online ID (typically comprised of letters and numbers).
Do you go by a name other than the one on your official records? Visit Updating Personal Information and the Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity for more information.

3. Download and install the latest version of Microsoft Office at no cost

As a KU student, you can download and use the latest version of Microsoft Office on your computer, as well as use the mobile apps. See the Device Setup page for download and installation instructions for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices.

Learn to how to use Microsoft’s Office 365, OneDrive, and OneNote to stay organized for classes by viewing our “Technology for Students” video series.

4. Check Canvas for course-related information

Most instructors use Canvas to post course information, including grades, course-related reading, and more.

Log in to Canvas with your KU Online ID (typically comprised of letters and numbers) and password. Use this website for the full set of tools and options, including submitting assignments, viewing course reading materials, and completing other graded work.
Download the Canvas mobile app for updates on grades and announcements.

Don’t see your course(s)? Check with the instructor to see if they are using Canvas.

5. Download and install Microsoft Teams and join the Jayhawk Cloud

Teams is a great option for group work. Features include video conferencing, discussion threads and real-time document sharing and collaboration. Teams is part of the Office 365 suite, which you can install for free on up to 5 personal devices by logging in to office365.ku.edu. Once installed, select “Teams” to find or create your own team, and select “Jayhawk Cloud” for tips, tricks and guides. For more information, please visit the HowtoKU website or see Jayhawk Cloud to learn more.

We’re here to help!

Our support centers can help you with technology issues you may encounter, including forgotten passwords, issues installing Office 365 and more.

New this fall, students connected through Jayhawk wi-fi on our campuses can chat with us by visiting technology.ku.edu.

When you’re on the Lawrence Campus, you can contact our Customer Service Center at itcsc@ku.edu or 785-864-8080. or walk into our new location on the second floor of Anschutz Library. See technology.ku.edu for more information.

At the Edwards Campus, you can get tech support through the KU Edwards Information Technology Technical Support Center (KU IT TSC). Call 913-626-9616, email kuec_support@ku.edu or submit a Help Ticket.