Employee Technology FAQs

Yes! If you are having any issues with your computer, software, or internet, Widener provides 24/7 technology support available by phone or our online ticketing system called QuickTicket. We also offer 24/7 Canvas support available from within the Canvas website.

Yes! Each campus offers in-person technology support.

• Chester:  In-person technology support is available at the Technology Support Center (TSC), located on the main floor of Wolfgram Memorial Library. Check the TSC Website for hours as they vary by semester.
• Delaware: In-person technology support is available on the first floor of the Main Law Building off the Main Street Atrium, 9am-5pm Monday through Thursday.
• Harrisburg: In-person technology support is available on the second floor of the Library Building in rooms 211 and 212, 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

To keep password issues quick and easy, we offer a password self-service portal so you can manage and reset your own password. Visit our Password Self-Service portal.

If you are in need of technology support while in a classroom, whether for class or an event, you can call Client Experience on your campus for assistance or fill out a QuickTicket.

• Chester: 610-499-4090
• Delaware: 302-477-2221
• Commonwealth: 717-541-1979

If you hosting an event and need technology support in preparation for your event, you can fill out a QuickTicket to request specific technology or assistance. If you need assistance during the event, call Client Experience for your campus.

• Chester: 610-499-4090
• Delaware: 302-477-2221
• Commonwealth: 717-541-1927

All full time employees (both faculty and staff) will receive a Widener-issued laptop package, also known as an asset, for use while employed with us.  The equipment you are provided will vary based on your role with the university. Communicate with your supervisor if you have specific needs beyond what is provided.

All Widener devices come with Microsoft Office desktop apps installed as well as Zoom. Licenses to specific software related to your role may be issued to you. Communicate with your supervisor regarding any software or platforms you may have access to or need.

You will be eligible for a new device every four years. You will be notified by our Client Experience team when you are eligible along with directions for completing this process.

No, Widener does not offer any university devices to be purchased.

Yes! If you need any personal technology or are interested in purchasing additional accessories, explore all discount offers for potentially hundreds of dollars of savings.

High-bandwidth Wi-Fi is available across campus, in all building and residence halls, as well as many outdoor spaces. Learn more about our wireless network options.

Yes! Widener University takes the security of your devices and data seriously. For security purposes, Widener requires that all devices be registered in order to connect. Learn more about our wireless network or if you need assistance with registering a device, fill out a QuickTicket.

VPN stands for virtual private network and allows you to connect to Widener’s network remotely if you are not on campus. Certain platforms such as Colleague, may require the use of VPN while not on campus. You can confirm with your supervisor whether you will need VPN and fill out a QuickTicket for access.

Your Widener e-mail is accessible through Microsoft Outlook.

• Website – outlook.office.com
• Desktop app – Download Microsoft Office Products
• Mobile app – visit your device’s App Store and search for Microsoft Outlook

Downloading the mobile app is not a requirement although some choose to utilize it for convenience. For assistance with Microsoft products, fill out a QuickTicket.

Most employees will be assigned a Widener phone number/extension. Some employees will have an office phone, although many others may be utilizing Teams Voice for phone communication. This is a feature built directly into Microsoft Teams for your Widener phone number to redirect to your Teams app. For assistance with either your physical phone or Microsoft Teams, fill out a QuickTicket.

All employees and students are provided with a Zoom account through their Widener credentials. Zoom is typically used for larger meetings, if you are teaching synchronous online courses, or holding virtual office hours.  Microsoft Teams is also utilized as an online chat or video conferencing platform. This is often used for quick text communication or audio/video calls. For assistance with either Zoom or Microsoft Teams, fill out a QuickTicket.

Training is available for any of the software or tools used by Widener University including Microsoft products, Canvas, Foxit, etc. You can access training on your own through LinkedIn Learning with your Widener credentials. LinkedIn Learning offers videos and courses related to many topics including how to use different software and other work related topics. You can also request training through either the Client Experience (CX) team by filling out a QuickTicket or through the Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) team by filling out a TLT Service Request to request training.

Widener uses Canvas as the learning management system for courses. All courses will have an associated Canvas course, whether the course is in-person or online. For 24/7 Canvas assistance, access resources and support options by clicking the question mark icon in the bottom right corner of your Canvas pages.

Widener has a Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) team that is available to assist with course design and utilizing Canvas.  You can access TLT’s Sharepoint site (log in required) for resources, connect with them by e-mailing [email protected] or filling out a TLT Service Request.

Widener’s Canvas platform includes the use of Canvas Studio for recording and storing video. We also provide licenses for Poll Everywhere, an interactive live polling tool, and Hypothesis, a social annotation tool. There are also educational tools built into your Microsoft account including OneNote, Microsoft Whiteboard, Flip, and more!

Our information portal called myWidener is where you can access employment related information like payroll and tax information, and as well as academic schedules and grading. This will be your go-to website for all Widener related information. For assistance with myWidener, fill out a QuickTicket.

While there are no required apps for your mobile device, there are some that come highly recommended for an improved Widener experience.

• Microsoft Outlook: Access your Widener e-mail from your mobile device so you do not miss important communications.
• Microsoft Authenticator: An easier approach to multi-factor authentication than getting texts or phone calls. Get into your account quicker while off campus with the Authenticator app.
• Microsoft Teams: If your team or department frequently uses Teams, having the app on your phone allows you to see messages if you are walking across campus, or not at your computer. Note, it is never expected to read or respond to messages outside your working hours unless specified for your role.
• GrubHub: Need to purchase lunch? Our retail dining options on campus offer mobile ordering solutions through the GrubHub app.