A catalog of all the tools and services that Penn State IT offers. Some resources may be missing as we are working towards being comprehensive. More resources can be found in the IT Help Portal.
Service Status
Browse by A-Z or by Categories.
A
Accessibility
Ensuring that all Penn Staters, both disabled and enabled, can properly engage with digital content.
Penn State Account
You are automatically assigned a Penn State user ID. You will use your Penn State Account to log in to all the University’s sites and services for as long as you’re affiliated with Penn State.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Unlock the power of digital storytelling with your free Creative Cloud (CC) account. Programs like Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, and After Effects are available to every Penn State student.
B
Bluebox
Penn State’s Experimental Research Classrooms: Cutting-edge digital displays, interactive technologies, and moveable furniture join together in experimental classrooms at Penn State where innovation and excellence meet. 101 Althouse, aka the Bluebox, was the University’s first experimental space.
C
Canvas
Penn State’s online learning management system where you can access your courses, take quizzes, submit assignments, monitor grades, and communicate with instructors and classmates.
Classrooms
Instructors can embrace reliable and innovative teaching technologies in Penn State’s general-purpose classrooms. To learn how to unlock and use classroom podiums, review the podium guide.
Cloud Services
Provides access to industry leading public cloud computing platforms to enable easy and rapid acquisition, development, and scaling of IT resources.
Computer Labs
Find a computer lab, view lab hours, and check which computers are available.
Courseware
An online resource that simplifies the process for faculty to navigate the authorized software and digital applications for use in course instruction. Review introductory information about the service on the Need to Know page. Integrates with Canvas.
D
Device Management
These services, including Systems Management (SysMan), Cooperative Lab Management (CLM), and Mobile Device Management (MDM), enable IT staff to remotely manage University-owned computers, servers, and mobile devices with centrally provided tools, allowing for consistent and up-to-date operating system lifecycles, application management, security, and more.
The Dreamery
A co-learning laboratory where Penn Staters can explore emerging technology’s potential to transform education.
G
GitLab
GitLab is an open-source software platform where members of the Penn State community can share and collaborate on code.
Google Workspace
Apps such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Hangouts, and Jamboard are available to all Penn State students.
I
Immersive Experiences Lab
Engage with course content using immersive technologies like 360-degree video, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
IT Alerts
Sign up for Penn State IT Alerts to receive email notifications about the status of services such as wireless, Canvas, LionPATH, and more.
IT Service Desk
A central hub where you can view a catalog of Penn State IT services, request services, report issues, and get help.
K
Kaltura
Incorporate digital content into classwork with this cloud-based tool. Kaltura works in tandem with both Zoom and Canvas for storing, publishing, and streaming videos and other media.
L
LinkedIn Learning
Visit LinkedIn Learning’s library of thousands of free, on-demand tutorials to enhance your coursework and build your resume.
LionPATH
Schedule courses, view transcripts, access financial aid information, pay tuition bills, and more with Penn State’s student information system.
M
Maker Commons
Enriching teaching and learning through 3D printing, rapid prototyping, design thinking, and more.
Media Commons
Create video and audio projects with the help of expert guidance and support.
Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is an additional layer of security that requires verifying your identity on a secondary device.
O
Office 365
Access your Penn State email through Outlook and take advantage of other apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Explore all of Office 365’s offerings to unlock your creativity and increase your productivity.
One Button Studio
Create a high-quality video in a simplified production area or do a trial run for an upcoming presentation.
P
Paw Prints
Students at the Altoona, Dickinson Law, Harrisburg, Hershey Medical, Scranton, and University Park campuses have access to modern cloud-based, pay-as-you-go printing at conveniently located kiosks.
Penn State Go
Use Penn State’s official all-in-one mobile app to access Canvas, LionCash+, campus maps, campus dining, and more.
Q
Qualtrics
Qualtrics is a web-based software program that enables you to create surveys for collecting and analyzing participants’ feedback. Contact your local IT administrator for licensing information.
S
SIMBA
SIMBA (System for Integrated Management, Budgeting, and Accounting) is the platform used for the University’s financial needs.
Sites at Penn State
All skill levels, from novice to expert, can build websites, blogs, and portfolios with this WordPress-based service.
Software Downloads
A catalogue of free and discounted University-approved software is available to students.
Solstice
Simultaneously share content to a room display using laptops and mobile devices.
Starfish
Starfish is Penn State’s main system for course progress reports and connects students with academic advisers and others who are here to help them stay on track with their academic progress. Instructors can use this suite of academic advising tools to provide students with preferred contact information and feedback on their course progress.
T
Teams
Teams is part of Penn State’s Office 365 suite of tools. Meet, chat, call, and collaborate in one place.
Tech Tutors
Technology tool assistance is available for all students online via Zoom, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tech Tutors can help you use Canvas, Office 365, Kaltura, Zoom, and more.
Telephony
As a Penn State staff member, you may use the Penn State Telephony service, also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
Top Hat
A cloud-based teaching tool that leverages student’s devices to increase in-class engagement and real-time feedback. Whether in or out of the classroom, students can participate with interactive slides, graded questions, customized content, videos, discussions, and polls.
Turnitin
Provide feedback on writing assignments via markup tools, rubrics, proofreading tools, and originality reports.
25Live
25Live by CollegeNET is a system for scheduling courses, meetings, and events. Review the Guidelines for Faculty and Staff to get started.
V
Virtual Desktop (VDI)
Connect to your VDI from any Internet connection and access all University resources as usual. Units using VDI only:
Corporate Controller (except Bursar’s Office, see VPN) and University Police & Public Safety.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
GlobalProtect VPN creates a secure, private connection between your device and the University network. This extra layer of protection is required in order to access certain secured University resources, especially when connecting remotely.
VM Hosting
VM (Virtual Machines) Hosting provides cost-effective, reliable Virtual Machines for departments, colleges, and research units. Anyone using the hosted service is responsible for the setup, security, and maintenance of the operating systems and applications installed on hosted virtual servers.
VoiceThread
Use uploaded documents, videos, presentations, and other media to drive digital, asynchronous conversations in your classes.
W
WebLabs
Access a Penn State Computer lab desktop and software from the convenience of a web browser
Wireless
Hit the ground running with Penn State’s campus WiFi by preparing your devices before you arrive. It only takes a few minutes. The University’s wireless setup page has step-by-step instructions, network information, and support services.
Y
Yammer
Yammer is an online social network connecting coworkers throughout Penn State. Use it to create interest- or department-specific groups, discuss ideas, share workplace updates, and more.
Z
Zoom
Join, host, and record meetings from your computer or mobile device.
