You're going to have to interact with a lot of different software and websites and apps at Waterloo, and it can be hard to get a handle on what software does what. Here's a quick guide to many of the tech tools you're likely to come across as a faculty member (for more on online teaching tools, see the Keep Learning website).
|
What it’s called |
What it means |
What it does |
Where to find instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADFS | Active Directory Federation Service | Manages secure web logins for various UW systems with single sign-on access. | |
| CAS | Central Authentication System | Also manages secure web logins for various UW systems with single sign-on access, just with a different (older) protocol than ADFS. | |
| Concur | Expense claim software | Sends your out-of-pocket expense claims to Finance | Concur training webpage |
| Duo | Two-factor authentication | Adds a second layer of security to all your UW logins. Will be mandatory this November, so opt in now. | Two-factor authentication webpage |
| GoSignMeUp | Training and development registration system | Allows you to find and register for workshops at the Centre for Teaching Excellence, Equity Office, and more. | Instructions on the GoSignMeUp homepage |
| GreenShield+ | GreenShield's extended health and dental benefits plan member website and app | Allows you to submit your health & dental claims on your phone or in your browser, and tells you your health & dental plan balances. | |
| LEARN | The UW iteration of Desire2Learn's learning management software. | It's the official Learning Management System (LMS) for undergraduate/graduate teaching at Waterloo. Fun fact: It's capitalized only to differentiate it from the common word "learn." | LEARN help website |
| Microsoft (Office) 365 | The familiar suite of Microsoft Office applications: Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, OneNote | Provides access to your UW email, file storage (OneDrive), and online Microsoft Office productivity tools. | |
| Odyssey | Supports faculty in some units with administering graduate admissions, exams, and TA assignments. | Odyssey website | |
| Qualtrics | Survey software | Creates sophisticated surveys with a friendly user interface for the people taking them. | Qualtrics support |
| Quest | Student information system | Manages student registration, tuition, class allocation, and scheduling. | Registrar resources website |
| Regroup Mobile | Campus emergency notification app | Sends you notifications as to emergencies on campus (e.g. fire, active shooter, inclement weather closures). | |
| Skype for Business | "Softphone" software: a web-based telephony and messaging system | Will soon replace most traditional office desk telephones on campus. Also does video chat, instant messaging, and desktop sharing. Will eventually be replaced by Teams. Not available to undergraduate students. | "Using Skype for Business" in the IST Knowledge Base |
| Student Accommodations Faculty Module | How you interact with AccessAbility Services | Allows you to manage student accommodations | AccessAbility Services website |
| Unit4 | Financial recording and procurement system | This is where you manage your grants, expenses, etc. Out-of-pocket expenses go through Concur. | Unit4 User Manual |
| WatCard | UW ID card | Access library resources and recreation facilities, and pay for things on campus. | |
| WatIAM | Waterloo Identity Account Management | WatIAM usernames are used by Quest, WaterlooWorks, Learn, myHRinfo, Office 365 email and many other campus systems. | WatIAM website |
| WCMS | Waterloo Content Management System | The WCMS is the tool through which all UW websites are created and maintained. | Web Resources section, WCMS 2 training and support; WCMS 3 training and support |
| Workday | HR's employee management system | Access tax info, pay slips, employee hiring/management tools, record of employment, training history/registration, and more. | Workday user guides |
For more help with software and IT systems, visit the IST Knowledge Base or IST help.