New Students, Faculty and Staff

Blackboard at GW is an online course management system based on the Blackboard Learning System. It enables users to access course syllabi, course-related materials, assignments, assessments and communication features provided by instructors. Blackboard at GW is an authenticated system, so GW community members can only gain access to the online content for courses for which they are registered.

To login to Blackboard, use your GW NetID (the portion of your email address before the @ symbol) and corresponding password. Please note that you will be able to log in to Blackboard approximately 24 hours after you first claim your Net ID.

GW Information Technology Support Center is the first point of contact for Blackboard support. The IT Support Center is available Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 10:00pm by phone at 202-994-4948 and press option 2 or by email at [email protected]. You can also submit a web request support ticket. 

After hours, weekend and holiday support is also available through Blackboard Learn Support which can be contacted via the same number 202-994-4948 option 2 when the IT Support Center is closed. 

Access Blackboard

Resources

How to login to Blackboard
Blackboard FAQs
Blackboard Course Management  
Blackboard Workshops

A NetID is a single username that provides access to multiple GW resources.  Some of these resources include the myGW Portal, GW's wireless networks, GW email and calendar systems, Blackboard and other University systems. Your NetID is the portion of your GW email address that precedes the "@" symbol.  

Claim your NetID

Resources

NetID password requirements
Change your NetID password
What's the difference between a NetID and GWid? 

Set up your Colonial Connect Phone & Voicemail

How do I get a GW phone number? 

Visit this information page to learn how to request phone services, including a desktop phone and a voicemail box. You will also be able to make calls, chat and check voicemail from your computer.  If you do not receive a confirmation email within two days of submitting your request, please contact the IT Support Center at 202-994-4948. Most requests are handled by the next business day. 

How do I download Colonial Connect Jabber? 

Jabber brings phone capabilities to your computer through the integration of chat, voice, video and desktop share in one tool. If you need assistance downloading Jabber, please call the IT Support Center at 202-994-4948. 

Download Jabber

How do I get a headset? 

In order to use Colonial Connect Jabber on your computer, you'll most likely need a headset that is compatible with your laptop. You also have the option of installing Colonial Connect Jabber on your smartphone or tablet (iPhone or iPad recommended). To purchase a headset, you must first email [email protected] to request an iBuy CDW-G account. Once your account is registered, go to the iBuy site, select Goods and Services, and then Computer Hardware and Software. Click on CDWG, then click on Recommended Headsets.

What if I need a desktop phone? 

If you don't currently have a desktop phone, you must first email [email protected] to request an iBuy CDW-G account. Once your account is registered, go to the iBuy site, select Goods and Services, and then Computer Hardware and Software. Click on CDWG, then click on Recommended Hard Phones. Once you have your desktop phone, visit here to configure your phone number with your desktop phone. You will need to provide the MAC address and phone model of your desktop phone. The MAC address and phone model can be found on a sticker on the bottom of your phone (see pictures right). If you already have a phone and need to change the name associated with it, please submit a Voice and Data Services Request. 

Change features on your Colonial Connect phone

Communications options on Digital Workplace allow you to: 

• Reset your voicemail password
• Change the display name on your phone
• Set up single number reach (have your office phone ring to your mobile phone)
• Set up speed dialing
• Submit a request for other changes

GWireless

GWireless is a secure wireless network that uses an authentication method that works with a variety of computers, Apple iOS mobile devices and a variety of Android devices. GWireless automatically connects devices to the Internet. Once users are connected, they will not have to log in to the system again. GW community members may log into GWireless using their GW NetIDs (the GW NetID is the part of a GW email address before the “@” symbol) and the passwords that correspond to their NetIDs.

Instructions for Android

Instructions for iOS

eduroam

eduroam (education roaming) is a secure, worldwide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community, and it allows students from member institutions to connect to the Internet across campus and when visiting other participating institutions using their full GW email ([email protected]) and the passwords that correspond to their NetIDs. For more information and a list of participating U.S. institutions, visit “Where can I eduroam?”.

GWConnect (formerly GWPlay)

GW students living on-campus can now register their Apple TV, Playstation 4s, Roku media players, Amazon Fire Sticks, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Ones to GW's gaming and streaming network, GWConnect. With GWConnect, you’ll be able to wirelessly connect your devices to the GW network. For instructions on how to add your devices for GWConnect, please visit the GWiz Knowledgebase.

GW Information Technology offers GW faculty and staff several document management solutions. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.  Below is an explanation of the different types of data as well as a chart to help determine the best document management solution for your specific needs.

 

 

Regulated Data

Examples:

• Protected Health Information (PHI)

• Student academic and financial records

• Research data protected by statute or regulation

• Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

 

Restricted Data

Examples:

• Course information and class schedules

• Internal directory information

• HR data

• Payroll and salary information

• Performance appraisals

 

Public Data

Examples:

• Announcements and press releases

• Public event information

• Public directories and maps 

Decision Chart for Correct Document Management

 - Recommended          

 - NOT ALLOWED per GW Policy (or not applicable)

I Need to . . .	GW Box	Google Drive	GW SharePoint (Team Sites)	GW Documents (Documentum)
Securely store my work data and files
Regulated Documents
Restricted Documents
Public Documents
Collaborate on Files and Documents - Share and edit documents
Regulated Documents
Restricted Documents
Public Documents
Share Public Documents with External Users
Search Files and Documents
Search text (Titles/Body)
Search using Metadata and Tagging
Archive Official University Records*
Data and files with official retention requirements based on GW Policy
Create/Edit Workflows and Business Process Automation
GW Scan Capability
Ability to scan paper documents
OCR (Text Searchable Documents)
File Size Limits
for sharing	5GB	10GB	10GB	2GB
for storage	15GB	5TB	15GB	2GB
Total Storage Available	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited

* See the GW University Records Management Policy (PDF)

 

Security Best Practices    Document Management Services FAQs

The GWeb Information System, sometimes referred to as Banner or Banner Self Service, allows online access for GW students, faculty, and staff to many GW services.

Current students, faculty and staff, as well as alumni as of May 2019, will log into the GWeb Information System using their GW email address ([email protected]) and password, instead of using GWID and PIN. Access via GWID and PIN will no longer be active for these users once the upgrade is complete. Applicants, former faculty and staff, and alumni who graduated before May 2019 will continue to login via GWID and PIN.

GW Information Technology provides the following support options for GW students, faculty and staff: