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Frequently Asked Questions

Need Further Assistance?

If you encounter any issues not covered here or require direct assistance from the CS Systems Group, please email us at root@cs.odu.edu.

Common Questions

How do I connect to the CS VPN?

Please refer to our detailed VPN Documentation. Ensure your configuration matches the instructions exactly and that you download the official FortiClient VPN software as specified.

How do I reset my CS account password?

You can reset your CS account password by visiting the Password Reset Portal . You will be prompted to enter either your CS username or your ODU email address associated with your CS account.

My CS account is locked. How do I unlock it?

Account unlocks require manual intervention by the Systems Group. Please email us at root@cs.odu.edu 📧 with your CS username, and we will assist you.

How do I connect to a CS department printer?

On a CS department Windows computer, you can usually find available printers by:

  1. Typing "printer" in the Windows search bar.
  2. Selecting "Printers & scanners" from the results.
  3. A list of available printers should appear. Click on the one you wish to use and follow prompts to add or connect.

For more detailed instructions, including for other operating systems, please see our Printing Documentation.

Access Denied Error?

If you receive an "access denied" error when trying to connect to or use a printer you believe you should have access to, please email us at root@cs.odu.edu 📧 with your CS username and the name of the printer.

How do I reserve the ECS 3316 conference room?

To reserve ECS 3316 for your meeting, please follow these steps in Outlook:

  1. Open Outlook and navigate to the "Calendar" tab.
  2. Click on the "New Event" (or "New Meeting") button.
  3. Enter the meeting subject, start time, and end time.
  4. In the "Location" field (or by clicking "Add Room" or "Room Finder"), search for the conference room by typing "ECS".
  5. Select "Computer Science ECS Room 3316" from the drop-down list or search results.
  6. The room's availability will be shown. If the room is available, it will be added to your meeting invitation. Red blocks on the calendar typically indicate the room is already booked at that time.
  7. Add attendees and any other meeting details.
  8. Click "Send" to send the meeting invitation and book the room.
I can't log in to assignments for my class (e.g., on a specific server or platform).
  1. First, verify that you can successfully connect to the CS VPN. Many class-specific resources require a VPN connection.
  2. If you can connect to the VPN but still cannot access the assignment platform, the issue might be related to permissions or access lists specific to that course or server. In this case, please email your professor or TA for assistance, as they manage access for their course resources.
How do I install software on a CS department computer?
  1. First, check the Software Center on the CS Windows computer. Many commonly used applications are available for self-service installation there.
  2. If the software you need is not available in Software Center, please email us at root@cs.odu.edu 📧 with the name of the software and the reason you need it. Please CC your professor on this email for their approval, as software installations often require faculty endorsement.
How do I get physical door access (e.g., to labs or specific rooms)?

For requests regarding physical door access using your ODU ID card, please email us at root@cs.odu.edu 📧. Include your UIN (University ID Number) in the email. Please CC your professor or faculty advisor on this email for their approval, as door access requests typically require faculty authorization.

Is my ODU MIDAS username and password the same as my CS username and password?

No, they are separate accounts. * Your ODU MIDAS account (username@odu.edu) is used for general ODU services (MyODU portal, ODU email, Blackboard, etc.). * Your CS account (typically a different username) is used specifically for accessing Computer Science department resources, such as CS lab computers, CS servers (Linux, VCPortal), CS printers, and CS-specific web services.

How do I apply to work for the CS Systems Group?

If you are interested in student employment opportunities with the CS Systems Group, you can find information and apply online at apply.cs.odu.edu.

Email Information

Understanding Your ODU-Related Email Addresses

As an ODU affiliate, you may have or receive email at a few different addresses, which are routed to different mailboxes. It's important to be aware of these and check them regularly.

  • ODU Student Gmail Account (e.g., nstu001@odu.edu):

    • This is your primary ODU student email, associated with your MIDAS account obtained when you first joined the University.
    • Accessible via Gmail.

  • ODU Faculty/Staff Office 365 Account (e.g., nstaff@odu.edu):

    • This is the primary email for ODU faculty and staff, hosted on Microsoft Office 365.
    • For more information about faculty/staff email accounts, please see the ITS MIDAS Account Request page .

  • ODU-CS Email Alias (e.g., nstudent@cs.odu.edu):

    • This is an alias, not a separate mailbox. It's an additional email address that people can use to send you email.
    • Messages sent to your @cs.odu.edu alias are automatically forwarded to your official ODU email account (either your ODU Gmail for students or your ODU Office 365 for faculty/staff, depending on your primary affiliation).
    • Requesting a CS Alias: If you are CS faculty, staff, or a graduate student and are interested in obtaining a @cs.odu.edu email alias, please contact ITS Help Desk (itshelp@odu.edu) to request one. Undergraduate students typically do not receive CS aliases.

Check All Relevant Mailboxes!

You may receive important university and department-related communications at any of your official ODU email addresses. Ensure you are regularly checking the mailbox(es) associated with your status (Student Gmail or Faculty/Staff Office 365).