Module 3 - WCU Systems and Access

This module provides an overview of the technology systems, applications, and digital resources commonly used by employees across the university. You will learn about key platforms, how to access the tools you need to perform your job, and where to find support when questions arise. Understanding these systems will help you navigate university processes, communicate effectively, and work efficiently from day one.

Banner and RamPortal

Banner: Banner is the backend administrative database used by university staff (like the Registrar, Bursar, and Financial Aid offices) to handle student data.

RamPortal: RamPortal is West Chester University’s system for all student records. Access schedules, grades, class registration, and more. Most faculty, staff, and students interact with this data through front-end links on the WCU RamPortal Home Page.

Banner ID: This is your student or employee identification number (formatted as a letter followed by an 8-digit number, often starting with "W0") used for university reporting. The RamNet ID and BannerID could be different for students, staff, and faculty who began at WCU Fall 2024 and forward. The RamPortal person search will display both IDs. Both IDs are correct and can be used to search in RamPortal. 

QUICK LINKS

Cisco Jabber

West Chester University (WCU) provides Cisco Jabber to let employees use their computers or mobile devices to place and receive calls, send instant messages, and manage voicemails using their university extension.

Jabber may already be installed on your university-owned device(s). Please check before downloading.  To get started, you’ll need to download and install the Jabber application. 

QUICK LINKS

D2L – Learning Management System

Brightspace by D2L is the Learning Management System used by the university to support education and offers a highly personal learning experience that connects faculty and students to collaborative learning tools, activities, resources, and content. We refer to Brightspace as D2L. D2L is the company that created our Learning Management System.

For assistance and updates, please visit the ServiceNow Service Portal or our Instructional Technologies: Monthly Updates knowledge base article.

QUICK LINKS

Microsoft 365 and OneDrive

Microsoft 365 or “O365” is a toolset that includes the Office productivity tools, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as others, on your computer, on your mobile device and online via web browser in the cloud. It also includes OneDrive for local and Cloud storage of files.

Online: O365 is free for all active faculty, staff, and students. You can run the applications and access files from anywhere on any device. Additionally, you can co-author documents with colleagues or peers!

Download: Active WCU faculty, staff and students also have the ability to download Office 2016 on up to five personally owned devices.

QUICK LINKS

One Drive is a cloud-based file storage system with online editing and collaboration tools for Microsoft Office documents and is part of Microsoft 365. 

One Drive can be utilized in many different ways. It can be used as a simple store for documents, to access files from any location on any device, or as a collaboration tool to share and jointly work on documents. Access to files can be via a web browser, directly from Office 2016 desktop programs, in Windows File Explorer, in the Office Apps for IPads, iPhones and Android tablets or synchronized with a local folder on your computer.

OnBase

OnBase is West Chester University's document management and workflow system. Use the resources below to ensure you can access and use OnBase successfully.

Browser Compatibility

Chrome and Firefox are the recommended browsers for accessing OnBase. Check the Browser Compatibility Requirements to ensure your browser is supported.

Pop-Up Blockers

Pop-up blockers may prevent OnBase pages from opening correctly. Please ensure pop-ups are allowed when using OnBase.

Need Help? For additional assistance, submit an AES Support Portal Ticket.

Panopto

Panopto is a video streaming platform developed by Carnegie Mellon University and is the leading streaming media platform in higher education. Panopto offers desired features such as a user-friendly interface, advanced search options, security, enhanced accessibility, options for video interactivity and engagement, and integrations with other instructional technologies such as Zoom and D2L.  Features include:

  • Video Content Management and hosting for pre-recorded and streaming media (searching, sharing, permissions, and editing).
  • Screencasting/Recording for a variety of use cases and share videos from anywhere, using any laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Zoom Cloud Recording storage and management of recordings in one place
  • Lecture Capture for in-classroom and on-demand recording.
  • Virtual Classroom for easy delivery of any video or recording via D2L.
  • Student Recordings for presentations, assessments, assignments and more.
  • Video Accessibility with flexible AI captioning options, screen reader support, and more.

QUICK LINKS

Qualtrics

Qualtrics is West Chester University's supported, web-based survey software, available for free to all WCU faculty, staff, and students. To log in, go to WCU Qualtrics and use your standard WCU username and password. No prior programming knowledge is required to build forms, deploy surveys, or analyze your collected data.

QUICK LINKS

RamCast

RamCast is a wireless connection for your device to the projector in the classroom. You can create a wireless presentation in any of the rooms listed below using laptops, tablets, and smartphones. RamCast is available in most university buildings and supports all devices so to share from your Windows, OSX, Apple iOS, and Android devices.

RamNet Network Account ID

Your RamNet Network Account is your West Chester University identity in Active Directory.  It is also your username and password used for logging in to WCU supported tools and services, like email, RamPortal, D2L, and more, using a secure Single Sign-On (SSO) system. With SSO, you only need one set of credentials to access all your WCU accounts.

For new staff, accounts are created by the Identity and Access Management team after new hire forms and background check clearances are received and contain the following information:

  • Name
  • RamNet ID
  • RamNet ID Username
  • PASSHE ID
  • WCU E-mail
  • Department

Once your account has been created, IDM will send an email to you (WCU email account) to your supervisor, and Human Resources with the information noted.  You can use the information to log into your email and reset your password. For select WCU systems, you and/or your supervisor must request access through ServiceNow.

QUICK LINKS

SAP

WCU faculty and staff utilize ths SAP System to handle campus operations. Employees can access SourcePoint and the Employee Self Service Portal to:

  • Generate electronic purchase requisitions (eReqs).
  • Check departmental budgets and expense accounts.
  • Manage human resources and payroll tasks.

QUICK LINKS

Titanium

Titanium is a platform used to store and manage HIPAA-compliant electronic medical records (EMR) and appointment software used by the WCU Counseling Center and related student services to schedule appointments and manage confidential files.

If you are a WCU student or staff member trying to manage your appointments, you can log in through the primary WCU portal. For specific inquiries about WCU's technology use, the IT Help Desk (610-436-3350) serves as the central point of contact for technical support.

Zoom

Zoom Video Communications is the primary Web-Conferencing tool for faculty teaching online and blended courses. To create your WCU Zoom account, simply login using your WCU login credentials.

Zoom is great for meeting with students online, holding advising sessions, or meeting with colleagues.

The Zoom platform was built with accessibility and mobility at the forefront. This means that it adapts to different screen sizes and looks great on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 

QUICK LINKS