Email and Collaboration
W-Exchange
W-Exchange is the required secure means for conducting University business. See our W-Exchange guides for instructions on using W-Exchange, including how to set up your mobile device to receive an email.
Microsoft Office 365
Microsoft Office 365 provides desktop versions of Microsoft Office for both PC and Mac to Western Michigan University students, faculty, and staff at no cost. Office 365 also provides access to mobile Office apps as well as cloud-based, online collaboration tools. These include OneDrive for Business, Word Online, Excel Online, PowerPoint Online, and OneNote Online.
G Suite (Google Apps for Education)
G Suite (Google Apps for Education) provides cloud-based, online collaboration tools from Google's suite of apps. These include Google Drive, Calendar, Contacts, Hangouts, Sites, and many others. Google Apps at WMU does not include Gmail as W-Exchange is still used as the University's email system.
Security best practices
- Faculty using laptops or mobile devices that contain sensitive information, WIN, Social Security numbers, grades, financial or research information, etc., should speak with their departmental IT representative to discuss device encryption.
- Faculty are required to store all current grades in Elearning and not on laptops or other mobile devices (if possible). Files containing grades from prior semesters should be encrypted.
- Faculty should have students turn in course work and access it through the E-Learning system. If there is a need to keep electronic copies they should be encrypted and/or stored on secure servers.
Additional Resources
Classroom Technology
The Classroom Technology Help Desk in the Office of Information Technology provides training, support, and maintenance for technology in all general-purpose classrooms, also they provide technology consultation and management for the University community.
FTC
The Faculty Technology Center is a multimedia computer lab where WMU instructors can learn to use technology to complement their teaching. It offers assistance with software and course development for anyone teaching a class.
What’s Next?
- Review the websites listed in this article.
- Contact your College or Department IT Representative or LAN Manager