Technical Helpdesk – Frequently Asked Questions

•   What are the minimum computer requirements?

PC
Platform:    Windows XP or higher
CPU (Chip):    Pentium 600 MHz or higher
Memory (Ram):    1 GB or higher
Additional Hardware:
    - Modem,
    - sound card and speakers,
    - microphone
Software:
    - Micorsoft Office 2003 or higher,
    - Antivirus
Connection:
    - Internet service provider (ISP)

A system with these minimum requirements will be able to access WebCT, but courses which include multimedia components and third party software may require higher standards.

•   Does NSU offer student pricing for computers/laptops?

Special pricing for Dell and Gateway computers is available. To learn more, visit http://www.nova.edu/compromo.html.

•   What is Webstar?

Webstar is the online student information system. You use Webstar to register for classes, update your personal information, view account details, view academic transcripts, etc. You will need your NSU ID and PIN number to access Webstar. It is located at http://webstar.nova.edu/.

•   What is Sharklink?

SharkLink is an online information portal providing students and faculty and staff members with enhanced, streamlined access to NSU’s computing resources and Web communication options. This portal allows a single login to provide the user with access to all the available applications including email, personal and shared Web calendars, online groups, and integration with WebSTAR, WebCT, and other NSU applications. It is located at http://sharklink.nova.edu.

•   What is HSPortal?

HSPortal is an online web portal for students, staff, and faculty of the Huizenga School of Business. It contains course information, forms, and administrative tools. It can be accessed at https://secure.huizenga.nova.edu/hsportal/.

•   What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is an integrated set of web-based tools used for course management and delivery. This easy to use course-management system is designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes delivered online or to use online materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching. Blackboard enables instructors to provide students with course materials, discussion boards, blogs, wikis, chat tools, assessment materials, grade centers, academic resources, and is available 24/7. You can access Blackboard through Sharklink or at http://mako.nova.edu.

•   What is WebCT?

Web course tools (WebCT) is an online medium that facilitates the learning process in an environment that is accessible and on demand. This environment is available twenty four (24) hours daily. It may be used as the full medium by which a course is taught or it may be used to supplement a class taught mostly face-to-face. It is only used for Doctoral courses at the Huizenga School of Business. It can be accessed at http://www.nova.edu/webct.

•   How can I open Office 2007 documents if I don't have Office 2007 installed?

If you don’t have the new version, you can still open 2007 documents. Download the Office 2007 converter which will allow you to open any Office 2007 document. You do not need to have Office 2007 installed.

If you need assistance with the download, please call the HSBE Helpdesk at 1-800-541-NOVA, extension 25059, or 954-262-5059.

•   What if I'm using Office on a Mac?

Download the Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 1.0.2 which allows you to convert Open XML files that were created in Office 2008 for Mac or Office 2007 for Windows so that you can open, edit, and save them in earlier versions of Office for Mac. Open XML Converter can convert Word documents, Excel workbooks, and PowerPoint presentations that are in the Open XML Format so that you can open and edit the files in Office 2004 for Mac and Office v. X for Mac. You can choose to convert and open one file, or convert a large number of files. You do not need to have Office 2007 installed.

If you need assistance with the download, please call the HSBE Helpdesk at 1-800-541-NOVA, extension 25059, or 954-262-5059.

•   What is an NSU email account?

Your NSU Email Name/SharkLink ID and Password are created automatically when you become a new student, faculty, or staff member of NSU. Example: janedoe@nsu.nova.edu, your NSU Email Name/SharkLink ID - janedoe

•   How do I retrieve my NSU Email Name/SharkLink ID and Password?

Students, faculty and staff can retrieve their NSU Email Name/SharkLink ID and Password at http://www.nova.edu/resources/nsuidentity.html.

•   What is the NSU email account used for?

Your NSU Email Name/SharkLink ID and Password are used for:

• Your WebCT Login
• Your NSU WebMail Account
• Access to the HSPortal
• Secure access to various NSU Web Applications

•   What if I have forgotten or would like to change my NSU Email Password?

If you do not remember your password, you may change it by calling 1-800-541-NOVA, extension 24357, or 954-262-4357. If you know your current NSU Email Password, you may change it by going to http://www.nova.edu/changepassword/.

•   Someone said they sent me an email and I didn't get it. Why?

If you are having your email forwarded from your NSU email account to a personal email account, certain email providers may not be able to accept messages forwarded by NSU.

If you believe you are not receiving all of your @nova.edu email, disable your email forwarding and access your mail through Nova's webmail system. University policy requires that all official correspondence be done through university email accounts and it is your responsibility to check your email regularly.

•   Where do I access my email?

If you are a Huizenga Business School student or part-time faculty member, you will use SharkLink to access your email.
 Webmail login help

Huizenga Business School staff and full time faculty can access their email by using @HSBE mail.
 @HSBE login help

•   How do I register for the Nova wireless network?

To access the wireless network on campus, you must register your wireless card with NSU. For instructions to register your card, go to https://wireless.nova.edu/.

•   What is my NSU ID?

The NSU ID is the unique identifier for all NSU students, faculty and staff. It consists of 9 characters (N followed by 8 digits) You can retrieve your NSU ID at http://www.nova.edu/resources/nsuidentity.html.

•   What is my PIN number?

Your PIN number is a 6 digit number. If you have not received your PIN number, go here http://www.nova.edu/resources/nsuidentity.html.

•   What if I have forgotten my PIN number?

You can retrieve your PIN number at http://www.nova.edu/resources/nsuidentity.html.

•   What is the difference between the OIT helpdesk and the HSBE helpdesk?

The HSBE helpdesk assists Huizenga Business School faculty, staff and students with technical questions and issues. The OIT helpdesk assists all NSU students with technical questions and issues. The helpdesks work together to serve the Huizenga students.

•   Can the helpdesk assist me with my homework?

The helpdesk does not provide academic support. They provide technical assistance.

•   How do I access my online classes?

All undergraduate and masters level courses at the Huizenga School use Blackboard as their online course delivery system. Doctoral courses with online components use WebCT.

Information on both can be found at:
www.nova.edu/webct/about.html
www.nova.edu/help/Blackboard

•   Why am I unable to access certain areas/links in my online classes?

Security software and pop-up blockers can restrict WebCT functions. If you encounter a problem while accessing an area or link within WebCT such as syllabi, chat sessions, etc., it is suggested that the pop-up blocker and/or security software be disabled. For instructions to disable certain pop-up blockers, click here.

•   Where can I get the syllabi for my classes?

Prior to registering for a class, students can view abbreviated course syllabi via the Huizenga Business School Schedule of Classes. Once registered, students have access to full course syllabi via the HSPortal.

•   Do all of my online classes have chat sessions?

Many online classes have chat sessions. Your instructor will provide a schedule of any chat sessions for your particular class.