Welcome to UMD
UMD has many accounts and systems that may take some time to get used to.
This guide covers everything you need to get up and running, including important information about how computers are managed under Service Desk Policies & Services (includes a link to UMD policies as well).
Key Items - Getting Started Checklist
We recommend completing the following in approximately this order. Check each item off as you go!
- Activate your Directory ID — Your UMD username for most web-based systems
- Set up Duo MFA — Required every time you log in through CAS
- Log in to Gmail (@umd.edu) — Required for all work-related communications
- EIT Onboarding Form — Your supervisor should submit this form so we can ensure you have all the access you'll need for your position
- UMD-owned computer assignment — See the 'UMD-owned Computer' section below
- Set up Zoom — UMD-licensed account via CAS login
- Set up desk phone / Webex — Contact eit-help@umd.edu if not configured
- Time Entry — Workday
- Review data storage options — Google Drive, Box, departmental file storage
- Add printers via PrinterLogic — Staff, Faculty, and Grad students in Engineering, Physics, Math
Key Item - Details
Directory ID
Campus IT creates a unique Directory ID (different from your UID number!) for logging into your IT services. This will also be the prefix for your campus email.
- Use this link to activate your Directory ID (username) and set your passphrase.
Duo: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
In order to maintain a secure workplace, Multi-Factor Authentication is required to ensure you are the person attempting to log in to your device/service. For apps and websites that use your UMD campus login, such as your UMD Gmail, you'll be prompted to authenticate with Duo.
- Use this link to read about how to set up your Duo Multi-Factor Authentication for use with your Directory ID.
UMD Email
- Log in to Gmail with your UMD email address (directoryID@umd.edu) — it will automatically redirect to the CAS page with a Duo MFA request. You MUST use your UMD Gmail account for all work-related communications.
Note: Student employees may need a sponsored @umd.edu (GAFE) account. Have your supervisor contact eit-help@umd.edu.
Per IT policy (IT-14): University employees must use a UMD Gmail account to send and receive business emails. University personnel are prohibited from transferring, forwarding, or sending UMD business email to or from a TERPmail or personal email account.
Access to EIT-Managed Resources
In addition to getting access to things from Campus IT, you'll likely also need access to department-specific resources for your position. This may include access to shared email accounts, network drives, or specific calendars that your team is using.
- Talk to your supervisor about what things you might need — they'll be able to help you understand how your team uses the service.
- Your supervisor should submit the New Employee Onboarding Information Form to provide us with all the information necessary to get your access configured.
- After the form is received, we will complete the access as soon as possible — some access requires your Directory ID and UMD email to be fully activated before we can proceed, so if those steps have not yet been completed there may be delays.
UMD-Owned Computers
What is a UMD-owned machine? Do I need one if I have my own laptop?
A UMD-owned machine is one purchased with departmental or grant funds (not personal funds) and is asset-tagged with a UMD asset label.
All computers used for UMD work must be departmentally or grant-funded (UMD-owned). Personally-owned devices are not permitted on the wired network. If you need a computer:
- Contact your departmental business office to initiate a purchase, or
- Email eit-help@umd.edu and we can provide a quote and assist with ordering.
- For recommended specifications and ordering guidance, see Ordering Computing Equipment and Recommended Computer Specifications.
Your UMD Computer Assignment
Your department may provide you with either an existing (reassigned) device or a newly purchased computer, depending on availability and your role. Contact your supervisor or faculty in charge for details.
If you are assigned an existing device:
- This is a previously used UMD-owned computer that has been reassigned to you.
- Laptop: Walk in to the EIT Service Desk (EGR 0123) for configuration. Laptops must be picked up by the person who will be regularly logging into and using the device in order for first-time logon to configure correctly.
- Desktop: Schedule a pickup/setup appointment by emailing eit-help@umd.edu.
- EIT will reconfigure and standardize the device to meet current campus security and compliance requirements before use.
If your department is ordering a new computer:
- Your supervisor or department business office will coordinate the purchase. If you have purchasing access, refer to Ordering Computing Equipment.
- If you'd prefer that we create a quote for you, reach out to eit-help@umd.edu and an admin can assist.
- While your device is being procured and prepared, you may check for available spare devices for temporary use, or EIT can provide a loaner device if needed.
- Once the new device arrives, EIT will configure and standardize it. You will be contacted when it is ready for pickup or deployment.
What is EIT's Standardization Process for UMD-Owned Computers?
| Requirement | What This Means To You |
|---|---|
| OS Central Management & Security Updates |
With the Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL), Campus IT requires all machines to be on Windows 11. We ensure your machine runs a UMD-licensed copy of Windows 11 and that all required security patches are current and applied. Read more about Windows 10 EOL here. For Apple devices, Campus requires macOS 14 Sonoma or newer as of February 2026. See Minimum Computer Support Requirements for details. |
| Required Security Software | We install campus-required security tools, including CrowdStrike antivirus and any department-specific software mandated by UMD. |
| Campus Active Directory (AD) Join — IT-20 Compliance | Your computer must be joined to the UMD campus domain so you log in with your UMD Directory ID credentials. This is required by campus IT-20 policy. Read more here. |
| Device Naming Convention | We rename the computer to match the Campus and EIT/departmental naming scheme required for network registration and inventory tracking. |
| Central Management Enrollment | Devices must be enrolled in centralized management tools (Intune for Windows, Jamf for Mac) so that security policies, software updates, and compliance checks can be applied remotely. |
| Admin Access |
Rather than running as a local administrator full-time, you use:
With these tools, you request temporary administrative access when needed. This keeps the device secure while giving you flexibility. |
| OnGuard / Network Check-In | Your device must successfully check in with OnGuard (the campus network compliance tool) before it can access UMD network resources. |
| Hardware Asset Management (HAM) Tag & Record | All UMD-owned assets under $5k require a yellow tag and a corresponding HAM record per USM policy. We'll ensure this is completed. |
Ongoing Expectations for UMD-Owned Computers
Once your device is configured, here is what you should know about day-to-day use:
- Always log in with your UMD Directory ID credentials — no local or personal accounts should be used as your primary login.
- Use MakeMeAdmin (MMA) for any tasks requiring administrator access — do not request or use a permanent local admin account.
- Keep your operating system up to date. Required OS versions include: Windows 11, macOS Sonoma/Sequoia, Ubuntu LTS 18+, RHEL 8/9.
- Do not connect unauthorized devices or switches to UMD network jacks. One jack per device is the campus standard.
- IoT and peripheral devices (printers, webcams, etc.) must be registered in the UMD Networking System separately from computers.
- Questions or issues? Contact us at eit-help@umd.edu and we will assist you.
Zoom
- Read about how to log in to Zoom here. Use your UMD Directory ID credentials through CAS and verify using Duo Push.
Work Phone
- Your department should have provided a desk phone for you. If not, or if your desk phone is not correctly associated with you, have your supervisor reach out to eit-help@umd.edu for assistance.
- If you would like to use the softphone features (making phone calls with your UMD extension from your computer), read more here.
Workday - Time Entry and Reporting
- You'll manage your time entry and time off requests via Workday.
- You can read more on UHR's support site.
Storage Options
UMD provides several storage options. Choose the right solution for your needs:
- Data Storage Options (Google Drive, Box, Departmental Storage)
- Learn more about these options here.
Printing
- UMD Staff, Faculty, and Graduate Students: Engineering College, Physics, and Math departments have access to their respective unit printers via a program called PrinterLogic. Read more in PrinterLogic - Adding a Printer - Start Here.
- Mechanical Engineering Printers: Printers MECHPTEGR2181LEFT and MECHPTEGR2181RIGHT require further setup. Read about them here.
- Undergraduate Students and Anyone on Campus: You may use printing kiosks called WEPA. See Printing at a WEPA Kiosk.
Resources
Quick Links
Support
Walk-in Support
Our main office is located in Martin Hall, room 0123, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM — except on UMD holidays and campus closures.
Email Support
Contact us at eit-help@umd.edu. We monitor email during regular business hours and make a best effort to respond to new emails within 1 hour during daily operations.
Chat Support
rhelp.umd.edu is our virtual service desk. Visit this site to join us in remote support sessions between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, when the University is open and operational.
Phone Support
Phone support from the EGR 0123 Service Desk is available 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, when the University is open, at 301-405-1634.
Further Questions? Contact Engineering IT at eit-help@umd.edu