New Starter Guide

Owned by Elaine Keogh
Last updated: Jun 25, 2024 by Dave Clarke
5 min read

The University provides IT services from many different places and departments and it can be confusing for new starters to figure out where to go for help. This page has links to some of the common questions that we get asked. Click on the links in the table of contents below to jump to a section. These may in turn lead to other Guides, University or CSCS websites. There are many more guides than the ones referenced below. Feel free to go to the CSCS Guides homepage and search for other IT-related information.



Get Information or Help:

CSCS run a dedicated service desk Monday to Friday from 09:00 until 17:00, we are also working remotely but are still able to assist with the vast majority of issues and requests. If you need any technical support or advice, you can log an incident or request a new service using our self-service portal here: CSCS Service Desk

Other help and information:

CSCS Services

The Clinical School Computing Service (CSCS) is making changes to the “Computer Support” service during Spring/Summer 2024. Information on these changes will be published when we are able. Use of any services provided by the CSCS are subject to the Acceptable Use Policy.

UIS Account Account

If you are a University employee you will have a UIS account that is used to log in to University websites and applications like Teams, Lookup, Employee Self Service and other central services. In order to collect your UIS Account credentials you will need your D.O.B and the retrieval code - this should be provided to you by your departmental admin/whoever requested your account. You may also see references to a Raven account on University websites and documents, this is the same account and is just an old name for it.

MultiFactor Authentication (MFA, sometimes also referred to as 2FA)

To add security to your accounts and University services, MFA is now used when logging in to most services such as Teams, Exchange Online email accounts, other Microsoft services such as OneDrive and University sites protected by Raven. More information on MFA and instructions on how to set it up are available here: Set up multi-factor authentication

Data and Backups

Your data should not be stored on the hard drive of a computer, external physical storage like a Terastation, or on a USB key as none of these devices are secure or properly backed up. They are also susceptible to data loss if the device fails. Instead you can save your files in one of the following locations:

OneDrive for Business: As part of your University of Cambridge Microsoft Licence, you can store files in OneDrive. This means your data can be accessed from any device, computer at work, home, or a mobile device, making it very convenient. Please see this page for more information: Microsoft OneDrive

Department Group Drive: Most departments also have a 'Group' drive for sharing data between colleagues. This is one of the CSCS services that is being updated, more information to come.

Wireless Networks

‘Eduroam’ is provided to all members of the University, and is an easy way of accessing the internet, but it cannot be used to access departmental resources.

Configure Eduroam on my Device

Access my information and systems remotely

The information and systems hosted by the University can be accessed remotely in a number of ways. See our Remote Working guides to help choose the best solution for your needs.

Mailboxes can be access via the below links:

Make a Purchase

If you are looking to purchase hardware, CSCS has some recommendations for peripherals - https://cscs-itsupport.atlassian.net/l/cp/vXnHPZHv

Your department should be able to purchase items via CUFS (Cambridge University Finance System). Speak to your departments administrator/BOM who should be able to advise who can do this.

Telephones

The University Telecoms office is responsible for issuing telephone numbers and handsets can be purchased from them. Once a phone has been issued, the Clinical School Computing Service provides a network port for the phone to connect to. Make sure there is a network socket available, and be aware that unused wall sockets are often not connected, so you’ll need to let us know beforehand. Please give us a minimum of 3 days notice for new networking requirements.

Install or Upgrade my Software

CSCS does not provide or sell software licences. Software licences for many common applications can be purchased from the 'Academia for Education' portal. Further information can be found here: Purchasing Software

Manage my University Identity

Manage your University lookup details, your phone settings and your Employee preferences here:

Find Someone in the University

The Lookup Service provides basic information on most people in the University. Most departmental websites also have their own staff listing:

Find University Training Courses & Review Policies

There are a number of University/Clinical School training courses & policies that new starters are required to review please see https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/policies-procedures and the links below

Browse University Training Courses



Find other University Systems Providers

Store Sensitive Data

Research studies wishing to work with Sensitive Personal Data must register with the School’s Information Governance Office and apply to one of the approved “Safe Havens” to store the data securely. More information can be found at the links below.