To access WISER, go to the WISER homepage and look for “WISER Log-in Links.” Click the appropriate link and log in using your UMB email username and password. Note that you should not include @umb.edu when you enter your username.
How do I change or reset my password for WISER, email, Blackboard, etc.?
The UMass Boston Self-Service Password Management system allows you to change your password or reset a forgotten one using a secure web form. For a link and full instructions, see the password section of our email page. If you have trouble or need more information, contact the IT Service Desk at (617)287-5220 or ITServiceDesk@umb.edu.
What is my username for WISER, email, Blackboard, etc.?
On our WISER page, click Look up your WISER (Email) User ID. Enter the required information (birth date, last name, and ID number) and the Secure Access ID Lookup tool will provide you with your email address.
For most purposes, your username will be the part of your email address before the @ sign. (Example: sandy.beach001@umb.edu would have a user ID of sandy.beach001 for WISER, etc.) The exceptions are Student email and Xythos, where the user ID is the full email address.
What is my default password?
If you are a student, your default password will be: First letter of your last name (uppercase) + first letter of your last name (lowercase) + your date of birth as eight letters in the form MMDDYYYY. Example: Sandy Beach, born January 2, 1991, would have a default password of Be01021991
If you are faculty or staff, your default password will be the first letter of your first name (uppercase) + your employee ID + the first letter of your last name (lowercase). Example: Sandy Beach, employee ID 12345678, would have a password of S12345678b.
Once you have your password, the first thing you should do is change your password and set up a profile so you can reset it yourself if you ever lose it. For a link and full instructions, see the password section of our email page.
If you have trouble or need more information, contact the IT Service Desk 287-5220 or ITServiceDesk@umb.edu. Note: we do not process password requests by email.
What are the email servers for setting up my email?
For students wishing to set up their email clients (e.g. on a mobile device) please see the E-Mail Setup Help Wizard on the Microsoft site.
How do I report an error or request a change to the UMB web site?
Most web pages are updated by the departments that own them, so if it's an error on a page on a College's web site, someone in that College can probably fix it.
However, many changes are outside the departments' control. For these, use the Web Service team'sWeb Services Request Form.
How do I fix a computer or printer problem?
IT Services Division provides configuration, diagnostic, troubleshooting, and repair services for university-owned staff or faculty computers and printers. (Note: we repair only HP printers.) Please call the IT Service Desk at 7-5220 or email ITServiceDesk@umb.edu for assistance.
How do I protect my PC from Spyware and other malware?
All PCs should have some form of security software to protect against malware (malicious software such as viruses and spyware). By University policy, all University-owned PCs and all PCs connected to the UMB network must have McAfee VirusScan and EPO installed. Contact the IT Service Desk at 287-7220 or ITServiceDesk@umb.edu for assistance with this.
In addition, you should turn on your firewall and set your operating systems’s auto-update function to automatically apply updates at least weekly.
Finally, please check your browser for security holes with the Qualsys Browser Check and keep your plug-ins, such as Flash and Acrobat, up to date.
What training workshops are being offered?
IT Services Division offers workshops for faculty, staff, and students at the beginning of every semester, and periodically throughout the semester. For a list of upcoming workshops and instructions for signing up, visit training.umb.edu.
How do I disable my pop up blocker for HR Direct / Blackboard?
Once you have filled out the form(s), call the Customer Service Center at (617) 287-4000.
How do I get access to the UMB-Guest wireless network for a visitor?
The IT Service Desk (Healey Library, 3rd floor) and the Campus Center Information Desk (UL level) can create wireless guest accounts for you. If you are a visitor, drop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you are a department expecting guests, it would be helpful if you requested the accounts at least a business day in advance. You can also sent your request by email to ITServiceDesk@umb.edu and we can email you a PDF of the account credentials. Please specify the purpose of the access, the name(s) of the visitor(s), and how long the access is needed.
