Washington State University (WSU) provides students with a wide range of digital tools, software, connectivity resources, and technical support services to help you succeed throughout your academic journey. This resource brings together the most important technology services, recommendations, and support in one convenient location. Browse the resources below to make the most of what is available to you as a Coug.
Technology Support
Resources for when you just need an extra hand.
WSU Knowledge Base
The WSU Knowledge Base is an online, self-service library of how-to guides, step-by-step instructions, and answers to common technology questions.
Available 24/7, the WSU Knowledge Base is a great first stop for finding quick answers in just a few clicks.
Crimson Service Desk
Crimson Service Desk is WSU’s central technology support team. From login issues to software access, this team supports students across a wide range of services.
If you are not sure where to start for technology assistance, start here.
Accounts and Access
Everything starts with your WSU account. Sign in, stay secure, and keep your access running smoothly.
Account Login
- Primary way to access WSU websites and applications
- Consists of your WSU Network ID (NID) and password
- Your NID is most commonly in the format: FirstName.LastName
Okta
- WSU’s account management and single sign-on service
- Allows access to WSU systems with a single set of credentials
- Manage your account settings and security methods in one place
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Required verification step in addition to your password
- Required regularly when signing in to WSU services
- Helps protect your account from unauthorized access
Okta Verify
- WSU’s recommended MFA security method
- Complete MFA in seconds by approving a push notification using the mobile or desktop app
Secondary MFA Option
- Set up a backup MFA security method to use if your primary method is unavailable
- Helps prevent account lockouts if you lose access to your phone or replace a device
Update Your Name
- Update your preferred name, legal name, username (NID), or pronouns
- Ensure WSU systems and records accurately reflect you
Student Systems
From coursework and assignments to registration and records, these systems help keep your student life on track.
Network Connectivity
Access campus Wi‑Fi and securely connect to WSU resources from anywhere.
Wireless Network
- WSU’s campus Wi-Fi network
- Secure internet access across campus, including residence halls, classrooms, libraries, and many common spaces
- Connect your devices to the various wireless networks for reliable access on your devices
WSU VPN
- Creates a secure connection between your device and WSU’s network
- Allows you to access certain WSU resources that require a VPN connection when used off campus
Student Email
Stay connected with professors, advisors, classmates, and important university updates.
Microsoft 365
The apps and tools that help you create, collaborate, organize, and get things done. Available at no cost at WSU.
Microsoft 365 Apps
- Productivity tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other services available through your WSU Microsoft license
- Commonly used for coursework, research, presentations, collaboration, and communication
- Access to all applications begins the first day of the semester for new students
- Available at no cost to enrolled students
AI-powered assistant that can be accessed via a web browser
Email service for sending and receiving university communications
Cloud storage service to store files online, collaborate with others, and save content automatically
Application for writing, editing, and formatting text-based documents
Application for creating spreadsheets and organizing, calculating, and analyzing data
Application for creating digital presentations
Digital note-taking application that helps you capture and organize notes into searchable notebooks
Collaboration platform that offers chat, meetings, file sharing, and teamwork tools
Tool for creating online surveys, quizzes, polls, and feedback forms
Task management application for creating lists, reminders, recurring items, and daily plans
Information-tracking tool that helps you organize data, manage workflows, and track issues
Project management tool for creating plans, assigning tasks, and organizing schedules
Digital canvas application for brainstorming ideas and planning ideas creatively
Microsoft Storage Limits
- Storage allocations determine how much data can be stored in OneDrive, Outlook, and other Microsoft 365 applications
- Regularly review your available storage to prevent issues with saving files or receiving email
- Clean up unnecessary files to stay within your storage allocation and avoid service disruptions
| Service | Storage Allocation for Students |
|---|---|
| Outlook | 1 GB |
| OneDrive | 1 GB |
Videoconferencing
Office hours, advising appointments, virtual events, interviews, and remote classes are all just a click away.
Free or Discounted Software
Take advantage of software and resources available through WSU.
Adobe
- Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Express is available at no cost for enrolled WSU Pullman, Vancouver, Tri-Cities, and Everett students
- Adobe Creative Cloud licenses are reserved for students enrolled in courses that require Creative Cloud access
- Eligible students may contact their instructors for more information about Adobe Creative Cloud
Azure Education Portal
- Provides access to select Microsoft software, product keys, and academic developer tools
- Download software such as Project, Visio, and Windows Education editions when available through your academic program
- If you are planning to install Microsoft software, check this portal for available academic licenses
Microsoft Project
- Project management application used to plan, organize, and track tasks, timelines, and project milestones
- Commonly used for specific coursework, capstone projects, internships, or research activities
Visio
- Diagramming application used to create flowcharts, process maps, organizational charts, network diagrams, and other visual representations
- Helps turn complex ideas, processes, and workflows into simple visuals for assignments and presentations
Windows 10 Education
- Academic edition of Microsoft’s operating system
- Includes many of the features found in enterprise-level versions of Windows
Campus Alerts
Receive important alerts about campus safety, weather, closures, and other time-sensitive information.