Distance Learning Technology
As a Mercyhurst University student, you have access to a variety of network and computer services to improve your academic and student life experience. Mercyhurst online services include:
IT Helpdesk
Phone: 814-824-3200
Email: helpdesk@mercyhurst.edu
The IT Helpdesk assists in troubleshooting computer and network issues. Student staff and Res Techs are available to evaluate, diagnose, and resolve software and connectivity problems.
IT Support System
In order to streamline support requests and better serve you, we utilize a support ticket system. Every support request is assigned a unique ticket number which you can use to track the progress and responses online. For your reference we provide complete archives and history of all your support requests. A valid email address is required to submit a ticket. Additional information about IT staff, services, and standards can be found on the Mercyhurst portal under Services, Information Technology.
Mercyhurst Portal
The Mercyhurst Portal is the gateway to all of the university’s online services and resources available to students. Via the Portal, you can access all of the services below as well as your Mercyhurst email, academic calendar, IT Help Desk, campus news, and academic and student life resources.
Blackboard Course Management System
Blackboard is your primary academic software for online course information, coursework and learning resources. It is used by faculty to structure and deliver learning resources, and by students to support their studies. Powerpoint, Captivate, video, audio, animation and other applications are created outside Blackboard and added into Blackboard courses for students to enhance teaching and learning efforts.
Your Mercyhurst email can be accessed from the Mercyhurst Portal and by going directly to Mercyhurst's instance of Outlook. When accessing MyMail through the Portal, the pop-up blocker must be turned off. Your Windows Live ID is going to be your username@lakers.mercyhurst.edu and must be typed out in its entirety each time you log into your MyMail.
Office 365 offers more functionality with services such as the 7 GB OneDrive, access to Office for current students, Photo and Document Sharing, and a Mercyhurst email address that you can keep for your lifetime if continually used.The OneDrive allows you to store, organize, and download your files, photos, and favorites on Windows Liveservers and access them from any computer with an Internet connection. Share photos and files that you create with your friends, collaborate on documents, or display photos and files that you create for anyone on the Windows Live network.
Self-Service
Self-Service can be accessed from the Mercyhurst Portal and by going directly to https://selfservice.mercyhurst.edu.
Self-Service provides information on course registration, class schedules, grades, academic progress, etc.
eBill
Accessible via the Mercyhurst Portal
Your Mercyhurst eBill is your source for all billing communications and payments; you will not receive a separate paper bill. The Summary page of your eBill reflects your current balance in real time. During the drop/add period of each semester, statements will be emailed on a continual basis to reflect billing changes. After the drop/add period, a statement will be sent once a month for the remainder of each semester. Students and parents/guardians (who are granted Shared Access) are encouraged to reference the eBill on a regular basis.
Library
Mercyhurst University’s Hammermill Library is a valuable resource for research and writing. The library website provides assistance with finding books and journals, writing, database use, citation formatting and other academic needs.
Bookstore
Phone: 814-824-2395
The Mercyhurst University Bookstore and Coffee Bar, “Where We Proudly Brew Starbucks Coffee,” is located at 4110 Briggs Avenue. The bookstore carries all your textbooks needs. We try to have as many used books for our students as possible. Some books can be rented in store or online through Student Planning. We also offer some titles in a digital format. At least two weeks before the start of class we link the most current booklist to all courses on Student Planning. We have a wide variety of notebooks, art supplies, and writing materials.
Microsoft Office
As a Mercyhurst student, you have free access to download and install Microsoft Office 2016 software through your online Mercyhurst email account. You can download this software on up to 10 of your personal devices (computers, tablets or phones) with Windows or Mac operating systems.
To install Microsoft Office:
- Log in to the Mercyhurst Portal and open your Mercyhurst email in the “My Email” box.
- Once you are in your mailbox, click the Office 365 button in the top-left corner of the page.
- Click the Install Office button.
You will have access to Microsoft Office for as long as you are a student at Mercyhurst.
Hardware and Software Discounts
Students are eligible for discounted hardware and software through the Apple Education Store, Dell University and JourneyEd.com. Links to these sites are available on the IT page on the Mercyhurst Portal.
Computer Requirements
If you’re planning to purchase a new computer for use at Mercyhurst, the IT Department makes the following specification suggestions:
PC System (desktop or laptop)
- Microsoft Windows 10
- 8 GB of RAM minimum
- 500 GB (or more) hard disk space total
- 10/100/1000 LAN Wired Ethernet Port
- 802.11b/g/n Wireless for laptops
- USB flash drive 4 GB or larger
- Cat 5 ethernet cable
Mac/Apple System (desktop or laptop)
- Mac OS 10.10 or higher
- CAT S ethernet cable
- 4 GB RAM or higher
- 500 GB (or more) hard drive space total
- 10/100/1000 LAN Wired Ethernet Port
- 802.11b/g/n Wireless for laptops
- USB flash drive 4 GB or larger