Students enrolled in the Robert H. Smith Business School’s Online MBA program should be prepared to utilize different types of technology in this computer-based program. It is strongly recommended to have a personal computer while enrolled, as administrative privileges are necessary to install required academic software.
General IT Support
For assistance with University systems such as Gmail, Canvas, Zoom, or UMD Directory login issues, please contact UMD Division of IT via itsupport@umd.edu or call 301-405-1500. You may also visit their website https://itsupport.umd.edu/itsupport and submit a ticket.
For assistance with Smith School applications such as vSmith, or for help with general computing issues (e.g. configuration, microphones, cameras, browsers, OS updates), please contact Smith IT via helpme@rhsmith.umd.edu or call 301-405-2269 during normal operating hours (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) You may also visit our website http://it.rhsmith.umd.edu and submit a ticket.
Students receive a @umd.edu email account from the University of Maryland. This account should be used for conducting university business. UMD will set [directoryID]@umd.edu as the primary account for all graduate students. Please direct email questions to UMD IT at itsupport@umd.edu.
ELMS-Canvas Learning Management System
The UMD Learning Management System, ELMS-Canvas (usually referred to as "Canvas"), runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.). Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release. For best results, you should update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Visit the Canvas Help Center website for additional information.
Zoom
Zoom is used for synchronous virtual meetings with professors and fellow students. It is absolutely essential for students to ensure that their system meets all of the specifications to seamlessly run Zoom.
Zoom Account - Before classes start, please make sure you are able to sign in to Zoom. Use your Directory ID and password to sign in to your Zoom account at https://umd.zoom.us/ You may configure your account and settings once you sign in.
Zoom Classroom Links - Links to the Zoom classrooms for each individual course will be provided to you by your section instructor and will be linked on the Canvas page for that course (either on the Canvas home screen for that course or on the left navigation toolbar which will be labeled 'Zoom').
Zoom Resources - The following Zoom resources and training guides are available:
- Smith’s Office of Transformational Learning has compiled a list of Zoom Basics and Best Practices for
Online Learning. - The Zoom Support pageis another helpful resource and includes video tutorials with tips and instructions.
Tips and Etiquette
- Plan on joining the Zoom room 15 minutes prior to the start of the session.
- Make sure you have the correct equipment and that you have tested that you can access the synchronous software and that your audio/video devices work.
- Make sure to calibrate your webcam. You will need your microphone.
- Make sure you have both the latest versions of Java and Adobe Flash loaded on your computer. To download the latest versions, simply use a search engine and search for “Java download” and “Adobe Flash download.”
- Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the synchronous software so that its use becomes second nature.
- Know how to raise your “hand” to gain attention.
- Know how to text-chat with others (including “private” text-chat).
- Know how to respond to polls and quizzes.
- Know how to download files when instructed.
- Follow the meeting protocols and instructions given by the host or presenter.
- Raise your hand to gain attention and wait for instructions before you speak.
- It can be useful for everyone if you introduce yourself using the text-chat when you log-on to a session.
- Don’t use all capital letters in the text-chat – this can signify anger!
- Respect other peoples’ copyright.
- Don’t hog the text-chat – this is a collaborative system!
- Observe basic courtesy and privacy of others and avoid being offensive.
Key Tools
Virtual Private Networking (VPN) connects students directly to the University of Maryland network.
vSmith PortalLinks is a virtual computer lab that provides essential software in one convenient place for Smith School students, faculty, and staff, and can be accessed at any time, from any computer, anywhere in the world. The applications and desktops provided run on servers in the Smith IT data center and are available 24/7 so you can work on your schedule, from wherever you want.
- vSmith - Installing the Horizon Client
- vSmith - Kumo (Cloud Storage)
- vSmith - Launching Applications
- vSmith - Using the Student Desktop
TERPware is the software download website for the University of Maryland, College Park. Various software products are available for download and use by students, faculty, and staff through agreements managed by the Division of IT between the university and software companies. TERPware offers students Adobe Creative Cloud, Office 365, Mathematica, and more, for free.
LinkedIn Learning is an online library of instructional videos covering the latest software, creative, and business skills--for free. Students can sign in with their Directory ID.
UMD Box Service is a cloud-based storage and collaboration system that provides a Web interface for uploading, downloading, sharing, and discussing files. Box is designed to work on Macs, PCs, smartphones, and tablets, so it gives you access to your files from just about anywhere.
Kumo allows students to link to preferred storage and have access to files from various computers and apps.
Qualtrics is a web-based survey tool available for use by all University of Maryland faculty, staff, and students to support teaching and research on campus.
Software
| Useful Information | Applicable Courses | |
|---|---|---|
|
| |
 Excel |
|
|
Writing Center
The Graduate School provides free writing resources to current students. News and updates on the Graduate School Writing Center can be found on the Writing Resources Website.
APA Writing Style
All UMD OMSBA courses subscribe to the American Psychological Association (APA) style of writing and citing sources. It is imperative that all students cite any source within their writing appropriately.
Library
Virtual Business Information Center (VBIC)
The Virtual Business Information Center (VBIC) is the main portal for business research sources. It hosts many valuable and technical accounting links, such as tax codes, accounting standards, digital resources, and government links.
University Libraries
The University Libraries homepage provides direct access to eBooks, articles, and over 350 databases listed by category, some of which you may use for research in your courses. It is also your main point of access for a variety of other services the Library has to offer. The UMD Library Research Guides for Business provides extensive guides and databases.