IT for New Students

Welcome, new Lakers! Now that you’ve received your Mercyhurst username and password, you’re ready to begin accessing Mercyhurst’s information technology services. This webpage contains a few to-do items, tips, and recommendations to keep you up to speed on all things tech and ensure a smooth transition when you arrive on campus.

Next Steps

    Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security enhancement that requires you to use more than one personal credential when logging in to your accounts. In addition to your Mercyhurst password, secondary authentication will include a text to your mobile phone or a mobile app notification. We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app as your primary form of MFA (there are versions available for Apple and Android devices). You will not be able to reset your password until you have set up at least two authentication methods on your account.

    To set up your authentication methods, please click here.

    This is the most important step for new students and must be completed after you set up multi-factor authentication methods and before you access any of Mercyhurst’s online services. You received an email with your username and initial password (the email had the subject "Set up your Mercyhurst email address and password" and was sent from application.processing@mercyhurst.edu). Locate that information and then set up your new password.

    We strongly recommend that you, the student—not a parent or guardian—complete this task. The alternate email and phone number should belong to the student, not the parent or guardian.

    To change your password after MFA setup, please use the online password reset tool.

    Checking your Mercyhurst email regularly will ensure you don’t miss vital communications from the university. You must log in to your email account and set up your alternate email and phone number before setting up your email on your phone.  We strongly recommend using the Outlook app (available for Apple and Android devices) to access your Mercyhurst email.  Alternatively, you can configure email access using your phone's built-in email app; just select Microsoft Exchange as your email client.

    Your Mercyhurst eBill, accessible through the Mercyhurst Hub (hub.mercyhurst.edu), is your source for all billing communications; you will not receive a separate paper bill. We recommend you designate a parent or guardian as a Shared Access User on your eBill. You won't be able to do this until your first bill has been produced. Follow these instructions to do so:

    1. Go to your eBill by clicking on the eBill icon under “Quick Links” on the Hub homepage.
    2. Once you are in your eBill, click on the “Manage Account Access” button in the top right corner.
    3. Enter your parent’s/guardian’s information.
    4. This will send an email invitation for shared access to your parent/guardian. Once they accept the invitation and create their own eBill user account, these individuals will receive emails each time a new billing statement is available.

Online Services

As a Mercyhurst University student, you have access to a variety of network and computer services to improve your academic and student life experience. You’ll learn more about these services during Welcome Week. Mercyhurst online services include:

    The Mercyhurst Hub is the gateway to all of the university’s online services and resources available to students. Via the Hub, you can access all of the services below as well as your Mercyhurst email, academic calendar, IT Help Desk, campus news and events, the student handbook, as well as academic and student life resources.

    Blackboard is Mercyhurst’s designated learning management system. Blackboard delivers course material online and allows for easy collaboration between instructors and students. All online courses are conducted through the Blackboard platform. Additional resources can be found on the Distance Learning Hub site, located under Academics. It is accessible via the Mercyhurst Hub.

    Self-Service provides information on course registration, class schedules, grades, academic progress, etc. It is accessible via the Mercyhurst Hub.

    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. It is accessible via the Mercyhurst Hub.

    Mercyhurst University’s Hammermill Library is a valuable resource for research and writing. The library's website provides assistance with finding books and journals, writing, database use, citation formatting, and other academic needs.

    Students are automatically enrolled in Mercyhurst’s emergency alert system. In the event of a weather or other emergency, students will be notified via text message and email.

The Mercyhurst IT Help Desk is located in the lobby of Hammermill Library. You can contact the Help Desk at support@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-3200. The Help Desk is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m. Hours may vary during Welcome Week.