Getting Oriented at UA

The Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) strives to ensure every instructional hire is well-versed in not only their academic subject matter and teaching endeavors but in our campus as a whole. This page will help you orient yourself to The University of Akron and all that we have to offer, from the perspective of an instructional staff member. Explore each term in our glossary below to learn more!

Athletics

Human Resources

Recreation and Wellness Center

Brightspace

Keys

Safety and Police

Calendars

Library

Technology Information and Support

Campus Map

Mail

Zip Card (University ID Card)

Collective Bargaining Agreement

MyAkron

UAnet ID

Dining

Parking

University Rules

Email

Printing

Athletic Events
Admission to most Zips Athletics events is free with your Zip Card. To learn more, visit gozips.com.

Brightspace (Learning Management System)
Brightspace is UA’s official Learning Management System, used for developing online courses or supplementing on-campus courses. Brightspace has capabilities in online assessments, assignment submissions, course calendars, class announcements, discussion boards, class rosters, gradebooks, instructor material uploads, and more.

Calendars

Find key academic dates on the Academic Calendar and all-campus events with the Campus Calendar.

Campus Map

New to campus? Get oriented with our campus map. Find helpful tools including driving directions and a virtual tour to help you "Find your way" at UA.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

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Dining

UA offers Robertson’s Dining Hall (an all-you-can-eat venue), convenience stores with grab-and-go options, and popular restaurants across campus. Learn more about dining options, including meal plans, visit Dining Services.

Email

The University of Akron offers a web-based email system for all employees that you can use anywhere Internet access is available. Your email address is your UANet ID plus @uakron.edu. University email is run through Microsoft Office, which can be accessed on the web (through MyAkron – Office 365 link), via desktop software, or on the mobile app.

Human Resources

UA Human Resources is responsible for new hire onboarding, benefits administration, employee and labor relations, leave-of-absence, and more.

Each new faculty member will undergo an onboarding appointment with Human Resources to officially establish you as an employee of the University. Following onboarding and before the start of the semester, the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) will conduct new faculty orientation, which _____________[description of orientation].

Following HR onboarding and ITL orientation, your point of contact for general support will be your department chair or school director. Your point of contact for instructional support, ________, and __________ will be the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL).

Keys

To access many UA buildings on campus unequipped with Zip Card access, you will need to request a key from your department chair or school director.

Library

UA has many libraries available for students, faculty, staff, and the public which offer an extensive list of services including tutoring, laptop checkout, 3D printing, study rooms, and research consultations.

Mail

Expecting mail? Mail Services handles all internal and external mail delivery and processing. You can also reach out to the administrative assistant in your department or school for further information. Sending mail? Mail Services also offers barcoded address labels and other resources.

MyAkron

MyAkron is a website which provides students, faculty, and staff access to essential university resources.

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Parking

All students, faculty, and staff are required to have permits to park on campus. Parking permits are managed and through The Permit Store, which can be accessed using your Employee ID and UANet username and password. All parking violations are enforced beginning the first week of each semester by Parking and Transportation Services

In need of an accessible parking space? Accessible spaces are available in all University parking lots, but you must provide the BMV Accessible Placard documentation within your permit registration.

Printing

UA’s Printing Services, including DocuZip Centers, are available for use by UA students, faculty, and staff.

Recreation and Wellness Center

UA faculty and staff unlock discounted rates for UA’s state-of-the-art Recreation and Wellness Center, “The Rec”. Learn more about the facilities here.

Safety and Police

Campus Safety Services include…

  • University Police, who provide around-the-clock patrols of campus. Campus police can be reached at any hour by calling 330-972-2911 or 9-1-1.
  • Campus patrol escorts, which can safely accompany you to any campus building or parking lot. Campus police can be reached at any hour by calling 330-972-2911.
  • Emergency “blue light” phones, which automatically and instantaneously connect users to University Police, who respond immediately even if no words are spoken.
  • Z-Alert Emergency text messaging to notify you of in case of an immediate safety concern or campus closing.
  • Snow Closing Information, when severe weather threatens the ability to operate safely or when emergencies arise.
  • Anonymous reporting
  • Motor Vehicle Assistance, in case of lock-out, battery jump, or other similar need at 330-972-7123.

Technology Information & Support

The Information Technology Services department is the dedicated resource for digital support on campus for UA students, faculty, and staff. Their call center can be reached at (330) 972-6888 from 8:00am-6:00pm on weekdays and 12:00pm-4:00pm on weekends, and their website provides a host of informational resources and instructional guides.

Zip Card (University ID Card)

The Zip Card is the official identification card for The University of Akron students, faculty, and staff. Your Zip Card provides building and lab access, testing centers, entrance to sporting events, library privileges, meal plans, Zip Print at campus computer labs, plus other University activities. To manage your Zip Card, visit Zip Card Online.

UANet ID

The UANet ID is a short username issued to every student, faculty, and staff member upon their enrollment or hire. A UANet ID provides access university computers, your email account, campus internet, MyAkron, and more. To obtain your UANetID, visit UANet Services to provide your UA-ID (Employee ID or Personal Identification Number) and submit a request.

University rules

To access the searchable list of university-wide rules and procedures that govern your employment and conduct, visit the Office of General Counsel.

University Abbreviations

The University of Akron utilizes abbreviations for many departments, buildings, terms, and policies. Here is a collection of some of the most important abbreviations you may see as a new faculty member.

BCAS

Butchel College of Arts and Sciences

CEPS

College of Engineering and Polymer Science

CIM

Curriculum Inventory Management

CHHS

College of Health and Human Sciences

CoB

College of Business

CBA

Collective Bargaining Agreement

EEO/AA

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action

GSG

Graduate Student Government

IT or ITS

Information Technology Services

ITL

Institute for Teaching and Learning

OA

Office of Accessibility

OAA

Office of Academic Affairs of

OARS

Office of Academic and Retention Support

ONAT

Ocasek Natatorium (Swimming Pool)

RTP

Retention, Tenure, and Promotion

SWRC or SWRS

Student Recreation and Wellness Center/Services

UA

The University of Akron

UARF

University of Akron Research Foundation

UC

University Council

USG

Undergraduate Student Government

WHC

Williams Honors College