IT Department
Getting Started with AAD Technology
New to the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design? Set up your VT accounts, network, email, and computer in the right order.
Welcome to the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design. This is the short version of everything you need to get working — accounts, network, email, and a computer — in the order that makes each step possible. Do them roughly top to bottom.
1. Create your PID
Section titled “1. Create your PID”Once HR has given you your 9-digit Virginia Tech ID number, create your PID (Personal IDentifier) — the username at the front of your @vt.edu address. Your PID and its passphrase unlock nearly every VT service.
Follow 4Help’s Create your VT PID instructions, or open a ticket and we’ll walk you through it. Using VT systems means agreeing to the Acceptable Use of Information Systems policy.
2. Set up 2-factor authentication
Section titled “2. Set up 2-factor authentication”Virginia Tech requires 2-factor authentication (2FA) for online systems. Set it up at the Enhanced 2-Factor Authentication page.
- You’ll need at least one second-factor device that isn’t your computer — a phone that can take a call or text, a smartphone with the Duo app, or a hardware token.
- Register two devices if you can, so a lost or dead phone doesn’t lock you out.
3. Set your passwords
Section titled “3. Set your passwords”Get your passwords in order early — they gate everything else. See VT Passwords and You for the full walkthrough. At minimum:
- PID passphrase — your main login. Password rules and tips.
- Network password — a system-generated password for eduroam Wi-Fi and the VPN. View it any time in VT Account Manager.
4. Get on the network
Section titled “4. Get on the network”- Wi-Fi: Connect to eduroam using your PID and network password. It covers nearly all academic spaces on campus.
- Wired: Offices have Ethernet. Your building’s network liaison can help you get a port activated.
- Not sure who your liaison is, or need wireless access registered for a device? Ask AAD IT.
5. Set up your email
Section titled “5. Set up your email”Every faculty and staff member has both:
- VT Google Workspace mail — for your
@vt.eduaddress. - Exchange / Office 365 — the calendaring and email platform most AAD staff use day to day. See our Outlook guides under How-to Guides.
Check with your program about which mailbox you should use as your primary.
6. Get your computer and software
Section titled “6. Get your computer and software”- Talk with your department about computer availability and startup funds.
- AAD IT sets up and manages college-owned computers. When your machine arrives, we’ll handle imaging, security, and software so it’s ready to use.
- Faculty and staff have access to Microsoft Office 365. Other software may be available through the university or your department — ask us if you’re not sure what’s covered.
- Need administrator access on your AAD computer? See Local Admin Rights.
7. Learn the classrooms
Section titled “7. Learn the classrooms”If you’ll be teaching, get familiar with the AV and Zoom setup in AAD’s teaching spaces before your first class. See Classroom AV for room-by-room capabilities and how to run a Zoom Room.
Who to call
Section titled “Who to call”- AAD IT — desktop, AV, and lab support for the college: aadithelp@vt.edu or open a ticket.
- 4Help — university-wide IT: 4help.vt.edu or 540-231-4357.
When in doubt, start with AAD IT — we use the same system as 4Help and will route anything that belongs elsewhere, with the context already attached.