The first day of classes always brings a flood of tech support requests. The IT Service Desk was ready. The team used new AI tools and smart planning to help students and the rest of the university community quickly. The combination of phone, chat, email, and walk-in support channels ensured no student was left waiting as classes began.
This is just one way IT Services made sure fall 2025 started smoothly across all campuses.
Campus upgrades ready for students
Over the summer, IT teams worked hard to improve campus spaces in preparation for the new year. In London, the Portsoken Building opened with new classrooms, labs, and a Makerspace. ITS also added and upgraded classrooms at seven campuses around the global network, over 50 spaces in all, to be ready for when classes began.
Working with the Business Office, ITS helped build a new smart dining gateway in 60 Belvidere on the Boston campus. A creative use of existing security infrastructure for dining management now allows students to swipe to access dining services without needing building access.
Making things easier from day one
The prep and readiness extend far beyond help desks and classrooms. Several digital systems got major enhancements to support student success from day one.
ITS rebuilt the Student Hub’s “I Am Here” attestation module from the ground up, making it simpler. This allows students to finish it quickly, without confusion, for an easier start to the semester.
Meanwhile, the Wellness Day request platform expanded beyond Boston for the first time. It now supports the program’s expansion to the Oakland campus this semester. Behind the scenes, the tool can now scale across more programs and locations than it could before, recognizing that mental health and wellness needs vary across programs and locations—a crucial step in supporting student success holistically.
Ever been frustrated getting access to equipment in the Makerspaces? Well, that just got easier, too. Once students complete the needed training in Canvas, instant Husky Card access to the right equipment is granted. Thanks to a new automated credentialing system, manual credential checking and slow wait times for access are in the past.
Meeting students face to face
Not all tech help happens online. At the College of Engineering’s Fall Welcome Event on September 9, ITS staff engaged directly with over 120 graduate students through an interactive “phish or safe” game, teaching crucial cybersecurity skills through hands-on learning.
The Tech Bars across Boston and Oakland campuses saw nearly 300 walk-up visits on the first day alone, providing face-to-face help for everything from Wi-Fi setup to software installation. This human touch remains irreplaceable even in an AI-enhanced support ecosystem.
Ready for what’s next
Students can start their academic journeys with confidence that technology will enhance, not hinder, their success. If things do go wrong, the IT Service Desk stays open 24/7 through the Tech Service Portal and is ready to support learners across every campus and time zone.
At Northeastern, technology empowers the university community. When tech works well, it goes unnoticed—you just notice the amazing things it helps you do.