Office of Technology Services
Need tech support? Visit the OTS Service Portal to view our hours, submit a request, and get fast assistance with account problems, software requests, network connectivity issues, and more. Our team is here to help with all your technology needs.
Supporting Your
Technology Needs
The Office of Technology Services supports the university by delivering reliable, scalable, and innovative technology solutions that meet the diverse needs of TSU departmental units. The office provides both large-scale infrastructure support and day-to-day technical assistance, ensuring that faculty, staff, and students have access to the tools and systems required for effective teaching, learning, research, and operations. By aligning its services with the university’s IT goals, the Office of Technology Services helps strengthen digital capabilities, improve system efficiency, and enhance the overall technology experience across campus.
Cybersecurity
Working from home has become the norm for many, internet use has spiked and cyberattacks continue to dramatically increase. From the education industry to the colonial pipeline, malware (malicious software) and ransomware ( malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid) have had the greatest financial impact on organizations today. Yes! alongside phishing, malware and ransomware are now the top cyber-attack vectors that bad actors are using to steal sensitive information for financial gain, from both individuals and organizations. (Malware and Ransomware – The Heightened Threat, by Syreeta Grasty in Information Security)
Web Content Best Practices
For Designated Web Editors
Write Clearly
Be clear and concise for readability and simplicity. Do not use all caps. Don’t underline text unless it is a link. Try not to use narrow columns.
Adequate Font Size and Font
The smallest font size that should be used for any content is 12pt, the bigger the better. Fonts to use for accessibility include Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Lucida Sans, Lucida Grande, Calibri, Helvetica, and Futura. Keep in mind to use sans serif fonts when possible. Times New Roman and Century Gothic serif fonts are also readable and therefore are permitted.
Structure it Appropriately
Use headings in order beginning with Heading 2. There is usually already a Heading 1 being used, however, check with web developer for clarity. Go in order when using headings. For example, start with Heading 2, then go the Heading 3, Heading 4, etc. You can go backwards once established. You can do heading 2, heading 3, then back to heading 2. You cannot do heading 2, heading 4, heading 3.
Contrast
Download a color contrast analyzer and use it to check colors being used. The contrast should at least be 4.5:1 for font sizes 12 – 17 pt and 3:1 for font sizes 18 and larger.
Alternative Text
All Images are required to have alt text. Keep it short and sweet, when possible. Be specific in what you want the screen reader to read about the image. Mark image as decorative only if there is no information being relayed.
Video and Audio
Make sure to include transcripts and captions in your audio and video files. You can do this on YouTube or if you have access to another program.
Links
When embedding a link, use descriptive language. Do not use the full web address. Also, do not use Click Here as your descriptive language. If you are using QR codes, you also must include the website address with it so the screen reader can read it.
Attached documents and PDFs
You are responsible for making sure any documents such as flyers, Word documents, PDFs, etc. linked to the webpage are accessible. Use the resources available on the Accessibility Training Resources page to help guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
IMPORTANT: In order to use the Self-Service Password reset tool, you must be registered for MFA.
If you have not registered before, open a web browser and go to https://mfa.tnstate.edu .
If you are already registered, proceed to the instructions below. If you don’t know your password, your 1st-time login password will be full T# + lower-case-first-letter-of-last-name + DOB in MMDDYYYY format. Ex: T12345678w01011999.
To reset your password, open a web browser and go to https://password.tnstate.edu .
Enter your TSU email address and the captcha code. Once completed, select I forgot my password and follow the instructions. Password requirements consist of a minimum 16 characters that contain at least 1 uppercase letter, 1 lowercase letter, 1 number, and 1 symbol. Your name, birthdate, common phrases, and common number combinations (e.g. 123, 321) will not be accepted. Your password will be set for a maximum of 6 months. If you need further assistance, please contact the TSU IT Helpdesk @ 615-963-7777.
