Getting around your university email can sometimes feel like navigating a maze, especially with all the security measures in place. For those at Old Dominion University (ODU), Outlook is your go-to for staying connected, and thankfully, there are ways to make accessing it a breeze.
I remember when multi-factor authentication (MFA) first became a thing. It’s fantastic for security, of course, but that constant prompting can be a bit much. The good news is that ODU’s IT department suggests using the Microsoft Outlook desktop or mobile application. Why? Because once you’re set up, you’ll likely only need to authenticate every 90 days or so. That’s a huge step up from being challenged every single time you open a new browser session, which is what happens if you stick to webmail through Chrome or Internet Explorer. So, if you haven't already, consider installing the Outlook app on your phone and personal computer. It really does make a difference.
Now, what about those times you need to manage email for a department or a group? ODU offers Shared Mailboxes, and you can find all the details on how to request and use them over on the OIT Email Boxes webpage. It’s a handy feature for collaborative work.
And speaking of security, it’s on everyone’s mind these days, isn't it? With cyberattacks on the rise, OIT is constantly working to bolster email security protocols. They’ve got a whole page dedicated to Encryption, which is worth a look if you need to communicate securely with folks outside the university. Ultimately, keeping our data and systems safe is a team effort, and understanding these tools is part of that.
For those who might be wondering about the broader Outlook service itself, it’s been around since 2012, evolving from the familiar Hotmail. Microsoft designed it to be a comprehensive platform, integrating email with contacts, calendar management, and even cloud storage through OneDrive. It’s built to work seamlessly with Office applications, allowing you to edit documents directly and share large files easily. The automated inbox also comes with built-in spam protection, helping to sort out the noise from newsletters and social updates.
Accessing your ODU email is straightforward. Most faculty and staff accounts are cloud-based within Microsoft 365. You get your official ODU email account automatically when you’re hired. On university computers, Outlook is usually the default, but you can also access it online at outlook.odu.edu. Just use your full ODU email address (like xxx@odu.edu) and your MIDAS password. If you’re ever unsure about setting it up on different devices, the Email User Guides are a great resource.
For shared mailboxes specifically, the process online is quite simple. Head to outlook.odu.edu, log in with your own ODU credentials (not the shared mailbox address), click your profile icon in the top right, and then select ‘Open another mailbox.’ Start typing the shared email address, select it from the list, and click ‘Open.’ As long as you have the necessary permissions, it’ll pop up in a new browser tab. Alternatively, you can add the shared mailbox address to the end of the https://outlook.office.com/mail/ URL. It’s all about making collaboration as smooth as possible.
