MyCSU, Why Bother?

By Teri Sue Heinsman

It’s cluttered, it’s confusing, and it’s hard to use, so why bother? Rusty Bruns, the chief information officer says he understands, “We realize that the pages are busy,” and they are trying to make it easier to use. But in the meantime, what are we supposed to do?    

       
First of all, it’s confusing to even log onto My CSU. It seems that every different Web page has a different log in and pin code; how are we supposed to keep them all straight? Fortunately, this is realized and on the bottom of the My CSU main page it tells you to enter your ID number and pin code. These pin codes can be changed once you log on the first time, which is very useful. All you have to do is log on and click on the Personal Info link. This is probably one of the most overlooked links on the My CSU Web page according to Gene Houghtaling, the information application specialist who is mainly in charge of My CSU. 

The Personal Info link is located right next to your name at the top of the page once you’ve logged in. On this page, you can enter your preferred name which will then be approved and loaded into the system; it will not change official records, but it still makes life easier. Also, if you click on the password link, you can change your password to whatever you want to change it to; however, do not change it to anything longer than six characters. If your new password is more than six characters, only enter the first six when you log onto the financial aid page.

Bruns informed me that they are working to make My CSU easier to use. They have created an audio PowerPoint that takes users through the steps and features of My CSU. They have also developed a committee to make My CSU easier to use. After this committee has met, they will offer 10 to 15 minute training sessions for students to really be able to understand the full features of My CSU.         

 So far, my favorite aspects of My CSU are the Convocation credit postings and the fact that my schedule is right in my student tab. To check the amount of Convocation credits that you have acquired, click on the student tab. There, right in the middle, you will see your schedule, very helpful for the beginning of semesters. On the lefthand side there is a link that says “Total Convocation Credits.” There you can check how many credits you have, although it takes a couple days for the credits to show up.          

Why My CSU? It’s worth it to wait through the kinks. In the midst of frustration, don’t give up, it will get better. Bruns said, “My CSU has become its own entity.” And they are, “playing catch-up” to get everything up-to-date. In the few short months that My CSU has been around, it has exploded, and it will only get better from here on out. Try it; you just might discover that it isn’t as bad as it seemed at first.