This page specifies campus wide technology requirements for learners who are new to UCSF or purchasing a new computer.

Learners should also review the Technology Introduction for Learners which provides an overview of technology at UCSF.

Requirements:

1. Computer Requirements
2. Software Requirements
3. Secondary Device for Two-Factor Authentication
4. Set up UCSF Email
5. Internet Requirement
6. Additional School Specific Requirements

Background

UCSF is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) campus and requires all learners to own a personal device for UCSF-related activities. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that devices meet or exceed a set of standards that will allow learners to participate effectively in the UCSF technology ecosystem. Technology will be an integral component of your UCSF education.

These requirements also ensure that incoming learners have installed all security software required by the UCSF Minimum Security Standards. UCSF learners have a legal and ethical responsibility to preserve and protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all confidential information, both patient and non-patient related. Security regulations are dictated by the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), other Federal and California privacy laws, as well as UCOP and UCSF Policies, and Medical Center Administrative Policies and Procedures.

1. Computer Requirements

You must own a computer that meets the following minimum specifications. If something is not listed as required, we offer no specific recommendations and suggest that you make purchase decisions based on your budget, features, and preference for Mac or PC.

Important Information for International Learners

UCSF highly recommends that international learners wait until arriving in the United States before purchasing hardware and software. There are several important reasons based on prior experience, including:

• Newest hardware is more readily available in the United States.
• Costs are typically lower.
• Warranty may not cover service in the United States.
• Certain software does not work with foreign versions of operating systems.

Always wait to upgrade to new major versions of operating systems

UCSF has many computer systems, and it's impossible for all of our systems to be compatible with new major versions of operating systems on the day they become available. Consequently, we strongly discourage you from upgrading until UCSF Information Technology has sent an all-clear message to the community. If you upgrade before the all-clear, UCSF IT will support you as best it can, but until a permanent solution is in place, you might lose certain functionality.

2. Computer Software Requirements

You must have the following software installed on your computer. You may be prevented from connecting to the UCSF network without having all the required security software installed.

3. Secondary Device for Two-Factor Authentication

UCSF requires the use of Duo Security, a two-factor authentication platform for all faculty, staff, and learners when logging into certain online applications and systems including VPN, Outlook Web, Keeper, and Apex.

Learners are required to own a secondary device that is compatible with the Duo Security platform.

Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring a user to log in with a username/password combo plus a second method of verifying the user's identity. The second method is something the user has physical access to, like a cell phone or tablet. This ensures that even if a hacker manages to obtain a user's login credentials, the information is useless without access to the user's secondary device.

The first time you access https://email.ucsf.edu outside of the UCSF network, you will be prompted to enroll in Duo. Follow the on-screen prompts to enroll.

The use of the Duo Mobile App is recommended and is available on the following devices:

• Apple iPhone or iPad, please upgrade to the latest iOS version that your device will support: Download iOS DUO App.
• Android smartphone or tablet, please upgrade to the latest version of Android that your device will support: Download Android DUO App.

Alternatively, if you do not own a compatible smartphone or tablet, a cell phone capable of receiving SMS text messages will also meet the secondary device requirement. Standard text message rates apply. See additional information about Duo Authentication Methods.

4. Set Up UCSF Email

Before arriving at campus, you must be able to send/receive messages from your UCSF Email. Use of this email account is required for all communications involving UCSF business, research, and studies. You are expected to check this account periodically to stay apprised of all program and campus messages. In addition to being able to send/receive messages, you are required to enroll in the UCSF Password Management Tool and change your original password that was distributed by the Registrar. Please see First Time Login instructions on the Learner Accounts.

Your use of UCSF Email is governed by the University of California Electronic Communications Policy. Additionally:

• The use of third-party email systems is not approved by UCSF. This includes the forwarding of email to outside services (e.g. Gmail and Yahoo).
• Do not share your own or other people's email account or password.
• Do not share our mailing list email addresses with people who are not affiliated with UCSF.
• Do not use your email account for unlawful activities, commercial purposes, personal financial gain, chain letters, unsolicited marketing, or letter bombs.
• When you send a confidential email, use Secure Email. Regular email is not encrypted by default.

5. Internet Requirement

You are required to have a home internet connection. Your connection speeds must be sufficient for high-quality quality group video calling on Zoom: Dedicated (not shared throughout a household) 1.5 Mbps upload and 5 Mbps download is highly recommended.

To test your connection go to: https://www.google.com/search?q=speedtest

If internet service is included with your learner housing, this meets your internet requirement. All other learners are responsible for selecting an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and purchasing service. You are responsible for the cost of this service. Availability, speed, and pricing can vary depending on where you live and level of service you prefer.

If you’re not in campus housing and you’re using wireless at home, you must configure your wireless network with WPA encryption to comply with UCSF policy. If you’re uncertain about how to do this or how to confirm it, ask a knowledgeable friend or contact your internet service provider or the vendor of your wireless access point.

6. Meet School Specific Requirements

Your school or program may have additional or more specific requirements. Programs will notify learners prior to orientation about these specifics. Please contact your program's administration office regarding these requirements.

• Graduate Division - contact your program administration office.
• School of Dentistry - no additional requirements.
• School of Medicine - no additional requirements.
• School of Nursing - see Computer Requirements under Admitted Learner Resources.
• School of Pharmacy - see Technology Requirements.