Have questions about the LioNet web portal? Check this page to find the answers. Topics covered include Logging in, Channels and Tabs, Groups, Calendar, Announcements, and more.

General | Logging in | Content, Channels, and Tabs | Calendar | Groups | Announcements | Your LioNet ID | What LioNet Means For You | What LioNet Can Do |

General

What is LioNet?

LioNet is Missouri Southern State University’s web portal that provides personalized access to web services. You can customize LioNet so that the information and tools you need and want are available when you log in. All registered students, faculty and staff have access to their academic records, group tools, personal calendars, Blackboard, Mymail (students only), and more — anytime, anywhere.

How do I access LioNet?

LioNet is available from any computer with an Internet connection by pointing your web browser at:
http://lionet.mssu.edu

Do I have to be on campus to access LioNet?

No, any student, faculty, or employee with an authorized account can access the system anywhere, anytime. If you are on vacation, at home, or in your office, you can login and use LioNet.

What can I do if my browser prevents me from loading the LioNet page?

Pop-up blockers will interfere with the operation of LioNet. Please either disable them, or add lionet.mssu.edu and www.mssu.edu to the list of "allowed sites". Also we recommend that you use an updated version of Internet Explorer or Firefox. Both Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 2.0 are supported by LioNet.

Is my information secure? Why don’t I see the key lock security symbol at the bottom of the screen?

Security for LioNet is provided by a valid SSL certificate. Since most pages are actually frames within a page you may not see the key or lock icon that indicates a secure page. The screens that display your student account information, academic records, and fee payment screens are all secured with SSL meaning that your information is encrypted for secure transmission over the Internet. This is true for everything under the "Self Service Menu".

Your personal information on LioNet is also protected through your LioNet ID and password. Only by logging on with your LioNet ID and password can your information be accessed. For this reason, it is very important that you do not share your LioNet ID and password with anyone. Your faculty advisor may request your password (PIN) during registration only.

For your protection, it is essential that you log out of LioNet whenever you leave a publicly accessible (lab) computer so that your personal information is not exposed. It is also important to close the browser window after logging out of LioNet. This ensures that all sessions are expired which might allow someone to gain access to your personal information.

When is LioNet available and how long is the time-out for inactivity?

The portal is normally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. LioNet undergoes a routine maintenance period every Friday night from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The system may be unavailable during that time. Some channels rely on data from systems that are down for backup and maintenance during certain times. These channels may not be available in the portal during that time.

If you forget to log out of LioNet, the portal will automatically time you out after 40 minutes of inactivity. This is a security feature that helps prevent others from gaining access to your private information (student records, financial aid information, grades, etc.), particularly when you are using a public computer. Warning: This is not a substitute for logging out! The only way to absolutely ensure that your information remains secure is to LOG OUT before you leave the computer.

How will I know if LioNet is going to be unavailable for maintenance?

If LioNet is going to be unavailable outside of the normal Friday night maintenance window (5:00 PM to 6:00 PM), this will be announced in the system status area of the ITS Website. We may also make announcements on the LioNet login page or through the Campus Announcements channel within LioNet.

How do I get help with LioNet?

For general help with LioNet click the ‘Help’ icon in the upper right corner of the LioNet screen. The Information Technology Services site also contains FAQs and other documentation to help.  If you have further questions or problems, contact the ITS Help Desk.

The Help Desk may opt place your request into a queue to be resolved by the ITS staff.

How can I get training on LioNet?

LioNet has excellent online help and that should be your first resource. Click the Help icon in the upper right corner of the LioNet screen to view the online help pages.

Additionally, LioNet tutorials, “How to” documents and listings of any hands-on help workshops being offered can be found on the ITS pages: www.mssu.edu/its

Can retirees/alumni/prospective students use LioNet?

At this time only currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff have access to and may use LioNet. There are plans to allow access to alumni and prospective students in the future.

LOGGING IN

How do I log in to LioNet?

All current students, faculty, and staff of Missouri Southern State University may login to LioNet by using their LioNet ID (S number) and Password (PIN number).

How do I get a LioNet ID and Password?

New and re-admit students will receive your LioNet IDs and PIN numbers at the time you are admitted to MSSU.  The ID will be sent to your listed mailing address with your acceptance letter and the PIN will be sent several days later from the Information Technology Services (ITS) Department.

ID numbers for new faculty and staff will be issued by Human Resources at the time of hire.  PINs will be sent to the the new employee by mail from the ITS Department.

If you have any other questions regarding IDs and PINs you should contact the ITS Help Desk.

What should I do if my LioNet User Name and Password do not work?

First try re-entering the LioNet ID and PIN/Password again. Make sure that you are entering any letters of your PIN in upper-case. If using the number pad, make sure the Num Lock key is on. If the problem continues, contact the ITS Help Desk.

I use AT&T or SBC Global as my Internet Service Provider (ISP). Why am I getting logged out immediately after I log in to LioNet?

1. Verify whether your ISP is the cause:

• Try to connect to LioNet from a lab computer on campus or from any other location that provides Internet service. Does it log in normally?
• Uninstall any extra software that was provided by your ISP besides what is necessary to connect you to their network. This would include such things as Spam filters, Pop-up blockers, and Speed boosters.

2. You might need to manually disable an ISP proxy setting in Internet Explorer:

• Click the Tools menu, then Internet Options. Select the Connections tab, then click on the "Settings" or "LAN settings" (for DSL or Cable). Make sure that the box which reads "Use a proxy server for this connection…" is not checked. Make the necessary changes then click OK twice to return to your browser. Close the browser, disconnect from your ISP, reconnect to the ISP, and try to log in to the LioNet site again.

3. Use a standard supported web browser:

• This behavior can occur if you are not using a browser that is supported by LioNet. We recommend that you use Internet Explorer (version 6 or 7) or Mozilla Firefox (version 1.5 or 2).
• Some ISPs provide their own customized versions of these browsers (AOL and Yahoo, for example.) Use one of the recommended browsers instead.

Contact the ITS Help Desk if you are still unable to log in successfully.

Why does LioNet log me out without letting me know first?

A warning that your period of inactivity is almost up is only visible if pop-ups are allowed for the LioNet web site on the computer you are using. Check the built-in help features of your browser if you are unsure about how to allow a site to display pop-ups.

Why do I keep getting logged out of LioNet before the specified period of inactivity?

Being prematurely logged out of LioNet can occur if you are using your browser’s ‘Back’ button to navigate throughout LioNet. Instead, it is recommended that you use the navigation features built into LioNet, such as clicking the individual tab headings to return to a previous tab or clicking back to (name of Tab) link at the top left hand side of the screen when applicable.

Why don’t my browser’s "back" and "forward" buttons work properly in the portal?

The best way to navigate through the portal is to use the tabs and the links within LioNet. The "back" and "forward" buttons in your browser may move from tab to tab or channel to channel, but if changes have been made or other logins have been made, using the browser’s navigation buttons may not have the desired effect.

CONTENT, CHANNELS, AND TABS

Do faculty, staff, and students all see the same view of LioNet?

No. Faculty and staff see a different default view of LioNet than students. The content that an individual sees is determined by their role at the University. Currently the possible roles are student, faculty, and staff. Individuals are presented with a different set of tabs and channels containing the default content for their role.

How do I customize LioNet?

You can easily customize LioNet by adding new tabs or adding/removing channels on the ‘My LioNet’ Tab.

To customize you’re “My LioNet’ Tab, click the Content/Layout link in the upper left hand portion of the screen. Click the ‘My LioNet’ Tab. You can then add, modify, or delete columns and channels on that tab. When you are finished, click the ‘back to home’ link.

To add a new tab, click the Content/Layout link in the upper left hand portion of the screen. Click the ‘Add New Tab’ button. Name the tab and select a location for the tab. You can then add, modify, or delete columns and channels on that tab. When you are finished, click the ‘back to home’ link.

If you cannot figure out how to do something on a tab, click the ‘Help’ icon in the upper right corner of the LioNet screen.

Why can’t I remove some channels and tabs?

Some channels have been defined by MSSU as being important so they should not be deleted. If a channel has a grayed out X in the top right hand corner it can not be deleted.

Can I import bookmarks into LioNet?

Bookmarks cannot be imported into LioNet at this time. You can add bookmarks individually to the LioNet Bookmark channel on the Home tab. With the "Bookmarks Plus" channel (see "How do I customize LioNet" above), you can even add multiple bookmark channels on each of your own tabs and customize them individually.

How will I know when new channels are added?

Watch for announcements about new channels on the LioNet login page.

CALENDAR

Where do I find information on using the portal calendar?

Select the calendar icon in the upper right corner of the LioNet screen, then select the ‘Help’ icon in the upper right corner of the page.

Why do I have more than one calendar in the portal?

Portal users may have multiple calendars. You will have a personal calendar and a calendar from any group you may have joined. You also have the option to subscribe to other calendars such as those created for campus athletics or activities.

Can I combine my portal calendars?

Yes, your portal calendars may be combined by creating a calendar set. To create a Calendar Set, click the calendar icon in the upper right corner of the LioNet screen. Select the Calendar Sets tab. Click the New Set icon. Enter a name for your calendar set in the Set Name box. Continue filling in the form to add a calendar to this set. For more help with calendars, click the Help icon in the upper right corner from any calendar page.

What is the difference between an event and a task?

You can add events and tasks to your calendar. They both have a title and a date. An event has a specific time and duration. You can invite or inform others about an event. An event can be scheduled on your calendar by someone else. One example of an event is a meeting.

You can schedule a task on your calendar as a reminder for yourself. You can specify "not due" when you just want to call the task to your attention. You can specify "no time" when the task can be done anytime during that day.

GROUPS

Where can I learn more about the group tools?

Keep checking the ITS website for more information about this. You can also use the built-in help system: select the groups icon in the upper right corner from any LioNet screen, then select the ‘Help’ icon in the upper right corner of ‘My Groups’ page.

How do I request a group?

Select the ‘Groups’ icon in the upper right corner of the LioNet screen, then select the Request Group link. Your request will be sent to the LioNet Groups Administrator for approval. As soon as your request has been reviewed and approved, if appropriate, you will receive an email notification. For student groups, please ask your faculty/staff sponsor to make the request.

How do I join a group?

Select the ‘Groups’ icon in the upper right corner of the LioNet screen, then select the ‘Groups Index’ link to browse the list of available online groups. Select the group you want to join. Click on the ‘Join Group’ button. Some groups have restricted membership which means that you must meet the criteria specified by the group leader.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

What is the difference between a personal and a campus announcement?

Personal announcements are sent to you based on your role on campus (faculty, staff, or student). Announcements sent through your LioNet groups are also delivered through the personal announcement channel.

Campus announcements are sent out to everyone on campus via the Office of Public Information only.

Are campus and personal announcements archived?

No, announcements are not archived.

Can I select which messages that I want to see?

Yes. If you decide that you no longer want to see a particular message, you can delete it from your announcement channel. Click on the announcement link in either the Campus Announcements or Personal Announcements channel and click the Delete icon next to the message text.

Who can send Campus Announcements?

Only the MSSU Office of Public Information and the LioNet administrator may send Campus Announcements.

How can I have an Announcement sent?

Send your request to the Office of Public Information. If your announcement is deemed inappropriate for LioNet, you may be offered an alternate forum for your message.

Your LioNet ID - A New, More Secure Method of Identification

Why did MSSU start using the LioNet ID?

A number of changes have come about as a result of the implementation of the Banner student information system and LioNet portal at Missouri Southern State University. One of the most notable is a change in the way students are identified.

Previously, MSSU students have been identified by Social Security Number. There has always been a need to identify students uniquely so that they can be correctly associated with their information and data contained within the various administrative systems on campus. The Social Security Number worked well for this purpose as a unique number identifying an individual. Everyone knows his or her number.

In this age of information the Social Security Number is used to identify individuals by many organizations, including credit and financial institutions. Fraudulent use of one’s Social Security Number can have a devastating impact on the person’s credit history and financial position. The advent of identity theft has created a situation in which the availability of one’s Social Security Number is a danger to be avoided as much as possible.

For this reason MSSU has decided to abandon the use of Social Security Numbers as identifiers. All students, staff and faculty have been assigned a new unique identifier in the new Banner student information system. This is an eight digit number preceded by an S for Southern. This unique identifier is your new LioNet ID.

Students’ Social Security Numbers will still exist in Banner, but access to them will be very restricted. It is still necessary to track and record them because federal government reporting, such as the 1098T (Tax Payer Relief Act), ACT and SAT score reporting and Federal Department of Education ISIR (FAFSA Financial Aid information) will continue to use Social Security Numbers as unique identifiers that will work for all institutions of higher learning.

Campus photo ID’s will also use the new LioNet ID. If you have an old photo ID, you are encouraged to visit the Public Safety office and request a new ID card.

What LioNet Means For You

Once logged into the LioNet portal, students, faculty, and staff will have a wealth of information available to them. This information is organized into tabs (much like a filing cabinet) that contain related information. Some tabs will come pre-populated with information but you will also have the ability to create your own tabs and organize much of LioNet’s information in the way that works best for you.

On each tab are channels. These channels provide specific kinds of information such as functionality that was available in LionLink, campus news, library information, access to Blackboard, university email, and campus announcements. These channels may be moved between columns within a tab and between tabs to suit the way you want LioNet to look. Some channels, those containing critical information, will always be in a particular place within LioNet, but other channels can be moved or removed and there will be an increasing number of channels that you can add if you are interested.

A new student email system and a calendar tool are also accessible both through channels and through buttons in the top-right corner of the screen. Additionally, LioNet will allow you to become a member of groups, providing the ability to share information and participate in on-line chats and threaded discussions on topics that are of interest to you.

When you are traveling or on vacation, LioNet will offer an easy way to keep up with university activities and check your email as your email account is accessible through the portal. You can also insert all your favorite website addresses into a Bookmarks channel so you do not have to worry about remembering important URLs. From an Internet café to home or office, information will be available in one place and at your fingertips.

LioNet is flexible and can be configured by each person to meet their specific needs and allow them to receive only information that is applicable to them. LioNet will become the center of electronic information sharing on campus and a useful tool as you work or attend classes at Missouri Southern State University.

What LioNet Can Do

LioNet can do the things that the former LionLink system could do (albeit in different ways), but it also has more to offer. Features available in LioNet that were not available in LionLink include:

1. Access to your mymail.mssu.edu email account
2. Important University announcements
3. Personal announcements tailored to your specific needs and interests
4. Online groups for communication and collaboration
5. Quick reference information on events and news at MSSU
6. A personal calendar
7. Information on many campus groups and services
8. Student access to detailed financial aid information and aid acceptance online
9. Faculty ability to post grades online
10. Access to the new Banner student information system via shortcuts in LioNet
11. Ability to customize LioNet to suit how you work, study and play
12. Access to the most current forms needed for academic and administrative uses
13. Ability to access popular websites from within LioNet

The best way to learn LioNet is to use it! Explore what is available and customize it to the way you like to work.