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Affected Systems
- University-managed macOS computers enrolled in JAMF (new or recently re-imaged)
- Applies to faculty, staff, and graduate employees receiving a University-provided Mac
Prerequisites
- Your Illinois email address (NetID@illinois.edu)
- Your Illinois password
- A Duo 2-Factor Authentication method
- Access to a Wi-Fi network
Property Labeling and Required Documentation
Per University of Illinois policy, all University-owned computing equipment must have an official “Property of State of Illinois” label affixed to the device. This requirement is documented in the University’s Business and Financial Policies and Procedures:
12.1.7 – Affix Property Labels
Before setup, please ensure:
- Your computer has the required Property of State of Illinois asset sticker attached.
- You have completed and signed the Equipment Loan Form.
- The completed form is returned to IT Partners at Education either:
Instructions
1. Select Your Country or Region
Choose United States (or your applicable region) and Continue.
2. Enable Accessibility Features (Optional)
If you need accessibility tools such as VoiceOver or Zoom, you can turn them on here. If not, select Not Now.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi
Select your Wi-Fi network, enter the username and password if required, and click Continue. A stable connection is necessary for the remainder of the setup.
4. Enroll in Remote Management
You will see a message indicating that the Mac will be managed by the University of Illinois. Select Enroll.
5. Log In Using Your Illinois Credentials
Sign in with your Illinois email address, password, and complete 2-Factor Authentication. This step connects your device to university services.
6. Allow Time for Automatic Application Installation
After signing in, the device will automatically install University-required applications. This process typically takes about 18 minutes.
Do not turn off the computer during this phase.
7. Create Your macOS Account Password
You will be prompted to create the password used to log in to this Mac. The Full name and Account name fields are prepopulated with your information.
Password Requirements
- Minimum password length: 12 characters
- Password hints on the login screen are disabled
8. Enable Location Services
Select Enable Location Services to allow system and security features to function properly.
9. Acknowledge FileVault Disk Encryption
Your device uses FileVault to encrypt the hard drive for security. Select Continue to proceed.
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10. Open Installed Applications and Sign In
After reaching the desktop:
- Open Launchpad
- Open your applications (Outlook, Teams, Adobe apps, etc.)
- Sign in using your Illinois credentials when prompted
Installing Additional Applications Using Self Service+
Your Mac includes an application called Self Service+, which provides a safe and convenient way to install software that has been reviewed and approved by the University. This includes tools for productivity, teaching, research, utilities, and security.
To use Self Service+:
- Open Launchpad
- Select Self Service+
- Browse the categories or use the search bar
- Select an application to install
Software installed through Self Service+ is managed and maintained by campus IT teams, ensuring it meets security and compatibility standards.
Known Issues
1. Outlook Licensing Error
Logging in directly through Outlook may produce a licensing error.
Workaround: Open another Microsoft application first (such as Word or Teams), sign in there, then launch Outlook.
Screenshot: Error dialog when logging in directly via Outlook.
Screenshot: Error dialog when opening Word.
2. Adobe Acrobat Licensing Error
Logging in directly through Adobe Acrobat may cause a licensing error.
Workaround: Open Adobe Creative Cloud, sign in, then launch Acrobat.
Screenshot: Error dialog when logging in directly via Adobe Acrobat.
Additional Notes
- If the setup process appears stuck for more than 30 minutes, restart the Mac and repeat the latest step.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection produces the best setup experience.
Support / Contact Information
If you need assistance, please contact your IT support group: