Return to FAQs

1.	What is PAWS?
2.	How do I get to PAWS?
3.	What browsers are supported?
4.	What is browser cache and how do I clear it?
5.	What is my username and password?
6.	Are my username and password secure?
7.	Can U of S Alumni access PAWS?
8.	Can U of S Retirees access PAWS?
9.	Are there any training courses that will help me to use PAWS?
10.	What is the timeout on a PAWS session?
11.	Can the timeout be changed or varied by person or role?
12.	Can bookmarks be imported into PAWS?
13.	How do I find someone in PAWS?
14.	Does PAWS have a web-based file manager?
15.	If I delete one of the default tabs such as "Library," how do I get it back?
16.	Are files in PAWS scanned for viruses?
17.	What are targeted announcements and who can send them?

1 . What is PAWS?

A customizable web environment at the U of S, PAWS offers Personalized Access to Web Services for students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the University community. PAWS is personalized to you and customizable—when you log in you will find information and services specific to your role at the University.

PAWS contains a variety of web-based tools, including email, calendar and groups, and gives you role-based access to a wide range of information and services such as registration, transcripts, grades, course home pages, library tools, financial information and more.

2 . How do I get to PAWS?

Point your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc.) to http://paws.usask.ca. You'll also find a PAWS login link on many U of S web pages, including the main site at http://www.usask.ca. Look for the PAWS logo at the top right of the page!

3 . What browsers are supported?

Windows

Please note that Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 has not been fully tested with PAWS, and some functions within PAWS may not work properly in that web browser. The use of Internet Explorer 9 with PAWS is not supported and is discouraged at this time. This FAQ entry will be updated after testing is complete, and updates will also be posted in the PAWS announcements channel.

Internet Explorer 8
Firefox 4,5

Macintosh OS X

Firefox 4,5
Safari* 4,5

Note #1: Pop-Up Windows

The use of pop-up windows is required by the portal software. If pop-ups are disabled in your browser or via a third party pop-up blocker, this will interfere with your use of PAWS. Disable the block or customize it to accept pop-ups for all sites in the usask.ca domain.
Tutorials are available for disabling the pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Note #2: Safari

*Safari Cookie Preferences must be modified. In Safari, selecting "Preferences," then "Security," and check the box to enable "Accept cookies: Always." If you are concerned about making this change to your Safari preferences, you may wish to download the Firefox browser.

Note #3: Java

In order to use the Chat application provided by PAWS, your Internet browser must be able to access and run a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). In some cases a JVM is provided by your operating system. In other cases, the browser adds a JVM to your computer when it is installed.

Note #4: Internet Explorer & Trusted Sites

If you are using Internet Explorer and receive the error message "can't service request to cp/home/next", please check Internet Explorer's "Trusted Sites" settings. If PAWS is listed as a Trusted Site, remove it.

4 . What is browser cache and how do I clear it?

Each time you access a file through your web browser, the browser caches (stores) it. In this way, the files (including any images on the page) do not have to be retrieved anew from the website each time you click the "Back" or "Forward" buttons. You should periodically clear the cache to allow your browser to function more efficiently and to ensure that you are viewing the most recent version of the page. Instructions for most browsers can be found here.

5 . What is my username and password?

PAWS uses your Network Services ID, or NSID, for authentication. If you are a U of S student, faculty, or staff member, and you have tried logging in using your NSID and it does not work, visit MITS and change your password, then try again. If you are still unable to log in to PAWS or do not have an NSID, please contact the Help Desk at 306-966-4817 or toll free (in Canada) at 1-800-966-4817. For Registration questions or problems please contact Student Central at 306-966-1212, toll free at 1-877-650-1212, or via email at askus@usask.ca.

U of S Alumni should contact University Advancement at alumni.office@usask.ca or by phone at 306-966-5186 or toll free (in Canada) at 1-800-699-1907 to obtain an NSID to access PAWS.

6 . Are my username and password secure?

Yes. The PAWS login page uses SSL encryption to ensure that your username and password are secure. This is reflected in the URL (https:) displayed.

7 . Can U of S Alumni access PAWS?

Yes. U of S Alumni should contact University Advancement at alumni.office@usask.ca or 306-966-5186 or toll free (in North America) at 1-800-699-1907 to obtain an NSID to access PAWS.

8 . Can U of S Retirees access PAWS?

Yes. Please contact the ITS Help Desk if you are not able to access PAWS.

9 . Are there any training courses that will help me to use PAWS?

Yes. Visit the ITS Training Services website for more information. These courses are free to students, faculty and staff.

10 . What is the timeout on a PAWS session?

Your PAWS session timeout is the length of time for which you will remain logged in to PAWS while inactive. You continue to be logged in to PAWS while actively using the portal; some external applications offered via the portal, however, such as the Registration System, do not keep you logged in.

11 . Can the timeout be changed or varied by person or role?

You can choose your own PAWS session timeout, ranging from 15 to 90 minutes. All accounts have a default timeout of 60 minutes, but you may change your timeout from the default to suit your own security comfort level. You may wish to shorten or lengthen your timeout because:

you primarily access PAWS from public terminals (at the PAC, Browsers, the Tunnel, Libraries etc.) and want to increase your security in case you forget to log out
you work in a public space or your computer is easily accessible by others and you want to increase your security in case you forget to lock your computer when you leave your desk
you have access to confidential data through PAWS and want to increase your overall security
you only access PAWS from your personal computer in a secure environment and want to reduce the number of "session timeout" reminders you receive while logged in to PAWS

To check or change your PAWS session timeout, click the "My Account" link at the very bottom of the screen in PAWS. You will need to log out and log in each time you change your setting for the changes to take effect.

12 . Can bookmarks be imported into PAWS?

Bookmarks cannot be imported into PAWS. Bookmarks have to be added to the bookmark channel one at a time.

13 . How do I find someone in PAWS?

Use the "Search" field, located near the centre and top of your screen in PAWS to search for people who have indicated that they would like to have their University email address publicly available. This screen also yields U of S phone directory and U of S-page Google search results.

14 . Does PAWS have a web-based file manager?

Yes. Web-based file management services are available in PAWS through the My Files channel. If you're a student, the My Files channel is default on your Home tab. If you're an employee or retiree, you'll find the My Files channel default on your Admin Services tab. Like any channel, it can also be added to your layout by clicking the Add Stuff link at the top left of PAWS. Use the channel browser to find the channel, then click and drag it to one of your tabs.

15 . If I delete one of the default tabs such as "Library," how do I get it back?

Send a request to the Help Desk and ask that your layout be reset. Note: When your layout is reset you will lose all customizations made to all tabs and channels, and your PAWS Bookmarks will be deleted. Your Calendars, Email, and Address Book will not be affected.

16 . Are files in PAWS scanned for viruses?

Yes. Sophos Anti-Virus is used to protect the PAWS file system. U of S email accounts accessed via the PAWS email application are also protected by Sophos.

17 . What are targeted announcements and who can send them?

The information that you see in your Announcements channel is the result of someone sending a targeted announcement. Targeted announcements are sent to PAWS users based on their role or roles (faculty, employee, student, college, major, etc.) or their membership in a specific course or group. Announcements from courses or groups may be sent by any/all members of the course or group, depending on which features are enabled by a course instructor or group leader. Announcements based on role, however, can be sent only by those who have been designated as targeted announcers. Enquiries regarding targeted announcements should be directed to the Help Desk.