Training FAQs
How do I know which training courses to take?
Required training is assigned based on the specific job tasks in your research lab, shop, makerspace or studio.
– If you are a member of a group hosted in SciShield then all required training programs are automatically assigned to you. Your SciShield homepage will list the training courses that are required for you to complete.
– If your academic or research lab group works with regulated materials, and does NOT have a profile in Scishield, then ask your supervisor.
I’m not in a lab group. Can I take a lab safety course in SciShield anyway?
Yes – any member of the NU community with active credentials can take any of the online courses. You can participate in scheduled classroom courses, as well, as per availability.
I am getting email reminders for a course I don’t need. Can you make them stop?
You are receiving course reminders because you are listed as a member of a lab group.
- Log onto SciShield and look at the left sider panel.
- This will tell you which group you are in. Contact that PI or Group Manager.
- They are responsible for updating their member list every semester.
- OARS does not “assign” the training, nor do we add or delete members from groups. This is the sole responsibility of the PI or manager.
- Contact your PI or lab manager if your membership in a lab/group is inaccurate and ask them to remove you from the list.
I am in a lab group but am assigned a course I don’t need. What do I do?
Your PI, Lab manager, or Group Compliance Liaison determines job activity assignments. Contact them to update your settings. Job activity assignments trigger training requirements.
I can’t log in with my student account. What’s wrong?
If you have both a NU student account and a staff or sponsored account, then you must log-in EVERY TIME with the sponsored account, even if that sponsored account is with a different office on campus.
– Any training programs you completed as a student will be on your profile, since all training is merged by NU ID.
– If you have two NU IDs for any reason, please contact Northeastern Identity Manager to reconcile.
I completed a course, but the course credit isn’t showing up on my homepage.
Contact the Learning Design Team at OARS and include a screenshot with details. Provide the name of the course, any evidence of completion, and someone will assist you promptly.
I am stuck in a course and the program won’t advance.
Be sure that you are using Chrome or Firefox as your browser. Contact the Training Specialist at OARS with a screenshot and details. Provide the name of the course, any evidence you have of completion, and someone will assist you quickly.
I found an error/broken link in a course. What should I do?
Please take a screenshot and send it to the OARS team. We really appreciate your feedback and help to keep our programs current and operational.
I still have a question!
The answer may be on our SciShield page. If not, contact the OARS group below.
Contact Us
For general inquiries please contact OARS.
Email: oars@northeastern.edu
Phone: 617.373.2769
Northeastern University
Office of Academic and Research Safety/OARS
320 Renaissance Park, 1135 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02115