Parent Handbook
Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides computing, networking and cable TV services for students, faculty and staff. Computing services include administrative functions such as student access to WebAdvisor for class registration, instructional technology support for classroom and computer labs and the technology support HelpDesk. ITS also delivers services to students in the residence halls. Every resident has wireless and wired Internet connectivity in their room plus cable television service at no additional charge.
Visit our “New to SU” Web site: www.southwestern.edu/its/newtosu for more information.
FAQ
Do students need to bring their own computers?
Students are not required to own a computer although most do; 97 percent of the entering class brought a computer last year, with laptops being the most popular. If a student does not have a computer, Southwestern has several open labs and public computer workstations available. Our most popular lab, located in the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center, is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
If students bring a computer, should they also bring a printer?
A personal printer is not a necessity, but many students have them for convenience. Some students share a printer with their roommate. Our student labs are equipped with high-speed laser printers. Color printing is available for a small fee. When buying a personal printer, consider the cost of the ink cartridges carefully as their cost can easily exceed the price of the printer.
How much does it cost to print pages in the campus computer labs?
All students are allotted $30 each semester for printing. Black and white single-sided are 7 cents a page, double-sided are 8 centers. Color printing is available in the 24 hour lab in the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center for 35 cents per singled-sided and 60 cents per double-sided page. Students rarely exceed the initial $30, but additional dollars can be purchased if their account runs low.
Does SU have a computer purchase program?
The University does not sell computers. However, discount pricing for systems is available to Southwestern students through the Dell and Apple online stores. Southwestern classrooms and labs are installed with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). It is recommended that students use Microsoft Office to be compatible with the faculty and labs. Students may purchase Microsoft software at attractive educational prices from Scholar Buys, an academic reseller. For details and pricing, visit our “New to SU” Web site, www.southwestern.edu/its/newtosu, and click on the link Buying a Computer.
Is Southwestern a wireless campus?
Yes, the Southwestern campus is wireless. Access is available in all campus buildings and many outside areas. To ensure uninterrupted wireless internet service in the residence halls, it is recommended that students bring an Ethernet cable to use with their personal computers.
If my student already has a personal e-mail account, does he or she need a University e-mail account?
Yes. All students are required to maintain an active Southwestern e-mail account for University communications. This account will become an integral part of his or her daily communication with faculty, service departments and other students. Students can read their e-mail via WebMail from any Internet-connected computer on or off campus. WebMail is a popular e-mail service on campus and is accessed via the University portal.
Technology Helpdesk: 512-819-7333
E-mail: helpdesk@southwestern.edu
Fax: 512-863-1605
ITS Staff
Bob Paver
Associate Vice President, Information Technology Services
Phone: 512-863-1676
Bob Radford
Coordinator, Telecommunication Services
Phone: 512-863-1500
