Information Services: New Student Info

Welcome !

The directors and staff of the Information Services Division (IS), want to take this opportunity to wish you an enjoyable and productive academic year.  IS envisions leveraging information technology in order to stimulate the exchange and creation of knowledge in an integrated environment that fosters an open, collaborative, and unifying culture.  To that end, we have worked very hard to bring you some major information technology improvements.

Bandwidth - As part of our strategy to provide optimal network performance and quality of service, we provide a continual 100 Mbps of bandwidth.

Messaging and Collaboration System - As part of our strategy to revise the information technology core curriculum to ensure that graduating students are trained using modern software and equipment, we provide a messaging and collaboration system called Microsoft Exchange.  This system allows you to access your email, calendar, tasks, notes, etc. using Microsoft Outlook (PC) or Microsoft Entourage (Mac).  You can also access these items via the Web.  Additionally, we provide Symantec Anti-Virus and Microsoft Office to all students.  The latter comes with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.  You will be able to download this software as soon as you arrive on campus.

Portal - Several services are available through the University portal as part of our strategy to provide Web-based applications to the University community.  The portal provides access to webmail, online learning, off-campus file access, online directory, library resources, campus events and announcements, and weather.

Wireless Networking - Students, faculty, staff, and members of the University community can access the Pilots wireless network using 802.11b and 802.11g wireless devices such as laptops, notebooks, tablets, PDAs, handhelds, Palms, Pocket PCs, Blackberrys, and cell phones. Information Services has recently completed the installation of wireless access points that provide 100% coverage of the University buildings and major common areas.  

The checklist should answer most of your technology-related questions.  If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Technology Help Desk ( help@up.edu or 503-943-7000).  The people that support these ongoing programs and initiatives are dedicated professionals that stand ready to meet your needs.  Please take the time to consult with them whenever you have a question, a problem, or a need that relates to information technology.  We look forward to your arrival on campus and the beginning of your educational experience at what is quickly becoming the premier Catholic teaching university in the West.

Computer

• We cannot recommend a specific vendor; however, we recommend you get the best computer that you can afford.  We routinely contract with Dell, MPC, and Apple for faculty/staff computers.  All three companies offer student discounts (simply inquire with each company).
• Personal Computer (PC) or Mac (we support both).
• Desktop or wireless-enabled laptop (your choice).
• We provide wireless networking (802.11b or 802.11g) on campus.  If you have a choice, go with 802.11g as it is much faster.

Software

• We provide Microsoft Office to all students.  The productivity software includes Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.  You will be able to download this software as soon as you arrive on campus.
• We provide Symantec Anti-Virus to all students.  You will be able to download this software as soon as you arrive on campus.
• Operating system (Windows XP for PCs or OSX for Macs is highly encouraged).  Be sure to install all of the patches and updates (very important).
• Any other programs that you frequently use.  Be sure to bring your discs in case you need to reinstall a program.

Networking

• We provide email, network, and portal accounts to all students.
• We provide Internet access to all students living in the dormitories.
• Ethernet network (NIC) card (100 base/T preferred; any name brand vendor such as Intel, 3Com, SMC, etc.) (many computers have this built in).
• Ethernet network cable (Category 5, RJ 45).

Telephone

• We provide analog and voicemail service to all students living in the dormitories.
• You must provide your own telephone instrument.
• Long phone cord.
• Long distance calling card.
• Cell phone (optional).  The majority of students have cell phones.  Cell phone signal strength can be spotty in some campus locations depending on the service provider.  As a result, you may have problems sending or receiving calls.  We cannot recommend a specific vendor; however, we routinely contract with Verizon (for off-campus access) and Nextel (for on-campus access) for faculty/staff cell phones.

Printer (Optional)

• Printer cables.
• Extra toner/ink.