New Student Frequently Asked Questions
- I am not very computer savvy. Where can I get help? I am not very computer savvy. Where can I get help?
- How can I use my computer in the Residence Hall (ResNet)? How can I use my computer in the Residence Hall (ResNet)?
- Is WestConn Wireless? Is WestConn Wireless?
- I want to purchase a computer to bring to WestConn. What should I buy? I want to purchase a computer to bring to WestConn. What should I buy?
- Should I bring my own computer? Should I bring my own computer?
- What is a WestConnduit account, and where can I get one? What is a WestConnduit account, and where can I get one?
- Should I get a WestConn email account? Should I get a WestConn email account?
- How do I get a WestConn Windows account? How do I get a WestConn Windows account?
- What computer facilities are available at WestConn? What computer facilities are available at WestConn?
The general computer centers, located in room 117 of the Westside Classroom Building and at Midtown on the first floor of the Haas Library, employ student lab assistants who can provide assistance based on their individual knowledge. However, students needing extensive help should visit the Student Technology Training Center (STTC) in room 225 of the Student Center on the Midtown campus. More information about the STTC can be found at: http://www.wcsu.edu/sttc.
Any student who owns an Ethernet-ready computer can connect to our residence hall network using an Ethernet cable. Splitters and cables can be obtained at any of our staffed computer centers. Once connected, you will be required to log in using your Windows account credentials, install Clean Access, install a supported anti-virus program, and install critical Windows updates. For more information, please visit http://www.wcsu.edu/resnet.
WestConn offers fast and reliable wireless network access to students, faculty, and staff with data connection speeds of up to 54Mbps in selected locations on the Westside and Midtown campuses. For locations and more information, visit http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/wireless. To use the wireless network, your laptop (or PDA, Pocket PC, tablet, etc.) must be equipped with a wireless network adapter. WestConn's wireless network supports both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards and uses an SSID of "WestConn" for easy connection. You will be prompted to log in using your Windows account credentials.
Almost any new desktop or laptop computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers (IBM, Apple, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, etc.) should be more than adequate for basic student use on campus. If your specific needs are more demanding (for example, if you use computer graphics development software, video capture, etc.), or for more information, please visit our computer recommendations page at: http://www.wcsu.edu/technology/recommended.asp
You do not need to bring your own computer. However, a laptop with wireless capability can be useful. In case you do not own a computer, WestConn has a number of computer facilities available for student use. Some are open as early as 8am, and close as late as 11pm. Some are open around the clock.
WestConnduit is WestConn's campus portal. WestConnduit allows you to see your grades, course schedules, academic history and financial aid information, and allows you to register for classes and make payments to the university. It also provides access to Blackboard Vista, WestConn's online course management system, campus and personal announcements, the campus events calendar, and convenient links to other university resources.
To login, use your WestConn username and password (Windows username and password).
If you do not know your WestConn password, you may create a new one using the Self Service Windows Password Manager. If you are unable to use the Password Manager, you can stop by one of our staffed computer centers, or call the IT Help Desk at (203) 837-8467 to receive this. If faculty and staff are having difficulty resetting their password, they should contact the IT Help Desk at (203) 837-8467.
WestConnduit can be accessed by visiting www.wcsu.edu and clicking on the WestConnduit link. Yes, all students are required to get a WestConn email account for official WestConn business. Once your account has been created, you will have access to your email from any computer on or off-campus that has access to the Internet by visiting http://connect.wcsu.edu, or by logging into WestConnduit and clicking on the email link. You can obtain your WestConn email account credentials at any of our staffed computer centers on campus.
A WestConn Windows account is necessary for students to access the University's network from the computer centers, classrooms, labs, residence halls, and wireless network. You will be able to get your account information during June orientation, Welcome Week, and any other time during the semester from the following staffed computer centers on campus: Midtown Computer Center (Haas Library), Westside Computer Center (WS 117), and the Student Technology Training Center (SC 225).
WestConn offers a number of staffed facilities where you can receive assistance from our friendly student staff. We also have 24 hours computer labs available for student use. For a complete list of facilities and hours, please visit: www.wcsu.edu/technology/students/pubfac.asp
