Frequently Asked Questions

Do Mount Union students need to bring a computer to campus?
It is convenient for students to bring a computer to campus as it provides them access to a computer to complete assignments whenever their schedule allows. However, Mount Union provides students with several public computer labs located around campus, one of which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Does it matter whether the computer is a MAC or PC?
No, it does not matter; Mount Union supports both types of computers. The type of computer should be whatever the student feels most comfortable using. The faculty and staff utilize both computer platforms.

Is it better to bring a laptop or a desktop to Mount Union?
Having either computer will be a great convenience for students. Laptops allow for great mobility and can be taken anywhere on campus and easily access the network. However, laptops are also less secure than desktop computers. Desktops are more affordable and offer a basic work environment for the student. The choice is really the student's preference as to what type of computer would best fit their needs.

Do I need a network card in the computer I bring to Mount Union?
Yes, whether your computer is a MAC or PC, it will need to have a network card or port to connect to the Mount Union network. However, most new computers are now built "network ready". If your computer is an older model, double check the computer's documentation for network capabilities. Unless your computer is setup to use wireless network connectivity, you will also need a CAT 5/network patch cord.

What are the minimum reconmmended standards for a computer brought to Mount Union?
Computing at Mount Union has been made easy. It is not necessary to have a top-of-the line computer. However, for the best performance and efficiency from your computer, the IT Department has provided guidelines regarding the type of computer to bring to campus. Please contact the Helpdesk should any questions arise when considering what to purchase. Additional information can be found at the Hardware Standards page.

Who can students contact if they have questions about their computer or any other technology questions they may have?
Mount Union ahs an Information Technology Helpdesk. The Helpdesk is located near the Circulation Desk in the main Library of KHIC. The Helpdesk is available to answer questions about computers or other technology questions that students may have. The Helpdesk can be easily reached by dialing "HELP" (x4357) from any campus phone or from off campus at (330) 829-8726. Alternatively, the Helpdesk may be contacted by email at helpdesk@mountunion.edu 

Is there a list of what a student may want to bring to utilize the technology provided by Mount Union?
The Office of Information Technology has put together a Technology Checklist. This list is a good way to make sure that you are better prepared and have all the components you need in order to utilize technology at Mount Union.

Does Mount Union provide each student a campus Email address and network account?
Yes, each student is given an email account that is provied by using Outlook Webmail. All students can access their account from the Mount Union home page by selecting "Current Students" link, then selecting "email" link located along the left hand side of the page. Email can be checked from any computer on campus. Additionally, students continue to have off-campus access to their email during summer and holiday breaks.

Are Mount Union students able to register for classes and view grades online?
Yes, each student is given an account in PowerCAMPUS Self-Service. Self-Service is a program that allows students to search for available classess and develop an academic plan. Students can review their grades transcripts, schedule for classes, and view the academic calendar through Self-Service.

Do students need to provide anti-virus software for their computer or is it provided by Mount Union?
It is required that students have anti-virus software that they keep active while at Mount Union. The Office of Information Technology provides Symantec Endpoint Protection software for all students free of charge. The software will be configured to operate as 'Managed' which protects with your personal computer by updating automatically on a regular basis.

Does Mount Union provide students personal web space to creat a website?
Yes, students have a web folder on their H drive named PUBLIC.WWW which allows them to create and publish a website. Each student will have the capability of publishing a personal website using the file index.html located inside of the folder.

Does Mount Union provide students with personal file server space?
Yes, each student is given a login account to the Mount Union server that allows them access to network space and their personal network drive. Each student has a private folder (H: Drive) that allows them to save any documents or work  (up to 300MB) which can be accessed on any campus computer. The Office of Information Technology recommends that each student practices safe computing. Save files, projects, data, etc. in a couple of different places. The Mount Union server allows campus wide access to burner drives. Students can buy a CD-RW and use it to take files back and forth. Campus computers also have front USB ports that allow for use of a USB drive. A student can buy a USB drive at an affordable price and continue to reuse it. These drives can be purchased at many local discount or computer stores.

Are computers and projectors made available in the classrooms?
Ther are two types of classrooms available on campus. Almost all labs and classrooms are Multimedia Classrooms, equipped with ceiling-mounted projectors. These rooms differ slightly based on departments and users. Multimedia Classrooms generally have a PC and a connection for a laptop. In addition to the projection, most Multimedia Classrooms have built-in sound systems, document cameras, DVD players, and access to the campus CCTV system.

All other classrooms have a ceiling-mounted TV with DVD/VCR. If multimedia technology is necessary, some buildings have access to mobile multimedia carts including data projectors, PCs, and speakers. A multimedia cart can be reserved and checked-out through the secretary in the building where it is to be used.

Several additional classrooms will become multimedia classrooms over the next year. We are constantly working to upgrade the technology infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning. Every technology resource is available or can be made available to ever classroom on campus so that faculty and staff have full access to high-tech, innovative equipment.

What technology does Mount Union provide in the residence halls?
Each residence hall room has a phone line which is shared between two roommates. One coax cable port is also available so that students may connect a television set to the campus cable TV system. Bringing a lengthy coax cable affords the student flexibility regarding the location of their television. Each room is also provided with 2 ethernet (network) ports for connecting computers to the campus network. Additional wireless internet access is available in the residence halls for students with wirelss capability on a portable computer.

What activities can be done on the campus network?
Mount Union's goal is to provide access to a wide variety of connectivity options for teaching and learning. However, network access may be limited for legal or security reasons. Additionally, some hardware and software systems have limitations which may reduce functionality. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that every network activity request will work. The following section covers common activities/questions:

Music Downloads
Students can download music from legal sites; however, peer-to-peer music downloads or sharing copyrighted materials is not permitted.

XBox Live
Students may utilize XBox Live via the network; however, there may be problems experienced when connecting to people outside of our campus network. This is a limitation of the XBox system, and therefore cannot be remedied by our network staff.

Online PC Gaming
Many online PC games are blocked on campus by the network firewall. However, a modest number of ports may be opened on a per-game basis to allow games to connect. If a game requires too many ports, it will have to continue being blocked to protect network integrity. To check if a PC game is or can be set up to connect on campus, please research what ports it requires on Google and emial them to the IT Helpdesk at helpdesk@mountunion.edu.

Playstation Online
This system should function without problems on our network.

Webcams/WebConferencing
Such connections may be possible, but the funcitonality on our network depends on equipment, software, and connection methods. Please contact the Helpdesk if you experience problems. Be sure to include as much available technological information as possible on the software and hardware you intend to use. Additionally, please include any information on your connection method in order to ensure the fastest resolution to your issue.

Other Network Applications
Mount Union will make every attempt to support other applications and activities in addition to the ones listed above. However, we cannot guarantee that every service requested will function on our network. If you have any questions, please contact the Helpdesk for assistance. Remember to provide as much detail about your query as possible.

What can residence hall phones do?
If a student wants to use a phone in the residence hall, they must first request that the line be made live. Each room has 1 phone line for the 2 students. The line has an outside number that anyone can call directly. The last 4 digits of each room phone number serve as an on campus extension. Students can call each other from any campus or residence hall phone by dialing the last 4 digits. This is a free service provided by Mount Union. To place a long distance call, a prepaid calling card is needed. Due to the implementation of our wireless infrastructure the use of 2.4 GHz cordless phones is strictly prohibited. We strongly recomend 5.8 GHz or 900 MHz phones as an alternative.

Does Mount Union provide students voicemail in their residence hall?
Currently Mount Union does not provide voicemail to students.

Does Mount Union provide students access to campus computer labs?
Yes, there are many computer labs around campus that are available for students to use. These computers are configured with all the programs that a student would need to access to for class assignments. Labs provide laser printers for students to print and have scanners for the students who need access to them to scan items. Each Lab is clearly identified including its hourly schedule. Additional departmental labs are available with permission by the department or faculty members. These labs include Economics, Accounting and Business Administration located in T&H 200 (which is a 36 seat computer lab.) Other computer labs are located in the following departments; Education, Computer Science/Information Systems, Foreign Language, Physics, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Art, Music, Writing Center, Psychology, Engineering and Human Performance and Sports Business.

Does Mount Union provide access to campus computer labs 24 hours a day?
Yes, there is a 24 hour study area in KHIC that is only accessible by using a Purple Plus ID Card. Once in the 24 hour study area, there are PC labs which are available for students to use, anytime, day or night and on weekends.

Is there a service charge or any fees to print in a campus computer lab?
To help raise environmental awareness and aid with the budget, Mount Union has implemented a new Print Policy beginning August 1st, 2007. 1,000 pages are credited to every student account at the beginning of each academic year; any unused pages will rollover to the following academic year.