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, two of which are 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. One should be provided free of charge at your Preview session.  
 
What are the minimum recommended 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 has an Information Technology Helpdesk. The Helpdesk is located behind 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 e-mail 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 provided by using Outlook Webmail. All students can access their account from the Mount Union home page by selecting "Current Students" link, then selecting "E-mail" 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 classes and develop an academic plan. Students can review their grades and 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 your personal computer by updating automatically on a regular basis.  
 
Does Mount Union provide students personal web space to create 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 your information as well as routine backup for file recovery. Many campus computers also have CD-RW 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?  
There are two types of classrooms available on campus. Approximately 25 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 MAC and/or PC and connections for a laptop. In addition to the projection, most Multimedia Classrooms have built-in sound systems, document cameras, DVD players, VCRs, and access to the campus CCTV system.  

All other classrooms have basic overhead transparency projectors and a ceiling-mounted TV with DVD/VCR. If multimedia technology is necessary, all buildings have access to mobile multimedia carts including data projectors, MACs and/or PCs, speakers, and VCRs (upon request). 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 every 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 wireless 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.  

AOL Instant Messenger
Mount Union supports AIM; however, we recommend that you do not enable the auto-reconnect feature. AOL's server may reject reconnections from our network when that setting is enabled. By disabling auto-reconnect, AIM will work more reliably.  

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 email 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 functionality 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 technical 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?  
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 recommend 5.8GHz or 900MHz phones as an alternative.  
 
Does Mount Union provide students voicemail in their residence hall?  
Mount Union does provide each room with voicemail. Students can use this just like any other voicemail service. However, because the voicemail is set up by room and not by student, each voicemail account services 2 people, or each set of roommates.  
 
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 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 and a MAC lab which are available for students to use, anytime, day or night and on weekends. These 24-hour labs are monitored by the campus security.  
 
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. If a student exceeds their initial page limit, each additional page will cost $0.05 for black and white, $.30 for color, payable by credit card, cash, check, Purple Plus or billed to the student's overall account.   
 
Does Mount Union have wireless access points around campus? If so where?  
Yes, the Office of Information Technology has made wireless access points available in all residence halls as well other academic buildings for students with laptops. Outdoor wireless access points are now available. Configuring personal wireless access points is against Mount Union policy and will be removed when found.  
 
Are there any restrictions on the internet that would stop students from accessing any website they are browsing?  
No, Mount Union does not filter any website for adult content or for unsuitable material posted. Students will be able to access any published website on the internet. Students will be apprised of the Technology Resource Acceptable Use Policy and will be required to adhere to all the rules and regulations outlined in the policy.  
 
Does Mount Union publish student names, addresses and phone numbers anywhere on the web? If so, is it secure from general use?  
The Mount Union on-line directory is published so that students and faculty can search for anyone that associates with this campus. Phone numbers, addresses and email are made available in the directory. For security purposes, the information is kept private from outside viewers. The online directory is only available by logging into the secure, private iRaider portal.
 
Can Mount Union students update account and other personal information online?  
Yes, by logging into iRaider, students can request to change personal information. Students will be walked through a series of information web pages where they can change their information and other statements that are recorded for each student account. It is recommended to only do this if it is necessary.  
 
Are the academic course catalogs available on the Mount Union website?  
Yes, the entire Academic Course Catalog is made available by going to the Academic Homepage and selecting the correct year of entry. This can serve as reference for anyone who has any questions about academic requirement and polices.  
 
Is the internet easy to connect to anywhere on campus?  
Yes, students can connect a laptop anywhere on campus by using existing network jacks or by connecting to the wireless access points. Please contact the Helpdesk for more information on gaining access to the wireless access points.  
 
Does Mount Union require any specific software to be installed on a personal computer brought to campus?  
It is required to have antivirus software installed on your personal computer. The IT Department provides Symantec Endpoint Protection software for all Mount Union students, free of charge. We also offer Microsoft software products to students at a discounted rate. No other programs need to be purchased or installed to make a computer function on the Mount Union network.
 
Does Mount Union allow students to download music or videos?  
Very few legitimate websites offer this service. Sites like Napster and iTunes are open for students, provided they follow the rules outlined by the website. However, free Peer 2 Peer sites like Bearshare and Limewire are blocked because of legality issues and other restrictions placed on the ability to download by Mount Union. Copyright laws are available at http://www.copyright.gov/.  
 
Are Campus events and activities posted on the web for students to access and find out what is going on around Mount Union?  
Yes, on the Mount Union website, Campus Events are posted and easily accessible by students from any computer. By going to the Student Life Homepage, students can view different organizational homepages and learn about organizational events on campus as well.  
 
Can students use online Library services to search for books and other publications in the Mount Union Library and inter-library loan?  
Yes, students can use the internet to search Mount Union's Library as well as many other libraries that Mount Union is associated with. The library is part of the Ohio Private Academic Libraries (OPAL), a 24 library consortium, and is also a member of OhioLINK, through which students may borrow from over 46 million items amongst 87 Ohio academic libraries. If needed, a student can request a book or publication from another library and it will be delivered to the Circulation Desk in KHIC within a matter of a few days, provided availability.  
 
Do Mount Union Students have to pay a technology fee?  
A technology fee of $150 is included in the tuition fee structure per semester. Mount Union has no internet access fee charged to students.