Information Services : Resources for First Year Students
Welcome Students! f y i f y i f y i f y i f y i f y i

The Upjohn Library Commons is truly a student-centered facility, aimed at serving your information needs. Our public services are centralized on the first floor and easily accessible, and staff are available to help you with your questions. More about the facility Come on over and check us out!

Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

SUMMER HOURS
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday closed

Holiday and Break Hours may vary.

Employment Opportunities!

I.S. hires Work Study students who have experience and/or interest in computing, media or librarianship. Students will learn marketable skills and build relationships with their peers.
Computer Lab Assistants
Library Assistants
Media Assistants
Residential Computer Consultants
Contact Lori.Young@kzoo.edu.

B.Y.O. Phone!
All students living in residence halls must provide their own phone. There is one phone jack per bedroom. Students should contact roommates to make arrangements for acquiring a phone. Local phone service is provided by the College at no charge. Direct-dial long distance is not available in the residence halls. Calling cards can be purchased at the bookstore.

Network Accounts
Your student network account and password will be mailed out along with instructions in May.

This important network account provides secure web access to e-mail, calendar and collaboration tools. It is essential to monitor your email for official College notices, starting immediately and especially while on campus.

The campus intranet, online health form (required for all firstyear students), scholarship search tools and Moodle (online courses and communities) also use this account and password.

Use of this account requires you to comply with College computing policies. 

Printing
'K' students receive free print credits for use in computer labs and the library. You may purchase additional print credits at 10¢ per page at the library circulation desk.You will not be reimbursed for unused credits, and print credits are not transferable to other students. Additional printing information

Computer Labs
8 Computer labs are available around campus, including a 24-hour lab and a graphic design lab. All labs have laser printers and scanners. Systems are 75% PC and 25% Mac.

Get Connected!
Residence halls are wired for Ethernet access to the campus network. The Web is accessible 24/7 without a connection fee. Students may take advantage of this service by bringing Ethernet-capable computers to campus. If you're buying a new computer, purchase one with a factory installed Ethernet card. If you already own a computer, ask your dealer about an appropriate card. Most newer PCs and Macs have a built-in Ethernet card. We will provide additional information about connecting to the network during Fall Orientation.

Wireless Network Access
Wireless networking is currently available in several locations across campus and many more areas are planned.  Students are not allowed to set up their own wireless access points. Find current locations, connection instructions, and additional information here

There for You
Each residence hall is staffed with a student Residential Computer Consultant to help you connect to the network and to answer basic computer questions. As time permits, RCCs can help with e-mail, software and printing. During Fall Orientation, all first-year students with proper computer equipment will be able to connect to the network.

The Help Desk is located on the first floor of Upjohn Library Commons. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The Help Desk can be reached at 269-337-5800 or helpdesk@kzoo.edu.

Unsupported Equipment
TiVo - I.S. and RCCs do not support this equipment.
Gaming systems (Xbox, Playstation 2, etc.) - Permitted outside the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. I.S. and RCCs do not support these systems.

Illegal File-Sharing on the Network
Kalamazoo College has banned the use of peer to peer programs such as Kazaa and Morpheus on the College network. These programs expend critical resources and generally are used to share files illegally. Downloading, sharing, or distributing copyrighted files that you do not own or have permission to reproduce is forbidden, regardless of the distribution method used. The official policy can be found here.

Bringing a Computer to Campus

Many students bring their own computer and find it valuable for writing papers and lab reports, accessing the Internet, searching library resources, and communicating with professors, friends and family.

Which personal computer is recommended?
Each student’s needs are different. If you want to do homework in your room, a desktop computer is fine. Laptops provide the flexibility to use your computer almost anywhere. At 'K', student computer ownership is about 80% PC and 20% Mac. See our recommendations for each on the right —>

Students can purchase academically discounted computers from Gateway and Apple Computer by using the links below:
Gateway: http://select.gateway.com/kzoo_campus/
Apple: http://www.apple.com/edu/kalamazoocollege/

What configuration should I look for?

New computers usually exceed our minimum requirements for connecting to the network. Most standard computer systems have a minimum of 256MB of RAM, hard drive storage capacity of 40GB and a CD-RW/DVD drive. A 17" monitor is standard on many systems. Don’t skimp on a monitor; a screen that isn’t crisp strains the eyes. Order the system with the Ethernet network card factory installed. All network connections on ResNet use an RJ-45 connector. You will need an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the network, and you can purchase one at the Bookstore.

What software do I need?

You may wish to consider purchasing software that is compatible with computers in the labs. Software in computer labs include Microsoft Office and Firefox web browser. Microsoft Office and other software is available at educational pricing from the bookstore. Some programs, such as Firefox (our recommended browser), are available for free on the Internet. Always check hardware and operating system requirements before purchasing or downloading software. All computers on the network are required to have the latest service packs and all critical updates that are available installed on them. Windows users can visit Microsoft’s Update page for the latest service packs and critical updates.

Is antivirus software required?
Yes. The College provides a copy of Symantec AntiVirus for your use while you attend 'K'. Find our antivirus policy and downloads here.

Other Notes: Operating system discs, original software, and serial numbers may be required in the event you have serious computer problems. Older computers may not run the newest software versions.

Recommended Computer Configuration

PCComputer:
Operating System:Vista Business, Windows XP Professional (XP Home Edition NOT recommended)
RAM: minimum of 256 MB recommended
Ethernet Card: factory installed 10/100 Mbit Ethernet card
Non-laptop Monitor: minimum 17" monitor
CD drive: CD-RW drive
Productivity software: Microsoft Office
Surge Protector(required)
Wireless network card

Mac Computer:
Operating System: OS 10.3 or later
RAM: minimum of 512 MB recommended
Ethernet Card: factory installed 10/100 Mbit Ethernet card
CD drive: CD-RW drive
Productivity software: Microsoft Office
Surge Protector (required)
Wireless network card



Additional hardware to consider

USB Flash Drive. These are small, portable storage devices that plug directly into the front or back USB ports of PC and Apple computers. USB flash drives are easy to use, require little or no configuration, and come in many storage sizes.

Printer. A low cost, inkjet printer is a recommended investment for light use. Some students like the convenience of printing in their rooms, rather than going to computer labs to print. Color printing is available in the Center for New Media Design for a fee.

More in our computer buying guide

Additional Information

If you have questions, visit the I.S. web site or contact the Help Desk at 269-337-5800 or helpdesk@kzoo.edu.

Password Help

Network passwords will be mailed out in May.