Technology for Students

Bringing A Computer From Home

A computer is an indispensable tool during a student's time at the University. Laptop computers are becoming increasingly more popular because they take up less desktop space and can connect wirelessly to the Internet at no charge from many areas on campus.

Buying A New Computer

Generally, all newer computers are capable of running the supported software. The exact model your student chooses will vary depending on his or her major and funds available. Visit ComputerWorks(opens in new window), located inside the Associated Students Bookstore, for advice on specific models and information on special student pricing on Apple and Dell computers. The University fully supports both Apple and Windows systems.

Technical Support, Portal Accounts, & Software & Hardware Help

Student Computing, from its helpdesk in the first floor computer lab in Meriam Library, can assist students with general software issues, accessing the campus wireless network, and using the portal (including email and course registration questions). IT Support Services (ITSS)(opens in new window) can help. There are more than 40 computer labs available for students to use throughout the colleges and departments. All labs have high-speed Internet connections. Most labs have a standard suite of software that includes Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and Internet Explorer. Students are encouraged to use these applications on their home computers as well.

A majority of our students living off campus have network access in their apartments and homes. Students living in the campus-owned residence halls will use ResNet(opens in new window), the in-room broadband access service offered by campus. Students living in off-campus housing can choose from major broadband providers like AT&T and Comcast. The Internet access provided by these companies is compatible with all Chico State electronic online systems. Additionally, students with laptops can access Wildcat Wireless, Chico State's free wireless network, from selected locations on campus, including Meriam Library, the Bell Memorial Union, and common areas in the campus residence halls.

Internet Access

Students can connect to university resources on the Internet using Wildcat Broadband, Wildcat Dial-Up modem service, Wildcat Wireless, or any Internet service provider (ISP). To connect using Wildcat Dial-Up, students should have a 56K modem. For more information on Wildcat services, visit Communications Account Services (CASV). Students staying in one of the ResNet-connected residence halls will need an Ethernet connection in their computers. For more details, see ResNet(opens in new window).

The Chico State Connection Web Portal

All students are expected to initialize their campus portal accounts. In addition to providing access to online registration, the portal provides access to a range of online services, including grades, email, campus announcements, a personalized calendar, and access to the learning management system, Blackboard Vista. The learning management system is used in many courses to deliver course materials and provide collaborative activities both inside and outside of class. For students to initialize their portal account, they need to visit the Chico State Connection.(opens in new window)

Supported Software

Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet Explorer make up the basic campus supported software suite. MS Office is available at a significant student discount at ComputerWorks(opens in new window).

Educationally Priced Software

ComputerWorks(opens in new window) offers substantial student discounts on software from Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, and many others. If the software you need is not in stock, staff can order it. Ask about the Adobe and Microsoft license programs that allow you to purchase selected software packages for your student's computer for hundreds less than regular retail prices.

Hardware Service And Support

ComputerWorks(opens in new window), located inside the Associated Students Bookstore, is an authorized service center for Apple Computers. It offers many services including computer upgrades, software installation, data recovery, and troubleshooting for both PCs and Macs.

Wildcat Card

Your student's identification card (Wildcat Card) is his or her key to electronic transactions. Both parents and students can add money to the Wildcat ID card (Wildcat Dollars account) and use it for many on-campus purchases.

Wildcat Dollars

Wildcat dollars can be used for general purchases and books at the Associated Students Bookstore, online printing in all open-access computer labs and some department labs, copying in Meriam Library, food at all on-campus food locations, tickets for university events at the University Box Office, Communication Network Services payments, and other services.

Telephone & Voicemail Services

Telephone and voicemail service through CASV(opens in new window) is provided to students living in university-owned Residence Halls. CASV offers a variety of voice services, including local and long distance services. Individual billing is offered for each student, providing privacy and preventing abuse by others, and is available when a student moves in. A phone for each room is also provided.

CASV also provides voice mail services, allowing callers to leave private messages for a specific party. Other services such as caller ID and call waiting are available as well.