Computing Resources at VCU
VCU doesn't just require that students have a computer at VCU, we also provide the resources students (and faculty and staff) need to use technology effectively both in the classroom and around campus. Listed below are by no means all the services supported by Technology Services, these are just the ones used the most by students. For services not list, please consult the Technology Services Website, or call the Help Desk at (804) 828-2227.
Alerts
VCU has an emergency communications network consisting of audible sirens sounded in case of an emergency, LCD screens with alert messages in prominent places around campus, and a text-messaging system that will send text message alerts in emergency situations or when the campus is closed due to inclement weather. All students are encouraged to sign up for text-message alerts--they will only be sent in an emergency or to announce campus closings.
Blackboard
Blackboard is VCU's course management system. Some (but not all) courses at VCU will have a Blackboard component, with assignments, syllabus, and other helpful course resources posted in online Blackboard course. Some professors also use Blackboard to post grades, administer quizzes and tests and/or to host discussion forums. If you need help learning to use Blackboard, refer to the copy of "The Really Smart Student's Guide to Blackboard at VCU" you received during orientation, or, if you lost your copy, pick one up at the Help Desk in Cabell LIbrary or Sanger Hall.
Classrooms
VCU's Media Support Services supports classrooms around the University equipped with overhead projectors, televisions, VCR's, data and video projectors, computer network connections and centralized remote control systems.
Computer Labs
Technology Services supports 2 computer labs for general use on campus: one in the basement of Cabell LIbrary and one in the 3rd basement of Sanger Hall. Labs are equipped with both Windows and Mac computers with Microsoft Office software. Pay4Print printers are available in both labs. The Cabell Library lab on the Monroe Park campus is open roughly the same hours as the library, but closes 1/2 hour before the library to facilitate closing the lab. The Sanger Hall lab on the MCV campus is open 24 hours, but an access card from the police department is required for after hours use (details are on the Sanger Lab website). In addition, many departments operate labs for their students. In some cases, for instance, when specialized equipment or software is provided, the labs are only open to students taking classes in that department and entrance is by VCUCard. Some lab are equipped for Pay4Print
Computer Security
VCU provides antivirus software free of charge to all students, faculty and staff at VCU. This software may be loaded onto all computers used by students, faculty and staff while affiliated with VCU. It can be downloaded with your eID here. In addition, we provide a wealth of information to help you stay secure on the Internet. You can minimize your vulnerability to security problems and cybercrime by knowing what threats are current and what countermeasures are available to stop them.
eID
eID is your identifier to authenticate you to use many VCU electronic services and web applications. Currently, the eID is used to gain access to the VCU Portal, wireless network, the academic e-mail system, Blackboard Course Management System, Domino E-mail System, Domino Quickplaces, Library Applications, and some departmental applications. Future applications that will use the eID include web access to the Administrative Systems.
All students are required to obtain and use a VCU email account--most important student information is communicated via email, and most professors will only accept email from official VCU email accounts. In most cases, your email address is your eID with "@vcu.edu" and your password is the same as your eID password. There are many ways to access your email at VCU, including MainAnywhere. More information is available in "The Really Smart Student's Guide to Email at VCU," which is passed out at orientation or available from either Help Desk on campus.
G2GMobile@VCU
G2G is VCU's laptop purchase program, providing award-winning ThinkPad computers, with a 4-year onsite accidental damage warranty at substantially discounted prices. G2GMobile@VCU also has a Service Desk, which can provide warranty and low-cost non-warranty service for Lenovo, Dell, Apple and other brands of computers. Service must be paid for with RamBucks or credit cards.
HelpDesk
The Technology Services Help Desk provides quick, courteous, and comprehensive computing support on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Walk-in, phone, and email support is offered 7 days a week while classes are in session, and self-service support is available 24 hours a day online.
myVCU
VCU's customizable portal offers a single sign-on, one-stop link to most online services at VCU.
Pay4Print
Pay4Print allows you to print files from lab computers or wirelessly from your laptop computer, and pick them up using RamBucks on your VCUCard. You can download drivers for the Pay4Print stations most convenient to you to use with your laptop by clicking here. You can have more than one driver installed on your computer.
RamCams
RamCams let you peek at what's going around campus. You can briefly control the view at each camera.
Research Computing
Technology Services provides specialized Unix and Windows servers, software critical to researchers, and statistical consultation services to researchers and research students at VCU.
Residence Hall Computing
ResNet provides computer support to students, especially those living in the Residence Halls. To get help, you can register on their site and fill out an online help ticket.
Software Downloads
VCU provides no and low cost software for a variety of student, faculty and staff needs.
Technology Guide (PDF)
Technology Services prints an annual guide to services provided by the department. Guides are distributed to new students and faculty at their respective orientations, and are also available at the Help Desk.
Training
There are a number of resources available to learn new technology skills from short courses for credit, self-paced online seminars, CDs available for checkout, and a searchable KnowledgeBase.
VCUCard
VCUCard is your student ID, as well as your access card for many services at VCU, including dining services, the library, off-hours building access, and residence hall access. It will also hold RamBucks, VCU's debit card system for services both on-campus and off.
Web Pages & Blogs
Students (as well as faculty and staff) can host their own web site and/or blog on VCU's servers. Instructions are provided.
Wireless Network
VCU has an extensive wireless network that covers most of the Richmond campuses. All students, faculty and staff may use the wireless network at no additional cost, but you must log in with your eID and password. Please note that you must physically be on campus (or immediately adjacent to a wireless hotspot on campus) to use the wireless network.
