Welcome to Information Technology at USM!
The information technology resources at USM for students are numerous and wide-ranging. The purpose of this article is to familiarize first-year students with many of these resources.
Getting Started - Activate your Account!
When a student is accepted at USM, they immediately receive a University of Maine e-mail address. The email address is typically firstname.lastname@maine.edu but must be activated before it can be used. In order to activate, you will need an activation key code which was included in your acceptance packet that you received. A new activation key code can be obtained by visiting the HELP!Desk in Luther Bonney Hall on the Portland campus, the computer lab in Bailey Hall on the Gorham campus, or the computer lab at the Lewiston-Auburn campus. A photo ID is required to receive an activation code. Once this account is activated, you will have access to:
E-mail and official University communications
Computers in USM labs, classrooms, kiosks, libraries, dorm rooms
Online course materials
University payroll for work-study students
On-campus wireless access
50-hours-per-month free dial-up Internet access
Computer Labs & Classrooms
USM maintains several state-of-the-art computer labs and classrooms in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn. Featuring Dell and Apple/Macintosh computers, the lab and classroom computers have the latest versions of the most popular software as well as many academic and research-oriented software applications used in many classes. For information about the labs and classrooms, their hours and locations, visit http://usm.maine.edu/computing/labs
The USM CARD and Printing in Labs & Classrooms
In order to print in the labs and classrooms, students must deposit money on their USM CARD first. The USM CARD serves as the official University of Southern Maine identification card and also provides an array of services, access privileges, and purchasing functions. For more information about the USM Card and depositing money, go to http://www.usm.maine.edu/usmcard/dept.htm
Dorm Room Computing
All dormitory rooms feature high-speed internet access. After you plug your computer into a dorm room network jack and open an internet browser, you will be required to register your machine using the activated account described above. For problems and questions concerning dorm room computing, contact RESNET at 780-5650.
Computing at Home
Off-campus students may connect to the internet either through a modem connection (50 hours per month at no charge) or discounted RoadRunner high-speed internet account. To inquire about the RoadRunner discount for full-time students, call our LogicShop administrative office at 780-4453. The LogicShop also offers discounts on many popular software packages and sells the most popular Dell, IBM and Apple computers to students. For more sales information call 780-4164.
Wireless Computing
Nearly all academic areas and buildings on all three USM campuses feature wireless internet access. Many laptop computers have wireless built-in or an inexpensive wireless card can be purchased to connect your computer to the internet wirelessly. A wireless connection at USM requires an active computing account as described above.
Adaptive Technology Support
USM strives to keep its computing environment as accessible as possible to students with disabilities, whether permanent or temporary. Adjustable-height table and large monitors are available at each location. Adaptive equipment and software is also available by request to accommodate and/or train students with mobility, visual, or learning impairments. For more information, contact the Adaptive Technology Specialist at 780-4029.
Computer Support
There is a variety of computer support available for students. The USM HELP!Desk is available for student activation issues and other computer support. The HELP!Desk is open Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM with extended hours during the first two weeks of classes. Call the HELP!Desk at 780-4029 or visit in Luther Bonney Hall on the Portland campus. The lab staff in each computer lab can assist with many questions regarding software and computer literacy. For dorm residents, RESNET is available for computer support at 780-5650.
This has been a brief overview of the various computing resources available to all students at USM. I hope your information technology and overall experience at USM is rewarding and useful. Best wishes!
Sincerely,
Keith Witherell
Director, IT User Services
