Category: Student Resources

Welcome Home!

Posted on by Katrina Frank

Let’s get you settled in!

The Information Services (IS) team welcomes you to K and wants to help get your technology in order while you move in! View the information below to see how to get connected and who to contact when in need.

Connecting to the Internet

Want to get your phone or computer on the internet? You will use the eduroam network. Setup takes a few minutes, but it will work all year, all over campus, and at other campuses all over the world.

Register an Entertainment Device

In order to use an entertainment device such as a gaming console or smart TV, you will first need to register that device. Complete the Entertainment Device Registration form to get started!

A Note on Wireless Printers

Wireless printers are generally not designed to work on a large network like ours. Printers are available for your use on campus. Information Services suggests you do not bring a wireless printer to campus.

Remember, if you need tech help Information Services is here for you! Please feel free to connect by sending us an email at HelpDesk@kzoo.edu.

Five Ways to Send Files at K that are Better than Email!

Posted on by Josh Moon

While email attachments are quick and familiar, sending files to each other can fill up our Sent Items folders as well as the email storage of our recipients. Information Services is in the midst of a long-term project to eventually migrate our email server to a “cloud” based Office 365 system.  When this happens – likely by the end of this academic year – email quotas will substantially increase.

In the meantime, we have suggestions on how to get files to recipients without using email attachments and filling up your storage quota.

1. OneDrive

OneDrive offers users at Kalamazoo College a robust 1 TB (1000 GBs) of storage. This makes it a great solution for sharing large media files and entire folders. There are many Sharing and Permissions options, but Microsoft’s Share files and folders with Microsoft 365 Business video (2 minutes) explains it efficiently!

2. FileDrop.kzoo.edu

To get started, simply login with your K Net credentials and follow the instructions outlined on the Kalamazoo College secure FileDrop service website. Because all files are securely encrypted, FileDrop is a good choice for transferring files that have sensitive or personally identifiable information with external parties. Storage on FileDrop is not permanent; files are meant to be “picked up” by the recipient within 14 days and are not backed up.

3. Teams Files

Every Teams Channel has a “Files” tab to store documents.  There are multiple ways to add files to that tab.  The simplest method is to click into the Files tab and drag-and-drop a file from your computer into that window.  It will automatically upload the file to the Channel.  Microsoft has further documentation about Sharing Files in Teams.

4. Moodle

If you’re an instructor sharing files with students for a class, Moodle is one of the most familiar, basic resources.  Posting text-based documents like PDFs, Docs, and others is a common use for Moodle. You can also create Folders for more organization. Our Moodle 101 discusses how to Upload and Organize Files.

5. SharePoint Document Libraries

SharePoint Team Sites provide file sharing and group documentation libraries for a range of standing committees and teams on campus. As the fifth option on the list, it isn’t optimized for user self-support in the way manner as some of the other options. Visit Microsoft’s Online SharePoint Quickstart or make a request directly to the Help Desk at HelpDesk@kzoo.edu to get started.

Would you like even more information and updates on new resources for sharing files? Visit the Information Services File Sharing Page for the latest information.

If you have questions on any of these resources, please contact the Help Desk at HelpDesk@kzoo.edu

Your Distance Learning Tech Toolkit – Fall 2020

Posted on by Katrina Frank
Information Services Staff at 2019 gathering.

Although we will not be reunited on campus this fall, the Information Services team would still like to give you a warm welcome to and a welcome back to Kalamazoo College! We understand that there are challenges with distance learning; however, our goal is to continue to provide technical support through transparency, documentation, and communication.

Listed below are essential resources to help you succeed in your academics. In order for us to provide the utmost support it is imperative that you review and use these resources to your advantage throughout the quarter.

As always, if you have additional questions, we’re here for you!

Be well.

Student Tools

Visit the Student Tools page for specifically tailored student announcements, popular student resources, and methods of support. Also note that general IS announcements such as system maintenance can be visible on the home page.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Webmail – How to access your “Kzoo” email messages, calendar, and contact information.
  • Microsoft Teams – A virtual space where you can chat, meet, audio/video call, and collaborate with others from a distance. Watch the Microsoft Teams tour video to get started!
  • File Sharing – Visit our file sharing page to see all of ways you can share files with your peers, professors, and employers!
  • Video Streaming – Microsoft Stream is a secure platform where the K College community can upload, view, and share videos within the College. Visit the video streaming page to learn more.

Learning Technology

  • Moodle – where most of your instructors will post course materials and grades throughout the quarter. View the Moodle Quick Guide for Students for more information on enrolling in your classes, submitting assignments and more!
  • Virtual Labs – Some computer labs on campus have been made accessible virtually to Kalamazoo College students, faculty, and staff. These labs have Windows computers running SPSS, Atlas.TI, Stata, R Studio, MATLAB, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, Office 365, and other apps.

Personal Computing

  • Office 365 – Your free access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Stream.
  • Hornet HQ – The place to plan your degree, register for classes, update your emergency contacts, find info on financial aid, billing, time cards and more.
  • File Storage – All Kalamazoo College students have access to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage. OneDrive keeps your files safe, allows you to access files from any device, and also offers offline access.

Local Internet Access

We know how important access to a reliable internet connection where you are is, and that it is a challenge for some. The solution to your circumstances will be unique, depending on your location, local providers, others in your living environment, and other factors.

FCC’s Lifeline Program – Enter your zip code to find low-cost options from providers in your area

Student Tech Support

The Information Services Website

The IS website recently underwent a huge reorganization. Based on student feedback we have made independent troubleshooting a priority. Be sure to first use the IS website if you’re having technical difficulties.

  • Search Tip : Use the IS Search on the right sidebar (or near the bottom of the page if on a mobile device) to find the information you need faster!
Email Support

Are you still not finding how to solve your issue on the website? Email the Help Desk or our Student Computer Consultants!

  • Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m EST. Emailthe Help Desk at HelpDesk@kzoo.edu
  • After hours – Students can email StuTech@kzoo.edu
  • Email Tips : Provide a precise and concise subject line of what you would like solved. Add the steps that you took leading up to the issue and add a screenshot of the issue you’re experiencing.
Moodle Support

Are you having issues with Moodle? If so, please inform your professor and they will help direct you from there. You can also view the Moodle Quick Guide for Students for more instruction on submitting assignments, notifications, and more!

Library Support

Your Librarians are here for you! Connect with us on the Library website!

Feedback

Do you feel like we missed something in our Toolkit? If so, please let us know by contacting the Web Services Specialist, Katrina Frank at Katrina.Frank@kzoo.edu.

We Stand with You. We Support You.

Posted on by Katrina Frank
a city protest with the statement Black Lives Matter overlaying the image.

To our campus community:

As many of you know, our department typically publishes content related to technology resources, system maintenance, and user education of our tools. We’re reminded that questions of technology, digital access, and data are not separate from social justice and racial equity. We must further admit that, although we try to be as helpful and proactive as possible, we have the privilege to wait for our users to come to us.

Essentially, you tell us what you’re trying to accomplish—what you need. However, with the unjust events that have transpired and continue to occur in our country it is our time to come to you. To our Black community we understand that there can be no peace without justice, and we stand with you, we support you.

Sincerely,

The Information Services Staff

Resources to Be an Ally

Please refer to the list below to support the Black Lives Matter movement and the victims of these heinous crimes. Also recognize this is the first step to becoming an ally and it is critical that you continue to educate yourself, to listen, to watch, to raise your voice, to engage, and to act.

Microsoft Teams Now Supports Up to Nine Cameras

Posted on by Josh Moon
K College Librarians with a 3x3 camera view on a Microsoft Teams meeting.

We’re pleased to share that Microsoft has successfully implemented a 3×3 camera view in Teams and this is now available at Kalamazoo College!

The ability to view nine participants simultaneously should be activated by default for all Calls participants. Seeing additional participants has been a popular request, and we hope this will encourage more users to explore Teams as a video conferencing, chat, and collaboration tool.

Microsoft has expressed an intent to expand beyond nine cameras as part of their roadmap but not offered a target date. We will keep users updated on any new features that enhance Teams functionality.

For more information about using Teams Calls, please visit the Videoconferencing page on the Information Services website.

Additional Information on Teams

Are you new to Teams and need further instruction on how to use this tool effectively? View our Microsoft Teams Tour video or visit the Microsoft Teams page for more specific information and instruction.

Faculty

Would you like to talk more about using Teams with students in class? Feel free to email the Educational Technology Specialist, Josh Moon at josh.moon@kzoo.edu.

Staff

For questions on using Teams for departmental communication and collaborations visit the Microsoft Teams page or the Help Desk at HelpDesk@kzoo.edu.

Students

Need help on using Teams? Visit the Microsoft Teams page or email the Student Computer Consultants at StuTech@kzoo.edu, Monday – Sunday from 8 a.m.-10p.m. EDT.

Here to Help! – Meet our Student Computer Consultants for Spring 2020

Posted on by Katrina Frank
Student Computer Consultant, Arun Shrestha. Grad year 2020
Arun Shrestha ’20
Student Computer Consultant, Patrick Jarvis. Grad year 2020
Patrick Jarvis ’20
Student Computer Consultant, Than Vu. Grad year 2020
Than Vu ’20
Student Computer Consultant, Nhi A. Phan. Grad year 2021
Nhi Phan ’21
Student Computer Consultant, Rukudzo Gawa. Grad year 2021
Rukudzo Gawa ’21
Student Computer Consultant, Nicklas Klepser. Grad year 2021
Nick Klepser ’21
Student Computer Consultant, Nathan Garcia. Grad year 2022
Nathan Garcia ’22
Student Computer Consultant, Kyle Baker. Grad year 2022
Kyle Baker ’22
Student Computer Consultant, Matt Dubin. Grad year 2022
Matthew Dubin ’22
Student Computer Consultant, Kiernan Dean-Hall. Grad year 2022
Kiernan Dean-Hall ’22
Student Computer Consultant, Juleon Brodie. Grad year 2022
Juleon Brodie ’22
Student Computer Consultant, Usaid Shafqat. Grad year 2023
Usaid Shafqat ’23

Thank you SCCs!

Information Services would like to thank our 18 Student Computer Consultants (SCCs) for all of their hard work, especially during distance learning this quarter. We simply couldn’t provide the high level of support without you!

Need Help?

Student Computer Consultants are ready to assist students during the following days and hours. Simply email StuTech@kzoo.edu and one of our SCCs will assist you.

  • Days Available: Monday – Sunday
  • Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm EDT
  • Email: StuTech@kzoo.edu

To submit a request via email please be sure to include the following:

  • A descriptive subject line
  • Screenshots of your issue
  • What you have tried when troubleshooting
  • Best way to reach you such as Teams, phone, or email.

Please note that SCC assistance is only available to Kalamazoo College students. Faculty and Staff will need to contact the Help Desk via email between Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm EDT at HelpDesk@kzoo.edu.

Introducing Tech Talk!

Posted on by Katrina Frank

Information Services would like to announce the revival of our video series, Tech Talk!

Tech Talk is the Information Services channel on Microsoft Stream answering good questions and providing even better solutions. On the Tech Talk channel you can watch tutorials showcasing the technology offered at Kalamazoo College. All K College faculty, students, and staff have access to use Microsoft Stream with their campus Office 365 account. Popular videos currently on Tech Talk include:

Suggestions

Do you have a suggestion for a Tech Talk video? Feel free to email the Web Services Specialist, Katrina Frank at katrina.frank@kzoo.edu.

Special Software Availability for Distance Learning

Posted on by WordPress Administrator

Some courses require students to use specific software products, such as SPSS, Atlas.TI, ArcGIS, MATLAB, and Stata. The College licenses these packages for use in computer labs, so students do not necessarily have to purchase and install the software on their own computers.

To accommodate distance learning during Spring 2020, the College has created an online computer lab with access to the software required in courses this term. At the same time, we understand that students will have a better learning experience if they have access to a desktop computer where they are able to install and use the required software.

Information Services has gathered these resources from the various companies who are offering special licensing at this time:

Adobe Creative Suite

Adobe is providing us with temporary licenses to access Adobe Creative Cloud desktop apps at-home, at no additional cost, so students and faculty can continue their learning.

Things to know before installing:

  • Be sure to use your long form email address (Jane.Doe16@kzoo.edu) to get properly redirected to a Kalamazoo College login page.
  • If you already have a personal Adobe ID that uses your K email, you will be prompted to select which account when you attempt to sign-in; select the “Company or School Account” option.

Follow these steps to install Creative Cloud apps.

ArcGIS

The College has received a limited number of temporary Student Licenses from Esri. Please contact HelpDesk@kzoo.edu to sign one out.

ArcGIS Desktop Installation Instructions

Step 1: Download ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) software from ESRI Student site:

  1.  Visit https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/products/arcgis-desktop-student-trial and sign in with your Esri account.
    1.  Note: If you do not have an account, please create one by clicking the “I need to create a new Esri Account“
  2. Enter your EVA code and hit Activate.
  3. Look for the preferred version (10.3.1-10.7.1) of ArcGIS Desktop and click on it
  4. From the list of software to download, select ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) or ArcGIS for Desktop
  5. Click on Download


Step 2: Installing ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap):

Once the download is complete, the installation setup for the ArcGIS Desktop will usually be stored in your Downloads folder.

  1. Open your Downloads folder.
  2. Double click on the installation setup of ArcGIS Desktop (.exe) to begin file extraction
  3. Once the files are successfully extracted, hit Close and the installation wizard will begin
  4. Hit Next, Accept the Agreement, choose Complete installation type, and hit Next throughout the process and finally hit Install
  5. Hit Finish once installation is complete 

Installation Reference

 Once the ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) software has been installed on the computer, please follow the steps provided below in order to authorize the software using your EVA license.

Step 3: Authorize the ArcGIS Desktop (ArcMap) EVA license:

  1. Go to Start Menu > ArcGIS folder > launch ArcGIS Administrator (right click and run as Administrator).
  2. Click the Desktop folder (located on the left panel)
  3.  Choose the license level. Advanced (ArcInfo) Single Use option.
  4. Click Authorize Now to start Software Authorization Wizard.
  5. Choose the default option, “I have installed my software and need to authorize it” and click Next.
  6. Select “Authorize with Esri now using the Internet” and click Next.
  7. Enter/update personal information and click Next.
  8. Select organizational details and click Next.
  9. Enter the license number EVAxxxxxxxxx for ArcGIS Desktop and click Next.
  10. On the dialog box for extensions to be authorized, choose “I do not want to authorize any extensions at this time” option and click Next. Extensions are already included with the license
  11. Ignore the evaluation features and click Next. The option to evaluate features is not needed as your license already have the extensions.
  12. Hit Finish once license authorization is complete
  13. Check for license availability by clicking on the Availability folder (located on the left panel) and ensure the license is available.
  14. Launch ArcMap by going to the Start Menu, look for the ArcGIS folder and select the ArcMap.
  15. Once the ArcMap is successfully launched, go to the Customize tab and click on the Extensions.
  16. Make sure to check all the boxes for the extensions that have been authorized are for use.

Authorization Reference

MATLAB

Mathworks has arranged a special license that students can use on their own computers through June 30, 2020.  This license allows students to use MATLAB Online via any web browser or to install MATLAB on their own desktop or laptop. To obtain a license, create a MathWorks Account using your kzoo.edu email before either starting MATLAB Online or downloading the desktop version. 

SPSS

IBM is extending the SPSS Statistics Subscription Trial through June 15.

Stata

Stata has provided a temporary license (through June 1) free of charge for students. Please contact HelpDesk@kzoo.edu for the activation key.

Download the software here using the credentials you receive from the Help Desk. Find Installation instructions here.

The Distance Learning Tech Toolkit

Posted on by Katrina Frank

New Distance Learning Tech Toolkit Available!

For the most recent Tech Toolkit please see Your Distance Learning Tech Toolkit – Fall 2020 post.

Information Services Staff at 2019 gathering.

Although circumstances are vastly different this quarter, the Information Services team would still like to give you a warm welcome back to Kalamazoo College and share how we can support you. We understand that this abrupt transition to distance learning is not easy and our goal is to provide as much support as we can through transparency, documentation, and communication.

To ease the transition, we have compiled a list of resources that will be essential to your education from afar. In order for us to provide the utmost support it is imperative that you review and use these resources to your advantage throughout the quarter.

As always, if you have additional questions, we’re here for you!

Be well.

Staying Up to Date

Do you want to know when new software and tools are released? What about announcements about system outages or those undergoing maintenance? Listed below are ways that you can stay current on Information Services announcements particularly catered to students.

  • Student Tools page – This page is specifically tailored to students where you can access more information to your resources. Any general IS announcements, such as system maintenance, can be visible on our past IS Announcements page.
  • Hornet Hive Announcements – We will also be posting most IS announcements on the Hornet Hive; however, please note that these announcements may come later than those being posted directly to our IS website.

Communicating and Sharing with Others

  • Email and Webmail
  • Microsoft Teams (NEW!) – Some departments will be using Microsoft Teams to help you communicate and share more freely. Learn all about Teams!
  • Video Streaming (NEW!) – Microsoft Stream is a secure platform where the K College community can upload, view, and share videos within the College. Visit the video streaming page to learn more.
  • File Sharing – Visit our file sharing page to see all of ways you can share files with your peers, professors, and employers!

Tech Support from a Distance

  • The Information Services website – The IS website recently underwent a huge reorganization. Based on student feedback from our Spring 2019 usability testing we have made independent troubleshooting a priority. Be sure to first use the IS website if you’re having technical difficulties.
    • Search Tip : Use the IS Search on the right sidebar (or near the bottom of the page if on a mobile device) to find the information you need faster!
  • Email Support – Are you still not finding how to solve your issue on the website? Email the Help Desk or our Student Computer Consultants!
    • Email Tips : Provide a precise and concise subject line of what you would like solved. Add the steps that you took leading up to the issue and add a screenshot of the issue you’re experiencing.
  • Call the Help Desk – If you are unable to solve issues with one of your K College accounts you can call the Help Desk at 269.337.5800 between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m EST. Monday – Friday. Please note that with the shift to distance learning for the Spring term, the Help Desk may be experiencing a high volume of requests and response times may be longer than usual.
  • Moodle Support – Are you having issues with Moodle? If so, please inform your professor and they will help direct you from there.
  • Library Support – Your Librarians are here for you! Connect with us on the Library website!

Feedback

Do you feel like we missed something in our Toolkit? If so, please let us know by contacting the Web Services Specialist, Katrina Frank at Katrina.Frank@kzoo.edu.

New Feature: Transferring Print Credits

Posted on by Katrina Frank
An illustration depicting a piece of paper with a ribbon on it.

Would you like to help out a friend who may be in need of a few extra print credits?

Or are you graduating soon and would like to pass your print credits on to a classmate?

Information Services would like to announce that print credits can now be transferred through Papercut!

All you’ll need is the exact username (not email address) of the person you would like to transfer print credits to. For further instruction visit the Student Print Credits section on the Printing page.

For additional information on print credits please connect with a Supervisor at the Circulation Desk or email Circulation@kzoo.edu.