Computer won't compute? Software being quirky? Can't get your e-mail to send and receive? Help is available from Nichols IT.
Nichols graduates move into a working world that uses the latest in computer technology. We decided years ago that helping them learn how to use this technology was part of our job, and that's why we were one of the first colleges to offer personal computers to all our students.
Along with that goes the technical assistance we all need. Information Technology help is available by e-mail and on-line, but there's also a human being to talk to during office hours in the IT Department on the bottom floor of Conant Library. A living person! Imagine!
Understanding that business leaders must be familiar with many of the application tools used throughout the corporate environment, and eager to provide students with the latest tools and technologies to enhance learning, Nichols College was one of the first schools in the nation to offer a personal computer plan for students.
The Information Technology Department manages the PC Plan.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact:
Cynthia Lafortune, PC Support Specialist
Nichols College
127 Center Road, PO Box 5000
Dudley, MA 01571
Phone: (508) 213-2415
E-Mail: Cindy Lafortune
1. Every year, the staff selects the best computers on the market with the specific curricular needs and interests of our students in mind. We know what applications are required for classes and make sure these are available to all.
2. Having similar computers and software provides a uniform system campus wide. Students, faculty, and staff can focus on course work rather than the technical details and problems that arise when there is a wide range of differing computers. Standardization also increases the ability of students to help each other if a question about the computer arises.
3. Having comparable computers improves the quality of technical support.
4. Nichols licensed Microsoft Office 2007 Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access and Outlook) is available for purchase at a nominal fee at the Nichols College Bookstore.
* Please note: Nichols College strongly recommends that students insure their computers for fire and theft on their or their parent's homeowner's insurance.
With your Nichols email account, you can log onto http://help.nichols.edu to access the Nichols IT Help Desk Ticketing System to open a trouble ticket or to find answers to commonly asked questions of the following IT related questions and/or problems:
* Cable TV
* Network/Internet
* Nichols Email
* Voice Mail
* Computer hardware/software
In addition, Nichols College provides an onsite computer technician in the IT Dept located on the bottom floor of Conant Library to support students with questions and/or software issues.
Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
For students who own a Nichols recommended computer system: Should students have hardware problems, a toll free telephone number is given which directly connects them to the manufacturer's technical support line. The technical support is available 24/7 and the replacement parts, as well as, the depot or onsite service is FREE OF CHARGE. Since IBM service technicians are not allowed in dorm rooms, all systems needing servicing should be brought to the IT Department.
For students who bring their own personal computer system: IT will offer limited networking assistance. Should students have hardware problems, they will need to contact the manufacturer for any additional support.
At Nichols College, we not only provide support for the computer, we also provide the training. All first year students attend a computer applications class to familiarize them with their computers and provide them with the skills they need to prosper at Nichols College and the technological world they will enter upon graduation.
Every student is also provided with a Nichols email account through Microsoft Exchange Server. Nichols email is a great way for the students to keep informed about the activities occurring on campus as well as communicating with the faculty, coaches, staff members, and each other.
Every student's email address is firstname.lastname@nichols.edu. For example John Adam Smith's email address would be John.Smith@nichols.edu.