Overview of Services

Information technology is an essential element of academic life, enabling study, research and personal communication. As a means to excellence in achieving its education, research and service missions, the University provides and supports computing and electronic communication services for all its students, faculty and staff. Beginning here, we invite you to become acquainted with the variety and depth of information technology resources available.

• The university operates a high-speed data network to provide internal communication and access to the Internet. The campus network backbone operates at 100 mb/second among key internal service points. Most individual computers receive data at 10 mb/second. In addition to connecting the many central computing systems and office desktops, the University supports an extensive residential network that reaches on-campus residence halls. For those who desire to "roam free" in their computing, a wireless data network has been developed.
  
  
• All students, faculty and staff receive electronic identity (e-ID) accounts free of charge as they enroll at the university. Individuals activate their e-ID through a series of web pages and forms that begin on the accounts page. This electronic identity can be used to send and receive electronic mail and for access to a variety of other systems and services.
  
  
• For example, a series of integrated information systems allow students, faculty and staff instant access to necessary business and academic progress information while safeguarding the integrity and security of sensitive data. Students now apply for admission online and are guided through freshman orientation electronically. Using a set of functionality called e-campus they also register for classes and coordinate their schedules, check financial aid and account information, buy textbooks and pay tuition bills.
  
  
• Many academic departments, programs and colleges operate independent servers for education and research. Technology-enhanced classrooms and an array of general and departmental computer labs support needs ranging from music composition to high-tech software development.
  
  
• The university has licensed a suite of software programs for use by university affiliates. They include email clients, web browsers, anti-virus programs and other packages useful in communication and file transfer. There is no charge to affiliates who download and install these programs.
  
  
• All users are welcome to reserve space for general file storage and personal web pages. In addition, these host accounts (located on JMU Web, Peregrin, SecureWeb, etc.) provide a variety of software used for academic research and coursework.
  
  
• Faculty members are especially encouraged to use the web for course support, either by using web space on their departmental server or through access to Blackboard. The Blackboard server provides similar website support with additional options such as electronic gradebooks and student mailing list management, as well as optional integration with electronic testing and assessment capabilities.
  
  
• Electronic scan sheet testing for faculty, electronic scan sheet surveying for faculty, staff, and students, and scan sheet course evaluation services are available through our testscoring services.
  
  
• The Telecom office operates the university telephone system and also coordinates service and billing for long distance voice service and dial-up access for those who subscribe.
  
  
• To provide personal support and advice in using the University's information technology resources, the HelpDesk operates on an extensive service schedule. Any JMU-affiliate who needs assistance with a computer or who has a question can call 568.3555, visit the HelpDesk facility on the lower floor of Frye Building, or log a request by email to helpdesk@jmu.edu. Computer equipment malfunctions and breakages are also logged through the HelpDesk.
  
  
• Besides the HelpDesk, Computing Support also offers desktop installation support, training, and a variety of on-line self-help and information resources.
  
  
• To help individuals stay in touch with all of this activity, the university computing website, technology alerts and a technical advisory e-newsletter are also available.
  
  

We look forward to interacting with you as you use these and the many other information technology resources available to you as a member of the JMU community.