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General technology information for Faculty and Staff

If you are a new user of technology at Calvin, you should receive a packet of information that includes your username and passphrases. If you have not received this packet of information please contact your department chair or your supervisor. The information on this page is the same as found in the information packet.

Calvin Information Technology (CIT) provides computing, telephone and cable television services to the students, faculty, and staff of Calvin College. If you have problems with your computer, telephone or cable television, please contact the HelpDesk at x6-8555, Monday – Friday from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm, or by e-mail at helpdesk@calvin.edu. After-hours support is not available.  For additional information on CIT resources please see http://www.calvin.edu/it

As a user of Calvin information technology resources it is your responsibility to be aware of both Calvin's policies on using Calvin's information technologies and federal, state, and local laws that affect your use of technology. CIT polices are statements of the behaviors that are expected of all enfranchised users (e.g., faculty, staff, students, alumni, guests, etc.) of Calvin College information technology resources, and the consequences for failing to comply with the stated expectations. They are intended to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, to promote operational efficiencies, to enhance the college's mission, or to reduce institutional risks. As a Christian College, what might be allowed under the law may not be allowed at Calvin. To see what Calvin expects of you, what your rights are and how to report violations, please see CIT Policies.

Account Information Sheet

You have been assigned a unique Calvin username and e-mail address. When you start at Calvin you will be given an new user packet with a yellow Account Information sheet. The Account Information sheet also gives you your passphrases for all your IT accounts. After logging into your CIT accounts the first time you must change your passphrases. For additional account information please contact the HelpDesk at x6-8555.

Teaching and Learning Support Services

CIT’s Teaching and Learning team assist faculty in incorporating new ways of using technology in teaching research, and learning. They also provide online resources, workshops, and LunchBytes, to help you meet your educational technology goals.

FAQ for Faculty and Staff

The answer to many questions you may have will be found in this FAQ. Although designed for the new user, it contains IT account information for everyone.

Novell GroupWise Quick Start Guide

This quick start guide gets you started using the various features of GroupWise. The Quick Start Guide is not available online. To request a quick start guide please call the HelpDesk at x6-8555. Quick start guides are available for Mac, Windows, and Web Access.

Using Your Calvin Telephone

Using Your Calvin Telephone shows you how to use the basic features on your Calvin telephone. Additional General Telephone Information is also available.

Using the Audix Voice-mail System

This Using the Audix Voice-mail System sheet gives you instructions for: accessing your mailbox and customizing your voice-mail account. A white wallet-size Voice Messaging card is also included.

Where to go for help

The CIT HelpDesk is the place to start for all of your computer, software, printer, telephone, and cable television problems, questions or requests. 
 
How to contact the HelpDesk
The most direct route to the HelpDesk is by calling x6-8555. If you are unable to use your phone or wish to contact the HelpDesk in another way, you may send e-mail to helpdesk@calvin.edu or visit us on the first floor of the Hekman Library (HL 106).  Even if you aren’t sure the HelpDesk is the right place to get help please contact us anyhow. We are happy to direct you to the correct on or off-campus resource.

    • HelpDesk phone: 616-526-8555
    • e-mail: helpdesk@calvin.edu

 HelpDesk Location
The HelpDesk is part of the main Calvin Information Technology offices located on the 1st Floor of the Hekman Library (HL 106). The receptionist at the CIT front desk will direct you to the HelpDesk area.

When you contact the HelpDesk

  • Please identify yourself (first and last name) and your department so we may log your call.
  • When leaving a message, please be as specific as possible about the reason you are calling.  If you encounter an error message please write it down so you can give us that information when you call.

More information regarding Calvin Information Technology is available online at http://www.calvin.edu/it. 

How to keep current on Information Technology

For all the latest news and events that are happening in CIT please read The IT Connection. You can access this online newsletter at http://www.calvin.edu/go/connection.  The IT Connection is updated weekly and summarized each Tuesday in Calvin News.