- Available wireless networks
- Supported devices and operating systems
- Wireless locations (complete list)
- Troubleshooting
- Report a problem
Available Wireless Networks
Calvin provides different ways to connect to Calvin's wireless network depending on your relationship to Calvin.
The CalvinStudents wireless network is available for all currently enrolled Calvin students, dual-enrolled students, and admits who have paid their deposit. The CalvinWireless network is available for all current faculty and staff as well as teaching emeriti. These networks require a Calvin account and passphrase and are not available for guest/visitor use.
The calvinguest network is available for all visitors and guests. It is an open network that does not require setup or a password. Note: calvinguest is not available campus-wide. The "common" areas on campus have guest wireless access. These areas include floors 1-3 of the library, various atriums, and the cafes/coffee shops (see Wireless Locations for a complete list).
Role |
Wireless Access |
Authenticated/Open |
| Full-time faculty | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Part-time faculty | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Visiting faculty | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Visiting scholars | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Teaching emeriti | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Active emeriti | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Inactive emeriti | calvinguest | open |
| Full-time staff | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Part-time staff | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Temporary staff | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Contract employee | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Retiree | calvinguest | open |
| Student | CalvinStudents | authenticated |
| Admitted applicant | calvinguest | open |
| Deposited admitted applicant | CalvinStudents | authenticated |
| Students on Hiatus | CalvinStudents | authenticated |
| Graduates | CalvinStudents | authenticated |
| Ex-students | CalvinStudents | authenticated |
| Dual-enrolled students | CalvinStudents | authenticated |
| Board of trustees | CalvinWireless | authenticated |
| Guest/parent/visitor | calvinguest | open |
Note for students: At peak times, the wireless networks may experience slowness or disrupted connections. Each dorm room or apartment is equipped with at least one ResNet (wired Ethernet) jack per resident. If you experience slowness or disruption CIT recommends using ResNet. If you are using a stationary device - such as a game system, DVR, desktop computer - please connect the device using Ethernet rather than wireless. This will give the stationary device a better connection and help accommodate mobile devices on wireless connections. Click here to request an Ethernet cable.
Supported Devices and Operating Systems
The CIT HelpDesk provides support for wireless connectivity for Microsoft Windows (XP SP3, Vista SP2, 7 SP1) and Apple Macintosh (OS 10.4.11+ or OS 10.6.7+) computers only at this time.
Click HERE to connect your computer
We are unable to provide support for the following devices but have complied online instructions for connecting:
- Android or iOS mobile devices
- Other devices such as Game consoles (Wii, Xbox, Playstation, etc), Nook, Internet TVs, DVRsplease use the Internet-Ready Device Registration form.
- GNU/Linux computers (provided by the Computer Science "Abstraction" club)
We are not able to support connecting personal desktop printers to the wireless networks. Many wireless printers do not have the configuration options for our network security. Students can print from their personal computers to public printers using WebPrint. Most personal desktop printers can be connected directly to the computer with a USB "A to B" type cable.
Note for students:At peak times, the wireless networks may experience slowness or disrupted connections. Each dorm room or apartment is equipped with at least one ResNet (wired Ethernet) jack per resident. If you experience slowness or disruption CIT recommends using ResNet. If you are using a stationary device - such as a game system, DVR, desktop computer - please connect the device using Ethernet rather than wireless. This will give the stationary device a better connection and help accommodate mobile devices on wireless connections. Click here to request an Ethernet cable.
Wireless Locations
Click here for a printable list.
Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing problems connecting to wireless, you may stop by the HelpDesk with your computer during business hours (8AM - 5PM Mon-Fri).
For your convenience, the following troubleshooting steps may resolve the issue:
- Is your wireless card turn on? Many laptops have a physical wireless "switch" on either side or the front. These switches can be easily bumped into the "off" position. Other laptops have a wireless "hot button" on or above the keyboard, or allow wireless to be switched on/off by holding down the Fn key (usually in the bottom left area of the keyboard) and pressing the corresponding function key along the top.
- Are you in an area that has wireless coverage? Please refer to the complete list of wireless locations. Please note that some areas may experience "bleed-through". If you have been able to connect in an area not on the list, it is possible you may experience disruption in the connection. We cannot guarantee connection outside of the areas listed above.
- If you are attempting to connect to CalvinStudents or CalvinWireless, have you successfully configured the network on your computer? For security reasons, connecting to these networks is not as simple as selecting the network and clicking Connect. There is a bit of setup involved that can be done manually or by connecting to the wireles_setup_instructions network, loading an Internet browser, and following the instructions. The XpressConnect application will automatically configure the wireless network on your computer.
- If you are a student attempting to connect to CalvinStudents, have you successfully registered your computer on the network this semester? Each semester (fall, interim/spring, summer) we reset the system that manages the student wireless network so you will need to connect to CalvinStudents, open an Internet browser, and follow the instructions for setup and registration. Click to view the system requirements.
- If you are connected to CalvinStudents but have a 10.3.x.x IP address, you have connected to the network but the computer has not completed registration. If you believe you have successfully completed the registration, please reboot your computer. This will release and renew the IP address and place your computer on the correct network. If you have not completed registration, please load an Internet browser and following the instructions.
- If you are unable to connect and have received a notice regarding an Acceptable Use Policy or DMCA violation, please contact Student Life.
Report a Problem
Please complete and submit the following form if you would like to report a wireless connectivity problem to the HelpDesk. The submitted form will be entered into a work order. You will be contacted and/or updated on the status via your Calvin e-mail.
