Ruckus FAQ

If you need help using Ruckus please go to their online Ruckus Help Menu.

What is Ruckus?
Ruckus is an online music service. Calvin has partnered with them to give every Calvin student, using a Windows computer, free & legal music downloads from the Ruckus library of 3+ Million songs. Alumni, faculty, and staff can join for $8.99 a month.

Do I need to worry about the downloads being legal?
Ruckus certifies that all downloads are 100% legal, virus-free and spyware-free.

How do I create an account?
Simply go to Ruckus's website, and enter your Calvin email address. The registration process only takes a few minutes. Make sure that you:

Simple Ruckus Search Bar

Search Bar with Search Options and News Ticker

What will I get with my Ruckus account?

  • Free unlimited download access from your Windows computer, to a Library of 3+ Million Songs.
  • Ability to download albums in less than a minute.
  • New music every week.
  • Ruckus programmed playlists and album reviews.
  • Exclusive artist and music label spotlights, interviews, and photos.
  • The ability to create and share your own playlists with your friends.

What about movies and TV shows?
For $15 per semester, you can download movies and TV shows. To use this feature you must be accessing Ruckus from on-campus.

Can I download my music to an iPod or MP3 player?
For $20 a semester you can subscribe to Ruckus to Go and download your music to a Microsoft certified “PlaysforSure” MP3 player. Sorry, but Ruckus to Go is not available for iPods.

Why can't I use this service on my iPod or Macintosh computer?
Apple has their own Digital Rights Management system that only works with iTunes and the iPod and they have not licensed it for anyone else to use. We will continue to watch the technology landscape and if this situation changes, we will look into a service that provides access to legal music for all computer users.

For more information please visit the Ruckus help pages about these questions.
Does Ruckus work on Macintosh/Apple machines?
Will my iPod/iPhone play Ruckus to Go music?