Technology for Students

Technology is woven into the fabric of education at CSU, Chico. Students will use computers in many of their classes and are expected to have their own computer (or easy access to a computer) while off campus. The Chico State Connection portal provides a single point of access for campus electronic resources, including online registration, grades, e-mail, and the learning management system (Blackboard Vista).

There are more than 40 computer labs available for students to use throughout the colleges and departments. All labs have high-speed Internet connections. Most labs have a standard suite of software that includes Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and Internet Explorer. Students are encouraged to use these applications on their home computers as well.

A majority of our students living off campus have network access in their apartments, homes, and residence hall rooms. Students living in the campus-owned residence halls will use ResNet, the in-room broadband access service offered by campus. Students living in off-campus housing can choose from major broadband providers like AT&T and Comcast. The internet access provided by these companies is compatible with all Chico State electronic online systems. Additionally, students with laptops can access Wildcat Wireless, Chico State’s free wireless network, from selected locations on campus, including Meriam Library, the Bell Memorial Union, and common areas in the campus residence halls.

Bringing A Computer From Home

A computer is an indispensable tool during a student’s time at the University. Laptop computers are becoming increasingly more popular because they take up less desktop space and can connect wirelessly at no charge to the Internet from many areas on campus.

Buying A New Computer

Generally, all newer computers are capable of running the supported software. The exact model your student chooses will vary depending on his or her major and funds available. For advice on specific models, call A.S. ComputerWorks at (530) 898-4447 or visit AS Bookstore for information on special student pricing on Apple and Dell computers. The university fully supports both Apple and Windows systems.

Supported Software

Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet Explorer make up the basic campus supported software suite. MS Office is available at a significant student discount at A.S. ComputerWorks, located inside the A.S. Bookstore in the Bell Memorial Union ((530) 898-4447).

Purchasing Computers On Campus

A.S. ComputerWorks offers special student savings on Macintosh, Compaq, Micron, and Hewlett Packard, among others. It has several configurations in stock and can special order custom configurations.

Educationally Priced Software

A.S. ComputerWorks offers substantial student discounts on software from Microsoft, Adobe, Macromedia, Borland, and many others. If it doesn’t have what your student needs in stock, staff can order it. Ask about the CSU/Microsoft license agreement that allows you to install selected Microsoft products on your student’s computer for a small licensing fee.

Internet Access

Students can connect to university resources on the Internet using Wildcat Broadband, Wildcat Dial-Up modem service, Wildcat Wireless, or any Internet service provider (ISP). To connect using Wildcat Dial-Up, students should have a 56K modem. For more information on Wildcat services, visit Communications Services.

Students staying in one of the ResNet-connected residence halls will need an Ethernet connection in their computers. For more details, see the ResNet home page.

The Chico State Connection Web Portal

All students are expected to initialize their campus portal accounts. In addition to providing access to online registration, the portal provides access to a range of online services, including grades, e-mail, campus announcements, a personalized calendar, and access to the learning management system, Blackboard Vista. The learning management system is used in many courses to deliver course materials and provide collaborative activities both inside and outside of class.

For students to initialize their portal account, they need to visit Your Portal Account.

Technical Support, Portal Accounts, And Software Help

Student Computing, from its helpdesk in the first floor computer lab in Meriam Library, can assist students with general software issues, accessing the campus wireless network, and using the Portal (including e-mail and course registration questions). Call (530) 898-HELP (4357) or visit Student Computing.

Hardware Service And Support

A.S. ComputerWorks is an authorized service center for Apple and Hewlett Packard. It offers many services, including set-up and delivery, software installation, remote access configuration, and troubleshooting. Call (530) 898-4447.

Wildcat Card

Your student’s identification card (Wildcat Card) is his or her key to electronic transactions. Both parents and students can add money to the Wildcat ID card (Wildcat Dollars account) and use it for many on-campus purchases.

Use The Wildcat Dollars For

• General purchases and books, A.S. Bookstore, online
• Printing in all open-access computer labs and some department labs
• Copying in Meriam Library
• Food at all on-campus food locations
• Tickets for university events at the University Box Office
• CNS payments and other services

Telephone And Voice Mail Services

Telephone and voicemail service through Communications Account Services (CASV) is provided to students living in University-owned Residence Halls. 

CASV offers a variety of voice services, including local and long distance services. Individual billing is offered for each student, providing privacy and preventing abuse by others, and is available when a student moves in. A phone for each room is also provided.

CASV also provides voice mail services, allowing callers to leave private messages for a specific party. Other services such as caller ID and call waiting are available as well. To sign up call (530) 898-6868 or stop by CASV in Butte Hall, room 405.