University Computers
Faculty Computers
Information Technology provides each faculty member with a standard computer. You have your choice of a laptop or a desktop. Certain faculty may also have a choice between a Windows or MAC platform.
Computers are replaced every three to five years to the latest industry standard. If you require any special requests for a computer you must seek permission from your Dean before we can fill that request. Please view the standard computer link for the most recent configuration.
Staff Computers
Computers for staff members, including academic and administrative staff, are supplied by the IT department. Unless other arrangements are made with your supervisor and the Director of IT, you will receive a Windows or Macintosh desktop computer. As with faculty systems, staff computers are replaced once every three to five years. Computers for staff are tied to a position, not an individual. Thus, new employees are not automatically eligible for a new computer. Please view the standard computer link for the most recent configuration.
Installing Your New Computer
Your computer will be set up and installed by an Information Technology Computer Technician. The technician will transfer the files from your old PC to the new. Your computer will come preinstalled with our standard suite of software. Other software needs will be fulfilled pending the proper licensing. Your old PC will be taken away for disposal when the new computer is installed.
Network Access
Your Dean or department head must authorize a Network Access form to be connected to E-mail, the Datatel administrative system and Network storage access.
Printing
Faculty and staff members shall print to the network attached laser printer in the department for which they work.
Printer issues shall be reported to the Information Technology Help Desk at ext 5200.
University Supplied Software
Roger Williams University provides access to a variety of standard software running under Windows XP as well as Macintosh OS 9 and OS X. Faculty and staff may also visit the eacademy web site to purchase software for a minimal fee.
If you would like any additional software available to your students, please contact the Academic Technology Center as soon as possible. The student lab configurations are usually established well in advance of the beginning of the semester.
Viruses
Anti-virus software and a current list of virus definitions will come pre-installed on your Roger Williams University computer. In addition, all Roger Williams University servers run anti-virus software that usually catches viruses before they can reach your desktop computer.
Usernames and Passwords
When you come to Roger Williams University you will be given an Roger Williams University username and password. When possible, usernames consist of the first initial of your first name followed by your last name. For example, if your name was John Smith, your e-mail address would be jsmith@rwu.edu.
Most new faculty will receive a letter containing their account information prior to arriving on campus. Other new employees usually receive their account information on the first day of employment from their supervisor, department chair, or department academic coordinator. If your account hasn't been set up, please contact the helpdesk at ext 5200 to receive an update on the status of your account.
You may change your Roger Williams University password by performing the following steps:
- After logging into your computer, hit CTRL+ATL+DEL
- Click the Change Password box
- Enter your new password
- Confirm your new password
Network Storage Space
Your Roger Williams University password provides access to secure personal storage space for e-mail, your documents (your Userfiles or "S:" drive), and your web site (your WWW space or "U:" drive).
E-mail, files on the network drives and web servers are backed up regularly. The S: drive in particular is an excellent place to backup your work documents. The University does not have a system for backing up the contents of individual computers. You are responsible for backing up the contents of your computer.
Web Pages
Faculty and staff at Roger Williams University who want to create personal web pages will have a web account created for them.
To request web space, click here.
If you want additional information about creating web pages, that is available on the IT web site.
Computers and Teaching
Blackboard Course Web Sites
Well before the beginning of each semester, course web site templates are created in Blackboard for all Roger Williams University courses and sections. The courses are configured to be unavailable and will display only for the faculty teaching them.
As part of configuring and setting up a Blackboard course site, faculty can make it available to students. Students who officially enroll in Roger Williams University courses are added closer to the beginning of the semester. The class rosters in Blackboard are updated regularly during the first weeks of the semester. See the local documentation on Blackboard for more information.
On-line Class Lists and Advisee Information
The myRWU website provides faculty members with access to the University's administrative system. myRWU is a web-based system that uses your Roger Williams University account for authentication.