Residential students will move into their dorm room or apartment in just a few days. Technology services are an important part of the residential experience and SPU offers a host of top-notch technology to make your time here more productive. Please review this message so that you come to campus prepared!
New to SPU?
Prepare for your arrival on campus now by going to New To SPU to learn about campus technology resources. There are also instructions for getting your SPU email setup and configured on all your devices (computers, tablets, smart phones). Go to SPU Email Setup for email configuration instructions.
Wireless (and Wired) Networking
All residential buildings have robust wireless throughout the building. Many students bring multiple devices to campus that will connect to the campus wireless network (laptops, smart phones, tablets, gaming consoles, etc.). Once connected and registered, devices can seamlessly roam throughout campus on the WiFi. Here is a quick guide to network connectivity in the residence halls and campus apartments.
- Laptops, smart phones, and tablet computers on the wireless (WiFi) network must register and authenticate. Look for the network ID called SPU-Wireless, the network key/password is the same as the network ID ("SPU-Wireless" without the quotes, case sensitive). Once connected to the SPU-Wireless network, launch a web browser and login with your SPU Username and Password.
- Personal Wireless Access Points and Routers are NOT ALLOWED on the campus network and will negatively impact all other network users.
- Gaming Consoles (Xbox, PS3, Nintendo Wii, etc...) can connect to the wireless network however you may need to manually register your gaming console for network access. Go here for instructions to get your gaming device on the campus network.
- Video/Streaming Devices (Roku, DVR's, AppleTV, smart TV's, etc.). SPU provides a "best effort" level of service to assist in getting these devices connected -- BUT DOES NOT guarantee that all devices will work. There are some limitations and restrictions in the design of the campus network that may prevent certain levels of connectivity or functionality. Go here for more information.
- Wired Connections We have invested heavily to make the SPU WiFi network robust for nearly all networking needs, but there may be some equipment or devices that require a Wired network connection. Wired network connections in the Residence Halls are activated on a "as requested" basis. Go here for instructions to request your wired network port be activated.
For more information about general network connectivity on campus, go here.
Guest Wireless
SPU students should use and register on the SPU-Wireless network (see instructions above) -- but parents, friends, and campus guests may use the Guest Internet Access. Connect to the network ID called SPU-Guests, then launch a web browser and follow the guest registration instructions. SPU guests must provide a valid email address or text messaging cell phone number for registration. Additional instructions for Guest Access are provided here.
Personal Printers
Wireless printers DO NOT WORK on the campus wireless network. Disable the wireless networking on your printer and use a USB cable (available at the SPU Bookstore or other stores) to connect to your computer.
Better yet, leave your personal printer at home and use your print credit! As an alternative to bringing your own printer to campus, use the campus-provided copiers/printers. Many of these multi-function printers (MFP's) are located in student accessible locations (the Library, SUB, and many classroom buildings) and provide high quality B&W plus color printing and copying at very good rates (4 cents for B&W, 8 cents for color). All students are provided a small "free print quota" to use the campus-wide MFP equipment. The MFP's also provide document scanning to email for free! So leave your printer at home and make better use of your room space.
More information about using the campus MFP copiers/printers is here.
TV's and SPU CableTV Service
SPU has contracted with Comcast (Xfinity) to provide on-campus CableTV service in the residence halls and campus apartments. There are approximately 120 viewing channels (90+ in HD). You can preview the channel lineup here.
There are TWO ways to get CableTV programming for SPU residential students:
- Watch Comcast (Xfinity On Campus) CableTV Channels on your computer or select Apple and Android tablets or phones. The Xfinity On Campus service is available to SPU students who live in campus housing units. The service requires you to login with your SPU Username and Password. Start watching at xfinityoncampus.com (you'll need to be on-campus to do this). Select Seattle Pacific University from the campus list, then login with your SPU Username and Password. You'll be able to browse the channel lineup with the built-in media player and view live TV broadcasts and selected On-Demand shows. NEW THIS YEAR for Xfinity On Campus is 20 Hours of cloud-based DVR storage.
- Use the Cable TV jack in your room - Connect your TV to the CableTV system through a coaxial TV jack and cable. BRING A TV COAX CABLE WITH YOU TO CAMPUS. Some TV's may need to be programmed once on campus to get all of the channels. In order for your television to work with the campus CableTV service it needs to have a “QAM” (or ClearQAM) capable channel tuner. Most consumer grade TV's purchased since 2006 support digital QAM tuning.
Go here for more detailed information about the requirements for connecting your TV to the SPU cable TV system.
Security Patches and Updates Before Campus Arrival
Installing operating system security patches and application updates on ALL of your computer devices BEFORE YOU ARRIVE on campus is one of the best strategies to assure quick and easy access to the campus technology resources. Download and install your Windows Updates, your iOS and Android updates, and check your computer browsers (Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox) for updates. A few minutes now will save headaches and irritations later.
CIS HelpDesk Services
Is your computer having trouble? Need help with Banner or logging in to Canvas? Think you might have a software virus or your computer is running very slowly? Having trouble getting your phone connected to SPU Email? We're here to help! Stop by the CIS HelpDesk in Lower Marston Hall and we can help with your technical issues.
CIS HelpDesk Hours
Beginning Monday, September 25th, and for the rest of the academic year, the CIS HelpDesk will be open extended support hours (evenings and Saturdays).
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Extended Hours
(phone, email and classroom support, office visits by appointment)
Monday - Thursday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.