CIS Technology Support in Campus Housing

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.

This year there is only one way to get TV programing. The Cable jack in residential housing is no longer funtional.

•                                       Xfinity streaming is available to students residing on campus.

  1^st Install the Xfinity Stream App from the App Store or Google Play.

  2^nd Visit xfinityoncampus.com

  3^rd In the search field enter “Seattle Pacific University”

  4^th Log in with your SPU login

  5^th Once authenticated, start watching!

  (The Xfinity Streaming account includes a DVR function!)

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.