For New Students
Welcome to Gordon College!
Technology is an important part of your Gordon education, and the Center for Educational Technologies (CET) is here to assist you with all of your technology needs. We look forward to working with you in the years ahead.
Read the New Student FAQ below, then click on the Support link to the left for help in setting up your Gordon account, answering your technology questions, selecting a computer, connecting to our network and getting additional help from CET.
At anytime, the staff of CET would be more than happy to talk with you in person about any of your questions or concerns.
Chris Jones
Director
Center for Educational Technologies
o: Jenks 317
p: 978.867.4500
e: CET
FAQ's
How do I set up my Gordon account?
Accounts for new students are created within one week of sending in your deposit. If you are a new student and have sent in your deposit, you can Activate your account now.
Which type of computer do you recommend I bring to campus?
While you are not required to own your own computer, you are strongly encouraged to purchase and bring one of the Gordon Recommended Laptops to campus. Please visit www.gordon.edu/laptop for details on the recommended laptop program at Gordon College.
What if I have problems with my computer?
If you experience any problems with your computer, you can bring it to the CET and we can assist you with the problem. While we are working on your computer, you can rent a loaner laptop (subject to availability) for $5/day. However, if you purchased the Gordon recommended laptop (see question above), this rental fee will be waived.
Are there computer labs on campus?
Gordon College has three public computer labs. Each lab is equipped with a laser printer, Microsoft Office, email, web browsers, scanners, and the Macintosh lab is equipped with sound and video editing software.
Do I need to bring a printer to campus?
It is recommended but not required that you have a small printer in your room. Our computer labs are equipped with large laser printers and each student gets a small amount of “free printing quota” each semester to use on the printers. More printing quota can be purchased at any time from CET. However, access to these printers is limited to library hours and can be heavily used during “crunch” times. Having a small printer in your room enables you to print anytime you need to and provides the most flexibility.
What software is provided by Gordon?
Each student can receive one copy of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) for Windows OR Macintosh. Please do not pay extra for this when you buy your computer, because it is free to registered students. Each student can also receive a copy of the latest version of the Microsoft Operating System. All of this software is available from CET when you present your Gordon College ID card along with payment for the DVD media ($10.63). In addition, Gordon students are entitled to significant discounts on Adobe products and Flash. Check out www.gordon.edu/software for more details. Antivirus software is free and required for all computers running Windows that are connected to the campus network. Recommended software can be downloaded for free from our website at www.gordon.edu/antivirus.
Can I get the Microsoft Office software you provide BEFORE I arrive on campus?
If you purchase the Windows recommended laptop (www.gordon.edu/laptop), the laptop will come preinstalled with all the Microsoft Office software and can be shipped to your house in advance. If you purchase the Mac recommended laptop, you will need to purchase Microsoft Office when you arrive on campus for Orientation and get your ID Card. If you chose not to purchase the recommended computers, you can also get Microsoft Office when you arrive.
How do I connect to the campus network in my residence hall room?
To connect to the campus network in your room you may either connect to the wireless network or bring an Ethernet cable to plug your computer into the campus network. If you wish to connect via Ethernet cable, you will need different lengths depending on the residence hall you are in. We sell 25-foot Ethernet cables in our College Bookstore and have found these to be long enough for all the residence rooms. If you want to purchase one ahead of time, we recommend getting a 25-foot Ethernet Cable (available at most computer stores).
Is there wireless on campus?
Yes, there is wireless in all residence halls and in most academic buildings on campus.
Can I bring my own wireless access point or router to campus?
No. Gordon does not allow any wireless access points or routers on campus other than the official access points and network equipment owned by the College. Plugging in anything to the campus network other than a computer or printer can cause network problems across our network and may result in loss of your network privileges or fines.
o: Jenks 317
p: 978.867.4500
e: CET