USP technology not only helps students communicate with friends and parents, but also helps them become comfortable with computer technology, important for future work lives. When USP graduates leave for their careers, they have the skills they need for a lifetime of work.

In order to do that, here’s what USP has to offer:

• A free e-mail account for every student.
• Complete Internet access from any computer on the campus network.
• Public access computer labs across the campus, including Wilson Student Center, the Library, and the residence halls.
• A state-of-the-art fiber optics gigabit ethernet network, with the capability of 100 base-T to the desktop.
• A data port for full Internet access for each student in each residence hall room.
• Dial-in for e-mail access off campus.
• 24-hour electronic library, with access to the fulltext of articles from over 1400 journals and magazines.
• Free local telephone service for on-campus students.
• Free voice mail for all students.
• Free cable TV with 37 channels for on-campus students.
• An electronic bookstore, so students can purchase books without standing in line.
• First-year computer course and other coursework to help students easily integrate technology into their lives.

USP technology reflects what exists in the real world, what graduates will be faced with in their professional careers. While USP does not require the purchase of a computer, students who have their own computers become comfortable with technology very quickly and are even better prepared for the working world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Technology

Does USP require students to purchase a computer?

No. But we do encourage students, if at all possible, to have their own computers. Students who do will acquire good computer skills faster and easier—and they also always have access to a computer any time they need one.

What kind of computer should a student have in order to hook into the computer network?

A Pentium or equivalent, with 32mb of RAM, 1.6gb hard drive, a USP-approved Network Interface Card, and Windows 95 or 98. Call 215-596-8795 for more information.

Isn’t a modem required?

No. Students in the residence halls have a direct connection to the Internet, much faster and more reliable than a phone line. An ethernet card is required in order to connect to the network.

If students don’t have their own computers, are computers available?

There are 4 computer labs on campus, two of them open until midnight. There are also small computer labs in the residence halls, available 24 hours a day. Scanners and laser printers are also available.

Can students get an e-mail account?

Every matriculated student is entitled to a free e-mail account, assigned when they come onto campus and take a half-hour introduction on ethics and use. Call 215-895-1197 for more information.

How about off-campus students?

Off-campus students can dial in to their e-mail accounts. If it’s not a local call for them, they may prefer to come in over the Internet.

Can students access the Internet?

All computers on the campus network have a fast and reliable connection to the Internet. Off-campus students will need an Internet service provider, but then will be able to reach many of the items on the campus network.

Does the University provide phone service?

All students have a voice mail box that can be accessed from anywhere in the world with a simple phone call. On-campus students receive free local telephone service; all they need is a phone. Call 215-596-8946 for more information.

Is the library catalog online?

Not only is the library’s catalog online, but also major databases and almost 1500 magazines and journals. This collection can be tapped at any time, night or day, from anywhere on the campus network. Some instructors use an electronic reserve system, where they place course syllabi and readings online, accessible from anywhere, anytime.

Can students register online?

Not yet, but in the foreseeable future. Right now, students can order and pay for their textbooks online.

What if a student doesn’t know much about computers?

Each first-year student takes an introductory computer course to learn basic software programs and how to use the Internet and e-mail. From the beginning, many instructors communicate with their classes by e-mail. Later on, students learn how to use other software programs.

What if a student knows a lot about computers?

Some of our students come to college with very good computer skills. If so, they’ll test out of the first-year class. They can also choose to major or minor in computer science, or take classes in programming, electronic resources, or website design.

Policy for Responsible Use of Computing Resources

Policies and Standards for Creating Web Pages

Policy for Responsible Use of Computing Resources
Policies and Standards for Creating Web Pages
Campus Network, Instructional Network and Email FAQ
Electronic Bookstore
Electronic Library
Department of Information Technology