Information Resources

Information Resources plans and provides resources, training, and support for campus information and technology services. Information Resources covers the Meriam Library information resources and services; student, staff, and faculty technology support and instruction in using information and technology; student Web space, campus e-mail, Portal access; media services and online course services.

Information Technology & Computing Resources

The exchange of electronic information is an integral part of our academic experience at CSU, Chico. Students communicate with professors and peers using e-mail, the Web, and groupware. Library research, course information, registration, your grades, your student records, and much more are available through the Chico State Portal. Class syllabi, quizzes, reviews, self tests, and many other learning activities are also available online.

The University ensures all students have access to the skills and equipment needed to join this electronic learning community. All students have access to free e-mail accounts, free wireless access, and numerous computer labs. Training sessions on computer applications are provided, and both walk-in and phone help are available. The understanding of the nature and use of electronic information is addressed through the campus information literacy program.

Electronic Resources

CSU, Chico on the World Wide Web http://www.csuchico.edu/

Students access a host of important up-to-date campus information through the CSU, Chico home page, http://www.csuchico.edu/, or from the Portal at http://portal.csuchico.edu/.

If you are considering attending CSU, Chico, information on applications and admissions is available on the Chico State home page by clicking on Prospective Students.

The Chico State Portal

The Chico State Portal provides personalized campus information at one secure location. It provides students and faculty single sign-on access to the student information system, where students can add and drop classes, print unofficial transcripts, view your schedule of classes, financial aid information, and more. Another section showcases featured events and organizations. The Portal also provides links to information about campus resources and student organizations.

The Portal provides access to Blackboard Vista, our campus learning management system. Many faculty use Blackboard Vista to communicate with students and post syllabi, and use it as part of their instruction.

Students must be admitted or enrolled at CSU, Chico before using the Portal. Information about initializing your Portal account can be found on the IT Support Services website at http://www.csuchico.edu/itss/ or by going to the IT Support Services helpdesk in Meriam Library.

Access the Portal at http://portal.csuchico.edu or click on the Portal logo on the CSU, Chico Web page (http://www.csuchico.edu/).

Wildcat E-Mail Accounts

CSU, Chico considers e-mail to be an official method for communicating University business with students. Each student is provided with a campus WildcatMail account. You are strongly urged to review the contents of your WildcatMail account on a frequent and regular basis. Critical notifications from the University related to enrollment, academic status, fees, holds, and financial aid will only be sent to students' WildcatMail account. Students who do not wish to use their WildcatMail account can forward messages from this account to an e-mail address used regularly.

Access WildcatMail through the Portal at http://portal.csuchico.edu/.

The Online Class Schedule

The CSU, Chico Class Schedule is found only on the Chico Web at http://www.csuchico.edu/schedule/. You can find links to important policy documents, as well as a step-by-step guide to registration. Courses offered and registration information for those courses are found in the Class Schedule, as well as fee information.

Internet Access and Resources

Wireless Access

Students with laptop computers or other wireless Internet devices can use the free campus wireless service, which provides coverage to most main campus buildings. For more information on how to access the wireless service and for information on our growing coverage areas, visit http://www.csuchico.edu/itss/internet/wireless-info/.

Computer Labs

High-speed access to the Internet, e-mail, the Portal, and the Web is available from nearly all computer labs on campus. See http://www.csuchico.edu/itss/labs/.

Students with disabilities have access to specialized hardware, software, and support in the Assistive Technology Center adjacent to the main computer lab in Meriam Library. For more information, see http://www.csuchico.edu/itss/labs/assistive-tech.shtml.

ResNet

High-speed Internet access is provided in student rooms in the networked residence halls (ResNet). For more information on the ResNet program, contact IT Support Services, 530-898-HELP (4357) or browse http://www.csuchico.edu/resnet/.

Computer Ownership

Having Your Own Computer

The use of personal computers is interwoven in the curriculum, and students benefit greatly by having frequent, convenient access to a computer. Faculty expect that students have ready access to e-mail, library resources, and the Internet from their residences. It is highly recommended that you have your own computer.

Computer Recommendations

Both PC and Macintosh computers are used on campus, although the majority of students use PCs. For specific recommendations contact IT Support Services or the AS ComputerWorks.

Purchasing Computers on Campus

The Associated Students Bookstore's Computer Department sells computers and software products while offering advice on the appropriate system for any major. Special student savings are available on Macintosh, PC computers and Hewlett-Packard printers, plus software from Microsoft, Adobe, and others. They also offer considerable price breaks on Microsoft products, including MS Office.

The Computer Department is an authorized Apple service center. Students attending (or accepted to) Chico State can take advantage of educational pricing and several computer loan programs. Stop by, call 530-898-4447, or see http://www.asbookstore.com/.

Computing Responsibilities

Acceptable Use Policy

Assuring that our campus computing and communications resources are used appropriately and legally is important to all of us. Access to these University facilities and resources is a privilege granted for educational use and legitimate University-related business.

Acceptable use of computing and communications resources at CSU, Chico includes:

• Respect for the legal protections provided by copyright and license to programs and data as well as by University contractual agreements
• Respect for the rights of others by complying with all University policies regarding intellectual property
• Using accurate identification in allelectronic communications to avoid deliberately misrepresenting any user's identity

All users should be aware of and have read the official University "Policy on Use of Computing and Communications Technology," EM 97-18, http://www.csuchico.edu/prs/EMs/2007/07-001.shtml, as well as the California State University System 4CNet Acceptable Use Policy, http://www.cenic.org/calren/aup.html.

Information Security

As part of the campus community, you are expected to protect your own computer, data, and the University networks from viruses, hacking, system slowdowns, or information compromise through cautious and prudent computing practices. Information on current virus protection, system patches and upgrades, insecure applications, bandwidth usage, protecting confidential information, and more is available at http://www.csuchico.edu/isec/.

Computer Availability

Open Access Computer Labs

The University provides a number of computer labs open to all students. Most colleges and departments also offer computer labs to students majoring or taking course work in their areas. See http://www.csuchico.edu/itss/labs/.

Computers in Residence Halls

Students in the residence halls (ResNet) are provided with high-speed network access to their computers. Additionally, computer labs are located in each residence hall for use by residents.

Electronic Information and Computing Help

General Computing Help

For help with computing, connectivity, Internet, and e-mail accounts, check the IT Support Services Web page, http://www.csuchico.edu/itss/ or call the help line at 530-898-HELP (4357).

Free Student Computer Training

IT Support Services provides students with free training on many computer applications. Dates and times are posted in the public labs and at http://www.csuchico.edu/itss/top-nav/trainings-workshops/index.shtml.

Hardware Support

If you need hardware support, call the AS ComputerWorks at 530-898-4447. As an authorized service center, it has a trained staff to help you with all your computing needs.

Telephone and Voice Mail

Telephone and voice mail service throughCommunications Account Services is available for students living in the residence halls.

Billing is individual for each student, providing privacy and preventing abuse by others, and can be available the moment you move in. Call 530-898-6868 for more information.

Information Literacy

Information literacy is more than knowing how to look up a book in the library catalog. It has been described as a new liberal art that extends from knowing how to use computers and access information to critical reflection on the information itself. CSU, Chico is committed to graduating information literate students who will succeed in the information economy and capitalize on their proficiency in their University studies, the work place, as informed citizens, and life-long learners.

The faculty, the University's first-year experience course (UNIV101), and the library work together to integrate information literacy into the curriculum and to give students additional opportunities to improve your skills through Web tutorials, workshops, pathfinders, and individual research consultations.

Technology and the Curriculum

Academic Technologies

Chico State is a leader in the use of learning management systems and video streaming technologies to deliver distance education over the Web.

Academic Technologies offers technical and artistic professional services to the campus community by assisting faculty, students, staff, and administration in the instructional use of media and technology. ATEC manages and supports classroom technology, the online learning management system (Blackboard Vista), online course development, graphic design and publishing, media development and distribution, multimedia design and production, computer imaging and animation, photography, and Web design.

Academic Technologies is located in the basement of the library. For more information call 530-898-6112 or go to http://www.csuchico.edu/atec.

The Meriam Library

The Meriam Library provides an atmosphere and space conducive to study and inquiry for both individuals and small groups. Students have access to a knowledgeable and service-oriented staff and a collection of almost 1 million titles. Online collections, available 24/7, include over 100 databases, over 15,000 electronic journals, and thousands of digital images. To complement the classroom, the Library enhances student learning through one-on-one assistance with research help and an active program to help students learn the effective and critical use of information. In a typical week 35,000 people come to the library to research, study, and work on collaborative projects. Reference librarians provide answers to over 750 questions each week. The library also provides two computer labs with a broad selection of computer software, listening and viewing facilities for multimedia, a silent study floor, and areas for group study. There is wireless access throughout the library for those with personal computing devices. There is an After-hours Lab offering computer access and study space when the rest of the library is closed.

The ReSEARCH station

http://www.csuchico.edu/library/

The ReSEARCH Station serves as the portal to the Library's print and electronic collections and is the starting point for most research. From the ReSEARCH Station you can use the Library Catalog to locate books, periodicals, government documents, journals, newspapers, digital images and maps. Self-service features include making requests for material not available on-campus, managing student library accounts and creating a personal library page. The ReSEARCH Station also links students to unique resources related to the history and development of Chico and the 12 northeastern counties of California, the campus digital photograph collection, and other digital resources.

Library Services

The library staff is committed to helping students and faculty find the information they need. Librarians are available to answer questions in-person during most library hours, complemented by 24/7 online and e-mail research help. There are many opportunities for students to learn about information and services through course workshops, tours, and specialized tutorials offered at workshops and online.

For further information about the Meriam Library call 530-898-5833.