Remote Technology Resources

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, William Paterson University Information Technology has created this article to assist our students, faculty and staff with information on continuing their education and working from off-campus.

How to Get Technical Support

Contacting the Information Technology (IT) Helpdesk

You may contact Information Technology by submitting a Helpdesk ticket or by calling our IT Helpdesk at 973-720-4357.

What are the Support Hours

Regular Workday Schedule

  • Monday–Thursday: 8:30AM-10:00PM
  • Friday: 8:30AM-6:00PM
  • Saturday: 9:00AM-5:00PM
  • Sunday: On-call phone support (Priority issues left by voicemail will receive a call back within 4 hours)

The Helpdesk ticket system is monitored for new tickets during weekends and evening hours.

Resources for Employees

Information on the variety of tools available for continuing remote work are available in the Resources for Working Remotely article.

Resources (for all employees) that are covered in the article include:

  • Office 365 and the variety of features that allow for online document storage, editing, and collaboration
  • Online communications tools including Microsoft Teams and Webex
  • How to access campus resources including WPconnect, Banner, and the K: and U: drives
  • What VPN is and when it is needed
  • How to access your voicemail remotely
  • Other tips and tools for working remotely

Resources for Faculty & Online Instruction

For support with the use of Blackboard and Blackboard Collaborate for online instruction, visit the 'Bb 101 - Teaching Remotely' support page.

Information on support offerings for remote teaching - including video from the recent CTT Blackboard workshops - is available at Support for Remote Teaching - Spring 2020.

The Center for Teaching Excellence has prepared a collection of tips and best practices for teaching online from our own William Paterson faculty members and beyond. Learn more at the CTE web site.

While Blackboard Collaborate is the best solution for synchronous class meetings, we realize that not all instruction or academic interaction takes place in a class setting. We also offer the following solutions for online interactions, such as faculty office hours or small group meetings:


For additional general remote instruction resources, please visit the General Remote Instruction Information page.

Resources for Students

Blackboard Support

Online Software and Mobile Apps to Assist With Coursework

  • Microsoft Office 365 is available for all students.
    • Office 365 provides access to online versions of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and OneDrive cloud storage, as well as access to download a full install of Office 365 Pro Plus.
    • Microsoft Office mobile apps are also available, including Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. Search the Apple or Android App stores for 'Microsoft Office' to download.

Access to FREE e-books

  • Visit https://studentresponse.redshelf.com to gain access to eBooks at no additional charge with your @student.wpunj.edu email address. You can access up to 7 eBooks for the designated period free of charge. Use your @student.wpunj.edu email to create your account.

Software Available for Student Use on Personal Computers

The following software is available for limited use on personal computers and devices.

  • Adobe Creative Cloud (available through July 6th 2020)
    • Visit Adobe Creative Cloud for additional information on how to access the Adobe Creative Cloud products on personal devices.
  • SPSS Statistics Updated 6/1/2020 - IBM had previously provided SPSS Subscription Free trial available through June 15th 2020 (available at https://www.ibm.com/analytics/academic-statistical-software for a 90 day trial. This must be uninstalled to use below.
    • IBM SPSS installations after 6/1/2020 are available but require the software to be downloaded through WPconnect and then activated with an individualized license code.
    • Student seeking access to install SPSS for use on personal computers (through December 2020) should use the following process:
      • Communicate with your professor to gain access to an individual license key for SPSS. Faculty can request a bulk set of activation license keys (for number of students in their class) through a Helpdesk ticket.
      • To access the SPSS software install files and install/activate:
        • Login to WPconnect
        • Visit the Students tab and search for or click on the My Home Use Software List - Student (found in the Technology Resources and Services section.)
        • Find the 'IBM SPSS 26 (and SPSS 26.0.0.1 Patch) for Students' section and download both the main file and patch for your computer platform (Windows 64-bit, Windows 32-bit, or macOS.)
        • Run the primary install file to install completion and then run the patch install file.
        • Use the license key that you were provided to activate the software.
  • Wolfram Mathematica|Online (Available through August 15th 2020)
  • SAS Teaching/Research (Available through June 29th 2020)
    • Visit SAS for information on how to use SAS Teaching/Research.

Cheng Library Online

Visit the Cheng Library website to learn about online support.

Other Online Learning Resources from the Academic Success Center

For a list of other online learning resources, visit the Academic Success Center's | Online Learning Resources article.

This includes information on resources including:

  • Remote Live Tutoring
  • Learning Skills Help
  • Supplemental Online Learning
  • Study Apps & Tools
  • Library and Research Help

Science Enrichment Center Online Support

  • Videoconferencing help for science students in real time.
  • Bring your files, microphones, and cameras!
  • See the Science Enrichment Center website for schedules
  • Go to SEC Blackboard > Collaborate

Writing Center Online Support

See the Writing Center website for information.

Resources for Acquiring Internet Access

For any student or employee in need of internet access, the following resources are available through local Internet Service Providers.

Internet Service Providers Offering Home Internet Access

Wireless/Cellular Service Providers Offering Mobile Internet Access

Additionally, the recently announced FCC agreement states that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and provide publicly available hot-spots during the pandemic crisis.

Resources for Students Without Computers

For students who do not have computers at home, Information Technology has a limited inventory of computers, primarily desktops, for home use for the remainder of the Spring Semester 2020. These computers are intended for individuals who do not have their own devices and are in need of a hardware solution to complete coursework during the period that the University is delivering courses at a distance.

The computer loan program has limited availability and priority will be given to students with both an academic and financial need (based on Financial Aid criteria review.)

To submit a request for a computer, please fill out the Computer Loan Program Request form. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Please note: Laptop computers will work with WiFi, but Desktop computers will require a home internet router with an Ethernet port. Please respond appropriately as you fill out the request form.

For students who have both the means and interest in purchasing a low-cost computer, several computer vendors have low cost options available:

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