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 Work Day 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 Faculty & Online Instruction

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

Information on support offerings for remote teaching (including details on workshops and individual consultations) is available at Support for Remote Teaching - Spring 2020.

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 May 31st 2020)
    • Visit Adobe_Creative_Cloud for additional information on how to access the Adobe Creative Cloud products on personal devices.

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: