Information Technology (IT) provides computers, software, A/V technologies, telecommunications, and technology support services to the entire St. Olaf community. All campus computers are connected to the campus wireless or wired networks, the Internet, and Internet2.
Public computing labs are located in most academic buildings and residence halls. Many departments share or have their own specialized computing labs. This brings the total number of computers available for student use to nearly 1100. Multimedia computer workstations are also available in the Digital Scholarship Center (DiSCO), located within Rolvaag Library. In addition to access to specialized software, the DiSCO offers support for video production, web design, 3D printing and scanning, and general support for the integration of technology and education. The library circulation desk also provides a wide variety of media production equipment available for checkout to the campus community.
IT works closely with faculty in supporting their use of technology in teaching. This may take the form of digital assignments (e.g. podcasts, video, or website creation), classroom-based tools like personal response systems or “clickers”, and computers and projectors, or by using our online Learning Management System (Moodle) to make course content available outside of class. All classrooms are equipped with digital projectors, wired and/or wireless connections for laptops, video cameras, microphones, and other presentation equipment.
Over 98 percent of all students have their own computer on campus. Students who own a computer can connect to the campus network and the Internet using either the wireless network or a wired connection. Wireless access is available across campus, including many outdoor spaces. Students can access their course assignments, check email, review their grades, view their tuition bills, stream videos, or just surf the web from the comfort of their rooms, the campus green, or from a study space just about anywhere on campus.
IT employs 30 full-time professionals and nearly 65 student employees who support the computing needs of the entire campus. A campus help desk and student computing consultants are available nearly 80 hours per week during the academic year, including assistance in the evenings.