Frequently Asked Questions

Email / Umail

General

WebAdvising

Networking and ResNet

Classrooms and Labs

Computer Support; Viruses

How do I change my email password?

Go to http://mypassword.union.edu/ and click on the link to change your password. If this is the first time that you are attempting to change your password, you must enroll first before using this service.

If you encounter problems, please contact the ITS office at 388-6293 (Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00) or visit the ITS office located in Steinmetz Hall.

How can I use Union's Library resources when I'm not on campus?

In order to access on-campus resources from off-campus, you need to have either a VPN account or a proxy account. You can download the form here to apply for an off-campus account and return it to the ITS office located in Steinmetz Hall. ITS is open Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:54pm

How do I get an email account at Union?

You need to fill out an Application for Computer Account and return it to the ITS office. You can either download the form here or pick up the form in the ITS office. It will take 24 hours to create your account.

If you are either a student or faculty member from the Union Graduate College, please pick up the appropriate forms from the Registrar's Office in Lamont House.

 

What is Spam Filtering?

Union College uses Google Postini Services as its email protection service. This service intercepts virus-infected and junk email before it arrives in your inbox. Suspected messages are automatically quarantined. The Postini Message Center allows you to release these messages and to whitelist senders whom you don't want blocked. 

How do I login to Postini?
How do I deliver quarantined email to my inbox?

Click on the cooresponding Deliver link in the quarantine email.   

How do I add a user to the safe senders list?

Login to Postini Message Center by going to http://postini.union.edu Select My Settings, then Approve Senders. Enter the email addresses and then select Update Approved Senders. 

Where do I find documentation?

Click here to find all of the available ITS documentation.

Where do I get software?

Click here to find all Union College available software.

How do I use my network storage space?

Each student has network storage space that is available to them. To learn how to access your network storage space, please select the appropriate link based on your computer's operating system.

Windows XP

Mac OS X 10.4 or Higher

Mac OS X 10.2 or 10.3

What is WebAdvisor?

WebAdvisor is the online advising system used by both students and faculty. Grades and schedules are available to students. More in-depth information is available to faculty. If you have any problems accessing your account, please call ITS at 388-6293 or send an email to mailto:webadvising@union.edu

How do I get a WebAdvisor account?

Your account should be set up automatically. Your username is the same username that you use for accessing your Union College email. To get your initial password, go to https://webadvising.union.edu/. In the lower right corner, you will see an option called "What's My Password?" You should be able to select "Reset my Password" and enter the required information. After you click on Submit, you will receive an email message with your new password.

How do I reset my webadvising password?

On the lower right hand corner of https://webadvising.union.edu/, there is an option called "What's My Password?" You should be able to select "Reset my Password" and enter the required information. After you click on Submit, you will receive an email message with your new password.

What is ResNet?

ResNet is an Ethernet network service. It lets students who live in those Residence Halls and own computers to access campus and world-wide electronic resources from their rooms on a 24-hour-per-day basis. These resources include local and Internet information sources such as libraries, museums, government data, weather forecasts, career information, economic data, travel information...and the list could go on.

How do I get connected or reconnected in my dorm room?

Contact ResNet for assistance in getting connected (or reconnected) to the Union College network in your dorm room.
You can contact ResNet through their website (http://resnet.union.edu/) or by calling 388-8707.

When is technical support available?

ResNet helpdesk support hours vary from term to term. Hours can be obtained from the ITS front desk personnel at 388-6293.

Can I call ResNet for assistance?

ResNet can be reached at 388-8707. Be sure to leave your name, on-campus contact number and when it is a good time to reach you.

What does the ResNet staff support?

We support the Windows and Mac operating systems running current versions (e.g. Windows XP, Mac OS X).

Is support free?

Support for all network issues is provided to students free of charge. Please note that we cannot help with operating system and/or hardware issues (e.g. hard drive crashes).

Why doesn't wireless work in my Residence Hall room?

There is no wireless in individual dorm rooms. Wireless is available in common areas in Residence Halls. For more information, visit the wireless website at http://wireless.union.edu.

Where are the public computer labs and when are they open?

There are several public computing facilities managed by ITS. For more information, see Public Computing Facilities. Facilities are located on the first floor of Steinmetz Hall. They are available 7 days a week, 24 hours and are accessible with your Union College ID.

I need to use special software like eViews. How can I find the right lab to use?

The public computing facilities have a variety of specialty software such as eViews available in them. For more information, see Public Computing Facilities.and click on the link for each facility to see a list of software installed in that lab.

Where can I do color printing?

A color laser printer is available for student use from any of the public computing facilities located in Steinmetz Hall. The printer is located in the Steenstrup Multimedia Lab located in Steinmetz 100. It costs $.50 per page to print a color document. Printing requires a swipe card which may be purchased at Schaffer Library.

The cost of a card is $1.00, more money can be added at any time.

Included in the initial cost of the card is $0.60 towards printing. The card can be used in the Library or ITS Public Labs.

Who do I talk to if I have a problem with the public labs?

The majority of the public technical facilities on campus are managed by ITS. For assistance in the labs, please do one of the following:

Go to the Academic Help Desk in Steinmetz 104.

  • Call the Academic Help Desk at x6400.
  • Stop by the ITS office in Steinmetz Hall
  • Email ITS at helpdesk@union.edu

What do I do if I have a problem in an electronic classroom?

The majority of the electronic classrooms on campus are managed by ITS. For immediate assistance in a classroom, call x1011 (Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm). To report a problem that is not an emergency, please call the Academic Help Desk at 388-6400 or fill out the Problem Reporting Form on the clipboard on the lectern in the classroom.

Who do I talk to about using an electronic classroom?

Electronic classrooms may be scheduled by faculty and staff through Central Scheduling or by calling 388-6098. Training is required for anyone using an electronic classroom. Arrangements for training may be made by calling ITS at 388-6293.

Who do I talk to about the equipment in a Minerva House seminar room?

The seminar rooms in all of the Minerva Houses are managed by Media Services. Please contact them at 388-6438 for assistance.

There's a problem with the equipment in the workroom of a Minerva House - who do I contact?

Contact the Residence Life office for assistance with the computer or printer in a workroom.

Does Union College provide virus protection for its students?

Union College is no longer providing virus protection to students.

Here are links to free antivirus programs that Windows users can download and install:

  • Mac: You can go to the Apple menu and click on "Software Update" to obtain the newest patches and updates.

Here are links to free antivirus programs that Mac users can download and install:

Where can a student go for assistance with their personal computer?

USTAR is the student-run program providing technical support to other students. USTAR will assist with evaluating both hardware and software problems and answering general questions relating to technology at Union College. They will not repair hardware problems.

USTAR is located in Steinmetz Hall room 108A and is open Sunday - Thursday 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Assistance can be requested through USTAR's website http://ustar.union.edu or by calling x7096.

For a fee, the Bookstore can often perform hardware repairs. Contact Computer Sales at x2402 for more information.

If you need help with ResNet please contact them at ResNet Support.

How do I get help removing viruses from my computer?

USTAR is the student-run program providing technical support to other students. USTAR will assist removing viruses and installing the Union College licensed virus protection.

USTAR is located in Steinmetz Hall room 108A and is open Sunday - Thursday 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Assistance can be requested through USTAR's website (http://ustar.union.edu/) or by calling x7096.