Academic Computing at CSULA
Your passport to campus information technology is your Network Information Services (NIS) account. Just pick up your account information at the ITS Help Desk and you'll be able to access computer software applications, library databases, electronic mail, wireless, the University's extensive computer network and resources.
Core Services
You can take advantage of the following services and much more with your student NIS account:
- Outlook Web Access student e-mail
- Internet connection
- Online student portal: myCSULA
- Remote dial-up connection to the campus network
- High-speed wireless network
- High-speed student computers
- Home directory storage and backup
Note: Links found below open into a new window.
How to Get Your NIS Account
You can apply for and obtain your NIS account information by going to the ITS Help Desk located in the Library Palmer Wing (LIB PW) Lobby. Either a current CSULA ID or a valid photo ID with proof of enrollment is required to receive an NIS account.
Students attending ELP, Open University or Continuing Education must have a valid photo ID and proof of registration (i.e.Original Fee Receipt for the current quarter or a stamped memo from the Continuing Eduation Office) to receive an NIS account.
If you forget your password, you will have to apply for a password reset at the ITS Help Desk.
For information on managing your home directory please view this handout
.
Help Desk
The ITS Help Desk
is here to provide the Campus Community with friendly
one-on-one computing assistance, Issue Campus NIS (Network/ Email) accounts, and
provide troubleshooting for basic software and campus network systems and
connectivity issues. You can contact the ITS Help Desk by:
Email: HelpDesk@calstatela.edu
Phone: (323) 343- 6170
or drop by in person during our business hours for assistance.
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday: 8am - 5pm
Saturday: 9 am - 1pm
Cal State L.A. students have a new, free, web-based e-mail system: Microsoft Exchange Outlook Web Access (OWA) 2003. Students can communicate with other users on campus or at remote sites via the Internet at http://mymail.calstatela.edu. Each student OWA e-mail account gets 100 megabytes of storage space. All student OWA e-mail addresses begin with the student's NIS username, and are constructed as follows: studentNISusername@calstatela.edu
Note: Beginning with the fall quarter, CSULA will conduct a pilot to use e-mail as one of the official means of communication to all students. Official University communications may include important deadlines, academic information, registration information, announcements, and advisories that will be sent to students’ NIS e-mail addresses.
ITS Training Program
The ITS Trainging Program provides the campus with free training in the latest software available on campus. Workshops include multipart series for all Microsoft Office suite applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Publisher). Workshops are also available for statistical analysis using SPSS; advanced capabilities using Microsoft Excel and Word; creating effective group presentations; and creating a Web page using HTML, Adobe Photoshop, Flash, and Dreamweaver. Workshop participants receive detailed handouts and hands-on practice at a computer workstation.
For the current schedule of workshops, visit http://www.calstatela.edu/its/training.
High Speed Wireless Network
Cal State L.A. is wireless! Students can access high-speed, wireless technology with their NIS accounts. Most outdoor common areas, libraries, and eateries, including the Golden Eagle Food Court, have been configured for wireless Internet access. New hotspot locations are being added continuously.
For information about the Cal State L.A. wireless network and the most up-to-date wireless locations visit: www.calstatela.edu/wireless/.
Open Access Computer Labs
Computer access for University-related work is available in five campus Open Access Labs (OALs). Students must have a valid CSULA ID to work at an OAL computer station. Students will need their NIS accounts to login. Any inquiries or problems should be brought to a lab consultant at the OAL front desk. Lab consultants are available to answer basic questions regarding the equipment and software used in the lab. OAL hours vary every quarter. Current OAL hours of operation are available online at: www.calstatela.edu/oal/.
Online Documentation
ITS provides support to students by offering digital documentation containing instructions for using computing systems, software, and other University services and resources. All documentation files are available in the Adobe PDF file format.
Access online documentation at: www.calstatela.edu/handouts.
Self-Paced Workbooks
Workbooks used in the workshops can be downloaded from the ITS Training Program Web site or from the campus Microsoft Office 2003 Web page. Each workbook is divided into several parts, which are further divided into individual lessons. These workbooks are available in the Adobe PDF file format, and the data files that accompany the workbooks are provided as self-extracting archives. A valid CSULA or NIS account is required when accessing these self-paced workbooks.
Student Portal myCSULA
The student portal, myCSULA, is a central location for viewing information from multiple internal and external resources. Information is presented through containers known as portlets. The myCSULA portal provides University students a direct communication channel to the campus community. Visit mycsula.calstatela.edu.
WebCT
WebCT is an integrated e-Learning system for higher education. With WebCT, students can access more convenient and personalized learning options provided by instructors. WebCT creates an interactive learning environment that brings instructors and students together in a virtual classroom.
Visit www.calstatela.edu/webct.
Online Database Searching
The Library subscribes to more than 130 databases and systems available for online searching by students. Many of these systems have licensing agreements that restrict usage to currently enrolled students. Most databases are available in the Library and in the campus computer labs. Students need their NIS accounts to log into these computers. Most databases may be searched remotely from home through the campus network.
View Library Resources at www.calstatela.edu/library.
Remote Internet Connection
NIS account holders can connect an off-campus computer to the campus modem pool for
for dial-up internet.
View the
Introduction to Create a Dial-up
Connection tutorial.