Secure access to network and computing resources is an important component of instruction, work and life at Concordia College. All members of the Concordia community receive a unique user account that supports access to wireless internet, email, calendar, components of our student information system (e.g., Student Registration; Degree Audit; Learning Management System; among others) and campus computing facilities. All current members also receive access to modules of both Microsoft 365 Education and Google Workspace for Education, which allow for secure data storage, collaboration, and sharing of data. Several online Concordia resources are accessed via the secure CobberNet portal.   Email, file storage, and other system access is only for current students and recent graduates.  Refer to college policies, or contact the ITS Solution Center for details.  All users are required to follow college policies and to use these privileges in a responsible and ethical manner.

Network access is generally available in all residence hall facilities through both wired and wireless connections. It is recommended to use wired connections for non-mobile network devices (e.g., Smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, desktop computers, etc.). To most successfully participate in collaborative and interactive learning experiences, students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to bring a personal computer to campus.

Mid-level or higher Windows or Apple based laptops continue to offer the most flexibility and best experience in the learning environment. Students should plan to have a computer capable of participating in online learning opportunities by Zoom, Teams or other meeting applications. This requires a good working webcam and microphone at minimum. Chromebooks, tablets and phones should only be considered support devices. Options for checking out a loaner laptop to address certain personal or academic needs may be coordinated through the Center for Student Success and ITS.

To support the needs of certain academic programs and community members without personal computers, Concordia provides a variety of computer labs across campus. The labs are in both academic and residential facilities and offer a range of experiences from basic daily use to those with specialized software and devices related to specific classes and research. Newer facilities include spaces for large and small group collaboration, complete with wireless audio/video for presentation preparation and team projects. On-campus classroom and labs are complemented by Concordia’s learning management system, Moodle, which professors use to extend learning beyond the physical classroom. Moodle-based resources are accessible 24 hours and worldwide via secure login through CobberNet. This allows for learning opportunities regardless of if a student is participating in a campus classroom or from a village on the other side of the world.

Located at the heart of campus, in the Francis Frazier Comstock Theatre building, the ITS Solution Center offers a variety of services year-round to current students and staff. Solution Center staff include both college employees and Concordia students working closely together to support the Concordia community. Student employees are trained and mentored in customer service, technical support and team leadership. Through this “learning while working” experience they gain a variety of transferrable skills, allowing them to be more successful long past their time as a student.

These services include, but are not limited to:

• Configuring personal computers and devices for access to network, email and other Concordia online services. Microsoft Outlook 365 is Concordia's email/calendar system and includes multi-factor authentication (MFA/2FA) protection to securely access these services.
• Basic troubleshooting for virus protection, printing issues, login questions, MFA, etc. on personal student and staff computers.
• Assist with access to, downloads of, and questions regarding software products available to current students and staff.
• Remote and on-site support for Concordia’s office computers, classroom technology and related resources.
• Short-term checkout of laptops, videography, and other technology devices are available through the library for campus presentations, student projects and other academic purposes.
• Referrals to and coordination with other campus providers, for services not offered or supported by ITS Solution Center.
• A resource for offers and discounts to software and hardware through online partners and local computer businesses.

Managed, secure printing is available across campus at a variety of locations. This service means a personal printer is neither required nor recommended. Typically, managed printers are in residential and academic facilities where there is high student traffic volume and often located near computer labs. A current user account is required to access the printing services. Specific locations and instructions for printing are available in-person or through the ITS Solution Center pages on CobberNet.

ITS Solution Center | 218.299.3375 | pcsupport@cord.edu | Office and service hours at FFCT vary depending on time of year.