ITS Blog

Fall Semester ITS COVID-19 Precautions

Fall Semester ITS COVID-19 Precautions

ITS is committed to protecting the health and safety of every Binghamton University student, faculty and staff member. Please read below for the precautions we’re taking to stop the spread of Covid-19: 

 

The Help Desk

In-person technology support will be provided by appointment only, no walk-ins at this time. 


Save time and frustration by reviewing the ITS site and the ITS Self Service Knowledge Base  FIRST, and hopefully find easy answers to your tech issue.


To schedule an appointment, please call the Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or email at helpdesk@binghamton.edu.


Computer Labs (POD)s

To ensure that there is enough room for social distancing in the PODs, ITS has designated computers that are available for use. DO NOT sit at computers that are labeled for social distancing. Because of these precautions, areas such as the Info Commons will have a reduced number of computers available, so please plan ahead. 


To see which computers are available ahead of time, go to the Computing Lab Directory and then click on the appropriate Live Map link. This will allow you to see available work stations as well as what  software is available. You can also use the LabFind app, our new mobile app, that allows you to see real-time computer availability right on your phone. 


For easy disinfection, ITS has installed clear vinyl keyboard covers. Students are expected to use their 2oz bottle of sanitizer and microfiber cloths to wipe down the keyboard cover/mouse BEFORE AND AFTER use. Buildings have sanitizer refill stations where students can refill their sanitizer bottle. Lab Consultants will also have sanitizing wipes to wipe down stations/desks.


Lab Consultants will be available in Academic A and the Bartle Info Commons, but they may not be available the entire time the buildings are open. If you have an immediate request, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 777-6420 or email at helpdesk@binghamton.edu.


Printing

ITS asks that you follow the Health and Safety Guidelines and maintain 6 feet of space between you and other students when waiting in line for a printer. Keep in mind that printing in lab areas may be limited while social distancing and safety regulations are in place. ITS recommends that you bring and use a personal printer in your dorm. For more information go to: https://www.binghamton.edu/its/blog/social%20distancing%20and%20safe%20computing.html and https://www.binghamton.edu/its/about/organization/technology-support-services/technical-support/printing.html.


SUNY Laptop and Wi-Fi HotSpot Loaner Program

The Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) has created an Equipment Request Form for students to fill out if they need a laptop and/or Wi-Fi HotSpot. Your request will be reviewed, and if approved, the equipment will be sent to the address you provided in the form. We will do our best to expedite all requests, however, due to high demand and limited availability, the CLT and ITS cannot guarantee that your request will be fulfilled. Please note: this is a loaner program and equipment must be returned at the end of the semester.

NOTE! The COVID Student Laptop & Hotspot Loaner program has ended and has been replaced with a new program. The new program provides 3 types of laptop loans for students: short-term, long-term (student in need), and device repair. Hotspots are no longer available for loan. MORE INFORMATION...




Outdoor Wi-Fi

During the summer, ITS installed additional outdoor Wi-Fi in parking lots G-1, M-2, M-3, M-4 and M-5 in order to give commuter students who would like to maximize social distance an additional option to do so while in their cars. Starting in the fall, signage will be installed at these outdoor spaces. Keep in mind: Wi-Fi technology uses radio waves, so even though an area might not be marked, it may still have incidental signal from a nearby building! For more information on Wi-Fi and Outdoor Coverage go to: https://www.binghamton.edu/its/about/organization/operations-and-infrastructure/networking/#wifi-map.


Please contact the ITS Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu with any questions.