ITS FAQ - Top 5 Questions Parents Ask about Techology - NSE 2024

Yes! But, only if your student grants you guest access to PASS, the Pioneer Administrative Software System. Depending on the level of access granted by your student, you may be able to:

• Pay/View What They Owe
• View Class Schedule
• View Financial Aid
• View Grades

For a complete list of features, visit PASS CX - Guest User Access. Please note that ITS staff are not able to grant you access on behalf of your student. Only your student can set up this access. If you contact the ITS Help Desk, we can guide you through the instructions to set up guest access, also located within this knowledge base at PASS CX - Managing Guest User Access

First, ITS does not sell new computers, so you have the option to shop for the best system to suit your student's needs and your budget. Look at computer manufacturer websites for Student or Higher Education Discounts. If searching at a store, ask a salesperson if they offer any student discounts.

 

The sad reality is that our experience has shown "you get what you pay for." Every manufacturer sells both bad and good computers. It is less about who makes them and more about the quality and price of components. The following is a rough comparison of price ranges and performance based upon our own experiences.

• $500-800: What we typically see on main campus, can last 3-4 years if treated with care, e.g. not stepped on, dropped, spilled on, etc.
• Up to $500: Not uncommon to have these devices visit the ITS Help Desk 3-6 months into the semester with failing hardware, e.g. hard drives, keyboards, displays, etc.
• $800-$1,000+: Typically used by students in STEM majors if they want to use their own device for coursework. 

When it comes to computer specs, it all depends on how your student will use the device. A tablet, like an iPad, or a Chromebook is good for taking notes, but won't be able to support most campus software. A laptop is a good, portable option with a full operating system that allows you use standard programs. However, students using their own devices to run STEM software like CAD applications, engineering simulations, and statistical packages will require more horsepower. If your student is in a STEM major, you may want to spend more money to get a more robust computer system. More details and recommended specifications are posted at https://go.uwplatt.edu/its-nsr-faq. 

There are several things students can do to secure their devices. It all starts with physical security.

• Record the make, model and serial number of each device so that it can be identified if lost or stolen.
• Do not leave devices unattended in public areas. If you are going to step away to use the restroom or grab something from the vending machine, take your devices with you.
• Utilize a laptop lock. Similar to a bike lock, a laptop lock can attach the device to a piece of furniture to prevent quick grab-and-go thefts.
• Lock doors when leaving the residence hall.

This is a great place to start! The ITS Knowledge Base (KB) is available through Pioneer Portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It contains hundreds of articles on campus tech topics from downloading Office 365 apps and connecting to the wireless network to enrolling in two-factor authentication and using PASS. Search your term from the top of the Pioneer Portal Home page at portal.uwplatt.edu, and select the Knowledge Base tab for all relevant results.

 

Students, parents, and guests are invited to contact the ITS Help Desk with any additional questions. Follow the ITS Help Desk on Facebook for tech tips, resources, and information throughout the year. You will also find our public support page at https://www.uwplatt.edu/department/information-technology-services.