Student Instructional Technology Resources

The University’s central computing services, Columbia University Information Technology (CUIT), manages the wireless network on campus, which includes the Social Work building as well as the terrace on the third floor. To configure your laptop for WiFi access, go to this CUIT page.

There are several locations within the Social Work building where students may access computers. There are desktop computers, including 2 accessible workstations, available in the first floor Lounge (room 105, off the lobby) and 10 available computers in the Social Work Library (room 201).

For quick tasks like checking your email or looking at your grades online, there are express terminals in the Concourse hallway (C level), the 4th floor hallway, and on the 5th floor. If you cannot find an available computer, you can always try the CSSW Electronic Classroom on the fourth floor, room 401. If there is no class going on and the room is open, please feel free to work on one of the 25 computers available in this room. This room also contains a high-speed printer for your convenience.

Yes, you may use the computer labs on the main campus as well. For more information, go to Computer Lab Locations and Hours. NOTE: The new Science & Engineering Library is relatively close to the Social Work building (it’s on the southeast corner of Broadway and 120th Street). It has 50 workstations with over fifty software applications, configured for both individual and collaborative work. For the Center’s hours, go to the Science & Engineering Library page.

The Columbia University Libraries have laptops and chargers available to borrow for students, faculty, and staff at two Morningside campus locations - Butler Library and the Science & Engineering Library.  For more information visit CU Libraries - Laptops & Chargers.

Columbia University uses a printing system called PawPrint, which allows you to send your print jobs from a computer in the Social Work building or from your devices (e.g., laptop or cell phones) to a central server and access them from any printer that is connected to the PawPrint system. To print to PawPrint from a personal device, see the step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing the application.

As a Columbia Social Work student, in each term you have a print quota of 2,500 black and white sheets of paper either printed single-sided or double-sided. Students can release their print jobs to any of the PawPrint printers on campus. There are PawPrint printers in the following locations in the Social Work building:

• CSSW Lounge (105) 
• Social Work Library (201) 
• CSSW Electronic Classroom (401) *Available when classes are not meeting in the room*

The printers have been outfitted with CU ID card readers, enabling touchless release of print jobs. If you plan to use PawPrint and haven’t used it before, we recommend logging into the page below at least one hour before trying to release your print jobs to avoid any delays:
PawPrint.

To check your print quota for CSSW go to this CUIT page (UNI & password required).

Our office handles issues that arise with CSSW computers, printers and classroom AV equipment. We can also help with questions on various software programs. All other computer or IT related queries—e.g., change UNI password, printing quota, anti-virus software, software training, campus computing facilities, and other basic computer support services—are handled by the CUIT Help Desk, which you can contact by phone (854-1919), email ([email protected]), or in person. NOTE: If you are considering purchasing a personal computer, we suggest that you go to CUIT’s Computer Pre-Purchase Considerations page and/or Computer Discounts page.

For tips and strategies for maximizing students’ online learning and engagement visit: Columbia Online Students.

There are several resources to help students prepare for their online Zoom courses:

Upgrading Zoom to the Latest Version

Zoom Client Download

Zoom Quick Guide for Students

Zoom Test

Technical Help FAQ

Visit the Technical Help FAQ CourseWorks-Canvas site and select “Adobe Connect”. If you continue to have technical issues or questions regarding Adobe Connect courses, email [email protected].

When you log into CourseWorks, you will see all of your social work courses for the current term, as well as any past terms. If you have specific questions regarding CourseWorks, please contact our office via [email protected] or 212-851-2345 (option 1).

Canvas Overview Watch Video or visit Tutorial Page

Student Guide Student QuickStart Guide

Update Your Notification Preferences Watch Video or Visit Tutorial Page

Canvas on your web-enabled phone Visit Tutorial Page

Student Collaborations Watch Video or Visit Tutorial Page

Conferences Visit Tutorial Page

Assignments Watch Video or Visit Canvas Help Page

Taking Quizzes Watch Video or Visit Canvas Help Page

Submitting Assignments Watch Video Visit Tutorial Page

To maximize your Internet connection:

• Connect to the router via ethernet cable. This may require a 25ft cable to reach your study place. Ethernet is not as convenient as wireless but provides a more stable connection that is less susceptible to interference.
• If ethernet is not viable, move as close to the WiFi router as possible.
• Minimize the number of other devices on Wifi by turning them off or turning off Wifi on those devices.
• Close tabs and programs that may be using the network connection on the computer.
• Restart the computer one hour before class.
• Call ISP to update modem/router software if it hasn’t been updated in a year.

See also:

Everything You Need to Know About Slow Internet Speeds

WiFi Troubleshooting for Zoom

Finding Low Cost Internet and Computers in your Area

If you are considering purchasing a computer, please see the Computer Requirements & Technology Resources page.

As a Columbia student, you may be eligible for discounts on new computers when purchasing through these links:  

Dell: http://www.dell.com/columbia
Apple: http://store.apple.com/us_edu_21516