This guide is designed to help new and existing students get answers to some frequently asked technology questions.
New Students
As a newly enrolled student, you will receive an email from ITS that includes your Lafayette credentials and directions for setting your password. This email will be sent to the address that you have been using to communicate with Admissions. You will use your credentials for Lafayette Gmail, Google Workspace, Moodle, Banner Self-Service, wireless access, logging into public computers, and most other College services.
Set your password
The password reset link will be sent to your recovery (personal) email address used during the application process.
To set your initial password, please visit Set or Reset a Password.
Update your recovery email
In the event you have forgotten your NetID password, you must have a recovery email associated with your account to complete the password reset. The password change utility allows you to manage your recovery email.
The recovery email you provide will not be used for any communication other than the password reset. Please update your recovery email if you change email providers or stop using the recovery email account.
Getting started with Two-Step Login
Two-Step Login provides an additional layer of security so that attackers can’t access protected systems with only your NetID.
Read more about setting it up at Two-Step Login
If you are an international student currently living abroad or a current student traveling abroad, please be sure to review the corresponding topics on the Two-Step login page: “International student or living abroad?”
Technical support during move-in
If you require technical support, please contact the Help Desk at (610)330-5501, or by email at help@lafayette.edu.
You may also visit our walk-in service center, The Tech Lounge, located in the Skillman Library room 104.
Are students required to have their own computers?
The College does not require students to have their own computer, however, it is strongly encouraged. ITS recommends a laptop with webcam and microphone capabilities.
If you do not have a computer, the College maintains several public computer labs for your use. In addition, many academic departments have computer labs designed to enhance learning in their areas of teaching.
If you are an Engineering Major, please review the guidance offered by the Engineering Division.
Visit the Computer & Software Sales page to find out how Lafayette can help you make a computer purchase.
Do I need to do anything with my computer before I arrive?
There aren’t any prerequisites you need to meet before you arrive, however we do have several tips that may help you to make a smooth transition:
- Review the remainder of this guide. There are many questions that you may find answers to.
- Make sure your operating system has the latest updates.
Where is connectivity available?
All residence halls have access to Lafayette’s wired and wireless networks.
Residents of 201 McCartney Street, 211 McCartney Street, 512 March Street, Grossman House, McKeen, Ruef and Watson Courts can use a standard network cable to connect to the wired network. Network cables are available at the College Store should you need one. You may bring/purchase your own.
Residents of all other dorms will need to purchase an ALL-LAN network cable, which is available only from the college bookstore, to connect to the wired network.
How do I connect my computer or mobile device?
To access the wireless or wired network, you must first register your device.
For me information about the registration process, see How to Connect to the Network.
How do I connect my game console or other media device?
Are there any restrictions on how I can use my computer?
What software is available?
Lafayette owns licenses for a variety of software that you will find in both our Public and Academic Labs. In addition, students are eligible to install several software packages at no cost.
Lafayette’s virtual lab on Amazon AppStream provides an on campus lab experience from anywhere.
For a complete list of software availability, please see our Apps Catalog.
Am I required to have specific software?
No. Any software that you need to complete your course requirements is available in the Public or Academic Labs.
How do I get Microsoft Office for free?
Lafayette College offers Students Microsoft Office for their personal device(s) free of charge.
This includes the latest version of the Office productivity suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and OneDrive. You will be able to access both the web version of the applications as well as download and install the suite on your personal device.
You can find out more at Microsoft 365 Services for Students, Faculty, and Staff on Personal Devices
What is Google Workspace?
Google Workspace provides access to productivity and collaboration tools such as Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and more.
How can I protect my devices from viruses and malware?
Both Windows and macOS have built-in virus protection in the form of Windows Defender (on Windows) and XProtect and Malicious Software Removal Tool (on macOS). These tools are sufficient for most forms of attack.
There are a number of additional options available including Malwarebytes, Sophos Home, Avast, and AVG.
How do I change or reset my password?
How do I change my recovery email?
You can change your recovery email using the Password Change Utility.
The password utility includes a feature that allows you to reset a forgotten password. This feature requires that you set a recovery email. The recovery email you provide will not be used for any communication other than the password reset. Please update your recovery email if you change email providers or stop using the recovery email account.
Need help purchasing a computer or software?
Tech Lounge
The Tech Lounge is a place to get quick help, one-on-one consultation, and other support services. It is located in Skillman Library 104, the Beane Technology Lounge. The Tech Lounge is also Dell University Premier Access Partner and is able to make cost-free repairs to student Dell computers still under warranty. Additionally, limited warranty assistance is available for Apple and other manufacturers’ devices.
Help Desk
Computing support is available seven days a week. If you have a computer problem, you can contact the Lafayette College Help Desk at 610-330-5501 or at help@lafayette.edu.
Technology workshops
ITS offers technology workshops throughout the semester for students and employees on a variety of applications. Scheduled workshops are announced in the Lafayette Today and ITS News.
College Portal
Located at my.lafayette.edu, the College Portal provides single sign-on and a starting point for various online services — including Moodle, Spaces, Lafayette Gmail, Google Workspace, and Banner Self-Service — available to students and other campus constituents.
See more at Learn how to customize your portal.
Email, Contacts, Calendars
Create, store, and share files with Google Workspace
All students have access to Google Workspace, which is used to create and store documents, as well as work collaboratively with fellow students and faculty across institutions.
Beginning with the Class of 2027, students will be allocated 10GBs of Google Workspace storage.
You can also access Google Workspace from my.lafayette.edu, in the “Connect to My Accounts” block.
Enrolling in a course
The Office of the Registrar provides help with registering for courses.
Please report any problems to the staff in the Office of the Registrar at (610) 330-5090 or via e-mail to registrar@lafayette.edu.
Moodle/Spaces to access your courses, clubs, and organizations
Many professors use Moodle, Lafayette’s course site system, to post course content and activities (e.g., syllabi, assigned readings, and discussion forums).
You might have clubs, organizations, or other academic-related sites in Spaces.
Create a personal, club, or organization's website with WordPress
ITS offers WordPress for you to easily create and manage a website. Everyone at Lafayette is eligible to create their own site using this simple tool, which supports blogs, webpages, photo galleries, and embedded videos (from YouTube, Kaltura, or your own).
Where are the public computer labs?
ITS maintains several computing labs across campus that includes the full suite of Lafayette licensed software. Skillman Library has nearly 100 computers, both Mac and PC.
Information Technology Services maintains public labs in Pardee 104 and Farinon 208. These labs are equipped with up-to-date hardware and a full complement of software for academic use. Each lab is also equipped with a laser printer.
Lab Hours:
- Pardee 104: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.- 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.
- Farinon 208: Daily, 7 a.m.- 1 a.m.
Printing
Laser printing is available in ITS-maintained labs and the Libraries, and is currently available at no cost to you.
Large-format printing, such as banners, posters, or flyers can be done at Printing and Copy Services.