Parents:
What informed parents should know about information
technology resources at the University of Maryland
Office of Information Technology
At the University of Maryland’s Office of Information Technology
(OIT), we understand how important parents are to a student’s
successful and satisfying educational experience. We also know
how much easier it can be to support and encourage your student if
you are aware of the technologies, technical services, and IT-based
offerings available at the university.
OIT is the central information technology organization on
campus, and we plan, develop, support, and maintain computing,
networking, and telecommunications services for the university.
Services we provide include classroom instructional technology,
a campus-wide, online learning management system (powered by
Blackboard), 24-hour computing labs, e-mail, wireless network access,
campus computer connections, and anti-virus software.
In addition, OIT supports the university’s underlying business
processes with Web-based administrative functions such as enrollment
confirmation, course scheduling and registration, bill review and
payment, financial aid award and acceptance, degree progress
tracking, grade announcement, transcript request, parking permit
request, graduation application, and other services. Some Web-based
services for students, such as Testudo, offer parental access.
These are some services and programs we hope are of particular
interest to parents and students.
Select IT Student Services
MyUM Portal
Students can access numerous university Web services from a single
Web page, including e-mail, Testudo information, online calendar,
and more.
www.my.umd.edu
OIT Student Help Desk
The OIT Help Desk is the primary point of contact for technical
assistance and information about IT, including system and outage alerts,
at the university.
www.helpdesk.umd.edu
OIT Computer Labs
OIT labs and other computer labs hosted by various departments are
available for student use; some are available 24 hours a day.
www.oit.umd.edu/wheretogo
Virus Protection
Free virus protection software is available from the OIT Help Desk to
help protect your computer from infection.
www.helpdesk.umd.edu/topics/applications/anti-virus
Wireless Network
The University of Maryland has implemented one of the largest campus
wireless networks among public research universities. All academic
buildings and residence halls, as well as many public areas have full
wireless coverage.
www.oit.umd.edu/wireless
Discount Purchasing Programs
ACT Computer Discount Purchasing Program
The Academic Computers for Terps (ACT) program offers
purchasing discounts and warranty repair service to university
community members for Dell and Apple computers. The ACT
program saved students, faculty, and staff more than $6.3 million
on computers for personal use since July 2006.
www.act.umd.edu
Terrapin Technology Store
The university’s Terrapin Technology Store is located on the
ground floor of the Stamp Student Union and offers convenient
technology purchasing to students, faculty, and staff.
www.oit.umd.edu/techstore
Cellular Discount Program
AT&T and Sprint/Nextel offer specially priced plans and cellular
phone equipment to university community members.
www.cellular.umd.edu
Software Licensing
Software Licensing exists to assist faculty, staff, and students with
selecting and purchasing software. Software Licensing saved
students, faculty, and staff more than $500,000 in fiscal year 2008.
www.oit.umd.edu/slic
Cyber Ethics
PlayFair
Student online piracy could cost you $3,000 or more. Visit the
parent section of the PlayFair Web site to find out why this is
possible, to discover the legal alternatives to illegal file sharing, and
to learn about the copyright laws and ethics surrounding the issue.
www.oit.umd.edu/PlayFair
File Sharing
The university’s Provost and Chief Information Officer authored
an open letter to the university community regarding illegal file
sharing on the university network.
www.oit.umd.edu/filesharing.pdf
Project NEThics
Project NEThics promotes responsible use of information
technology through user education and policy enforcement.
www.nethics.umd.edu
Acceptable Use
The university has an Acceptable Use Policy that outlines the
personal responsibilities that come with using the university’s
information technology resources.
www.umd.edu/aup
www.oit.umd.edu
REV 12/09/08
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