Computing Facilities
also see: http://web.gc.cuny.edu/informationresources/
Information Technology (IT) is the division of the Graduate Center that is responsible for voice and data systems. The mission of this unit is to facilitate the effective use of technology in the learning process, in instruction and research, and in processing and accessing institutional information.
Students are provided network accounts and email accounts, remote access to Graduate Center computing resources via Citrix, VPN and dial-up access, and access to a Help Desk (212-817-7300) for assistance using Graduate Center computing resources. IT maintains a collection of desktop computers (Mac, Windows PC, and Linux PC platforms) located in the Library, in computer-equipped classrooms, and in computer clusters in program areas. In addition, student laptop access is available in the Library via plug-in stations as well as via wireless access. The Graduate Center desktop computers are equipped with a wide variety of software to support a breadth of student activities. Access to a host of online Library databases is available as well.
IT conducts monthly workshops for students on a wide variety of technology topics, and maintains a website of information for users of Graduate Center systems. (See web.gc.cuny.edu/informationtechnology.) Other services include providing copies of designated software for use by students on home computers and accommodating student websites. IT also manages the Graduate Center Blackboard environment for online learning, accessible via the CUNY portal. Students are employed each semester as technical assistants in IT.
Related activities include support for the work of the Audio/Visual staff (including smart classrooms), and support for the Student Affairs office, which accommodates students with disabilities through a variety of adaptive technology and related services (for example, screen access software and peripheral devices such as reading machines and a Braille printer). Students needing such services are urged to contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
The Graduate Center research computing group hosts parallel Linux computing clusters and a wide-area grid for computationally intensive research and instructional use. The research computing group maintains Linux computing facilities for statistical computing, such as the Survey Documentation and Analysis system for the Center for Urban Research, and the R programming environment for statistical computing. The research computing group also hosts a number of open source Linux web applications, including an online journal management system, the Moodle course management system, blogs, and wikis. Students and faculty interested in the ICPSR Summer Program in Quantitative Methods of Social Research may apply for a travel stipend through the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and External Programs.
We urge all students to take fullest advantage of technology resources in pursuit of their graduate studies and activities, and we look forward to serving those needs. Students are reminded that all Graduate Center information technology, including equipment and computer accounts, may only be used by Graduate Center students, staff, or faculty for purposes pertaining to research, instruction, or administration, and that all users are subject to the CUNY Computer Use Policy. Student input regarding IT resources is sought via the Doctoral Student Council and the Student Technology Fee Committee.
