Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is the division of the Graduate Center that is responsible for voice, video, 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 GC computing resources through Citrix, web file services and Help Desk support (212-817-7300) for assistance using GC technology resources. IT maintains desktop computers (Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms) in the Library and in Ph.D. program suites; we also support PC-equipped classrooms and a dedicated Mac Lab. Wireless access is available in many locations throughout the building, including the Library, Dining Commons, Ph.D. suites, conference spaces, and a variety of other locales. Student laptop network plug-in stations are available in the Library.

The GC desktop computers are equipped with a wide variety of software to support a breadth of student activities, and also provide access to a host of online Library databases. Workshops and training activities are conducted frequently for students on numerous technology topics; the IT website (web.gc.cuny.edu/informationtechnology) houses a great deal of information, including a comprehensive knowledge base for users of GC systems. IT also manages the GC Blackboard environment for online learning, accessible via the CUNY portal.

Students can take advantage of toll-free dialing into the Graduate Center. Access to outgoing fax machines is available, as well as a shared network space for receiving incoming faxes. Audio-visual services include classroom, meeting, and auditoria spaces equipped with data projectors, sound systems, and related technologies, as well as a dedicated videoconferencing facility. Audio-visual equipment available for student checkout from the Help Desk includes digital still cameras, digital video cameras, and audio recorders; students can also check out Mac laptops from the Help Desk daily.

IT maintains parallel computing clusters to support computationally intensive research and for
instructional use; access to the New York State Grid and the Open Science Grid is available to provide researchers with availability to an advanced technological infrastructure for high-performance computing.

Other activities include support for the Student Affairs office, which accommodates students with disabilities through a variety of adaptive technology and related services. Students needing such services are encouraged to contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

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 GC information technology, including equipment and computer accounts, may only be used by GC 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 Students’ Council and the Student Technology Fee Committee.