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Frequently Asked Questions

Susquehanna University makes broad use of technology resources to significantly enhance student opportunities for learning. Listed below are questions that many students and parents have regarding their own computer and their education at Susquehanna.

Do I need a computer to be a successful student at Susquehanna?

No. More than 200 computers are located in eight large computer labs, one of which is open 24x7 during the academic year. Most labs are used for instruction throughout the day, with the exception of the 24-hour lab. Some academic departments also have their own labs with special software installed that students must use to complete assignments. Heavy demand at key times of the semester (when mid-term or final papers or exams are due) may make it difficult to get access to a lab computer at those times. However, with appropriate planning, you can manage your course work with the use of these university-provided resources. Even so, many students find it highly advantageous to bring a personal computer to campus. All campus residence hall rooms are wired with data ports to the university's local area network, through which email and access to the Internet are available.  

Should I buy a notebook or desktop computer?

Consider the following:

  • Need for mobility: Wireless access is available throughout the majority of the campus. Having a notebook computer with wireless capabilities allows users to utilize the convenience of wireless Internet access.
  • Upgradability: The internal components of desktops are inherently easier to upgrade. If you like to work with computers at this level, you should consider a desktop.
  • Cost: Typically, desktops continue to sell for less than equivalently configured notebooks.

Should I buy a brand name or a "custom-built" computer?

Buying brand name is highly recommended. Manufacturers of brand name computers, such as Dell and Apple, absorb the costs of testing computer components for compatibility, performance and reliability. The manufacturer is then able to sell computers built with standardized high-quality components and provide service and support for their systems worldwide.

Where should I buy my computer?

Buy your computer from a large reputable computer retailer, such as Dell or Apple. Such retailers are experienced in manufacturing computers for an educational environment and are frequently able to provide an educational discount. Computers available at many local department and electronics stores are marketed to home consumers only and may not be designed to be connected to the network environment at Susquehanna. The Office of Information Technology website has links for both the special Dell and Apple online stores, where significant discounts are applied. Please note, we highly recommend the purchase of one of our recommended system configurations. If you buy a computer that is not recommended, we can not guarantee compatibility with the SU network. In addition our Help Desk will only offer VERY LIMITED support on it.  We strongly suggest that you purchase a recommended model and configuration through the Susquehanna Dell or Apple sites!

What specifications does my computer need to meet?

The Office of Information Technology provides detailed computer specification guidelines for both desktops and laptops. These guidelines take into account the life-cycle of computers, which is typically three years, and have been increased slightly to help ensure that your computer will still perform well in your fourth year at Susquehanna. Students who do not bring a recommended computer configuration cannot be guaranteed connection to the network or computer assistance from our Help Desk. Bringing a recommended model/configuration is highly encouraged.

Should I buy a warranty and service contract for my computer?

Yes. Any computer used at Susquehanna should have a service contract that includes on-site service. A service contract with a minimum of a 3-year extended warranty is highly recommended. For notebook computers, accidental insurance is recommended.

Should I buy a PC or a Mac?

The computing environment at Susquehanna is heavily Windows-based; however, the Office of Information Technology Help Desk is able to support students with either a Windows-based PC or a Macintosh. Majors that utilize Macintosh computers include: biology, art, art history, music and music education. Majors where a Mac is clearly not recommended include any business, mathematics or computer science major. Please review our list of majors and their recommended platform. If you chose a Mac, it is imperative that you have OS X (10.4, 10.5, or 10.6) and Microsoft Office 2011 for Macintosh. No matter what your decision, university provided computers are available in a lab environment for you to complete assignments that may require the other platform.

Do I need my own printer?

No. Susquehanna provides black and white laser printers in each computer lab, which are accessible from anywhere on the campus local area network (LAN). Instructions for connecting to printers through the LAN are provided on mySU. There is no cost to print in the labs. The university Print Shop can accommodate larger or color print jobs at a nominal fee. Some students choose to bring their own color inkjet printer as an added convenience or for photo printing.

I already have a computer. Can I bring it?

Yes, however, it should meet the minimum specifications and recommendations discussed throughout this FAQ and the Computer Specifications. If these specifications and recommendations are not met, your computer may work but it may not perform as robustly as a newer computer. If you have specific questions about whether your current computer will be adequate, please contact the Information Technology Help Desk at 570-372-4502 or helpdesk@susqu.edu. Students who do not bring a recommended computer configuration cannot be guaranteed connection to the network or computer assistance from our Help Desk. Bringing a recommended model/configuration is highly encouraged.

Why do you keep referencing Dell and Apple?

Susquehanna purchases nearly all university owned computers and servers from Dell and Apple. They provide excellent products and support. Our Help Desk staff is most familiar with Dell and Apple brand models and will be able to better assist students with our recommended models.

What requirements does my computer need to meet to be able to connect to the local area network?

You need the following to connect to the campus local area network (LAN):

  • A wireless capable computer or wireless card (802.11 b/g/n): All of the models listed in our recommended computer configurations include everything that is needed. Wireless access is available in most locations, including all academic spaces and the campus center. Wireless network improvements are currently being planned. Please refer back to the FAQs for future updates.
  • A supported operating system: The operating system is the software that "runs" your computer and allows other software to be installed and used. See Software Requirements for more information.
  • An Ethernet port: The Ethernet port enables your computer to "talk" to the LAN. It is located on the back of your computer and is typically labeled with a  symbol.  It looks like a telephone jack except that it is slightly larger. Most modern computers have an Ethernet port.
  • A CAT-5 or CAT-6 network cable: The network cable connects the Ethernet port on your computer to the network port on the wall located next to the telephone jack. It looks like a telephone cable except that it is much thicker and the connectors are slightly bigger. All new students are provided with a network cable in their dorm room free of charge. There is no need to purchase one, unless you damage or misplace it. ** Note, only one network connection per student is provided. Students with more than one computer will only be able to use one computer on the network.

What operating system do I need to connect to the local area network?

See Software Requirements for more information.

How do I "connect" to the campus local area network?

Visit our mySU page for first-year students to view FAQs and instructions on connecting to the network.

What access do I have to the campus local area network from off-campus?

All Web-based services, including the Susquehanna website, email, WebSU, mySU, and Blackboard are available to off-campus users. To access these resources, you will need to contract with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) of your choice. Two of the local ISP's are: Service Electric CableVision (800-522-2389) and Verizon (800-567-6789). There is no installation support available for off-campus users.

What is the phone service like at Susquehanna?

Both Verizon and AT&T cellular service provide a strong signal in Selinsgrove and the immediate area. Verizon offers faster 3G speeds in Selinsgrove; AT&T only offers the slower “Edge” speeds. On campus students with a medical condition that would require a landline phone may contact the Information Technology Help Desk at 570-372-4502 for more information on having phone service installed in their residence hall room.

Is cable TV service available on campus?

Yes, Susquehanna University provides one cable connection per room in all campus owned housing. A variety of digital and HD programming is available. There is no extra cost for cable. You will need a TV with a QAM tuner (most flat panel TV’s purchased in the past 4-5 years should have a QAM tuner). You can download the TV channel lineup from mySU.   

I’d like to set my SU Gmail up on my smart phone. Is this possible?

Your SU Gmail account can be setup on most popular smart phones, including Blackberry, Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Setup instructions can be found in the "learn how to..." tab on the Information Technology mySU page for first-year students.

Is wireless Internet access available on campus?

Yes, WiFi coverage is available on over half of the SU campus. The Office of Information Technology continues to expand WiFi availability across campus. Currently network resources are not accessible through WiFi (only Internet is available). To view a map of current coverage, see www.susqu.edu/documents/offices/wifimap.pdf. Wireless coverage is currently available in all academic spaces as well as Degenstein Campus Center. Wireless coverage is not yet available in all residence halls.
What software will I need for my computer?

See Software Requirements for more information.

Can I set up my own wireless access point in my residence hall room?

No. Students are NOT permitted to use network hubs, switches, routers, or wireless access points in university-owned housing. Doing so will compromise the security of the campus local area network (LAN). It could also prevent other students in your residence hall from accessing the LAN from their computers. Only wireless access points provided by the university may be used.

Does Susquehanna provide support for student computers?

Support is provided, on a limited basis, for viruses and networking by contacting the Information Technology Help Desk at 570-372-4502 or helpdesk@susqu.edu to make an appointment. You will be required to bring your computer to the Information Technology Help Desk located in the lower level of the library. The Help Desk does not supply any software to students, except for Symantec Endpoint Protection (Antivirus). Students can make appointments to be assisted with other inquires on a limited basis when staffing is available. The Help Desk will assist students with contacting technical support from their computer’s manufacturer for hardware failures as a courtesy by appointment only. Students should rely on their warranty and service contract obtained at the time the computer was purchased. In the event that the service contract has expired, there are several local computer stores that provide general computer support.

Are game consoles permitted on the network (Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, etc.)?

Yes, online gaming is permitted. However, like all computers, game consoles must also be registered on the network. Please contact the Help Desk for instructions on registering your gaming console. Please note: Students are only provided with one network connection. This connection will need to be shared between a student’s computer and game systems.

Is it possible to get financial assistance to purchase a computer?

A limited number of university loans are available to students who demonstrate significant financial need for the purchase of a personal computer which meets the recommended university specifications. For more information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 570-372-4450 or sufinaid@susqu.edu.

How long do I get to keep my "@susqu.edu" email address?

All student email is hosted by Gmail with an @susqu.edu email address. Students will be able to retain their @susqu.edu Gmail account permanently after graduation.

Who do I contact if I still have questions?

Please call the Information Technology Help Desk at 570-372-4502. The hours of operation are 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday (summer hours: 7 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m., Monday - Friday). If no one is available to take your call, please leave a voicemail and a staff member will be in contact with you as soon as possible. You may also email the Help Desk at helpdesk@susqu.edu. Current self-help instructions and additional information can be found on mySU.

- updated 6/15/2011

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