Information Technology
As members of the Ferrum College community you are given the permission to use the college’s computers as well as the computer network. These resources are provided by the Information Technology Department.
Computer and Technology Services
Assistance with computers and other campus technology is available virtually from the Computer Help Desk via phone or email. You may simply email your request to helpdesk@ferrum.edu and a support ticket will be automatically generated. For assistance over the phone, please call (540) 365-4357 (HELP).
The following is a list of services that we are able to provide:
- Account support for Single Sign-On and college supported software accounts and/or other cloud-based products (including password reset).
- Software support for college provided software packages.
- Network support for accessing our campus network from personal or college owned devices (This includes both WiFi and LAN support in dormitories.)
- General support for classroom and lab computer and AV equipment.
- General support for college provided copiers and printing devices.
Note: Hardware support is provided ONLY for college owned devices. We are unable to provide hardware support for personally-owned equipment (including printers and home routers), though we can provide referrals upon request for general computer repairs.
To change your password, click the SIGN-IN link on www.ferrum.edu and log into your dashboard. Once signed in, click your email name in the upper right-hand corner and choose the option to “Change Password.”
Ferrum College student, faculty, and staff are provided with an email account. All student accounts are through Ferrum College’s Google Apps for Education program. Current students receive instructions once they are enrolled and attended a PAWS session.
Ferrum College uses Papercut as our campus manage printing platform. Students are granted access to print to our campus copiers from the Stanley Library computers as well as other computer labs. Students may also print using their own computers and mobile devices. Students receive a $10 print allotment per semester. Prints are $.08 for black and white and $.20 for color. The poster printer costs are $2 per linear foot.
For instructions on how to print using mobile devices with PaperCut, click here.
Below are our recommended laptop specifications. Please use this as a guide when purchasing a laptop to bring to Ferrum College.
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Mac OS 10.14 or higher
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 processor
- Memory: 8 to 16 GB RAM
- Hard Drive: 250 to 500 GB
- Warranty: 3 to 4 Years Accidental Damage Protection
As part of your student experience, students will have access to Microsoft Office 365. This may be used within your web browser or downloaded to your Windows or Mac computer.
If purchasing a Mac, please check with your advisor to make sure that Windows-only software is not required.
While Chromebooks may also be used, there may be instances where you will not be able to install or use software required for some classes.
Television Options for On-Campus Residents
In keeping with current digital trends, we are promoting the use of personal online streaming services. The following are some suggestions to get you started. You may also use any streaming services included with your home cable TV package.
Streaming Services that can include Live TV
Streaming Services on Demand
Connecting Your Computer to Campus
In preparation to work remotely, you should check the following to ensure that your computer is supportable, even in a remote location. As you may already be aware, administrator rights are required to install any kind of software.
You must meet one of the following conditions in order to receive remote support on your computer:
Option 1: You must have the Junos Pulse VPN client installed and the Dameware Remote Support client (Windows) OR Screen Sharing must be enabled (Mac)
Option 2: You are using a personal computer or a computer that you are an administrator of. (In this case, you will want to follow the instructions for setting up the VPN client.)
If you are unsure whether you meet one of these requirements, please contact the Computer Help Desk by submitting a ticket via Portal, by email (helpdesk@ferrum.edu), or by phone (x4357).
Note: In the event that your laptop does not meet the support requirements, you will need to make arrangements to bring your computer back to campus so that it can be supported.
Making Phone Calls
In addition, our VOIP telephone system gives you the ability to take your office extension with you wherever you work from.
Contact Information Technology
Computer Help Desk
(540) 365-4357 | helpdesk@ferrum.edu
Helpdesk Services
Assistance with computers and other campus technology is available from the Ferrum College Help Desk in Bassett Hall. Students can submit a request by clicking the “Request Support” button on the Panther Portal homepage and filling out the request support form. You can email your support request to helpdesk@ferrum.edu. For immediate assistance, contact the Information Services Help Desk at (540) 365-4357.
Campus Network Information
- Wired Network
- Wireless Network
- Students must authenticate to use the campus network.
Manage Password
Please note that changing your password will affect Portal, wireless, and email(faculty/staff only). There could be a delay up to thirty minutes for password resets to take effect. Please limit changing your password to one time a day.
To change your password, log in to Panther Portal and click on the Applications tab. Click the iAssistant link and hover on Helpdesk and select Change Password.
Access Email
Ferrum College student, faculty, and staff are provided with an email account. All student accounts are through Ferrum College’s Google Apps for Education program. Current students receive instructions once they are enrolled and attended a PAWS session.
Printing
Ferrum College has moved to the print management software, Papercut. Students, Faculty, and Staff will be able to use the new Konica Minolta copiers.
Printing brochures will be made available soon. For more assistance, please contact the Ferrum College Helpdesk.
Laptop Recommendation
Below are our recommended laptop specifications. Please use this as a guide when purchasing a laptop to bring to Ferrum College.
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Mac OS 10.14 or higher
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 processor
- Memory: 8 to 16 GB RAM
- Hard Drive: 250 to 500 GB
- Warranty: 3 to 4 Years Accidental Damage Protection
As part of your student experience, students will have access to Microsoft Office 365. This may be used within your web browser or downloaded to your Windows or Mac computer.
If purchasing a Mac, please check with your advisor to make sure that Windows-only software is not required.
While Chromebooks may also be used, there may be instances where you will not be able to install or use software required for some classes.
Television Options
Television Options for On-Campus Residents
Live TV Services
Streaming Services
Panther Portal
You will use Panther Portal to access course information, important announcements, student planning and registration, and more.
Brightspace
Brightspace is an online management software that houses course materials, syllabi, assignments, and more. You can access Brightspace through the Panther Portal or directly https://ferrum.desire2learn.com.