Information Technology
From move-in day to graduation, Central’s tech is here to help you learn, connect, and thrive. Here’s what you should know — from tools you’ll use every day to how to use them responsibly.
Tools You’ll Use All the Time
- Central.edu: Your main hub for schedules, grades, billing, and campus announcements.
- myCentral (Dutch) App: Check your day-to-day schedule, assignments, and alerts from your phone.
- Blackboard Learn: Your virtual classroom — where you’ll find syllabi, assignments, discussions, and grades.
- Microsoft 365: Use Word, Excel, and more — all provided free for Central students.
- Teams: Join class discussions, group work, or campus events from anywhere.
- Panopto: Re-watch class lectures, submit presentations, or learn from video tutorials created by faculty.
Using Tech Around Campus
- Bring your own device: Laptops and smart devices are welcome.
- Print from anywhere: Send print jobs from your own device to multi-function printers around campus.
- Need software? Most specialized software (like SPSS or Adobe) is available in labs — and many tools can be installed on your own device thanks to campus licenses.
- Computer labs are available across campus for homework, research, and projects.
Your Student ID: More Than Just a Card
- Use it for: Dining hall check-ins, library checkout, residence hall access, and printing.
- Prefer your phone? The CBORD Mobile ID app works just like your ID card for door access.
Internet & TV Access
- Wi-Fi blankets the entire campus — inside and out.
- Prefer a wired connection? Dorms support Ethernet too.
- TVs in dorms can connect to a campus-wide over-the-air TV channels (QAM tuner required)
Using Central’s Network Responsibly
You get access to two main networks — each with different expectations:
- College Network (Classrooms, Labs, Offices)
- For academic and official use only.
- Keep it professional: no gaming, personal streaming, or excessive downloads.
- Protected by strong security tools — activity may be monitored to keep things secure and fast for everyone.
- Residential Network (Your Dorm)
- Personal use is allowed — stream, game, and scroll freely (within reason).
- Don’t break the law (like pirating content or using sketchy software).
- Don’t install your own routers or devices that disrupt the network.
- ITS may step in if there’s a serious problem or security issue.
Tech Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Keep your login info secure.
- Use college-provided tools for class and collaboration.
- Reach out for help when you need it.
Don’t:
- Share copyrighted material illegally.
- Harass or threaten others online.
- Try to bypass security or hack systems.
- Use Central’s tech for personal businesses or political campaigns.
Need Tech Help?
The ITS Help Desk is located in the lower level of Douwstra Auditorium. Contact us for:
- Wi-Fi or account issues
- Printing help
- Software questions
- Tech emergencies
https://service.central.edu | itshelpdesk@central.edu | 641.628.7010
We’re here to support your success — and keep your tech running smoothly!