Student FAQGetting HelpAccountsPasswordsE-mailPersonal file storage (U: drive)Web pagesPrintingPurchasing a computer Repairing a computerPurchasing softwareAntivirus softwareWireless accessWired accessPhones and PDAsGame consolesComputing policyComputer LabsTCU Campus CommunicationTranscripts
Getting Help
How do I get assistance with computer problems?
Contact the Computer Help Desk for assistance with supported services either in person, by phone or by e-mail. The Computer Help Desk website, help.tcu.edu, contains documentation and solutions for commonly reported problems.
Accounts
What type of computer account will I have while at TCU?
Every TCU student is provided with an account for portal, e-mail, lab and personal file storage access.
What should I do if I forget my user name?
Go to my.tcu.edu and select the "Forgot your Username?" link to retrieve the username for your TCU account.
If I have a name change, how do I request a change in my user name?
In accordance with university policy, a change of name requires that you go to the Registrar's Office in Room 17 of Sadler Hall to fill out a change of name request and provide a copy of your new social security card reflecting the desired name. Once the change of name has been completed, then you should contact the Computer Help Desk to request a change in your user name.
What should I do if my account is locked out?
The TCU Password Self-Service Center, password.tcu.edu, is available for students to unlock accounts.
Is anyone else allowed to access my account?
You should not allow anyone else to access your account. Students have the ability to create up to three special accounts in the portal, my.tcu.edu, that will give parents or other individuals access to financial aid, student account information and student records.
How do I grant access to others?
Log on to the portal, my.tcu.edu, and from the Enterprise Menu, click on Student Center and select Grant Access to Others
How long will I keep my TCU account following graduation?
You will continue to have portal or my.tcu.edu access after you graduate. Your TCU e-mail account is active for one year following graduation. Personal file storage or U: drive access and network access are also available for one year following graduation. You are able to print from a computer lab until the end of the semester in which you graduate.
Passwords
How do I change my password?
The TCU Password Self-Service Center, password.tcu.edu, is available for students to change passwords, unlock accounts and reset forgotten or expired passwords.
What are the password requirements for my account?
Passwords must:
• Be at least 7 characters long
• Contain at least one alpha character: A-Z, a-z
• Contain at least one numeric character: 0-9
• Contain at least one special character: ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) { } [ ] - _ = + ` ~ ; ' " ? / , < > or .
• Not be too similar to your last password
• Not be too similar to your name
• Not be found in the dictionary (words 4 characters or less are acceptable)
A password's strength increases with its length, complication of characters used and the frequency of changes. Students should refer to password tips and examples for suggestions in selecting a complex and secure password.
How often do I have to change my password?
Passwords expire every 120 days.
What should I do if I forget my password?
The TCU Password Self-Service Center, password.tcu.edu, is available for students to reset forgotten passwords.
What should I do if I forget the answers to my security questions?
If there is a problem with your security questions then you will need to contact the Computer Help Desk for assistance. You will be required to provide personal information including your social security number.
Does changing my TCU password affect my ability to access StuWireless from my computer?
Windows XP and Windows Vista users who set up their computers with the TCU ResNet CD version 1.01 or above should not experience access issues following a password change. Macintosh OSX users who mistakenly saved their TCU password when setting up StuWireless will experience access issues following a password change. Removing the saved credentials will resolve the problem for Macintosh OSX users.
Does changing my TCU password affect my ability to access StuWireless from my iTouch or my iPhone?
You will need to change the StuWireless password on your mobile device when you change your TCU password.
E-mail
What is my e-mail address?
Your e-mail address is of the form username@tcu.edu where the “username” is your TCU user name with periods separating the parts of your name.
What is the supported e-mail application for students?
Students use Microsoft Outlook Web Access for e-mail.
How do I access my e-mail?
Open your web browser and go to the address, mail.tcu.edu. Enter your user name and password when prompted.
Is there a limit to the size of my mailbox?
You are given 512 MB of space to store e-mail. If your mailbox size reaches 475 MB, then you will receive a warning. If your mailbox size reaches 487 MB, then you will no longer be able to send messages. At 512 MB, you will be unable to send or receive messages.
What do I do if I exceed my mailbox size?
You must delete messages and save large attachments elsewhere if you exceed your quota. There are specific actions or steps you can take to maximize your available mailbox space.
Can I forward my e-mail to another account?
It is not recommended that you forward your TCU e-mail to another account, but you can create a rule for e-mail forwarding if necessary.
Can I use applications other than Outlook Web Access to send and receive e-mail messages?
Outlook Web Access is the recommended e-mail client for use by students. However, other POP3 or IMAP e-mail clients can be configured to access TCU e-mail accounts.
Can I access e-mail from my phone?
Follow the directions for general e-mail setup on a cell phone or directions for iPhone setup in order to access e-mail from your phone.
What is spam?
Spam is electronic junk mail or unsolicited e-mail messages.
What is end user quarantine?
“End User Quarantine” or EUQ has been implemented in an effort to reduce the amount of SPAM received. This allows e-mail messages identified as possible SPAM to be quarantined into a personal folder for your review. If a message is NOT SPAM, you can release it from quarantine; otherwise it will automatically be deleted after 18 days.
Why do I receive quarantine release notification messages?
The quarantine will be checked twice a day to see if you have any new messages in quarantine; if so, a notification will be emailed to you.
How can I check for quarantined messages between notifications?
Click on the link from a previous quarantine release notification message at any time to view currently quarantined messages.
Why does a message get quarantined?
Special filters examine incoming messages to identify SPAM. A point system is used. If an e-mail fails a filter then a certain number of points are assigned. If the total points exceed 50 after going through all of the filters, then the e-mail message is put in quarantine.
How do I release a quarantined message?
Click on the Message ID in the notification e-mail. This will release the e-mail to you and to any other TCU recipients.
Is there a way to prevent certain messages from being quarantined?
You will not be able to prevent messages from being quarantined. Quarantined messages were identified as possible spam because these messages received high point totals during the filtering process.
What should I do if I am not receiving any e-mail messages from a specific sender?
Contact the Computer Help Desk if you are unable to receive e-mail messages from a specific sender.
What should I do if I receive an undeliverable message when trying to send e-mail to an off campus user?
Most undeliverable messages contain information explaining why a message could not be delivered. Check the message text to see if it includes an SMTP error. Typically these issues will have to be resolved by the recipient.
What is phishing?
Phishing is a fraudulent process where social engineering techniques are used by nefarious individuals to attempt to coerce a person into sending personal sensitive information such as their username, password, credit card information, banking information, etc.
What should I do if I receive a message asking for my user name and password for my TCU account?
Do not reply to e-mail messages requesting your user name and password. If you do reply to a phishing e-mail then you should change your password immediately.
Personal File Storage (U: Drive)
Where do I store my files?
Each student is given 200 MB of personal file storage space on the network which is accessible from Windows lab computers (the U: drive). It is also accessible by FTP from Macintosh lab computers, your residence hall and off campus.
What should I do if my U: drive is full?
Files would need to be deleted or moved to a personal hard drive or memory stick.
What is the wwwpub folder?
All files that make up the content of your TCU hosted web site must be placed in your WWWPUB folder.
How long do I keep my U: drive or personal storage space following graduation?
You will keep your personal storage space or U: drive for one year following graduation.
Web Pages
Am I allowed to have a TCU hosted web page?
Student accounts can be used to create and store personal web pages on the student file server. Each account should contain a folder named WWWPUB. All files that make up the content of the web site must be placed in the WWWPUB folder.
What is the url for my web page?
Your web site can be viewed at the address http://student.tcu.edu/username where “username” is your TCU account user name.
Is there a recommended web browser for accessing TCU web sites?
The recommended web browser for Windows XP and Windows Vista users is Internet Explorer 7. The recommended web browser for OSX users is Safari 3.21.
Does TCU filter web sites?
TCU does not block access to any web sites.
Printing
Is there printing available on campus?
Printing is available in TCU computer labs. FrogPrints offers additional printing services to students.
Is color printing available on campus?
Color printing is available in some labs.
Is there a charge for printing?
Students receive 200 free black and white printed pages per semester. Additional pages are billed to the student’s account at 10 cents per page. All pages printed on color printers are billed at 90 cents per page.
What do I do if I have a question about a printing charge?
Report issues with printing charges to the Computer Help Desk.
Is printing available between semesters?
Printing is available to current students between semesters.
How do I print from a lab?
You must swipe your TCU student ID card at the print station in order to print from a lab machine.
Can I print from my personal desktop or laptop computer to a lab printer?
Students cannot print from a personal machine to a lab printer.
How long is printing available following graduation?
Students are able to print until the end of the semester in which they graduate.
Purchasing a Computer
What type of computer should I purchase for use on campus?
It is purely a matter of personal preference. Both Windows and Macintosh computer platforms are supported on campus.
Are there educational discounts available for purchasing hardware?
TCU does not have special purchasing agreements with any hardware vendors. Some vendors do offer higher education pricing.
Should I purchase a laptop or desktop?
It is purely a matter of personal preference. A majority of TCU students bring laptops to campus.
Repairing a Computer
Where can I get my computer repaired?
The Computer Help Desk does not provide hardware repair services for student owned computers. Students are asked to contact an outside vendor or an SOS Consultant for hardware repair.
Purchasing Software
Are there educational discounts available for purchasing software?
TCU does not have special purchasing agreements with any software vendors. Some vendors do offer higher education pricing.
Is there any software that I should purchase for use while I am a student at TCU?
All of the TCU computer lab machines have Microsoft Office installed.
Does TCU provide any software to students?
TCU provides a copy of the TCU Student AntiVirus software for Windows and Macintosh computers.
Antivirus Software
Do I need antivirus software installed on my machine?
Every computer connected to the ResNet network is required to have the TCU Student AntiVirus software installed.
Am I required to purchase Antivirus software?
TCU provides a copy of the TCU Student AntiVirus software for Windows and Macintosh computers.
How do I obtain my copy of the Antivirus software?
It is recommended that you install the TCU Student Antivirus software from the TCU ResNet CD which is available at the Computer Help Desk. Otherwise, you may install the antivirus software manually. To install manually, log on to the portal, my.tcu.edu, and from the Enterprise Menu, click on Helpful Links and select Antivirus Download. Follow the TCU Student Antivirus Software installation instructions to install SAV.
I already purchased and installed antivirus software for my computer. Do I need to remove it?
Every computer connected to the ResNet network is required to have the TCU Student AntiVirus software installed. Other antivirus software programs must be uninstalled before installing the TCU Student AntiVirus software.
What should I do if my access is disabled?
Contact the Computer Help Desk if your access is disabled.
Wireless Access
Is wireless available on campus?
Student wireless is available campus wide.
Is there a charge for wireless access?
There is no charge for student wireless access.
How do I connect my laptop to the wireless network on campus?
You must register the wireless physical address or airport ID at my.tcu.edu. It is recommended that you use the TCU ResNet CD which is available at the Computer Help Desk to configure wireless on your laptop or you may complete the setup yourself by following configuration steps for your operating system: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Macintosh OSX or Macintosh OS 10.5.
When completing the TCU Network Registration what do I choose for the subnet/connection type?
Choose Student -Wireless to register for a wireless connection.
Can I register my Linux computer for wireless access?
Linux computers are allowed, but are not supported.
Is there assistance for setting up my laptop?
Laptop workshops are offered at the Computer Help Desk in the library.
Does changing my password affect my ability to access StuWireless from my computer?
Windows XP and Windows Vista users who set up their computers with the TCU ResNet CD version 1.01 or above should not experience access issues following a password change. Macintosh OSX users who mistakenly saved their TCU password when setting up StuWireless will experience access issues following a password change. Removing the saved credentials will resolve the problem for Macintosh OSX users.
Am I allowed to have a wireless router in a residence hall?
Wireless routers are not allowed on campus. If a router is detected during a network scan then your access will be disabled.
What should I do if my access is disabled?
Contact the Computer Help Desk if your access is disabled.
Can a guest access StuWireless?
Only TCU students are allowed to access StuWireless.
How long will I have access to StuWireless following graduation?
You will be able to access StuWireless until the end of the semester in which you graduate.
Wired Access
Is wired access available on campus?
Student wired access is only available in your residence hall room.
Is there a charge for wired access from the residence halls?
There is no charge for student wired access.
How do I connect my computer from my residence hall room?
You must register the wired physical address or ethernet address at my.tcu.edu and complete the configuration steps for your operating system: Windows XP, Windows Vista or Macintosh OSX.
Can I register my Linux computer for wired access?
Linux computers are allowed, but are not supported.
When completing the TCU Network Registration what do I choose for the subnet/connection type?
Choose Student-Wired to register an address for a wired connection.
Is there assistance for setting up my computer in the residence hall?
Students who are experiencing problems after completing the configuration instructions should contact the Computer Help Desk.
What type of cable do I need?
You will need a 15’ – 20’ category 5e ethernet cable.
How many connections will I have available in my residence hall?
There is one data jack per bed.
How many devices am I allowed to register for use on campus?
Students may register up to four devices.
Are devices for securing computers allowed in residence halls?
Residential Services does not allow any devices that would cause damage to the surface of residence hall furniture. Personal property insurance coverage under the parent’s homeowners policy or the purchase of property insurance for your room is recommended.
Do I need a surge protector?
Surge protectors are recommended for use on campus.
Phones and PDAs
Can I use my phone on StuWireless?
WPA2 Enterprise compatible devices can be registered for use on StuWireless.
Can I access e-mail from my phone?
Follow the directions for general e-mail setup on a cell phone or directions for iPhone setup in order to access e-mail from your phone.
Game Consoles
Am I allowed to connect my game console?
Game consoles are allowed, but are not supported.
Can I use my PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Wii on StuWireless?
These consoles are not compatible with WPA2 Enterprise so they will not work on the StuWireless network.
Computing Policy
What is the TCU Computing Resources Policy?
The TCU Computing Resources Policy contains university regulations regarding the use of computers, privacy of information, security, electronic communication, plagiarism and copyright infringement.
What are my responsibilities as a computer user?
TCU students should observe the recommended safe computing practices.
Does TCU have any policies regarding sharing and copyright violations?
TCU supports strict compliance with the federal statutes regarding copyright infringement as stated in the TCU Computing Resources Policy. Students found in violation are subject to disciplinary action.
What should I do if my access is disabled?
Contact the Computer Help Desk if your access is disabled.
Computer Labs
Are there computers available for use on campus?
Students have access to TCU computer labs and Internet only kiosks in various locations on campus. There are Windows and Macintosh laptops available for check out in the library.
TCU Campus Communication
How does the University communicate with a student?
TCU e-mail is the official form of communication on campus.
What is TCU ALERT?
TCU ALERT is a service that will allow the University to send emergency text messages and weather-related campus closures via cell phones.
How do I register for TCU ALERT?
Go to my.tcu.edu. Click on Student Center and then click on the Student Center link. Under Personal Information, click on the Home/Permanent phone number link. Add your cell phone number under the cellular phone category. Save the changes.
Transcripts
How do I order an official transcript?
Visit the Registrar’s Office web site, http://www.reg.tcu.edu/transcript.asp, to view instructions on ordering transcripts.
