Technical Services. Point University’s Information Technology (IT) Department facilitates the services described below. Mr. Bill Dorminy supervises the IT team as Director of Technology (Bill.Dorminy@Point.edu). The IT Office is located on the West Point campus in Room 261 of the Lanier Academic Center.

Computer Hardware and Software. Point University requires all students enrolled in online programs to provide their own computer devices for online learning. The University recommends that on-ground students also purchase their own laptops or personal devices. Technology Guidelines and Minimum System Requirements appear below. However, computer labs (see below) are available for all students during facility business hours as a supplement. Through the Student Portal (described below), students gain free access to the Microsoft Office 365 software package.

Campus Wi-Fi Connectivity. Point provides free Internet access through the wireless network found in all University education sites and residence halls. During orientation, students receive instructions for logging into the University network using their Point passwords. For access instructions, guidelines, and the Acceptable Use Policy, see the Point Knowledge Base under “IT Support” or contact the helpdesk (ITSupport@Point.edu).

Computer Labs. Point University provides modern, well-equipped computer lab facilities for students at its education sites in West Point, Peachtree City, and Savannah. At the main campus in West Point, computers are available in the Learning Commons, the Computer Lab, and the Computer Classroom. Additional computer kiosks are available at various locations around campus. In the Scott Fine Arts Center (413 W. 10th Street), students have access to a Mac lab. All campus computers are connected to the Internet through the University’s network, with access to Microsoft Office 365 software for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, web browsing and interactive course materials.

Tech Support and Helpdesk. The Information Technology (IT) staff provide 24/7 technical support via email, telephone, an online helpdesk, and an on-site helpdesk in Room 126 of the Learning Commons at West Point. They provide assistance with Point email, university software and databases, online courses offered through the Canvas learning management system, and other technology services.

• For help and technical support, send an email to ITSupport@Point.edu. Include as many details as possible in your message.

• Users may also telephone the helpdesk at any time (706-784-8683) to speak with a live representative who can assist with issues such as password resets and basic assistance with Point Online and other computer applications. After hours (5:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.), weekend, and holiday telephone support are currently limited to password resets and basic user functions for the Single Sign-On portal to ensure that users can access learning resources. Some support questions may require escalation from the afterhours support desk. In this case, a ticket will be created and a technician will contact the user the following business day.

For email and telephone support, students should have their Student ID number available to verify their identity. For information on where to find one’s student ID, visit https://sites.google.com/view/pitcrew/student-id-number?authuser=2.

University Website. Point’s main website (www.point.edu) gives students access to general information about the University, along with news and updates, academic catalogs, digital library resources, financial aid information, institutional policies, and a variety of other resources and services.

The Consumer Information section of the website (http://point.edu/disclosures) offers public disclosures required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. It includes information on many aspects of University operations, such as accreditation, student achievement, campus security, emergency procedures, student privacy, and Title IX sex discrimination protections (https://point.edu/title-ix).

Student and Faculty Portal. The Point University Student & Faculty Portal provides convenient access to many services, such as (1) Colleague, through which students may view their final grades, degree audits, transcripts, financial aid status, account balance, and more; (2) “Office 365,” where students may check their Point email and use a variety of office software; (3) Canvas, through which students enter online course sites; and (4) Zendesk, through which students may submit IT technology service requests. The portal also includes direct links to many of the student services described below. Users enter the portal by logging into the MyPoint Single Sign-On portal (http://my.point.edu) and entering their Point username and password.

Point Knowledge Base. The Point Knowledge Base offers direct links to (1) stu-dent resources, such as the academic catalog and consumer information; (2) a wide variety of student services, such as food services, health services, counseling, and other services described below; and (3) various forms and applications, such as the degree change form, academic appeal form, and transcript request form. Students may access this resource by logging onto their single sign-on account and clicking on the Point Knowledge Base icon.

Point University Email. Point email accounts facilitate communication between students, faculty, and support staff. All student correspondence with instructors, participation in Point Online and Point Connect courses, and submission of course assignments must occur via the student’s assigned Point University email account or through Point’s online course platforms. Students should check their Point email accounts daily for messages from the University. Users may access their email by logging into the Single Sign-On portal (http://my.point.edu), entering their Point username and password, and then clicking on the “Office 365” icon.

Online Course Websites. For online students, the University offers Point Online and Hybrid courses through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Online course sites, which utilize the Canvas LMS, facilitate online presentations, the sharing of educational resources, communications with the instructor and other students, assignments, and assessments of student learning.

Students access Point Online and Hybrid courses by logging into the Single Sign-On portal (http://my.point.edu), entering their Point username and password, clicking on the “Point Online” icon, and then clicking on the desired course.

Training for students enrolled in Point Online and Point Connect courses is provided by the Academic Operations Department and through an online Student Video Library featuring tutorials on Canvas, Zoom videoconferencing, writing style guides, library services, and other topics.

Online Course Companions. For on-ground courses, some instructors use online “Course Companions” developed in the Canvas Learning Management System. These “Course Companions” do not carry all the features of full online courses. However, they include supplementary materials and an electronic gradebook for the on-ground course.

Students access “Course Companions” by logging into the Single Sign-On portal (http://my.point.edu), entering their Point username and password, clicking on the “Point Online” icon, and then clicking on the desired course.

Technology Guidelines and Minimum System Requirements. Point University is dedicated to providing a high quality education and learner-centered experience while managing diverse instructional delivery modes and various academic technologies. The University strives to equip students, faculty, and staff with the development of technology skills and competencies needed within these modalities.

Point University requires all students enrolled in online programs to provide their own computer devices for online learning. The University recommends that on-ground students also purchase their own laptops or personal devices, but computer labs are available on campus for those who need access to computer technology. Point asks students, faculty, and staff to adhere to the following technology policies and guidelines to ensure optimum user experience.

Acceptable Use of Technology. Technology equipment, network connections, and resources are to be used for supporting the mission, instruction, and services of Point University.  Any use which compromises or interferes with the mission, character, and security of Point University is prohibited, regardless of whether the equipment is Point University property or private property. This policy applies to all physically present, virtual, and/or remote transmissions of data within any Point University network or resource. Participation in activities that are disruptive, illegal, or destructive to the Point University mission, students, faculty, or employees will result in disciplinary action, revocation, and/or referral to appropriate law enforcement agencies and authorities.

Point reserves the right to define and apply what is considered to be acceptable use of technology and its resources under these policies and guidelines.

Minimum System Requirements. Canvas is the current Learning Management Sys-tem (LMS) used for Point’s online courses and for  on-ground  “course  companions.”

For best user results, Point recommends that students and faculty evaluate their computer or device with the following checklist prior to logging into courses:

• Windows PC or Mac with the most recent version of these browsers: (1) Google Chrome (www.google.com/intl/en/chrome) and (2) Mozilla Firefox (www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new).

• Windows PC or Mac with audio (sound card with speakers or headphones/ear buds). Typically found in most computers by clicking on the Start icon, then Control Panel, and/or Sound.

• Windows PC or Mac with video capabilities (webcam and microphone within device or stand-alone)

• High speed Internet access. Typically found in most computers by clicking on the Start icon, then Control Panel, and Network or Internet.

• Adobe Reader (https://get.adobe.com/reader)

• Access to a printer or scanner (depending on course activities)

It is the users’ responsibility to maintain their personal Internet connection, computer, or device with the necessary hardware, software, and browser updates.

Alternate Technology Plans. There may be occasions in which students need an alternate technology plan due to unforeseen circumstances, such as Internet outages at home. In preparation for such circumstances, students should identify an alternate location with free Wi-Fi, a computer lab, and/or other needed accommodations. Examples include a Point University education site during facility hours, public library, or restaurant.