New to TCNJ: Students

New to TCNJ: Student IT Guide
The Information Technology Department would like to welcome you to The College of New Jersey!

This guide is designed to provide you with information about the Information Technology services and resources you will have access to, as well as what you need to know to make the most of your student experience here at TCNJ.  And as always, please reach out to us with any tech related questions as you prepare to come to campus.  We look forward to meeting all of our new Lions!

Upon successful enrollment, you will be provided with a TCNJ username and password, which will grant you access to many systems including PAWS, Canvas, Google Workspace, wireless, computer labs and more.
 

IT Help Desk

Location: Green Hall Room 6
Phone: 609-771-2660
Email: helpdesk@tcnj.edu
Website: helpdesk.tcnj.edu

  Walk-In Support Phone/Email Support
Monday-Thursday 7:00am - 6:30pm 7:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm 7:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday/Sunday Closed Closed

 

TCNJ Account

To obtain your TCNJ account information (username and initial password), go to account.tcnj.edu and use the "Account Lookup" tool.

It is recommended that after retrieving your account information for the first time you follow these instructions to change your password from the one initially provided.

Should you have any issues with retrieving your account information or changing your password, please contact the Help Desk.

 

TCNJ Google Workspace

TCNJ utilizes Google Workspace for Education as our official productivity suite. This includes GMail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Chat and more. TCNJ Student accounts are provided with 15GB of Google Drive Storage.


We also utilize Google 2-Step Verification (2SV) to enhance the security of all TCNJ accounts. Google 2SV adds a second layer of protection to your Google account and is required by all members of the campus community. It is strongly recommended to set up 2SV as soon as you access your TCNJ account, otherwise you will be locked out of your Google account after 30 days. Should you get locked out, please contact the Help Desk to regain access.

Click here to learn how to turn on 2SV

 

TCNJ WiFi (Eduroam)

TCNJ offers wireless internet access throughout the entire campus. Our wireless network, “Eduroam”, can connect cell phones, computers, tablets, gaming systems, and smart devices. 

Click here to learn how to connect your device to Eduroam

 

Microsoft 365

TCNJ provides all currently enrolled students a license to use Microsoft 365, which includes access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. 

Click here to learn how to access Microsoft 365

 

Laptop Recommendations

TCNJ IT has researched the latest “out-of-the-box” laptops being sold by retailers and created a document that provides recommendations that you can use when shopping for a laptop. Please note that some majors like computer science, engineering, graphic design, and multimedia arts recommend a specific type of computer. Please be sure to verify the recommendations for your major.

Click here to learn more about Laptop Recommendations

Chromebooks: TCNJ IT does not recommend Chromebooks due to their limited capabilities that can impact classwork experiences. Students should consider Mac or PC options through Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, or any other reputable manufacturer.

 

TCNJ IT Services for Student Computers

The IT Help Desk offers first level support for student computers including Wi-Fi set up, TCNJ Software installations (e.g., Zoom, SPSS, etc.), and limited troubleshooting with technical issues. 

Click here for a full list of technology provided services for students

 

Student Loaner Laptops

TCNJ offers students experiencing temporary issues with access to technological equipment such as laptops or Mi-Fi devices (portable internet devices) through the TCNJ Cares Program within the Dean of Students Office. 

Click here for more information about the  TCNJ Cares Loaner Laptop Program

 

Other TCNJ IT Resources

VPN: There are some systems and resources that require you to be on campus to utilize them. The VPN allows students to utilize those systems when you are off campus.

Click here to configure your device to connect to the VPN

 

DUO Multifactor Authentication: Duo adds an extra level of security to your account and is required for accessing some TCNJ systems (e.g., VPN, Virtual Apps, etc).

Click here to configure DUO

 

Virtual Apps: TCNJ offers Virtual Apps as a way to access campus software on your computer via your browser.

Click here for more information on TCNJ Virtual Apps 

 

Student Printing on Campus: TCNJ allows you to print from any device for a small fee from anywhere on campus. 

Click here to learn how to print on campus 

 

New to TCNJ: Student IT Checklist

Before you come:

  1. Obtain your TCNJ account information (username and initial password) by going to account.tcnj.edu

  1. Make sure your computer meets your school’s recommended specs to be successful in your classes. 

  1. Purchase and install an antivirus application on your computer to protect it from viruses.

  1. Update your computer to the newest version of your operating system to keep it running properly and securely. 

  1. Get familiar with the resources you will be using often such as PAWS, Canvas, and Google Workspace.

  1. Setup Google 2-Step Verification and DUO Multi Factor Authentication

 

After you arrive on campus:

  1. Connect to Eduroam, TCNJ’s WiFi network.

  1. If in a dorm, be sure to check the ethernet ports in your room by connecting an ethernet cable to your laptop or desktop and ensure you have an internet connection.

  1. Learn where the TCNJ IT Help Desk is in case you need tech help: Green Hall Room 6

  1. Report any tech issues you have to the Help Desk for them to be resolved.

 

Technology you can bring to campus:

  • Cell Phone
  • Laptop or Desktop
  • Charging cables and adapters for cell phones and laptops
  • Smart TV
  • Streaming Devices (e.g., Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, etc.)
  • Gaming Consoles
  • Smart Devices (e.g., Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, etc.)
  • Local USB Printers
  • Ethernet cable

Technology to leave at home:

  • Personal Routers