Prospective Students - FAQ:

Resident Life - Am I required to purchase a personal computer?
The university makes every effort to maintain a 1:10 computer to student ratio. Most students are completely satisfied with the computer resources provided. However, some students find it more convenient to own a personal computer. Click here for recommendations for computer systems. The university has provided a small lab in Stuart-Bennett Hall,  Childs Hall and Mullinax Hall to allow students the ability to work on projects after the labs have closed or before the labs open. It is strongly recommended that students install university-approved software on personally owned computers to lessen the possibility of compatibility issues when transferring files to university-owned PCs and printing on university-provided printers.

Resident Life - Will I have telephone service in my room?
Local telephone service is provided to all resident students through the university telephone system. Each number is accessible via direct inward dialing. Calls cannot be transferred to a student’s room using the university toll-free numbers or the main university number. Students have the option of providing their own telephone or using a university-supplied telephone when connecting to the university telephone system. Telephone security deposits are part of the room deposit. Students in Stuart-Bennett will share a telephone number with a roommate.

Resident Life - What long distance services are available?
Students are encouraged to purchase pre-paid long distance calling cards through local vendors or the University bookstore. Many students elect to purchase cellular phones that include long distance calling plans. Services that require connection to a long distance platform using procedures other than a toll-free number (10-10-220 for example) are not permitted.

Resident Life - Will I have cable TV service in my room?
Cable TV is provided at no additional cost to each resident and is available in the lobbies of most campus buildings. The university has selected a 40-channel line up and has filtered some channels that we feel are inappropriate for viewing. Students are not permitted to purchase pay-per-view movies or events or in any way change the filtering or delivery of these channels. The university provides an information channel (26) that broadcasts campus information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No Satellite dishes are permitted.

Network - Will I have access to the Internet and the campus network?
The university provides each resident student a connection to the campus network. Therefore, a minimum computer configuration is recommended. We cannot guarantee that all computers will be successfully connected to the campus network. A 10/100 Ethernet card is required. This card may be purchased from and installed by the university. Every resident student will pay a one-time Internet connection fee of $50.00. We strongly recommend recording the serial number, model number and description of all electronic equipment before bringing to campus.

Network - Does the University provide wireless access points?
Wireless connectivity is currently provided to a limited number of locations on campus. Currently, the Campus Life Center, Dining Commons, Newby Education Building, Claude Rickman Library, Brower Classroom Building and the Gibson Classroom building are all equipped with wireless access.  Before being allowed wireless access you must first submit a request to the Information Technology department to have your laptop configured properly. If you are having trouble accessing the wireless network, visit the wireless FAQ. All academic and resident facilities are wired for connectivity to the campus network and the Internet.

On-Line - Will I have a University e-mail address?
All enrolled students are issued an e-mail account and are strongly encouraged to regularly check e-mail. Resident students that are connected to the campus network and can log in to the student domain are permitted to connect directly to the student exchange server. Remote access is provided through webmail. It is your responsibility to read and understand the University Email Policy.  Instructions are provided in the technical support section of the IT website.

On-Line - Does the University monitor/filter Internet activity?
The information technology department periodically monitors student’s Internet and campus network activity both in the labs and the resident facilities. Inappropriate use of these resources, as defined in the acceptable use policies, will result in loss of lab privileges, disconnection from the campus network and disciplinary action.

On-Line - Can I use P2P file sharing applications on the University network?
The information technology department has installed a filtering appliance that not only throttles bandwidth usage by application but also prevents the use of applications like KaZaa, Napster, Gnutella and other P2P file sharing programs. File sharing over the Internet does not present a problem except in the case when the shared file is copy-righted material. These applications enable users to share music, videos, pornographic material and other copy-righted material without charge. The University is extremely sensitive to proper use and distribution of copy-righted material and the ease of which students are able to download pornographic material to personal computers. Therefore, as a Christian University that seeks to honor God in all that we do, use of these applications are denied. Use of these applications, as described in the acceptable use policies, will result in loss of lab privileges, disconnection from the campus network and disciplinary action.

On-Line - What electronic research resources are available?
The Rickman Library houses approximately 85,000 volumes uniquely selected to meet the requirements of your courses. The catalog for this collection is available through SOAR, the library's computer system. In addition, a wide range of databases for indexing and full-text access to periodicals are provided by the library, including InfoTrac® and EBSCO databases. All are available both on and off-campus. On-campus access to an encyclopedia and other resources is provided. The library has six computer terminals for access to these databases (in addition to the three computer labs located in the building). Laptop computers are available for students and may be checked out at the Circulation Desk, although these laptops will not connect to the campus network nor access the aforementioned databases.

On-Line - Can I purchase textbooks and SWU merchandise on-line?
Purchasing items from the university bookstore is available through the Internet at bookstore.swu.edu. Textbooks are listed by course, section and term. Purchases can be made with a Visa or Master Card and delivered to your home or picked up at the main counter of the bookstore. General merchandise can also be purchased in a similar manner. Look for care package offerings during holidays and special campus event days.

On-Line - Will I have personal web space?
Many majors require students to publish academic work to a personal website. Therefore, all students are eligible for personal web space on a university-managed web server. This service is provided for academic purposes only and your academic advisor must approve the application. Students must apply for space and agree to the terms of use prior to setup of the account.

On-Line – Does the university provide online access to grades, syllabi and other administrative and academic information?
Jenzabar, SWU’s administrative software vendor, has created a comprehensive Web portal solution, MyCampus, that delivers appropriate constituent-based access to administrative and academic information, allowing students to make more efficient and effective decisions. Some of the benefits are customizable home pages with calendar, campus news, favorites and 24-7 access to vital course information. Students are able to view and update personal data, view current and previous grades, and evaluate academic progress through the degree audit function. The learning management system also enhances communication with professors and classmates.

Computer Labs - What computer resources will be available to me as a student?
Southern Wesleyan University provides computer labs for all enrolled students. These labs house Windows computers running XP Professional and Microsoft Office 2003. All computers are connected to the campus network and Internet browsing is available at all locations. Many hours of general use are scheduled. Labs are closed to students during scheduled computer classes and labs. Printing is provided as part of your technology fee. Printing not directly associated to a course project is subject to charges. Color scanners, digital cameras and other devices are available to students on a limited basis. Software installation on university owned computers is limited to information technology employees or representatives. Unauthorized software installation including downloading and/or copying will result in disciplinary action.

Computer Labs - What technology-related fees will I pay?
There are basically three technology fees that students are subject to pay.