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University College Computing

Please see below for information about passwords, your Washington University E-mail account, Telesis, wireless connections, and more.

How do I use the University College website?

One way to quickly find information you want is through our Site Map, a single web page that links to all of University College's website pages, including our Academic Calendar, Financial Aid pages, and a list of printable forms. Choose what you want from the list that appears, and click on it.

If you want to browse current or upcoming classes, type your query into the Search box, which appears on the top right of every page of this web site.

Registration for each semester opens on a certain date which is announced on our Calendar. Until that date you can browse courses but not register for them. On and after that date, click on the silver "Courses & Registration" button found in the top of each page and follow the instructions to actually register. Online registration is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy your visit to our website! And if the website does not answer your questions, E-mail University College at ucollege@artsci.wustl.edu.

 

How do I browse University College's upcoming course offerings?

To browse our course listings, click on the silver "Courses and Registration" button which is near the top left of the page. You will go to a page where you may start searching our course listings of the past, present, and future. You can sort through them by department, days of the week the classes are held, and "Term". Use the "Term" menu to select the semester you are interested in. Select your chosen day or department and hit "search". Don't worry that while you are browsing you might "accidentally" register for a course. Registering is a several-step process, and you will know it when you are registering.

 

I'm new at University College -- may I have a general overview of how computers will help me study and communicate while I attend University College?

Yes. University College, and its instructors, generally communicate with students by E-mail. When registering for a course, you may specify an E-mail address to which you want your E-mail sent. If you do not have an E-mail address, University College will assign you one for the semester in which you are enrolled.

University College web site contains an academic calendar, plus printable forms, registration access and information, and details about our degree programs, financial aid, student services, and so on. This website is open to anybody who wants to visit; no password necessary.

If you do not own a computer, you may use the PC computers on campus. They are located on all floors in Olin Library, including the coffee shop located on the Library's ground floor (it's called "The Whispers Cafe") and also in the Computing Lab in the basement of Eads Hall (to use the lab, your Washington University ID is required). If you need to print out a paper you have written, go to Eads Hall, where you may print out one copy. As of October 20, 2006, Olin Library charges per-page printing fees.

Washington University uses a system called WebSTAC through which you track your courses, grades, and accounts. Soon after registering, you will receive (via postal mail) an ID number (randomly assigned) and a password to access your own WebSTAC information.

Your ID number and password also allow you to use "Telesis," a program your instructor may require you to use. All Washington University courses, including University College courses, have their own websites. These sites allow you to see the course syllabus, upload papers, have discussions with your classmates and instructor, and link to sites or images or Power Point presentations uploaded by your instructor. If you are registered for a course, you will have access to your Telesis course website by using the ID number and password you use for WebSTAC. The Telesis home page is at https://telesis.wustl.edu.

University College's computer servers are not run by University College; they are run by Washington University's Arts & Sciences Computing Center. This is called "ASCC" or "Artsci Computing" for short. Sometimes your questions about computing may be directed to ASCC.

 

How can I read my Washington University E-mail?

Your Washington University E-mail is called Webmail. Click here to go to the Washington University E-mail gateway page. You will land on a page where you may type in your Washington University E-mail name and password. (The page will ask you to "choose a Webmail client". The default is "SquirrelMail" and it will work just fine.)

 

How do I get a Washington University E-mail account?

Depending on whether you are enrolled in a degree or certificate program, or just taking a course or two this semester, you will access your Washington University E-mail account in different ways.

If you have been admitted to a University College degree or certificate program, you will automatically receive a personalized Washington University E-mail account when you are admitted to and register for courses in a degree or certificate program. This will remain your E-mail account as long as you are an active student. If this is your situation and you don't have your E-mail login and password yet, visit the Arts and Sciences Computing Center in Eads Hall, lower level. Present your Washington University I.D. card and you will be given your login and password. Questions? Call the Computing Center at (314)935-8077.

If you are registered for just this semester, you may obtain an E-mail account valid for the semester in which you are enrolled. Your log-in will be a numeral rather than your name. Visit University College, January Hall, room 20. Information about the services of the Arts and Sciences Computing Lab will be given to you, including your login and password.

 

How do I set up a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection on campus?

Laptop computer owners can have wireless (Wi-Fi) access to the Internet at the many "wireless hot spots" on the Washington University campus. First, you must have a Washington University E-mail account and a laptop computer. Switch your computer on.

The next step is to make sure

1) that you are in a campus "hot spot" that receives wireless service and

2) your laptop has installed in it a 802.11b wireless network card. Newer laptops have this card already built in. If your laptop is older and doesn't have this card, the wireless network is not available.

Wireless access is available at these Danforth Campus locations ("hot spots"):

Holmes Lounge
Bowles Plaza
Mallinckrodt Dining Area
Olin Library, All levels
Most classrooms
January Hall's East Asian Library
Arts & Sciences Computing Center
Lab Sciences Building
School of Engineering
McMillan Hall - 2nd floor AFAS area
McMillan Hall 149
Biology Library
South Brookings
Eads Hall
Social Work Library
Gaylord Music Library
Ursa's Cafe & Patio
Friedman Lounge
Simon Hall
Bixby Hall
McMillan Hall - West hallways
Compton/Crow - Physics Library
McMillen Laboratory

3) In Windows, launch the Internet Explorer browser (also known as the "I.E." or "blue E" browser). YOU MUST USE THIS BROWSER TO OPEN YOUR WIRELESS CONNECTION EVERY TIME you connect.

4) You will be automatically directed to a Log-in page. Log in like this:

ID: youremailname@artsci
Password: Your Washington University E-mail password.

EXAMPLE: My WU E-mail name is jdoe@wustl.edu, so to log in to the wireless network I would type in:

jdoe@artsci

and then type in my Wash. U. E-mail password. (If you have forgotten your password, you cannot access the wireless connection until you have it.)

Now you can access your WU E-mail account and browse the Web. You will not be able to use Netscape Messenger, Outlook, FTP, or Telnet because this wireless connection is not secure.

HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE LOG-IN? NOTICE: your wireless log-in ID name IS *NOT* YOUR WHOLE W.U. E-mail ADDRESS, it is ONLY the part of the address that comes BEFORE the symbol "@" ("at"). And after that, all you need to type in is "artsci". Please do not add "wustl.edu" -- it will not work. The reason you type "artsci" is that University College students access the WU wireless system through the "Artsci" (Arts and Sciences) Computing system.

Now you should be connected. You may now close the Internet Explorer (IE) browser and use other browsers to view the Net, if you like, but you must use IE every time you open a connection to the wireless network.

Except for your Wash. U. E-mail account, this wireless network is NOT SECURE, and information such as IDs, passwords, and credit card numbers can be intercepted. Because of that, you will not be able to use Netscape Messenger, Outlook, FTP, or Telnet. Log-ins to your other E-mail accounts, or other sensitive accounts such as your bank account, ARE NOT SECURE, AND INFORMATION CAN BE INTERCEPTED. For a secure connection on campus, use a standard PC computer, available at Olin Library or in the lab on the lower level of Eads Hall -- OR set up your laptop (Windows XP or Mac OSX) with the secure WUFI-S network. Click here to read about your choices and to access instructions for setting up the WUFI-S Secure connection.

Have no laptop? Get on the Net at the many standard PC computers that can be found at Olin Library, or at the Arts & Sciences Computing Lab on the lower level of Eads Hall. The Arts & Sciences Computing Lab has 60 computers and is open until 12 midnight Mondays through Thursdays during the semester. You must show the attendants at the Computing Lab your Washington University I.D. card.

 

Where is the computer lab that is open in the evenings?

In the basement of Eads Hall. Eads Hall is very near University College's home building of January Hall, and steps from Olin Library. The Arts & Sciences Computing Lab has 55 computers, lets you use its printers to print out one copy of a course paper, and it is open until 12 midnight Mondays through Thursdays during the semester. You must show the attendants your Washington University I.D. card. Questions? Call the lab at (314)935-8077.

 

What is Telesis, and how do I use it?

Each of your University College courses has its own web site. Through that web site you can send papers to your instructor, review the syllabus or check the course calendar, see your grades, or engage in discussions with your classmates. Telesis (Tell-ah-sis) is the program that runs that course site.

Instructors do not have to use Telesis to help teach their courses, but an increasing number of them do.

If your instructor uses Telesis, to go there you will need to type the URL:

https://telesis.wustl.edu

TYPE THIS EXACTLY. The "s" means it's a secure site (so that no one else can see your grades!). And, DO NOT TYPE in "www". Telesis is NOT on the World Wide Web. It is a private, secure site for Washington University student and faculty use. No one but students enrolled in the course can see the course site, and only your instructor can see your papers and grades.

Then you need to enter your student ID (also known as WebSTAC ID) number, and a password that should have been issued to you via postal mail when you registered for the course.*

For a simple and printable Telesis helpsheet information for students or faculty, click here. There is also general help on the Telesis home page, in the box to the right. Also, if you're stuck about what to do once you're inside your course site, you can always call on the "Help" function.

*If you do not have or forgot your password, go to the WebSTAC home page and click on where it says "Forgot your password? Click here." The system will reset your password within 24 hours. Or, if you can't wait that long, you must come to the University College office, January Hall Room 20, in person during office hours, identify yourself, and your password will be reset.

University College instructors who want to know more about building and operating a Telesis course site can E-mail University College Telesis Instructor Support at clrankov@wustl.edu.

 

What is WebSTAC?

WebSTAC is the Washington University website that lets you access your past and present academic records. To access your personal record you need an ID number (use your SS, in a pinch, but it is not recommended) and a password. If you have forgotten your password, beneath the box for entering your ID number are the words "Forgot your Password? Click here." Click on that message and follow instructions. You will receive a working password in a day or two. Click here to go to the WebSTAC entry page.

 

Why does the computer system force me to change my password periodically?

For security reasons. Everyone at the university -- instructors, staff, day and evening students -- is forced to do this. It feels bothersome, but the security of your academic records is at stake.

 

I forgot my password. What should I do?

ALREADY A STUDENT? If you forgot your password and need to register for classes, complete an evaluation or look at your grades in WebSTAC, you may request a "Password Reset" by clicking on "Forgot Your Password? Click Here" on the WebSTAC home page and a temporary password will be emailed to you within 24 hours. You may also stop by in person at the University College Office in January Hall, Room 20. Bring your student ID and a new password can be set for you. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

NEW STUDENTS: If you are a new student at University College you will receive your first password by postal mail. However, you are not required to wait for your password to be mailed to you; you may also stop by in person at the University College Office in January Hall, Room 20. Bring your student ID and a new password can be set for you to use immediately. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

FACULTY: Go to the WebFAC home page and click on "Forgot Your Password? Click here."

If you have forgotten your E-MAIL PASSWORD, call the Arts & Sciences Computing Lab at (314) 935-8077, or go there (the lower level of Eads Hall) between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and show your Washington University I.D. and they can help.

 

Can I rent a laptop computer from Wash. U. for the semester?

Sorry, no. Washington University does not rent computer equipment or software. Nor does it give advice on purchasing or operating same.

 

How can I find and read materials that my instructor has put on electronic reserve?

The electronic reserve system is nicknamed "eRes" (ee-rez; it's a nickname for "electronic reserves") and it is run by the library. To read items from "eRes" you will have to have a password issued by your instructor. Click here for an introduction and help with eRes. It is well worth your time to go to the Olin Library website, and to the library itself, and familiarize yourself with its resources.

How do I fix it so I can get into Olin Library's catalog from my home computer?

This is called access by proxy. Click here to see your options.

 

I'm an instructor and I want to use a computer in my classroom. What should I know and do?

  • Some classrooms are equipped with University computers. Click here for information on classrooms with equipment and the software you will find installed on it. If you wish to use a particular software that is not contained on the list, please give the software to us. We would be happy to install it on the computer in the University-managed classroom you are teaching in. All software licenses must be paid for by the Department/Faculty member and should have a valid license. Call the Teaching Center at 314/935-6810.
  • If you want to use your own laptop in University-managed classrooms and need internet access, you need to register the laptop. To register your laptop, start by clicking here. The registration page walks you through how to register your laptop. During the registration process you will be required to enter the MAC address of your laptop and your email login and password. (Note: Every computer has a "MAC address" no matter what make of computer it is.)
  • If you use the website Youtube.com in your class, please remember that video files may not work at all times. It is not typically the computer or the internet connection but other factors that keep the video from playing.

 

I can't open the PDF files to download the printable forms. What should I do?

You can open and read PDF files if Adobe Reader software has been installed on your computer. If your computer doesn't have the free Adobe Reader software program, it must be downloaded onto the computer you are using. Click here to go to the download page. If your connection is a dial-up connection, the download will take a while. You may request that University College forms be sent to you by contacting University College.

 

I want to recycle my old computer. Do you know some places where I might take it?

The website ecyclestlouis.org may have the information you want.

 

 



E-mail us at:
ucollege@artsci.wustl.edu
or call: (314) 935-6700
TOLL FREE at 1-866-340-0723
Fax: (314) 935-6744
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Mailing Address:
University College
Washington University
Campus Box 1085,
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63130-4899