Prospective Students - Freshman

Computers play a central role in helping students access student services and conduct a wide range of academic work. Information technology (IT) skill and understanding is part of everything we do in the world today, and our goal at CU-Boulder is to prepare all of our students for careers in the new information age.

To support your use of technology in your education, CU-Boulder has 105 "smart" classrooms and lecture halls that provide Internet connections and multimedia facilities including the new Eaton Humanities building. The campus also has 75 Internet kiosks and more than 60 computer labs. The Anderson Language Technology Center (ALTEC) is a state-of-the-art facility supporting the study of language and cultures in an inviting atmosphere.

A CU-Boulder initiative, the Alliance for Technology, Learning, and Society (ATLAS) has gained national recognition by focusing on helping CU-Boulder students prepare for lives and careers in the information age. CU-Boulder recently received $2 million in funds from the Department of Education to support the ATLAS program and facilities.

The Atlas Center
Construction of CU-Boulder’s new $34 million ATLAS Center began in February 2005.  The 66,000 square foot ATLAS Center will serve as the technology beacon for the CU-Boulder campus and will feature a two-story "black-box" performance studio with video and audio control rooms, dressing rooms and a smaller production studio, film screening room for instruction and campus events, computer classrooms and group project spaces.  Construction of the five-floor building is scheduled for completion in time for classes in fall 2006.

What does this initiative mean for you as a student? You can take multidisciplinary courses that blend the components of the new multimedia world—information technology skills, design and artistic expertise, and content—in a variety of media- and discipline-specific areas. The ATLAS initiative also offers the opportunity for you to earn a certificate in technology, arts, and media. The program takes students from all disciplines—art, humanities, social sciences, sciences, and engineering—through a six-course, project oriented program that integrates the technological, design, and media content skills so critical for success in today's work force.

Computer Recommendations
So that students can best take advantage of our exceptional IT environment, the University of Colorado at Boulder strongly recommends that every student have a personal computer if this is financially feasible. The university does not require any particular type or configuration of computer. However, student computers should provide at least standard hardware/software capabilities including network and web access, and office software for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, and e-mail. For more information on what we recommend in a computer, please go to the ITS computing section.

CU-Boulder is strongly committed to making its education available to a diverse range of students independent of their financial means. Because computer ownership may present a financial burden for some students, CU-Boulder does not require that students own a computer. Student computer labs on campus are available to all students, and several residence halls have computer labs for residents. Students who intend to purchase a computer and wish to have its cost included in their financial aid calculations are strongly encouraged to consult the Office of Financial Aid before purchasing a computer.

Internet Connectivity
Information Technology Services
TOTALComm@CU brings telephone and Internet service right to your residence hall room or family housing unit. You receive a comprehensive package of technology services, including access to the university network and the Internet via high-speed Residential Networking (ResNet) ethernet jacks, e-mail, telephone and long distance service, and—best of all—help when you need it.

Students living off campus are eligible for e-mail, access to the CU modem pool, ITS labs, and computing classes. If you are an off-campus student, you can create your own account using the PLUS system or visit the IT office with your Buff OneCard and the IT staff will create an account for you. You will get connected with TOTALComm@CU.

Wireless LAN
CU-Boulder has wireless network access in many campus locations, making it possible to have anytime online access. Wireless network access is currently available in Norlin Library in the study areas on floors one through three; the Engineering Center main lobby, McCoy Grill, and classroom wing; the Leeds School of Business; Hellems basement; Eaton Humanities, first floor; the UMC public areas, including the fifth floor terrace and Trumbo fountain area; Fleming Law Library; and the Education building. Wireless network access is also available in some of the larger lecture halls and classrooms on campus. Wireless access points are prohibited in the residence halls.

CUConnect
One web portal for all of your official CU-Boulder business. CU-Boulder's CUConnect Student Portal is a secure web site where students can access information about their records and conduct business with the university any time of day or night. From CUConnect, you have access to the following features (“channels”): your class schedule and grades (including required books, course home page URL, and Math Mod grades), billing and online bill pay, final exam schedule, WebMail, WebCal, WebFiles, GPA calculator, Course lookup and schedule planner, vital announcements, your advising information, a variety of news, Libraries and Chinook catalog search, and much more. To access CUConnect, you'll need your IdentiKey, which you will receive after you are admitted to the university.