Getting Started for Students

Welcome, or welcome back, to CUMC. Student computing at the Medical Center involves a wide variety of resources. Please use this page as a guide to all of the technical support and services available.

Even if you're a returning student, be sure to read the Getting Started and Technical Support information below since some procedures have changed.

Useful Links for Students

Getting Started

Before arriving on campus there are some steps you must take to insure a smooth start:

1. Activate your UNI
   Your University Network I.D. is
   • The beginning of your Columbia email address (uni@columbia.edu).
   • Your logon for Student Services Online, Courseworks, Library Digital Collections, and many other resources.
   • Allows you to register your computer for the wired network, and acts as a logon for wireless.
   • Allows you to download licensed software and use our online forms to request services.
   For more detailed information on activating and using email, please see our Email and UNI Accounts page.
   To find your UNI and activate it by choosing a password, please go to:
   http://uni.columbia.edu.

Remember to always keep your UNI password secret - you are responsible for your account. If you share your password with anyone, your account may be suspended or permanently invalidated.

2. Prepare your computer
   Any computer connecting to the CUMC network must:
   • Have all of its current Operating System updates.
   • Be virus-free, and have working antivirus and antispyware programs.
     The User's Guide to Safer Computing at Columbia can assist you with these steps, including installing the Columbia licensed Symantec Endpoint program (and be sure to check our Software Downloads page for a list of all licensed programs including Microsoft Office).
   • Be set up to connect to the Wired and/or Wireless networks.
     
     • Wired (Residential) network: before arriving you may submit the Bradford Campus Manager form using the computer you will be connecting to the campus wired network. It requires that a small, non-permanent program be downloaded and run a brief scan your computer to be sure it meets basic CUMC security policies. More information can be found at the How Does Bradford Campus Manager Work page.
     • Wireless is only available at certain locations on campus, and requires special configuration for wireless. Linux systems are not supported for the secured wireless networks.
3. Learn about technical support and resources at CUMC
   • Please be sure to look for information and answers in the Useful Links for Students and Student FAQ sections.
   • The CUMC IT Service Desk provides first level technical support for CUMC students, faculty and staff seven days a week.
   • If your computer requires advanced troubleshooting (virus removal, hardware failure, etc) you will be given a ticket number and arrangements will be made with you for a technician to continue working on the problem.
     • Laptops
       1. After initial troubleshooting has been performed and you have been advised to bring in your laptop, it can be dropped off Monday through Thursday between 8am and 7pm.
       2. After you've been notified that the work was completed, your laptop can be picked up Monday through Friday between 8am and 7pm.
       Do not attempt to drop off or pick up a laptop without having first made arrangements with a technician.
     • Desktops - a technician will make an appointment to work on any desktops in campus housing that require advanced troubleshooting.
       Desktops cannot be brought in to the Service Desk.
     Please note this is for student-owned computers only. Department owned computers must abide by their own IT support group's policies if they require advanced troubleshooting.

• Call extension 5-Help (212-305-4357), option 5
• Connect instantly to a technician online via CUMC IT eSupport (PCs only)
• Email 5help@columbia.edu
• Come to the walk in desk on the 2nd Floor of the Hammer Health Sciences building
• Submit our Online Help Form

• Monday through Friday - 8am* to 7:30pm
• Saturday - 9am to 5pm
• Sunday - 10am to 6pm