Frequently Asked Questions
System Notices
Why can’t I connect to 1, 2 or more systems (email, network, BlackBoard, SPIRIT or SPIRIT On-Line) on the university network?
There may be planned system outages scheduled at the time you are trying to connect. Please check the ITS System Advisory page for up-to-date information. If no outages are scheduled, please contact the IT Service Desk at helpdesk@saintpeters.edu
Passwords
I forgot my password, what do I do?
Change your password for the network, Blackboard, SPIRIT Online, Datatel, and Email (Gmail) using ReACT, the Password Reset tool (saintpeters.edu/password).
What is the password policy at Saint Peter’s University?
All passwords must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Not contain all or part of the user’s account name
- Be at least eight characters in length
- Old passwords are not allowed
- Must contain characters from three of the following four categories:
- English uppercase characters (A through Z)
- English lowercase characters (a through z)
- Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
- Non-alphabetic characters (e.g., !, $, #, %)
Complexity requirements are enforced when passwords are changed or created.
Network
My VPN connection keeps dropping when I’m running a query on SPIRIT from home.
Make sure to use a wired connection and temporarily disable your wireless connection on the computer.
My Saint Peter’s laptop keeps having Internet and network problems. How do I fix that?
Try the following:
- Disable the wireless connection by toggling off the Wi-Fi switch on the side on newer laptops. Older laptops will require you to disable the wireless radio via software utility on the taskbar. Sometimes the laptops will pick up neighboring wireless signals in the area which will cause you to lose connection to the university.
- Wired connection is always more reliable than wireless connection. So whenever possible use a network cable.
I am a Saint Peter’s employee with VPN access. I just recently purchased a new computer with Windows 7 64-bit Operating System. I can’t get VPN to work.
Unfortunately we are currently limited to VPN from computers with 32-bit Operating Systems.
Computer Labs
Why don’t my printjobs come out of the lab printer?
The university has card-swipe printing enabled at certain key lab locations at the Jersey City campus. These are located at all 3 Loyola Labs, the library public computers, CALL Center, D333 and the McDermott Kiosk. University Card-swipe printing instructions are posted by the printers located at these labs..
If you’re having problems releasing your print jobs, please see the lab proctor at the location where you are printing.
I’m a faculty and I am wondering what software applications are installed at the computer labs and Smart Classrooms computers. Where can I find that information?
See the Lab Software List.
I’m a faculty and I would like to have software installed in the labs. Is there a form to fill out?
Yes, the Lab Software Installation Request Form is available online.
Residential Network
Are there network connections in the dorm rooms?
Yes, there is a mixture of wired and wireless connections in the dorm rooms. For better connectivity, always use wired connection. ITS does not provide network cables but you can purchase one from the university bookstore.
What do I do if the network ports are broken?
You can report it to theIT Service Desk. Make sure to provide detail information including contact information so we can reach you.
What is the 3-strike rule?
ITS will attempt to contact you three separate times to address your issue. If we haven’t heard from you, we will assume that the case has been resolved and the work-order will be closed. You will have to open up a new work-order.
Does the university provide network cables or wireless cards?
The University does not provide network cables or wireless cards.
Can I bring my own router, switch, hub or wireless access point?
Only ITS-installed network hardware is allowed.
Personal Computers
Do ITS fix personal computers?
ITS not support personal laptops. We are happy to provide suggestions and recommendations to assist you in solving technical problems. However, the school will not be responsible for any personal hardware or data loss.
I heard you can get discounts buying computers if you work at or are a student of Saint Peter’s University. How can I take advantage of that?
Go to the University Purchase Program page. The university has partnered with Dell and Apple to provide discounts to students and staff. During the ordering process, you will have to provide some form of university identification. Please be advised the University is not involved in the sale or support of the products purchased through them.