Welcome to Fort Hays State University!  We are pleased that you have chosen FHSU, and invite you to use a variety of computing and telecommunication services at Fort Hays State University. The following information provides vital instructions and links for accessing those resources:

• The TigerTracks portal, located at tigertracks.fhsu.edu, provides centralized single sign-on access to student Scatcat e-mail, the Blackboard course delivery system, announcements, and other FHSU Online Services. To activate your TigerTracks login, go to tigertracks.fhsu.edu/register/. For security, privacy, and legal reasons, this account may be activated ONLY by the student. For more information see www.fhsu.edu/ctc/helpdesk/tigertracks_info.shtml.

• FHSU Online Services (accessed through the TigerTracks portal) provides access to the TigerEnroll system, class schedules, advisor contact information, financial aid status, grades, personal contact information, and more!
  
  
• Free lifetime"Scatcat" e-mail accounts are issued to FHSU students. These addresses are given to instructors and advisors, so you should check your Scatcat e-mail frequently for class assignments and other notices.

  More information about using your Scatcat account can be found in the Using FHSU Student Scatcat E-Mail document. Because FHSU is unable to provide support for other e-mail systems, we recommend accessing your Scatcat e-mail directly in order to receive official University mail and messages. However, if you wish, you may forward your Scatcat e-mail to another account of your choice.

• Several options for Internet access are available at FHSU. See the Internet Acess section of the CTC HelpDesk Web site for information about on-campus wireless access, residence hall Ethernet connections, and computer labs.

• FHSU is currently making the transition toward a mobile technology environment. All new on-campus students should review FHSU's Mobile Teaching and Learning Policy Statement and Student Purchase Specifications, located at www.fhsu.edu/mobilecomputing/.

• A variety of software products are available for purchase at volume discount prices through FHSU's online Software Center.

• The CTC HelpDesk (Tomanek Hall, Room 113) is the focal point for technical assistance, referral information, and access to FHSU computing and telecommunication services. The HelpDesk provides assistance with using the TigerTracks Web portal, accessing FHSU e-mail, gaining on-campus Internet and wireless access, posting student Web pages, and performing many other technology-related tasks. Free scanning and use of a Windows or Macintosh customer workstation are some of the other services available in the CTC HelpDesk office.

• The Learning Commons (TLC), located in Forsyth Library, is the newest resource to help students become comfortable with new technology. Students are invited to attend workshops, receive one-on-one help, check out equipment, print documents, and take advantage of one of the smart study rooms.

• FHSU's Virtual College (http://www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege/) provides access and assistance for online course systems such as Blackboard and Articulate. You can receive assistance by calling Virtual College support at 1-800-628-FHSU. You may also contact the Virtual college by sending an e-mail to virtualcollege@fhsu.edu.
  

Before using FHSU online resources, you should read the Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy.  There can be many threats to our resources, and your use of FHSU systems implies your agreement to abide by these policies, which are intended to ensure security and efficiency for all who use them.  Here are a few examples:

• Viruses, spyware, and other programs can destroy files on your computer, use your computer to launch attacks on servers, spread viruses to other computers on the network, and cause excess network traffic.  Please take precautions by installing and maintaining current virus and spyware protection software and performing regular operating system updates. If activity from your computer presents a threat to our systems, FHSU may disable your Internet connection and/or e-mail account without notice until the problem is resolved. For more information, see the Virus Information page on the CTC HelpDesk Web site.
  

• Be cautious about using shareware programs to download files (including music files), because this can cause your computer to become a public resource on the network.  This means that other users could look at your files and use your computer in a variety of ways.
  

• Some music and video files are quite large and consume huge amounts of Internet bandwidth.  The CTC reserves the right to limit the bandwidth used by any one machine in order to give others access.

• Protect your passwords; do not share your FHSU passwords with anyone. Doing so puts you at risk not only through possible loss of your privacy, but also because you can be held legally responsible for any activity that occurs through use of your passwords. If you believe someone else may know your password, bring a photo ID to the CTC HelpDesk, and we will assist you with obtaining a new one.

We encourage you to become acquainted with the CTC HelpDesk staff.  We look forward to assisting you with all of your computing activities at FHSU.  Let us help make your FHSU experience a successful one!