Technology Resources
Technology Resources
CWU provides a range of technology resources to help students succeed academically. From access to computer labs, software, and online platforms, to support from the Service Desk for troubleshooting technical issues, students can stay connected and equipped for success. The university also offers online tools for virtual learning and academic software to enhance productivity and learning. Whether you're on campus or learning remotely, CWU works to ensure you have access to the technology you need to excel.
Access to Computers and Software
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Free Software for CWU Students
Through CWU and using your CWU student email, you can access/download several free software packages for your personal computer, including:
- Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, OneNote, & One Drive
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Adobe Creative Suite (only a limited number of student accounts exist. Requests must be approved and related to academics)
- Wolfram Mathematica
Visit our Computer Support Services webpage for more information and instructions for accessing.
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Computer Checkout
Students can check out computers at several locations around the CWU Ellensburg Campus:
- Brooks Library- students can do a short term check for four hour periods or a long term checkout for seven days.
- Multimodal Education Center (MEC)- located in Samuelson Hall, 1st floor, the MEC offers seven day checkouts for laptops, both PC and MAC.
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Need to Buy a Computer?
Need money to buy a new computer? If you qualify for financial aid, students can request a one-time increase to their cost of attendance to help fund a computer. Email FINAID@cwu.edu for additional details.
If you need to purchase a new computer for school, we recommend that College of Business students purchase a PC computer, rather than a MAC.
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Virtual Computer Lab- Access software you may not have (and do not want to pay for!)
CWU provides a virtual lab that students can access from their computer to use software that they may not have their personal computer.
To learn more about the virtual lab, including available software and how to access, click here.
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Ellensburg Computer Labs
There are many computer labs available on the CWU Ellensburg Campus that are available for student use.
Shaw Smyser 216 is an open PC lab that is available during all hours Shaw Smyser is open. Classes are not held in this room.
Click here for a list of all labs and hours of availability.
Click here for a list of the software that is installed on computers in the different labs
Other Technology Resources
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Other Technology Available for Checkout
Brooks Library provides a wide variety of items for students to checkout, including:
- Adapters and chargers, including a universal laptop charger
- Calculators
- Cameras and tripods
- Computer accessories like mice, large print keyboard, microphones, headphones,
- Digital voice recorders
- Flash drives, USB drives
- GoPros
- LED magnifier
- Light therapy boxes
- Mini dry erase boards
- Projectors
- Promethean board kits
- Smart board kits
For more information, visit the CWU Libraries' website here.
The Multimodal Education Center (MEC) also provides a range of technology equipment for checkout, including:
- Tablet and phone accessories
- Cameras, video cameras, webcams, tripods
- Microphones
- Projectors
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Printing- Wepa Print Away
CWU students received a $15.00 allocation for every quarter they are enrolled for printing at the Wepa kiosks. These are located on the Ellensburg campus, primarily in Brooks Library, Black Hall, Discovery, Psychology, Samuelson, the SURC, and a few others.
For full information and the location of all Wepa kiosks, please visit here.
Technical Help Resources
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Canvas Help
Every student at CWU will use Canvas at some point during their academics. Canvas is our Learning Management System (LMS) that supports classes and other activities related to academics.
Canvas Orientation Course- This online class will teach you how to navigate Canvas. It is a great, quick, course for all students. It is especially helpful for those who may have never used Canvas before.
Canvas Help by Topic- This page provides help information for Canvas by topic.
General CWU Canvas Help Page- This page provides the above resources, plus many others related to Canvas, including video guides.
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Tech Help- Service Desk
Have you forgotten your password or are you having trouble with the MFA (we have all been there!)? Then the Service Desk is just the resource you need!
The Service Desk is our friendly, neighborhood go to place for all things tech help. If it is tech related, they are always a good place to start.
Phone: (509) 963-2001
Website: Service DeskEmail: cwuservicedesk@cwu.edu
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