Offices & Services
Getting Started
- What services does the College provide for my computer?
- Where are the computer labs located on the campus?
- What type of computer do you recommend?
- If I have my own computer, do I need my own printer?
- Who can I contact for computer related issues?
What services does the College provide for my computer?
IT Services out-sources all hardware/software services to our service vendor KIS Computer Center, 562-942-0338. 
Where are the computer labs located on the campus?
The main computer lab is located in the Library on the ground floor. There are smaller departmental labs across the campus.
What type of computer do you recommend?
We do not recommend any particular make of computer. The campus is a dual platform campus. There are both Macintosh and PC computers.
If I have my own computer, do I need my own printer?
Yes. It's convenient to have your own printer with your computer. If you use a lab computer, you can print out your papers on a lab printer.
Who can I contact for computer related issues?
To purchase Macintosh computers, please go to http://www.whittier.edu/its/services/AppleStore.aspx and choose the link for students, faculty, and staff. Or you may contact Dedra Thames in IT Services at 562-907-4287. To purchase PC computers, please go www.dell.com/hied. To purchase Microsoft, Adobe, and Symantec software, please go to ComputerLand of Silicon Valley web site at http://www.uscollegebuy.com.; to purchase other software, please go to JourneyEd web site at http://www.journeyed.com. For hardware issues please contact KIS Computer Center at 562-942-0338.
Please contact Dedra Thames in IT Services by email at dthames@whittier.edu or phone at 562-907-4287.
- What is my email address? And how do I check my email?
- What email system does the College use?
- Who can I contact for email related issues?
What is my email address? And how do I check my email?
In most cases your username will be the first letter of your first name and the first seven letters of your last name. If your name is Jane Poet your username will be jpoet and your e-mail address will be jpoet@poets.whittier.edu. If you have a popular last name such as Smith or Martinez, your username might be different. Contact IT Services if you have any questions. There is a guide, available online and from IT Services, on how to check your e-mail using My Whittier. Please follow this guide, and if you have any questions we will be happy to help you.
What email system does the College use?
The College uses myWhittier for new students. This is a web-based email system. Guides are available online and from IT Services.
Who can I contact for email related issues?
Please contact Steven Pei in IT Services at 562-907-4287.
- What type of network does the College have?
- How much is Ethernet network service to my room?
- How do I hook up my Ethernet?
- Which outlet on the wall do I plug in my Ethernet cord?
- What type of cord do I need to use to plug my computer to the Ethernet network?
- Where do I get an Ethernet cable?
- Who can I contact for network related issues?
What type of network does the College have?
The campus network consists of a fiber backbone with Ethernet throughout the campus. This is connected to three T1 connections to the Internet.
How much is Ethernet network service to my room?
Ethernet connection is provided at no cost as long as you have an Ethernet card and cable in your computer. Wireless network is available in all residential halls.
The Ethernet jacks in the residential rooms are already active. Plug your Ethernet cord into one of the RED jacks. Follow the Ethernet (DHCP) Configuration Guides, available in IT Services, to set up your computer for our network. If you have problems call IT Services at (562) 907-4287. If you use a campus phone, dial the extension 4287.
Which outlet on the wall do I plug in my Ethernet cord?
Always plug in your Ethernet cord to any RED jack on the wall. You should get a green link light on your Ethernet Card when you plug in your Ethernet cord. The light appears next to where you plug in your cord on your computer.
What type of cord do I need to use to plug my computer to the Ethernet network?
You are to use a Category 5 rated cable with RJ45 plugs on both ends. Be advised, when you use a coupler to attach to separate cords, make sure to get a RJ45 coupler that conducts straight. Some coupler reverses the conductors from one end to the other and this will prevent your computer from getting connected to the Ethernet network.
Where do I get an Ethernet cable?
The Computer Center has 25 foot Ethernet cables available at $10.00 each. If you need a longer cable you must go to a computer store to purchase it.
Who can I contact for network related issues?
Please contact Jim Bogdan in IT Services at 562-907-4287.
- Can you tell me a little about the telephone system?
- How do I get telephone service in my room?
- How much is telephone service to my room?
- Can I change my local and long distance provider?
- Can I use a calling card?
- Do I need to bring an answering machine?
- When I get to my room, which jack do I plug my telephone into?
- Why can I make calls but not receive them?
- What if I have no dial tone?
- Who can I contact for telephone related issues?
Can you tell me a little about the telephone system?
Telephone service in Whittier College residence halls is provided by Whittier College Telecommunication Services. Telephone service, which allows access to all four-digit extensions, is provided at no cost. Features such as call waiting, call forward, call transfer, and call conferencing, call hold are also provided at no cost. The rights and responsibilities of students regarding telephone service in Whittier College residence halls, including our fee refund policy, are outlined in the Residence Living License Agreement. Please read the agreement carefully. Students must provide their own telephone. Telephones are available for purchase through the Whittier College Bookstore, or you may choose to purchase it on your own at such places as Kmart, WalMart, or Radio Shack. We strongly recommend against the use of cordless telephones, since several cordless telephones in close proximity interfere with one another. You may wish to coordinate with your roommate regarding the telephone set, as there is only one telephone line per room.
How do I get telephone service in my room?
The telephone jacks in the residential rooms are already active. Plug your phone into the BLACK jack. For Turner residents, only one of the black jacks in the room works. Local and campus only service is on.
How much is telephone service to my room?
There is no charge for local telephone service.
Can I change my local and long distance provider?
No. The College local service is provided by Verizon. Long distance phone service is no longer provided in the residential halls. You may purchase phone cards to make long distance calls. Or you can use your cell phone to call long distance.
Yes, you can use a calling card.
Do I need to bring an answering machine?
Yes. You will need to bring an answering machine. The College does not provide voicemail.
When I get to my room, which jack do I plug my telephone into?
Plug your phone into the BLACK jack. For Turner residents, only one of the black jacks in the room works.
Why can I make calls but cannot not receive them?
More likely than not your phone has inadvertently been sent to forward to another number. To fix this, lift the receiver, dial #1, wait for the special tone, and hang up. If you continue to have problems, contact IT Services at extension 5000.
Make sure you have your phone plugged into the BLACK jack. If this does not work, try plugging a known working phone and phone cord into the black jack. If the other phone works, then you have a bad phone or phone cord. If it still does not work, fill out the Telecommunications Access form located at the front desk of the residence hall, or in the IT Services, and drop it in campus mail. Work cannot be completed without this form.
Who can I contact for telephone related issues?
For hardware issues please contact Dedra Thames in IT Services at 562-907-5000.
