Bemidji State University’s Information Technology Services mission is to provide Information Technology tools, support, and services that enhance educational and workplace experiences and values.
COVID-19 IT Resources
Extended IT Help Desk Operating Hours:March 30th thru April 3rdMonday through Friday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
To receive IT support:Email: helpdesk@bemidjistate.eduCall: (218) 755-3777 |
Decker Lab:
Open 7 days a week – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
**We ask that everyone practices social distancing and wipes down their keyboard and mouse after they are done.**
Wi-Fi:
Wi-Fi is now available in the AIRC parking lot
System Office ASA, ITS, and Minnesota State Info Hub
We are working together to extend the capacity of campuses and provide resources and support for students who are transitioning from in-person to virtual delivery of their courses.
Students can call 1-844-456-3876 for direct support. Students will receive immediate assistance or be guided through the process to submit a ticket for more complex issues.
Information about areas of assistance and extended hours can be found at the Student Academic Continuity site: https://asanewsletter.org/academic-continuity-students/ and noted below:
Student Guides – Text and video guides for D2L Brightspace, Zoom, Kaltura MediaSpace, and Office 365 are also available at the Student Academic Continuity
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System Office ASA, ITS, and Minnesota State Info Hub Students can call 1-844-456-3876 for direct support |
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IT Resources for Students Learning Online
Find out how to access software, applications, and digital tools for students to use for online and remote learning.
Common online services
Eduroam
With eduroam, Minnesota State students and employees can use their StarID credentials to access Wi-Fi when visiting participating institutions. Visitors from other eduroam-participating colleges and universities can access Wi-Fi at participating Minnesota State colleges and universities using the usernames and passwords from their home institutions.
FCC Statement on Network Access
The Federal Communications Commission is working with the broadband and telephone industries, asking them to agree to the Keep Americans Connected Pledge.
Providers pledge to:
- Waive late fees
- Not cut-off service for lack of payment
- Open all wifi hot-spots
Low or No-Cost Internet and Computer Options
This is not a complete list. Check with any local Internet service providers in your area, as many are offering free or reduced-rate service during this time.
- Charter Communications is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days in-home with K-12 and/or college students that don’t have an existing Spectrum service level up to 100 Mbps.
- Comcast is offering ‘Internet Essentials‘ package free for low-income customers for 60 days. There is also an option to buy refurbished low-cost computers.
- Comcast will offer open free public Wi-Fi hot spots throughout the country, as part of its response to the coronavirus outbreak. It will also eliminate data caps for its customers.
- Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers.
- MIDCO Lifeline – Lifeline is a federal program intended to put a home phone and internet service within the reach of qualifying families – giving low-income households affordable home phone or internet access.
- Minnesota Office of Broadband Development – Digital Inclusion: If you are a low-income subscriber residing in either a Comcast, CenturyLink, Charter, or Midcontinent area, you may be eligible for reduced pricing of monthly broadband service.
- Minnesota Computers for Schools – Lifelong Learners Program: Do you need a computer but have no way of getting one? This may be a program to help. There is an application process, and the student would need a portion filled out by a Learning Partner/Counselor/Social Worker/Job Coach, etc.
- DEED: Digital inclusion for broadband service. Highlights available programs for low or no-cost options.
- PCs for People – This option gives the ability to provide low-cost internet and computers to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. The internet access is provided with mobile hot-spots, which would allow students to take it wherever it is needed.
Cell Phone Hotspots
Check with your cell provider for offers they have to add a mobile hotspot to your plan, many of which are temporarily at no charge.