Parents: Get Started with IT@UT
Welcome! Information Technology Services (ITS) wants you, as the parent of a student new to The University of Texas at Austin, to be aware of the technology resources that will play an important role in your son's or daughter's educational experience. Take some time to become knowledgeable about IT services, products and support available on our campus and encourage your student to take full advantage of IT@UT.
IT@UT and Your Student
Students: Getting Started with Technology at UT
The Students: Getting Started Web site lists basics to connect your student to the latest in online and computer technology here at the university. As part of orientation, students new to campus learn about this resource and how it can help them get started in the best possible way with IT@UT. Take a look yourself to learn what’s available.
Campus Computer Store
The Campus Computer Store, conveniently located near the Tower in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC), extends its academic discounts to parents and grandparents of students at the university. After signing an eligibility form confirming your student’s enrollment, you can purchase computers, software and accessories at discounted academic prices. Your son or daughter will appreciate having up-to-date technology for their work.
BevoWare
The university provides firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software at no cost to help protect your student’s computer. The software is available as a free download from the BevoWare Web site. BevoWare is a good guarantee for safe computing both on and off campus. Once installed, it will ensure your student’s computer meets university information security requirements.
Connecting at the University
If your student lives in the residence halls, consider Resnet, the Residence Hall Network at UT Austin, for high-speed Internet and wireless connections. It is a convenient, affordable way to get online.
Your student can also use the Public Network system for wireless and wired Internet access on campus or the VPN (virtual private network) when they are off campus.
Information "On the Go"
When your student is “on the go” they can use the free UT Mobile service to find university phone numbers, contact information, and buildings on campus — as well as other resources — all from the convenience of their mobile device. The service is free, but check with your mobile service provider to be sure your student doesn’t receive unexpected charges.
For Additional Help
If your student has a computer question, the ITS Help Desk is available for in person visits (Flawn Academic Center, Second Floor) or telephone consultations, 512-475-9400. The ITS Web site also offers information about our services.
If you have any other questions or concerns about IT-related policies or rules, please feel free to contact help@its.utexas.edu or the Office of the Dean of Students at 512-471-1201.
In addition to the products and services provided by ITS, some schools and colleges, including Cockrell School of Engineering, College of Education, McCombs School of Business, School of Architecture and School of Information also provide their students with additional resources and requirements, such as custom e-mail addresses and laptop specifications. Encourage your student to check to see what else may be available.
Important Information for Parents
Official Communications
The university uses e-mail as a means of official communications to all students. All accepted and enrolled students can claim an official university e-mail address through ITS at no extra charge, or use a third-party e-mail address as the destination for official communications from the university. In either case, it is the student's responsibility to provide the university with the correct e-mail address using the online update form in UT Direct.
For more detailed information, please read the university's policy on using e-mail for official correspondence to students.
eProxy Service
Your student can make it possible for you to view and update their personal electronic records through the eProxy service provided by Division of Housing and Food. Use eProxy to complete financial transactions and view or update various records. By designating you as someone who can do things for them, your son or daughter gives you direct access to their tuition bills, enables you to check the balance for his or her Dine In Dollars, and authorizes you to make a deposit to his or her Bevo Bucks account.
Keep It Legal!
It’s important for you and your student to understand that downloading music or movies from the Internet can have significant consequences, including stiff fines. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is aggressively pursing college students who break the law; talk with your son or daughter about downloading music and movies illegally.
Any student who violates the Acceptable Use Policy or engages in illegal activity may suffer disciplinary probation, suspension or criminal prosecution. The university cannot protect a student if the police and the FBI investigate violations of state or federal law. This includes issues related to copyright infringement.
Ignorance is not an excuse. Know the university's rules for acceptable use of information technology so you will know what it means to "keep it legal."
