About this guide

Welcome to the St. Olaf IT introduction guide! We understand that, as a new member of the St. Olaf community, you’re probably busy getting settled in. Instead of bombarding you with information, we’ve created this guide to get you acquainted with the basics:

Connecting to the network

If you are not already connected to the secure St. Olaf network, select your system below for step-by-step instructions on how to do so.

What do we do?

Our primary responsibility is to ensure that St. Olaf students have access to technology that enhances the educational experience. Additionally, we make sure that those technologies are working and that the students, faculty, and staff understand how to use them.

  • Computer Labs Our computer labs were built with versatility in mind. Every computer has both Windows 7 and Mac OS X operating systems and there is at least one lab in every residence hall and academic building. You will have access to software such as Microsoft Office and the Apple iLife suite, as well as devices such as scanners, printers, and audio recorders.
  • Equipment Checkout Before you go out and buy a camera, camcorder, or audio recorder, check to see if we might have what you need. You can rent equipment from IT, the main library and the music library for free. You can also checkout sound systems and projectors for residence hall or club events.
  • Wireless Networks We've installed over 600 wireless access points across campus to ensure that you're always connected. Mmm, internet.
  • File Storage While you could always use a flash drive to work with files between computers, Google drive offers unlimited storage and gives you access to your files anywhere you have an internet connection. Open and share files from any device! To learn more about Google Drive, click here.
  • Workshops and Training We're all here to help; throughout the year we host workshops, training sessions, and open labs for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff. Or if you are more of a self-guided learner, see our How-to Guides and Tutorials.
  • Printing Services With more than 75 student printers available around campus, it's quick and easy to print those last-minute assignments on your way to class. You can print to any stoPrint printer from any computer on campus, including your own. If you have a larger job, just send it to the on-campus Print Center; they can fold, cut, staple, punch, laminate and/or bind your work for you. Printing something giant? The Media Lab can print just about any poster you can dream up.
  • Lynda.com Need an intro to Photoshop? Perhaps you want to master Garageband? You're in luck. Lynda.com will teach you how to use much of the software available at St. Olaf through video tutorials. If you're still stumped, just drop by IT or email us; we would love to hear from you.
  • Security Stay secure: IT will help you install free antivirus software which can protect your computer from the nastiest of bugs.

Where to find help

We make it easy for you to get help by offering a variety of contact points.


Information Technology
Rolvaag Library 251
1510 St. Olaf Ave.
Northfield, MN 55057