Author: Mazen Morrar
Mazen is a student employee with Technology Services.
When I first started at the University of Illinois, I knew Technology Services was the place to go if my Wi-Fi stopped working. What I did not realize was just how much more they actually offer. From free software to research tools and printing help, there is an entire range of resources students can use. Now it is easier than ever to find them through the new Enterprise IT Service Catalog.
The catalog is set up like a one-stop shop for all the services Tech Services provides. Instead of guessing where to go or scrolling endlessly through search results online, students can simply type in a keyword or browse by category to quickly find what they need.
The best part about the catalog is that it is written for everyone, not just people who already know tech. Each description is clear and easy to understand so it is obvious what the service does and how to use it. The more I explore, the more I realize that students have access to so many resources that are not always talked about like cloud storage, virtual meeting tools and accessibility options.
For one of my media courses, I had a research project that required analyzing survey data. I had never installed statistical software on my laptop before, so I turned to the Enterprise IT Service Catalog. Normally I would have spent hours searching online or asking friends for guidance, but the catalog made the process simple. I typed in “software” and immediately found a page offering free downloads including Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Matrix Laboratory and Adobe Creative Cloud. Within minutes, I had everything I needed to start my project, saving time and avoiding frustration.
One of my LAS 101 students had a similar experience when trying to connect their gaming console to the campus network. They were ready to give up until I showed them the catalog. Under the Internet and Wi-Fi section, they found clear step-by-step instructions on how to register their device. The whole issue was solved in a matter of minutes.
For me, the catalog is more than just a directory. It is a way to actually take advantage of everything the university provides. College is challenging enough on its own so having all of these resources laid out in one place really makes life a little easier.
The next time you are stuck on a tech problem whether it is downloading software, fixing Wi-Fi or figuring out campus printing, take a look at the Enterprise IT Service Catalog. You might be surprised at how simple the solution can be.