Computing Facilities

The Information Commons (IC)help desk provides a single contact point for information technology and related support for the Columbia University Medical Center community via phone, email, and walk-in. The IC help desk is housed on the second floor of the Hammer Health Sciences Center, at 701 West 168th Street. Our services and support include management of the computer classrooms and labs, student computing, media support, email, network issues, and much more.

There are several avenues to report computer problems or request computer assistance (including general information about computing, "how to" questions, advice on technology, etc.). The IC help desk can be reached 7 days a week at extension 5-Help (212-305-4357), via email at 5help@columbia.edu, via our online form at http://www.cubhis.org/5_HELP/5HELP-form.html, or you can visit our walk-in desk right inside the entrance of the 2nd floor at the Hammer Health Sciences Library. Our web site is also updated regularly with information, news and announcements about technology at CUMC.

Public-Access Computer Labs

The IC offers public computer clusters at several Medical Center Campus locations: Hammer lobby, Hammer 2nd floor and PH17. All locations have Windows XP PCs, with Power Mac G5s available at Hammer. Software is provided for word processing, analyzing data, creating charts, graphics, curriculum support, and other applications. The computers can also access network-based resources such as electronic mail and the World Wide Web. High quality printing capabilities are available at all locations, with color printing available on the 2nd floor of the Library.

PH 17: There are two computer rooms with a total of 38 Windows XP computers in the Student Learning Center on the 17th floor of the Presbyterian Hospital Building. Open hours are currently Monday-Sunday from 8am-2am. Extended hours are available during exam periods.
E-Lounge: The IC offers wireless and wired network plug-in ports on the 2nd floor in the Hammer Health Sciences library in the E-Lounge, allowing you to bring your own laptop and connect to Columbia's high-speed network services. For information on getting connected call the IC help desk at extension 5-Help (212-305-4357), or go to http://www.cubhis.org/IC/wireless.html for more details.

Wireless Access @ Hammer Health Sciences

Wireless access is available on the 2nd floor, Lobby and Lower Level I of the Hammer Health Sciences Library, the 3rd and 4th floors of the Hammer building, and for the seating areas outside the IC Support Center and the front entrance to the Library. To use your computer on the wireless network, activate your University Network ID "UNI", register your wireless network card and follow the instructions at our wireless site to configure your computer for access. For more information as well as a complete list of wireless access locations on the CUMC campus, please go to: http://www.cubhis.org/IC/wireless.html

User Services

The IC provides help desk services and support for computers, software, residential hall network connection and many other technology resources for CUMC. We also distribute a variety of site-licensed software (there is usually a fee), including Norton Antivirus, Microsoft Office, and current Windows and Macintosh versions of SAS and SPSS statistics program. Please see http://www.cubhis.org/IC/support_center/online_support.html for details. Several units at Columbia, including the IC support center, offer free computer classes for a variety of software programs and needs. Current class information is available on-line at http://www.cubhis.org/IC/classes.html.

Instructional Technology and Support

Computer classrooms may be reserved through the IC. Computer classrooms are located on Hammer 2nd floor and Presbyterian Hospital 17th floor. There are Windows and Macintosh classrooms, containing 18-20 computers and large-display projectors. The primary use is for support of Medical Center education; other uses are subject to rental fees. You can reserve a classroom by filling out a request on-line at http://library.cpmc.columbia.edu/osr/reservations/reservations.cfm.

All forms must be submitted well in advance to guarantee availability. For further information on using the computer classrooms contact the Information Commons 305-Help (x5-HELP).

Curriculum Design Studio

The Office of Scholarly Resources, Curriculum Design Studio staff works with faculty to develop multimedia teaching resources and supports their integration into the Columbia University Medical Center curriculum. The Curriculum Design Studio provides software tools for computer-based authoring, illustration, animation and design in a project-oriented environment. Summer internships are available for students interested in working on health science curriculum development projects. Interested faculty and students should contact Tom Chandler at (212) 305-1924 (x5-1924) for more information.