Network Services
The IT Department provides internet, server, telephone, and wireless/wired network infrastructure support to the Berea College community. We are located in the IT offices and can be reached through the Helpdesk in the event that you encounter any issues with any of the services that we provide.
Getting a Network Account
Network accounts are created for current students, faculty, and staff members at the time of your hiring. Please contact the Helpdesk if you are a current student, faculty, or staff member and do not have your network credentials.
A few things to consider once you have your network account
- Password Security: Your network account is for your use only – you should never divulge your password to anyone, even to IT. The importance of this cannot be stated strongly enough – any request for your password should be reported to networkservices@berea.edu immediately.
- Enrolling in Password Recovery: We provide a simple and easy to use tool for self-service password resetting, but you must enroll in it prior to the need to reset your password. See our Password Management tool. If you have lost or forgotten your password and have not enrolled in this tool, please call the Helpdesk at extension 3343, or stop by for assistance.
Take a moment to enroll now by using our Password Management tool!
Connecting to the network:
There are two ways to get connected to the Berea College network: wired and wireless.
Wired network access: A wired connection is preferable whenever it is available because when plugged into a network jack the connection is at least twice as fast (and often as much as 10-15x as fast) as a wireless connection. We can provide you with a network patch cord if needed.
Wired network ports should already be available in all offices and dorm rooms on campus, but if you find that there are not enough network outlets in any given area, please contact the Helpdesk for assistance.
Please do not purchase a hub or switch for use in your office – these devices create performance and security issues and will be disabled or removed. We will be happy to help resolve this issue in an approved manner.
Wireless network access: Wireless network access is provided across campus in most all buildings, and in a few outside areas as well. There are three wireless networks available, but you should be familiar with the purpose of each of these before attempting to use them.
Read more about the wireless networks around campus here. Be sure that when you connect to a wireless network it is part of the College and not a ‘rogue’ wireless source. Connecting your device to any non-college wireless network could allow others to gain access to your files, install software on your device, capture your personal data such as usernames, passwords, bank account information, or any other data that your device sends over the wireless connection.
The Berea College networks are designed to encrypt wireless traffic to minimize these types of security risks. Please do not install wireless access points or wireless routers in your office or work space – these devices create a severe security risk to the College and will be removed as soon as they are detected. We will be happy to work with you to resolve any network issues that you may be experiencing in an approved manner.