UCit Orientation 2007 Script #817

UCit Orientation 2007 Script

Welcome to FRESHMAN ORIENTATION 2007!

When you hear the words information technology, is the first thing you think of “Huh?”

Well, don’t!

The UC office of Information Technology, or UCit, should make you think of such sublime words such as cool or wow or technospectacular! You have powerful tools at your command. Use them!

For instance, have you heard of Blackboard? No, I don’t mean that chalky thing with the erasers. I’m talking Blackboard, the online resource between you and your professors. What can you do with said Blackboard? You can download class notes and study materials, link to the library, get podcasts, and even get your grade! But how do you tap into this abundant resource of webtacular magic?  Just use your default username and password at blackboard.uc.edu.

Your username and password also open your BEARCAT ONLINE  E-MAIL ACCOUNT. Now this isn’t your run of the mill tell Jill what Suzy said e-mail account, NO SIR! This is your official connection to all things UNIVERSITY, so don’t forget to check it, OFTEN!

And how about that iPod in your pocket? Ever heard of podcasting? You can now get class lectures through Blackboard ready to download to your mp3 player, because who said taking notes in class was easy? 

Say friend, do you Text? With Cleartxt on Blackboard, you can receive text messages from your professors, on your cell, about class assignments, Blackboard updates, and school closures. Seriously, do you want to drag yourself out of bed only to find that class is cancelled and you’re  only one there because professor Coolenstein texted everyone else? DON’T BE LEFT OUT!

Cell phone envy getting the best of you? UC Mobile has you covered with a free Bearcat cell phone when you sign up for any service plan through UC’s partnership with Cincinnati Bell.  Students living in on-campus residence halls are covered as part of room and board – just visit Main Street on move in weekend to pick up your phone.  UC Mobile plans don’t require a contract and offer a variety of calling plans and mobile phones to meet your needs.  See your Bearcat bound binder for details on how to register.  UC Mobile phones also have UC-centric features and applications including 5-digit on campus dialing, shuttle bus tracker, Blackboard enhanced text notification, and *UC connecting you directly with campus public safety.

Need to use a computer to get your work done on campus? We have the solution! UCit labs and kiosks are located all around campus. But maybe you’re asking:  what if a normal lab computer doesn’t cut it? What if I need MORE? Walk no further than the Student Technology Resources Center in the Steger building. The 24-hour lab, walk-in help desk, and design workstations are the tools you need to make that Academy Award winning short film or that web site you always wanted to make about your dog!

But what if you don’t have a flash drive on you to save your work?  Or better yet a floppy disc!  Do you even KNOW what a floppy disc IS!?  NO MATTER!   UCFileSpace can SAVE YOUR WORK! You have 1 GB of space to use to your heart’s content. (Every student does.) And that’s not all. You can use your UCFileSpace at the Student Technology Resources Center to create and host your own web site. Log on to ucfilespace.uc.edu and SAVE ON, good friend, SAVE ON!

Does all this seem confusing, too much for your brain to handle? Have no fear because there is help, 556-HELP to be exact. 556-HELP connects you directly with the UCit Help Desk, where technicians use their genius technical powers to answer questions about Blackboard, virus protection software, and more.

Oh, and if you need to visit your orientation information again, Blackboard has created a button just for you, FRESHMAN! Click on the tab labeled Orientation to access all the orientation materials you need from the Blackboard home page. Simple. Easy. Efficient. 

Welcome to college, friends! Good luck!  

Voice Over