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Network Access & Security

The Drake University network provides students, faculty, staff and visitors with access to a rich array of campus- and Internet-based services and applications.  Access to the network is governed by our Acceptable Use Policy for Students and our Acceptable Use Policy for Faculty/Staff.

Accounts & Passwords

To permit us to manage the accessibility of our equipment and networked services, a username and password is issued for all students, faculty and staff.  Learn more about what these Accounts & Passwords are used for, how they are obtained and who you should call if you have trouble.

Connecting to the Network

All devices connected to our network must be registered, have all critical operating system patches installed and run the anti-virus program that is provided at no charge by the University.  The procedures for getting registered and connected depend upon whether you are a student or a member of the faculty or staff. 

  • Faculty/Staff Office Network Connection - Every faculty and staff office has a high speed network connection.  The process of registering a computer or printer must be completed by an IT staff member of your department or OIT.  Additional information on Faculty/Staff Office Network Connections is available.  For assistance in setting up an appointment to add equipment to the network, please contact the Support Center at x3001. 
  • Residence Hall Network - One high speed network connection is available for each student assigned to a room in the residence hall.  These connections provide access to e-mail and a wide variety of on- and off-campus services.  Learn about what to bring and what not to bring to campus for use of  the Residence Hall Network.  This includes more detailed information about computer registration.
  • Wireless Access - High security wireless service is available in academic buildings, Cowles and Opperman Libraries, the residence hall lounges, Olmsted Center, Hubbell Dining Hall and on Helmick Commons.  Learn what your computer needs to be able to use our wireless service and how to set it up. 
Security and Safe Computing

A major concern of the Office of Information Technology is the security of the Drake network and the computers that are connected to it, whether they are owned by students or by the University.  There are four steps that may be taken to ensure that your computer does not disrupt the network or behave in a way that causes loss of data or breach of security. 

  • Make sure that critical updates are getting installed on your computer.  
  • Anti-virus software that is receiving live updates of the latest virus signatures must be installed. 
  • Anti-spyware must be installed so that your computer is cleansed of tracking programs that been installed over the web without your knowledge. 
  • You should consider enabling a personal firewall that came with your computer. 

Additional information is available about Security and Safe Computing.