Computing Facilities and Technology Services
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Information Technology Services (ITS) is the center of the university’s IT operations, enabling the teaching, learning, research, and outreach mission of UC Santa Cruz. Learn more about ITS.
ITS delivers exceptional, modern, accessible, and secure technology services to nearly 20,000 students and 5,000 faculty and staff members. View the IT catalog of services.
ITS operates the campus network, providing secure, high-speed connectivity for the entire UC Santa Cruz community. This includes wired and wireless connections for reliable access to both campus and external networks.
Whether you need assistance with your accounts, getting connected, obtaining software, or general technical support, ITS is here to help. Learn more about ITS technical support.
Get Started with Technology
The UCSC Tech for Students guide is designed to help both new and continuing students at UC Santa Cruz navigate the essential technology resources available on campus. From setting up Wi-Fi and accessing student portals to finding computer labs, software, and tech support, this guide covers everything you need to get connected and stay on track throughout your academic journey.
Purchasing a Computer?
If you're planning to buy a new computer, UC Santa Cruz recommends choosing a laptop with both wired and wireless networking capabilities. The campus supports both PC and Mac systems. While ITS does not manage computer or accessory purchases for students, we do offer both minimum and recommended specifications to guide you. Be sure to check your intended major’s website or consult with advising staff for any specific recommendations related to your program.The UCSC Bay Tree Bookstore sells discounted computers to students. Students are also eligible for educational discounts from Apple Education Store, Dell Education Purchase Program, and Best Buy Student Hub.
UCSC Account (CruzID) and Email
All students, faculty, and staff at UCSC are automatically provided with a CruzID account and a UCSC email address. Your CruzID forms the first part of your email address—for example, in bslug@ucsc.edu, “bslug” is the CruzID.
Beyond email, your CruzID gives you access to a wide range of campus systems and applications. Learn more about CruzIDs and email services.
How to get online
Stay securely connected to Wi-Fi on the UC Santa Cruz campus with eduroam, a global service that provides safe, encrypted internet access.
Learn more about how to get online at UCSC, including Wi-Fi options for residence halls, family student housing, and guests: How to Get Online at UC Santa Cruz.
In addition to wireless, cellular providers offer cell phone services on campus. However, signal strength can vary depending on your location and distance from a micro-cell tower, and service is not guaranteed.
Manage Your Name and Identity Data on Campus
This guide provides instructions for updating your name and other data at UC Santa Cruz to what you wish to be used and displayed. Learn more about the UC Gender Recognition and Lived Name (GRLN) policy.
Cybersecurity for Students
As students, you have a lot going on—classes, extracurriculars, jobs, and your personal life. Scammers take advantage of this, targeting you when you’re busy or distracted. This Cybersecurity for Students guide will share tips for how to protect your personal and online information.
Residential Network
ITS provides secure internet access and technical support for UCSC students living on campus (excluding Campus Park), including wireless access in most residence halls and apartments. Students can connect devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. Free streaming TV services such as Xfinity on Campus and Max are also included. ITS offers technical support for internet access, minor computer repairs, help with device maintenance and e-waste disposal, and assistance with removing viruses, malware, or copyrighted material to comply with university policies. Learn more about Residential Network.
Computing Labs for Drop-in Use and Academic Classes
ITS manages 12 computer labs throughout the campus. These labs have more than 300 computers available for students to use that include PC, Mac, and Sun workstations. Wireless access is available in all labs. More extensive lab information, including hardware and software specifications and hours of operation, is available at the Computer Labs page.
Academic Course Materials on the Web
Canvas is the campus online course-management system used to create web-based course materials to supplement, but not replace, classroom instruction.
Faculty using Canvas can incorporate a wide variety of tools in their course site, such as a course calendar, student conferencing system, electronic mail, group projects with student-created web pages, and quizzes. Outside of class time, students can use Canvas to view course materials, participate in web-based class discussions, collaborate on student group projects, and take quizzes. Learn more about Canvas.
Get Support for Technical and Computer Help
Whether you need help with your accounts, getting online, obtaining software, or technical support, ITS is here to help.
Disability Accommodations for Instruction
UCSC computing labs have common adaptive technologies—such as enlarged type for students with low vision and Dvorak keyboards for students with repetitive strain injuries. If you have a disability and require adaptive or assistive technology to use lab computers, library facilities, or other campus services, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) so that they can coordinate services for you. You can also reach the DRC at (831) 459-2089 (voice), or (831) 459-4806 (TTY).
Computing Policies
Policies establish requirements for key aspects of information technology use, and also ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, support operational efficiency, and mitigate risks associated with cybersecurity threats and technological advancements. Learn more about UC IT-related policies.