Student FAQ

This web page lists frequently asked questions related to campus computing, email, and issues/procedures specific to students. See the Technology Quick-Start Guide on GrinnellShare and the ITS GrinnellShare site for more information on technology resources.

General Questions

I'm experiencing problems with a college-owned computer system. Who can I contact for help?

If you have a question or need help, Information Technology Services is here to assist you. Here's how you can contact us:

In-person visit: on campus in the Forum upper-level center (open hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday)
By phone: x4901 or 641-269-4901
By email: ITservices@Grinnell.edu
Or online: help.grinnell.edu

While our Technology Services Desk located in the Forum is open for in-person visits 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, we are open virtually, 24/7.

I'm experiencing problems with my personal/home-based computer system. Will ITS help me?

If you are experiencing problems with your laptop, contact the Technology Services Desk to discuss options for diagnosis. They can provide you with information on fixing your system or possibly refer you to an outside vendor. If your computer is covered by the manufacturer's warranty, you should contact them first to report the problem. You can also initiate contact through the online system noted above.

What is Windows Storage Server Quota?

Quota is a set amount of storage space on the college’s main campus servers. Students are allotted 200 MB of disk space on the main servers in which to store data and documents.

What happens when I go over quota?

When you go over quota, access to your storage area is temporarily unavailable. There are two things you can do to gain access to your files.

You can request a temporary increase in quota from ITS, so that you may access your storage area and remove unnecessary files. To request a temporary increase, contact Technology Services Desk at x4901.

I've heard the term “quota” associated with email as well as file storage. Is there any difference between the two?

Users of Grinnell College's network have two different quota allotments — one for email and another for file storage. Email quota is the space allotted on the Grinnell Exchange Server (mail) that allows you to save your email messages. Your email quota is 1 GB;

  • when you reach 975 MB, you will receive a warning email message;
  • when you reach 999 MB, your account will be locked from sending and receiving email until files are deleted and the quota is reduced.

All folders are counted in the sum for quota, so remember to delete your deleted items and sent items regularly.

Where are public printers located on campus?

For an up-to-date list of public printers available to students see the Student Printer Information on GrinnellShare.

All academic buildings and residence halls have print-only devices, and these are collectively known as the Student Printing Program.

How do I use the printers on campus?

To learn how to use the printers on campus see the Student Printing Program documentation on GrinnellShare.

Where can I go to send or receive a fax?

Mail Services provides outgoing and incoming FAX services; FAX number: 1-641-269-3406.

Please specify the recipient's name in bold on the front page. Outgoing transmission is available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday). The fee is $1.00 for the first page; 25 cents for each additional page.

Email

What email program should I use to access my Grinnell account?

ITS recommends the use of the Outlook application with your Grinnell College email account on all platforms. Outlook is installed on all College-provided devices. You can install Outlook on a personal device. Download the Android or iOS app from the Google Play and Apple App stores. Instructions for installing Outlook and other Microsoft 365 applications are on GrinnellShare.

What amount of email quota am I given?

Students are given 1 GB of email quota. Warnings are given at 975 MB and prohibited to send emails at 999 MB.

What amount of email quota are student groups given?

Student groups are given 200 MB of email quota. Warnings are given at 190 MB, are prohibited from sending emails at 199 MB, and are prohibited from sending and receiving emails at 200 MB.

What happens to my email messages if I exceed my email quota?

When you exceed your mail quota, your mail messages will not be delivered to your mailbox and will be returned to the sender with an error message that your mailbox is full. The sender will need to resend the message in its entirety once your mailbox function is restored.

I have exceeded my email quota. What do I do now?

When you exceed your mail quota, remove messages to reduce the amount of storage for your email. Check your emails, sent items, and deleted items and permanently delete unnecessary messages. Save any large attachments to your hard drive and delete the message and attachment from all folders.

How do I access my email from off-campus?

With an Internet connection, you can access your Grinnell email account in a web browser at offce365.grinnell.edu.

How can I have my email forwarded from Grinnell to a different email address?

We do not provide email forwarding.

My email password expired. How can I get a new one?

In order to change your password or unlock your account, you must enroll in Password Reset. You can check your account and manage your password through this service. You may contact the Technology Services Desk at 641-269-4901 for assistance in gaining a new password if you are unable to access Password Reset. To do so, your identity will need to be verified. The Technology Services Desk cannot look up your old password.

We use cookies to enable essential services and functionality on our site, enhance your user experience, provide better service through personalized content, collect data on how visitors interact with our site, and enable advertising services.

To accept the use of cookies and continue on to the site, click "I Agree." For more information about our use of cookies and how to opt out, please refer to our website privacy policy.