Information Technology (IT) provides all the computing resources and technology services you need during your career at Amherst College. We aim to offer world-class support for all technology needs for teaching, learning and research.
Contact IT
The IT Help Desk is your main point of contact for all the services IT offers.
- Email: AskIT@amherst.edu
- In-person: Seeley Mudd building, first floor
- Phone: 413-542-2526
Be sure to read the Daily Mammoth and check the IT Website for important updates and announcements about IT services!
We are always looking for ways to improve. You will receive an “IT Satisfaction Survey” after every request, and additionally are welcome to call the Help Desk, meet with individual IT staff, or reach out to the CIO, David Hamilton. We are here to help!
Email and Calendaring
- For email and calendaring, Amherst College utilizes the Google Workspace suite of applications which includes Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and other tools.
- Visit gmail.com and log in with your Amherst email address to get started. Your Amherst email address is yourusername@amherst.edu.
- Mobile device email setup instructions are here.
- All Amherst accounts are enrolled in Duo two-factor authentication.
Network & Communications
- Connect to Eduroam wireless network
- Amherst network access from off-campus (VPN)
- Your Campus phone has voicemail/integrated messaging. If you don't wish to have a campus phone, you may opt for a voicemail only option.
- We offer cloud-based storage through Google Drive and Dropbox.
- Amherst uses Zoom for video conferencing. Please contact IT for a licensed account with no time limits.
- Your Amherst ID card is used for door access, dining, library, and other college services. HR provides new employees with an ID card request form, which you bring to Dining Services who creates ID card.
Cybersecurity Awareness
- Protect the Herd from Cyber Attacks and report any suspicious messages or unusual computer activity to the IT Help Desk at (413) 542-2526 or AskIt@amherst.edu.
- Learn more about Email Phishing, Fraud, and Scams
- All employees are expected to participate in the Security Awareness Program within 30 days of joining the College. New employees receive an email invitation to participate in the program.
Computers & Software
- Computers for faculty & staff: all faculty and staff at Amherst College are assigned a laptop computer and monitor for academic/administrative purposes.
- New faculty should please visit the Computer Specifications page to review our current hardware specifications and submit a request.
- For new staff, your supervisor or a designated staff member should complete the Information Technology New Hire Checklist at least two weeks before your start date to allow time for equipment to be prepared.
- Amherst College provides software for college-owned devices such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Office 365, and more.
- For personal use, discounts for employees are available for Verizon Wireless, Windows and Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and computer purchases. The college also offers a loan program for personal computer purchases.
Support for Teaching & Research
- Moodle is Amherst’s learning management system. Start with our Top 10 Things to Know About Moodle article, or email askIT@amherst.edu for a personal tour!
- The Academic Technology Services division of IT works with faculty to enhance teaching, learning, and research through the effective, innovative, and meaningful integration of digital technologies. An ATS consultant reaches out to all new faculty members.
- Workday is our platform for advising and course registration (as well as most other college business).
- Amherst classrooms are technology equipped. New faculty are encouraged to contact IT to schedule a time to test out their classroom equipment ahead of the first day of class. The Classroom Support Hotline is 413-542-5069.