Campus Technology


Spartanburg Methodist College SMC offers wireless access across its entire campusprovides its students, faculty, and staff appropriate with access to a full range of technological tools to facilitate the learning process.  Toward that end, the College provides each user with an orientation to computer services at SMC and a password to enable access to the Internet and electronic mail.  As an institution of higher education, SMC offers these services for educational support. 

Wireless internet access is available in all residence halls on the SMC campus and at many access points around campus. Computer Ethernet access ports are installed in all residence hall rooms.  Currently this will provide you with free Internet, College email, and other benefits.  The College reserves the right to begin charging a technology fee when deemed necessary. 

Username: Your username after you are accepted to SMC and prior to your first day of classes. This username will stay with you throughout your time at SMC and will be used to access your email and student portal.

Email:  An email account will be provided to each student for use during each academic year (fall semester through summer term II).  Correspondence from faculty and staff to students often will be disseminated through this medium.  Students should check their school email account daily for current information.  Public computers are available in the library and Walker computer lab.  Students in the computer science classes can also check mail from the Montgomery lab when it is available.

Network Access: In order to connect your personal computer to the college network, you will need the following: 

Recommended: 

  • A PC running any post-Windows 2000 operating system (Windows 2000, XP, Vista or 7)
  • A 10/100 Mbs network interface card (NIC) or an 802.11b B/G compatible wireless NIC. Most new computers have at least one, if not both types of connections, so be sure to check before purchasing one.
  • One patch cable with RJ45 connectors.  These are carried in the SMC Bookstore.
  • All residence halls are equipped with wireless connectivity as well as a wired connection.  If you wish to utilize wireless, your pc/laptop will require a wireless network card.  A wireless card will also be required to access other wireless locations on campus.
  • Updated Antivirus software (SMC will provide this at no charge to the student).  Installation instructions are available from the IT department.
  • A fully service packed and updated operating system.
  • We highly recommend a surge protector with A/C and data line protection - not just a power strip. 

To set up TCP/IP for Internet Connection: 

Make sure a network card is installed, and a patch cable is connected to your computer and the data port on the wall. 

Windows 2000, XP, Vista, or 7: 

TC/IP is usually already present in standard Windows installations.  To access the Internet:  Click on the browser icon (Internet Explorer) on the desktop, taskbar or select the program from the menu.  Double click on the icon, and the Internet screen should come up.  Please follow the on-screen instructions to prepare for SMC network access.  Your PC will be scanned to ensure compliance with SMC computing standards.  The username to log in to the scanning software (Safe Connect) is the same as the email address username consisting of the student's last name and initial(s).  Students may get assistance for this process by calling the SMC IT Helpdesk at extension 3456 or HELP (4357).  All student computers connecting to the campus network via Ethernet or wireless connections are required to have SafeConnect installed in order to log in to the network.

Note:  The SMC Information Technology department only provides technical support for College-owned machines.  The SMC information technology department is not responsible for student owned personal computers.  We may be able to offer advice when time permits, but your machine is your responsibility.  We only provide a working data connection.  Student-installed wireless routers and/or gateways are not authorized for use on the SMC network.


Usage Policies: The College forbids illegal downloading and of copyrighted music and videos, and the downloading of sexually explicit materials from the Internet and subsequent transmissions of such materials.  Users who violate this policy are subject to the provisions of the appropriate SMC Code and will be appropriately disciplined.  In addition, computer privileges of individuals may be suspended for a period of time to be determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Business Affairs, depending on the type of infraction.  Information about use of computer resources is distributed during Orientation and at other times during the academic year.

Help Desk: Students should report technology related problems to the Information Technology Department Help Desk at extension 3456.