New and Returning Students

Welcome, or welcome back, to CUMC. Student computing at the Medical Center involves a wide variety of resources, so we've complied this guide to help you make sure you're able to easily take advantage of the technical support and services available.

Even if you're a returning student, please be sure to read the Getting Started and Technical Support information below since some procedures have changed.

Useful Links for Students:

Getting Started:

Before arriving on campus there are some steps you must take to insure a smooth start:

1. Activate your UNI
   Your University Network I.D. is
   • the beginning of your Columbia email address (uni@columbia.edu)
   • your logon for Student Services Online
   • your logon for Courseworks
   • your logon for Library Digital Collections and E-Resources
   • allows you to register your computer to connect to the high speed network
   • allows you to download licensed software
   • gives you access to many other things
   For more detailed information on activating and using email, please see our Email and UNI Accounts page.
   To find your UNI and activate it by choosing a password, please go to:
   http://uni.columbia.edu.

Remember to always keep your UNI password secret - you are responsible for your account. If you share your password with anyone, your account may be suspended or permanently invalidated.

2. Prepare your computer
   Any computer connecting to the CUMC network must:
   • Have all of its current Operating System updates
   • Be virus-free, and have working antivirus and antispyware programs.
     For information on updating your computer's OS and installing Columbia's free (with an active UNI account) antivirus and antispyware programs, please see the User's Guide to Safer Computing at Columbia.
   • Be registered by its network card's unique Hardware Address.
     To register your computer please see the Steps Required to Get Connected. If you will be using a computer was previously registered at a different location on CUMC or has had its network card replaced, please submit the Location Change Request Form or Replace Network Card Form as necessary.
3. Learn about technical support and resources at CUMC
   CUbhis is the technical support group for all CUMC students; contact us first with any questions or problems at extension 5-Help (212-305-4357) or by emailing 5help@columbia.edu. We also ask that you spend some time browsing the Useful Student Links and our Student FAQs to familiarize yourself with computing and network policies and procedures.

Technical Support:

Information Commons provides first level technical support for CUMC students, faculty and staff seven days a week.

To contact us you can:

• Call extension 5-Help (212-305-4357)
• Connect instantly to a technician online via CUbhis eSupport
  - currently available for Windows based computers only
• email 5help@columbia.edu
• Come to the walk in desk on the 2nd Floor of the Health Sciences Library
• Submit our Online Help Form

Information Commons hours:

*Please note that phone support starts at 7am Monday through Friday, however the 2nd Floor of the Library does not open for walk in support until 8am.
Emergency support for system wide issues such as network outages can be contacted by calling 5-Help after hours and following the voicemail instructions for emergencies.
Computing issues that require more involved troubleshooting will be escalated to CUbhis' Information Resources group; this may involve scheduling an appointment for a technician to work on your computer.