Completing Account Setup
Accounts are automatically created for students and employees. Once created, your Catawba username is emailed to your personal email address on record in the Banner system. If you do not receive this email, students should contact Admissions.
You will go the website indicated in the email to claim your account by answering questions from your information that we have on file.
Next you will change your password to something more secure by following these instructions.
This Catawba username and password gives you access to the network, email, Blackboard, My Catawba, and most Catawba IT systems.
Student Personal Computers
It is recommended that students bring a laptop device to campus. Recommendations are Dell, Acer, HP, Lenovo, or Apple. Chromebooks are not recommended or supported.
Device discounts can be found through Dell and Apple.
Hardware/software requirements are located on the IT Knowledge Base Site.
Windows Support
The Microsoft Windows 10 and 11 operating systems are all supported on the Catawba College network, on both the secure wired and wireless networks, as well as the guest wireless network.
Windows 11 is the operating system installed in campus computer labs and on most College-owned Windows computers. Windows is the preferred computing platform for most programs at Catawba College.
Mac OS X Support
Recent versions of the Apple Mac OS X operating system, latest three versions, are all supported on the Catawba College network, on both the secure wired and wireless networks, as well as the guest wireless network.
Mac OS X is the preferred computing platform for the Digital Media, Music, and Theatre Arts programs at Catawba.
Microsoft Office (Free for Students)
The Microsoft Office Professional software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more) is available to all Catawba College students at no cost. Office can be installed on up to 5 different personal devices, including PC, Mac, and most smartphones and tablets.
Wireless Network
Wired and wireless network access is available in all campus buildings. To connect, select the wireless network named Catawba and log in using your Catawba username and password. Gaming consoles should be connected to the Catawba Guest network.
Note that mobile hotspots are prohibited on campus, as is the installation of personal wireless access points/routers, all of which are likely to disrupt the performance and operation of campus wi-fi.
Student Printing
Students are able to print, scan, and copy for free at copiers located in computer labs. Students may bring personal printers, but they must be setup using USB and must have wireless turned off.
Computer labs are located in:
- Hedrick Hall 2407 - Open 8:00am-5:00pm Monday - Friday when not used for class
- Corriher-Linn-Black Library - Open during the Library’s operational hours
- Ketner 3210 - Open 8:00am-5:00pm Monday - Friday when not used for class
- Ketner 2215 Mac Lab - Class use and faculty permission only
- CENV 204 - Class use and faculty permission only
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Project, Visual Studio.NET, SPSS, and Adobe Creative Cloud (Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator) and many more.
Mobile Apps
Navigate Catawba campus life from your smartphone or tablet:
CatawbAlerts
Register your emergency contact information so that the College can communicate with you in the event of a campus emergency or a school delay or closure. To register, click CatawbAlerts in the USER INFORMATION channel on the CatLink Home tab.
Policies & Procedures
Members of the College community are expected to abide by the College’s information technology policies at all times. These policies can be found at Catawba.edu/itpolicies.
Online Registration
