About Oculus IT

McMurry University, in partnership with OculusIT, now offers 24/7 IT support services to assist you with all your IT-related questions. Whether you need help with campus resources or troubleshooting technical issues, we’re here to support you anytime, anywhere.

I.T. Staff

Mr.
Imad Sweidan Chief Information Officer
Mr.
Michael Stephens Database Manager
Mr.
Andy Crawford Technical Support Lead
Mr.
Srinath Paila Network Administrator & Technical Support
Mr.
Kenneth Isibor Technical Support

Laptop Program Benefits & FAQs

The number one question Information Services personnel are asked at preview days is what kind of computer should I get? You debate whether to get a less expensive desktop or a more expensive laptop, and what features are most important. The program ensures every student has a suitable computer.

Entering freshmen and transfer students will receive a computer during Welcome Week, when fees are paid and tablet use agreement has been signed.

Yes, McMurry’s program is based on a student receiving a computer their freshmen year, then at graduation, for a nominal fee the computer is theirs to keep. Faculty computers are upgraded on the same schedule as students.

The computers are owned by McMurry. Although students are able to take them home during vacations and the summer and use them as if they were their own, McMurry holds the ownership. Graduating seniors will have an option to acquire ownership of their computer, priced by McMurry University M.O.V.E. department.

Hardware is just part of the expense of buying a computer. While most computers come with the latest operating system, they do not come with the latest or most robust versions of software. Office alone can cost $300-$600, not to mention virus protection software and possibly departmental specific software. It is estimated the retail value of the installed software will be over $900.

New versions of software are released quite often. If the student purchased the computer and the University upgrades to a newer version, the student will have to buy the upgrades to stay current. Since software upgrades will be included with the McMurry supplied computer, the computer will always have the same version as the labs and faculty. All software will come pre-installed and ready to use.

Viruses are a major problem on college campuses, particularly in the residence halls. Students at McMurry are required to have virus protection on their computers. However, if the virus definitions are not kept current the computer could still get infected. McMurry receives the latest virus definitions and automatically downloads them to every University owned computer, which includes the tablet computers.

Information Services, certified staff provides support. In addition, a four-year warranty and damage protection (ADP) program is in place which covers most issues.  A “loaner” pool is in place, for faculty and students, should their computer need a lengthy repair time. Issues or damage related to misuse or negligence, while such issues will be handled through the Technology Support Center, is the responsibility of the individual and charges may be incurred.

Many laptops only come with a one-year warranty. The longest standard warranties are 3 years. The program will insure coverage for the entire 4 years.

There are several standards for wireless networks available. A University supplied computer will guarantee compatibility with the McMurry wireless network, eliminating concerns about installing or configuring hardware.

There are computers built for consumer/home use and commercial/corporate use computers. Many people lean to the least expensive computer. McMurry researches the laptops and purchase only commercial/corporate use computers for the students. They are built a little more rugged to handle the constant jostling of a corporate traveler or a student backpack. McMurry can also use their volume purchasing power to get more computer-for-the money.

Usernames are typically lastname.firstname

Student email addresses are as follows: lastname.firstname@mcm.edu

Launch your internet browser and go to https://portal.office.com/ and login with your username and password.

Cooke Building

  • Room 106
  • Room 108

Education Building

  • Room 208

Science Building

  • Room 204

Ryan Fine Arts

  • Room 100
  • Room 200

Jay-Rollins Library (has evening hours)

 

 information services policies