Computer Services
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Making technology work for you
Whether you are editing a video, mastering a new soundscape, recording and analyzing experimental data, or just looking for a ride, chances are that computers and networking is part of the solution. These everyday tools are powerful and ubiquitous.
The Information Technology Department provides the technology infrastructure and support for the academic and administrative needs of the College. Services include maintenance of all college-owned computers, mobile devices, software, network equipment, telephone equipment and computer labs.
We oversee all administrative and information systems. Support for faculty, staff and students is provided through our Help Desk, so when you have questions or need help with digital technology, the staff and students in the IT Department are ready to help!
Contact Us
- Phone: (207) 801-5653
- Email: helpdesk@coa.edu
- Walk-ins welcome:
- 1st floor of the Arts and Science building (near the Whale Skull)
- Hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Resources and facilities
- The Neva Goodwin Computer Lab is located on the ground level of Kaelber Hall. The lab has four Macs and four PCs and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Our Geographic Information Systems Lab offers classes to students as well as workshops to municipalities and has worked on projects at the county, state, and federal level.
- COA’s digital design studio is open to students enrolled in graphics classes and available to any student by special request.
- Loaner laptops are available to students on a term-by-term basis. Please email helpdesk@coa.edu if you need a loaner.
- All common areas, dorms, and classrooms offer wired and wireless connectivity.
Connect to the COA Network
Access Wi-Fi, register your device, and stay secure
To access campus Wi-Fi and other online services, all devices must be registered with COA’s secure network. This ensures your operating system and antivirus software are up-to-date. Registration is quick, safe, and required to access the internet on campus.
Follow these steps to get connected:
- Connect your device to the wireless network: COACloud
- Open any web browser and navigate to a website (e.g. bookbyte.com). You’ll be redirected to the COA Acceptable Use Policy page.
- Read and accept the Acceptable Use Policy by clicking “Accept.”
- You’ll be redirected to the Network Access Control page. Click on: “COA Students, Faculty and Staff”
- Enter your COA username and password. This information is emailed to you in June. Need help? Contact the Helpdesk at helpdesk@coa.edu or stop by the IT office.
- You will be prompted to download and install Bradford Network Access software. This performs a one-time security check (OS updates, antivirus status). Note: This scan does not access or store any of your personal files.
- If your device passes, you’ll be connected immediately. If not, you have 3 days to install required updates before losing access.
Tip: You can register multiple devices (e.g., laptop + phone) by repeating the process.
COA oneCard Services
Your key to campus
The COA OneCard is the official identification card of College of the Atlantic, and is issued to every student and employee.
The OneCard is used at all dining services locations, Thorndike Library, and on-campus residences.
Lost or damaged your card? Please contact the IT Helpdesk immediately. We’ll deactivate the old one and get a new one printed for you. Replacement cards cost $10 unless tied to a legal name change or physical damage.
Free Microsoft Office 365
Get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more—at no cost
COA students receive Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus through the Microsoft Student Advantage program. You can install Office on up to five personal devices, including Macs and PCs.
To get started, sign in using your COA network credentials.
College of the Atlantic does not have a required computer purchase, however if you can afford to purchase a personal computer, we strongly recommend that you do so. COA has a public computer lab, but access to these computers varies. A personal computer helps students with communication, assignment access, research and efficiency. Both Macs and PCs are supported at COA and the Mac/PC split is about even. Students who wish to pursue in depth studies in data or computer science will need a laptop to be successful.
If you plan to bring a computer to COA, we highly suggest that it meet the following requirements:
Windows-based PCs:
- Windows 10 with latest patches
- Antivirus/anti spyware
- At least 8GB of RAM/16GB recommended (16 GB minimum for data/computer science)
Apple computers:
- Mac OS X El Capitan with latest patches
- Antivirus/antispyware
- At least 8GB of RAM/16GB recommended (16 GB minimum for data/computer science)
If you plan to bring a computer to COA, the following items are also recommended:
- Extended warranty service (3 or 4 years)
- Buy only Energy Star computers and accessories
You do not need to purchase Microsoft Office, as COA provides all enrolled students with a Microsoft Office 365 account to support their success at the college.
General policy
Wireless and wired connections are available throughout the campus. Network privileges are granted through a process of registering with the Campus Management system. Each student is allowed to register 2 devices. In order to maintain network privileges users must:
- Install and keep installed updated antivirus
- Keep computers up to date with patches provided by the manufacturer of the operating system
- Acceptable Use Policy
- Utilizing college-owned computers and networks constitutes acceptance and understanding of the COA’s IT Acceptable Use Policy.
Useful links
IT Staff
Jarly Bobadilla
Stories from the Field
Lamb-ageddon! Crowd goes wild as baby sheep frolic on the field
COA Peggy Rockefeller Farm’s Leaping into Spring event is a sweet tradition that signals the turning of the season on Mount Desert Island. Via Bar Harbor Story. Read More
Endowment and innovation keep Bar Harbor college viable, new interim leader says
Incoming interim president Lynn Boulger highlights the $95 million endowment and unique academic focus keeping COA secure, via Bangor Daily News. Read More
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