Frequently Asked Questions

General Purpose Classrooms (GPC)

Scheduled by the Office of the Registrar
Support multiple users in several disciplines utilizing a variety of teaching styles
Funded and maintained by centralized service departments

GPC Centralized Service Operations

Classroom Support Instructional Technical Services - Classroom Support Service Center, audiovisual and classroom technology systems design and installation, equipment distribution, and maintenance duties
Capital Planning and Design - learning space construction and renovation
Campus Facilities and Operations - maintenance of structural, electrical, and mechanical aspects of room; as well as custodial duties
Registrar - space steward and room scheduling
University Technology Services - network infrastructure design, installation, and maintenance duties

Classroom Resources - What you will find in every GPC space

All GPCs are equipped with: a Windows-based PC (resident PC), GrizzFlex Technology (more details here), or a basic web camera with a built-in microphone at the instructor's podium, a chalkboard or whiteboard, digital projector(s) and display screen(s), a monitor with annotation pen capabilities, a document camera, and a user friendly touch control system. Each classroom is equipped to allow wireless internet access (GrizzNet Guest, Grizznet, or Grizznet-Secure). Many GPCs have a DVD or Blu-ray player (via the resident PC), wireless microphones or assistive listening technologies; the majority of the other rooms could have either added if requested.

Detailed information about any GPC and many non-GPC rooms can be found in the Classroom Inspector 2.0.

Non-General Purpose Classrooms, Computer Labs and Instructional Spaces

Non-General Purpose Classrooms, computer labs and various other instructional spaces are managed and maintained by various departments and units. All inquiries to their use must be made to the department stewards. There is no general listing of these spaces at this time.

Have additional classroom questions? Contact us at [email protected].

FAQs

How do I obtain access to my classroom?

Effective July 2024: General Purpose Classroom Z-4 locks and keys are being replaced for enhanced security across Campus. Please follow your direct unit's process for requesting a new Z-5 key. Classroom Support Service Center (248-370-2461) is available Monday through Friday, during normal support hours to unlock rooms if needed. If you are locked out of a classroom after hours, please contact OUPD (248-370-3331).

A General Purpose Classroom (Z-5) key unlocks General Purpose Classrooms. Card swipe access via your GrizzCard is required for: Hillcrest Hall classrooms, Varner Hall classrooms 205 and 206.

To obtain card swipe access, please submit a ticket with Classroom Support ([email protected]) or OUPD ([email protected]) to request access. Be sure to indicate which room(s) you will be teaching in.

Faculty are responsible for, "...[r]eturning keys to their department head or authorized department representative, upon termination from the University or transfer to another department." See Key Control Policy 350 for further information.

Access to non-General Purpose Classrooms is controlled by individual space stewards, Classroom Support is unable to unlock any non-General Purpose Classrooms.

To prevent equipment theft, please lock your classroom after each session.

How may I schedule training?

We offer group training on how to operate the equipment in General Purpose Classrooms at the start of each semester, or you may schedule an individual training session. For information on either, please contact Classroom Support.

How do I contact someone for help or report an equipment outage?

Simply give us a call at (248) 370-2461 and we'll be happy to assist you however we can. For non-urgent needs, we may also be reached via email at [email protected]. Be sure to provide a clear, concise summary and a detailed description of the problem. Classroom Support responds immediately to classroom failures reported by phone during our support hours.
The Classroom Support telephone number may be found on a sticker on the chalk/white board at the head of each classroom, on the desktop wallpaper of each computer, or the help button on touchscreen based room controls.

How do I login to a classroom computer?

All users of Oakland University classrooms are required to login using an OU ADMNET account and password in order to use the computers located in the classrooms. Classroom Support is not responsible for providing login credentials for any users of university computer resources. Once your NET ID account is created, your ADMNET account will be automatically created. Please visit netid.oakland.edu to set and sync your accounts and passwords. (Issues resetting your password? Contact the OU Help Desk at 248-370-4357). Access to university computing resources is governed by policy #890.

How do I connect my laptop to the classroom system?

Each classroom has a connection for your laptop-if you have HDMI output, then you can connect your computer to the classroom system and display your computer's output to your audience. Many modern laptops require different video adapters, we can help you determine which is the right one. Classroom Support has a limited quantity of common adapters that be loaned out on a short term basis while you acquire the proper one for your laptop.

I need to use a software package that is not installed in my classroom, what can I do?

Please see this page for information regarding Software Installation Requests.

Classroom Support and Instructional Technical Services

Varner Hall Rm 141
371 Varner Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
248-370-2461

M – Th: 7am – 8pm | Fr: 7am – 6pm | Sa: By appt. only