Frequently Asked Questions about ITS Learning Environments

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(Photo/J.P. Morgan)

Where are the USC computing centers located?
The following computing centers are open for student use and contain classrooms that can be reserved for hands-on instruction.

    • Frank L. King Olympic Hall of Champions (KOH 206)
    • Waite Phillips Hall of Education (WPH B34)
    • Ahmanson Information Commons at Leavey Library

For a map of these locations, see the USC University Park campus map. For additional information about the USC computing centers, including hours of operation, see the USC Computing Centers page.

What printing resources are available in the computing centers?
Black-and-white and color printers are available in all three computing centers.

We also offer large-format printing in the KOH computing center and the Ahmanson Information Commons at Leavey Library. You may print on Universal gloss photo paper or heavyweight coated paper. Print sizes range from 10×12 to 48×48 inches.
The cost for large format printing is $1 per inch of paper length (For example, a 10×12 inch page costs $12.00; a 12×48 or a 48×48 inch page costs $48.00.)

How do I check out a loaner laptop?
Loaner laptops are available for enrolled and registered students at all four USC computing centers. To check out a loaner laptop, you must present your USC ID and be registered for classes for the current semester. Loaner laptops are equipped with the same software packages available on the desktops in the computing centers. For a listing of this software, see the Software Available in the USC Computing Centers section of the USC Computing Centers webpage.

Laptops may be checked out for 4 hours and may be renewed for an additional 4 hours. The renewal request must be made prior to the end of the original 4-hour loan period. Late fees will be assessed for the late return of any laptop.

What technology is available in ITS learning spaces?
All general-assignment classrooms and auditoria are equipped with USC’s unique Multimedia Operations Management System (MOMS), which allows remote management of audiovisual services for real-time support of technology in the classroom. These classrooms contain key audiovisual technology, eliminating the need to reserve equipment.

Features include:

  • Dual-projection systems, screen annotation capability, and AV control from multiple locations in the auditoria
  • Robust wireless network
  • Support in classrooms of mobile computing, making it easier to use laptops
  • Eco-friendly furnishings made from sustainable materials
  • Online video tutorials that demonstrate how to use the equipment.

Specialized AV equipment (document cameras, overhead projectors, region-free DVD players, and microphones) may be reserved.

We also offer document cameras upon request. Reservations for document cameras must be submitted to our classroom support office 24 hours prior to the scheduled event. Contact ITS Learning Environments Support.

What equipment needs to be reserved for use in ITS learning spaces?
Non-standard equipment–including document cameras, overhead projectors, and region-free DVD players–need be reserved for all rooms.

Microphones need to be reserved for the following rooms:

  • Grace Ford Salvatori Hall (GFS): 101, 116, 118
  • Mudd Hall (MHP): B7B, 101, 105, 106
  • Taper Hall (THH): 114,116, 210, 212
  • Von KleinSmid Center (VKC): 100, 150, 152, 156

To reserve any non-standard equipment, please contact ITS Learning Environments Support.

Are the learning spaces equipped with VGA or HDMI inputs?
ITS learning spaces support both VGA and HDMI input. The VGA and HDMI outlets are located on the audiovisual wall box located inside the learning space. The audiovisual wall boxes also contain a power outlet, a Blu-Ray player, and a cable bundle that includes VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, and 3.5 mm audio cables to connect your devices.

I have a learning space reserved, but I need a Mac laptop adaptor. Do you loan these?
No, you must provide your own adaptor for Mac laptops. These adaptors are available for purchase at USC Bookstores on the University Park or Health Sciences campuses, as well as many stores that sell electronics. VGA or HDMI adaptors can connect most PC laptops to equipment in ITS learning spaces.

What devices can I connect to audiovisual equipment in ITS learning spaces?
Devices with VGA and HDMI inputs can be connected into our audiovisual wall boxes. Some devices such as Mac laptops and tablets require adaptors. Customers are responsible for bringing VGA or HDMI adaptors to connect their portable devices to the audiovisual wall boxes.

How do I connect with VPN?
Virtual Private Networking (VPN), also called IP tunneling, is a secure method of remotely accessing USC computer resources. VPN is required for remotely accessing certain classroom applications such as SolidWorks and Matlab. You may access VPN directly by going to vpn.usc.edu from any browser on an internet-connected laptop or mobile device.

You may also use the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client to connect to USC’s VPN. To download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client, and for more information on connecting using VPN, see the
VPN Overview page.

How do I reserve a classroom?
Classroom reservations are handled through the Office of Academic Records and Registrar. To reserve a classroom, please contact the USC Classroom Scheduling office.

Can I visit the learning space I reserved before my scheduled event?
Yes. To schedule a visit, Contact ITS Learning Environments Support.

What should I do if I find my scheduled building or classroom locked?
If you arrive for your scheduled class session and the building is locked, please contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 213-740-6000.

If your classroom is locked, please call the ITS Learning Environments support team at 213-821-6601.

Who do I contact if I need classroom support?
If you need technical assistance with any of the audiovisual equipment installed in ITS learning spaces, please contact ITS Learning Environments Support. If you are in one of our learning spaces, you can use the help phone mounted in the audiovisual wall box by simply pressing the “Call” button and dialing 1-6601.