Software for Course/Student Work

The university provides a wealth of software on your desktop PC and in our labs for student and faculty use.  Some software is provided with a site license - this software can be installed on all campus machines.  Other packages are limited to specific labs or faculty members based on the amount of licensing available.  CPIT is responsible for purchasing and licensing software that is used campus-wide.  Software specific to a department or school must typically be purchased by the dean.  In either case, CPIT can help to install the software.  It is best to check with CPIT before purchasing software packages that may be incompatible with our hardware or network.

Where can I purchase software?
Because CUA participates in the Microsoft Campus Agreement through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, faculty and staff have access to discounted software. For more information on this please visit our Software page.  In addition, many vendors including Adobe and Microsoft, offer greatly discounted versions of their software to faculty.  You may be able to negotiate academic or educational pricing from these vendors.

Do the computer labs have the specific software I need?
All of the computer labs on campus have MS Office, web browsers and antivirus software. Labs that are near specific departments may have customized software installed. Please visit any lab to log on and see what is installed. Your department may have a list of what is installed on the nearby computer lab. If your department provides the software and licensing for a lab, we may be able to install it for you. Please submit a help desk request for assistance.

How can my students receive specialized software?
Students typically purchase software are greatly discounted rates through the Campus Bookstore; they may be able to negotiate software pricing for packages that they do not currently carry.  In addition, your school or deparment may already have the software and licensing needed for your students. If neither of these is the case, CPIT can help find academic pricing for you.  In any case, we will also assist in the installation and maintenance of legally purchased and licensed software on university computers. Please submit a help desk request for assistance.