Frequently Asked Questions
All Pima Computer Commons provide technology access, academic support tools, and services to Pima students, including printing, use of productivity software (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud), and access to Pima systems (MyPima and D2L). Every Pima campus has a Computer Commons.
Below you'll find answers to the most common and frequently asked questions about resources and support available at the Computing Commons.
For contact information for all Pima Computer Commons, visit the PCC Computer Commons webpage.
In the Computer Commons, students can:
- Complete coursework
- Access software for specific programs, including STEM courses, Nursing, Digital Arts,
- Computer-Aided Design, Computer Information Systems, and more.
- Not all program-specific software is available at all locations. Students should inquire with Computer Commons staff about availability.
- Print in black and white and color via WEPA Print Stations
- Spend time in between classes
- Relax, stream videos, or access certain social media
PCC Computer Commons are available only to currently enrolled Pima students. The one exception is at the Desert Vista Campus due to the absence of public-use library computers. At all other campuses, public-use computer stations are available in the Libraries for non-students to use.
Students can log into any Computer Commons computer using their MyPima username and password. Computer Commons staff can assist with this process when needed.
No, students are not permitted to share their MyPima username and password with anyone, as this is a security risk and in violation of PCC’s Acceptable Use of Resources Policy.
Pima Students can print via WEPA Print Stations in the Computer Commons. WEPA is a cloud-based print service that enables users to upload print jobs from Computer Commons computers or personal devices via the wepanow.com website or the mobile app.
For detailed information on printing or other questions, students can speak with a Computer Commons staff member or refer to the WEPA User Guide.
For detailed information on printing or other questions, students can speak with a Computer Commons staff member or refer to the WEPA User Guide.
The software available at each Computer Commons varies. General-use and productivity software is typically available on all Computer Commons computers. Program-specific applications for mathematics, engineering, nursing, digital arts, computer-aided design, computer information systems, and more are available at select locations. Ask a staff member for details about what software is available at each PCC Computer Commons.
Software applications and programs are subject to licensing restrictions and institutional priorities. Students are welcome to speak with Computer Commons Staff to inquire about having a specific software added to CC computers. However, there is no guarantee the request will be approved, and any requests must fill an academic or course-related need.
If a student’s instructor has referred them to the Computer Commons to access software for class, but that software is not available, the student should inform Computer Commons Staff so that the proper College departments can be involved to consider the request.
If a student’s instructor has referred them to the Computer Commons to access software for class, but that software is not available, the student should inform Computer Commons Staff so that the proper College departments can be involved to consider the request.
Assistive technology software is available on all PCC Computer Commons computers. This includes ZoomText, Jaws, and other audiovisual and dictation software. Computer Commons staff can assist with accessing assistive technology when needed.
No, but current students can check out laptops, iPads, WiFi hotspots, and graphing calculators from any PCC Library. Students can refer to the Technology Lending LibGuide for more details.
All Pima campuses offer free wireless internet access.
Students using personal devices can access the Pima-Guest network. To connect to Pima-Guest, use the following steps:
- Connect to the Pima-Guest network from your device
- Read the Terms of Service
- Click or tap Continue to the Internet.
- Click the Done button if it appears on your device
Pima-Guest is an unsecured Wi-Fi network; users should exercise caution to protect their personally identifiable information.
For additional information regarding Pima Wi-Fi, visit the WiFi Access webpage.
The Computer Commons staff can assist students with questions regarding basic computer knowledge, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, WEPA printing, D2L, MyPima, and some questions about Windows and Mac operating systems. They can also provide guidance on some program and course-specific software.
Computer Commons staff members have a wide range of knowledge and experience to best assist students. If more extensive troubleshooting is required, the PCC IT Tech Corner can provide assistance to students. Tech Corners are located on every Pima campus. Students can visit the PCC Tech Corner webpage for specific locations.
Computer Commons staff members have a wide range of knowledge and experience to best assist students. If more extensive troubleshooting is required, the PCC IT Tech Corner can provide assistance to students. Tech Corners are located on every Pima campus. Students can visit the PCC Tech Corner webpage for specific locations.
Computer Commons staff may be able to offer limited advice on personal devices, but cannot physically assist with the repair or troubleshooting of computers or personal devices.
All Pima campuses have designated areas, called Tech Corner, to assist with PCC-related IT issues or college-loaned devices. Tech Corner personnel are not permitted to perform repairs on personal devices.
For the location and hours of the Tech Corner on each campus, visit the PCC Tech Corner webpage.
All Pima campuses have designated areas, called Tech Corner, to assist with PCC-related IT issues or college-loaned devices. Tech Corner personnel are not permitted to perform repairs on personal devices.
For the location and hours of the Tech Corner on each campus, visit the PCC Tech Corner webpage.
Every campus, as well as the 29th Street Coalition Center, has its own Tech Corner. For more information, visit the PCC Tech Corner webpage.
Tech Corner is Pima Community College’s student IT support area, available on every campus. It provides assistance with troubleshooting Pima-issued devices, Wi-Fi and software issues, malware removal, and support for MyPima accounts.
For Tech Corner locations on campus, visit the PCC Tech Corner webpage.
Tech Corner is Pima Community College’s student IT support area, available on every campus. It provides assistance with troubleshooting Pima-issued devices, Wi-Fi and software issues, malware removal, and support for MyPima accounts.
For Tech Corner locations on campus, visit the PCC Tech Corner webpage.
All students have access to Google Suite, which includes Google Drive, through their student email account. Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service from Google that lets users save files online and access them from any device. To learn more about how to access and save files in Google Drive, see a Learning Center staff member.
Although Google Drive is the preferred file storage program at the College, students may choose to use other similar services, such as Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive (part of Office 365, to which all students have access).
Additional ways to save files include:
Although Google Drive is the preferred file storage program at the College, students may choose to use other similar services, such as Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive (part of Office 365, to which all students have access).
Additional ways to save files include:
- Emailing items as attachments
- Using an external thumb drive
- Using a separate device (iPhone, iPad, Android), connecting via Apple Lightning, USB-A, or USB-C data cable.
- Students must provide their own trusted and compatible cable for data transfer, as Computer Commons may not have a suitable cable available to lend.
For academic use, Pima students are eligible for complimentary Office 365 Education accounts, which can be accessed by visiting Office.com, clicking "Sign In", and using MyPima credentials. Students must activate licenses on any new computers they use in the Computer Commons; staff are available to assist with this process when needed.
Pima students also have the opportunity to purchase Office 365 at a discounted rate for personal projects and needs.
For more information, please visit the PCC Computer Software webpage.
Pima students also have the opportunity to purchase Office 365 at a discounted rate for personal projects and needs.
For more information, please visit the PCC Computer Software webpage.
We encourage students to utilize computers in the Computer Commons to their fullest extent. However, students must adhere to the Pima Student Code of Conduct and are expected to follow PCC’s Acceptable Use of Resources Policy while utilizing the Computer Commons space and technology.
Examples of complying with these policies include, but are not limited to:
- Avoiding downloading illegal wares or copyrighted materials
- Adhering to the terms of service and established rules of online platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Twitter (X)
- Exercising caution when engaging with AI platforms in order to protect personally identifiable information
- Using headphones for all audio
- If necessary, some Computer Commons locations may have headphones available for checkout. Bluetooth may not be available.
Computer Commons computers do not provide students with the option to shut them down. However, to decrease security risks, students must always sign out of any computer when they have finished using it. For assistance with signing out of a computer, students should speak with a Computer Commons staff member.
No, all students must log out of computers manually. Failure to do so will increase the risk of security issues. If a student does not log out when they are finished using a computer, other individuals will be able to access their account when they walk away. For assistance with signing out, students should speak with a CC staff member.
Students should inform a Computer Commons staff member of the issue and, when possible, move to a different computer to complete their work. If a student needs to access specific software on a malfunctioning computer, a staff member will be able to direct them to another computer with the necessary software.
Currently, the Computer Commons locations that have Mac computers available for student use are the West and Northwest Campuses.
Some campus Computer Commons offer charging stations. Please consult with staff members in a particular Computer Commons location to see if they have chargers or charging stations available for use.
The Computer Commons on each campus is subject to its own rules and regulations regarding food and uncovered drinks inside the Commons. Students must observe any signs and consult with staff before bringing in food and drinks that do not have lids.
Reservations are subject to the policy of each campus. Students can direct any inquiries or requests to Computer Commons staff.
For contact information for all Pima Computer Commons, visit the PCC Computer Commons webpage.