Wireless (Wi-Fi) Access on Campus
Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available campus-wide in all academic buildings, residence halls, and even in many outdoor areas.
Connect to Wi-Fi
To connect to Ship's wireless network:
- Choose the "Connect to wireless network" option on your computer. In Windows, this can be found by clicking the Wireless icon in the system tray (beside the clock), or on the menu bar on a Mac.
- Choose ship from the list of available networks.
- Open your web browser (i.e. Edge, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.) and browse to the page of your choosing.
- If this is your first time connecting, you will be redirected to the network registration page. Enter your Ship e-mail address and password to register your device.
shipsecure Secure Wireless Access
Shippensburg University now provides shipsecure, a wireless network that enables an encrypted connection to our servers and the Internet. While on campus, you will see two available wireless networks. The first will be the University's current open wireless connection (seen as ship), while the second will be the secure wireless connection (seen as shipsecure).
shipsecure provides protection against password, identity, and data theft. The secure wireless connection is the recommended connection for users who have this option available to them. In order to connect to the new secure wireless network, users will need to follow the walkthroughs below based on the operating system they are using.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: shipsecure uses your Ship e-mail address and password to encrypt your connection. When you change your Ship password, you must also update your password in the connection settings of the device you are using. Please go into the settings app of your device and update your password on the shipsecure wireless profile saved there (or refer to the instructions below to set up your device again).
Maximize your WiFi in the Residence Halls
To meet the unprecedented Internet demand this semester due to online courses and meetings, the university is actively working to increase bandwidth. Even with the upgrades, there are several steps students will need to take to help ensure good performance on the university WiFi network.
Report issues
- Contact the Technology Help Desk
For help with any network or WiFi issue, contact helpdesk@ship.edu or 717-477-4357. Report as much detail as you can: Where, when, what device, and a description of the problem. University technology staff will investigate and assist you with your issue.
Choose your connection wisely
- Use wired connection when possible
Wired ethernet connections (blue data jack) are always faster than WiFi connections. Ethernet cables are available for FREE with your SU ID card at the Student Technology Help Desk located in Lehman Library. USB-to-Ethernet adapters are also available depending on your laptop's configuration. To request a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, please email helpdesk@ship.edu.
Stop devices from sending interfering signals
Because WiFi networks use a range of radio frequencies that are unregulated and available for public use, many electronic devices and appliances may cause interference and degrade the performance of the WiFi Network.
- Refrain from using personal WiFi routers or hotspots
Personal WiFi (wireless) routers (or rogue access points) significantly and negatively impact the Ship campus WiFi environment. They cause WiFi performance to deteriorate and in some cases can make WiFi unusable for everyone.
- Avoid using wireless printers in wireless mode
Use your printer’s wired connection to your computer instead. Wireless operation leads to WiFi network interference.
- Look for unexpected WiFi interference
WiFi signals can be negatively affected by a surprising number of regular things. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, wireless audio speakers, wireless clocks, projectors, cameras, and gaming console controllers use the same spectrum as the campus WiFi network and can cause the network signal to deteriorate.
Connect securely
- For a fully encrypted wireless connection, connect to “shipsecure”
The “shipsecure” wireless network is secure and fully encrypted. While a password is also required for the “ship” wireless network, it is not encrypted, meaning that your network traffic may be viewable by others on the network. Instructions are available above to help you connect.