Wellesley’s complex e-mail system, FirstClass, gives students access, not only to their inboxes, but also to thousands of electronic bulletin boards, called “conferences.” Professors create them for classes, clubs have them, and groups of friends use them to keep in touch, make plans, and procrastinate like mad.
Students trained in computing support, called Residential Computing Consultants (RCC), live in every dorm and are available to help.
“Community” is a controversial FirstClass conference where people post events, reactions to world happenings, questions, and general comments about politics, Wellesley, and life. Sometimes Community degenerates into “flamewars” (e-mail catfights) but it also produces interesting discussions. A good portion of the college community, including students, faculty, and staff, read Community on a regular basis—though they may not admit it.
There is an Ethernet drop for every bed on campus—that is, you’re guaranteed your own Internet connection.