Week 7: Check out the Assistive Technology Database

Looking to learn more about assistive technology that can help you with your daily tasks? Check out the new Assistive Technology Database on the Assistive Technology: Features and Resources page of the Access Services website. 

In this database you can search for apps to help you with productivity, schoolwork, note-taking, accessibility, and more.   

Additionally, if you are interested in getting more personalized help with finding tools that fit your needs, schedule an appointment with Grace Cipressi, Bryn Mawr College’s assistive technology specialist. 

Contact the Help Desk with questions: help@brynmawr.edu or 610-526-7440.

Routine System Maintenance: 2023

Routine system maintenance generally occurs on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 6:00 p.m. – midnight. LITS implemented this practice in June 2015 to reduce overall system downtime, to improve the security and reliability of College systems and networks, and to maintain compliance with industry and vendor support requirements and best practices.

2023 Schedule:

Jan 12, 26

Feb 16, 23

Mar 16, 30

Apr 13, 27

Jun 15, 29

Jul 13, 27

Aug 10, 24

Sept 14, 28

Oct 12, 26

Nov 16, 30

LITS coordinates with divisions across the College to confirm our system maintenance schedule annually. Not all systems will necessarily be unavailable during these maintenance windows; however, you should assume that they will be and plan critical work around the system maintenance schedule. LITS will provide details on the LITS Blog whenever possible. Want to receive reminder emails? Subscribe to System Status posts.

The PeopleSoft patch testing schedule is determined by our vendor and does not follow the system maintenance schedule.

Contact the Help Desk with questions: help@brynmawr.edu, 610-526-7440, or lits.brynmawr.edu.

Resolved: Problems Accessing BMC Library Resources from Off Campus

Updated 11/2/22 9:45am: we believe this issue is resolved. Please contact us if you have problems.
Community members are reporting problems accessing BMC library resources using EZproxy from off campus [“EZProxy Hostname Error”].
We believe this issue may be widespread, and are investigating now. We will provide updates as we know more.
Contact library@brynmawr.edu with questions.

RESOLVED: Wired and Wireless Networks Unavailable in Ward

Update, 7:10pm: Internet connectivity in Ward has been restored. Please report any lingering issues to the Help Desk. Thanks again for your patience!


Due to some equipment issues, the Ward building is currently without internet access. LITS is actively working to resolve the issue and get people back up and running as swiftly as possible. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Please contact the Help Desk with any questions or concerns: help@brynmawr.edu, 610-526-7440.

RESOLVED: Wired and Wireless Network Unavailable in English and Russian Houses

Update, 6:50pm: Internet service in English and Russian Houses has been restored. Please report any lingering issues to the Help Desk. Thank you for your patience while we resolved the issues!


Due to some equipment issues, English and Russian Houses are currently without internet access. LITS is actively working to resolve the issue and get people back up and running as swiftly as possible. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Please contact the Help Desk with any questions or concerns: help@brynmawr.edu, 610-526-7440.

RESOLVED: Wired and Wireless Network Unavailable in Gateway

Update, 1:15pm: Internet service in Gateway has been restored. Please report any lingering issues to the Help Desk.

Thank you again for your patience!


Due to some equipment issues, Gateway is currently without internet access. LITS is actively working to resolve the issue and get people back up and running as swiftly as possible. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Please contact the Help Desk with any questions or concerns: help@brynmawr.edu, 610-526-7440.

Week 6: Document Converter

Have you ever come across an inaccessible document that you couldn’t use a text-to-speech program on? If you ever encounter this, the Document Converter is an excellent tool to help you make your document accessible so you can read it. 

Besides making files accessible, the document converter allows you to convert files from one file format to another. It also lets you apply Beeline Reader coloring onto your documents! 

To use the Document Converter, simply go to the Document Converter page on the Bryn Mawr College website. This Ask Athena article provides instructions on how to use the Document Converter. 

Contact the Help Desk with questions: help@brynmawr.edu or 610-526-7440.

Week 5: Grammarly

Grammarly is a tool that helps correct spelling and grammar mistakes in your writing. Unlike other spelling and grammar tools that are exclusive to the program they are built in, Grammarly works among a variety of social media, email, and document platforms.  

Grammarly goes beyond a typical spell checker by also checking your writing for tone of voice and misused words. 

Visit the Grammarly website to start enhancing your writing today! 

Contact the Help Desk with questions: help@brynmawr.edu or 610-526-7440.