Effective January 4, 2025, the Watkins computer labs will be closed on weekends, in accordance with the new Watkins Hall building hours. ITS understands that this change may impact the study habits of Highlanders. Please read below for the alternative computing options available to students:

Laptop Anytime Kiosks: 

• Check out a laptop for up to 24 hours from the Laptop Anytime Kiosks available at various campus locations, including the Tomás Rivera and Orbach Science libraries, the Highlander Union Building (HUB), and the Student Success Center (SSC).
• Have your valid physical R’Card and UCR NetID credentials ready to check out a laptop. Note that only students with no holds on their account can borrow a laptop from the kiosks.
• Return the laptop to the kiosk within 24 hours to avoid late fees. Note that a $5 late fee will be incurred for each hour after the 24-hour period.
• Visit the ITS Knowledge Base to learn more about the Laptop Anytime Kiosks including how to check out and return a laptop, the full terms and conditions, and frequently asked questions.

Patron Desktop Computers: 

• Access desktop computers in the Tomás Rivera and Orbach Science libraries (check locations here).

Students can also access the same software installed on the Watkins Lab computers through itopia, UCR’s virtual computer lab (VLab) service. Visit the CloudApps Classroom portal and follow these steps to sign in:

1. Click “Sign in with Google.”
2. Enter your UCR NetID email address (e.g. scottyb@ucr.edu) to be directed to the CAS login page.
3. In the CAS login page, enter your UCR NetID and password.
4. Verify your identity using multi-factor authentication (MFA).
5. In the itopia Privacy Policy page, click “Continue” to enter the CloudApps Classroom portal.

For more information regarding this change, visit the ITS blog.