Welcome 2026-27 School of Math Members!

On behalf of everyone in IAS Computing, we want to say welcome. We're delighted you're joining us.

The Institute has a long tradition of supporting extraordinary thinkers, and we consider it a privilege to help you focus on the work that brought you here. Whether you're arriving from across the country or around the world, our goal is simple: to ensure the technology behind your research runs smoothly, so nothing stands between you and your best ideas.

We know the first days in a new place can feel like a lot—new faces, new spaces, new systems. That's exactly why we've put together the guide below. A little preparation now will save you meaningful time later, and we're right here whenever you need us.

Get the Most Out of Your Time at IAS — Start Here!

Your time at the Institute is precious, and the sooner your technology is working seamlessly, the sooner you can focus on what matters most: your research, your colleagues, and your ideas. The checklist below guides you through the essential setup steps to complete before you arrive and during your first few days on campus, helping you settle in quickly and avoid common first-week delays.

Please note that this isn't an exhaustive list of what IAS Computing offers. Once you're up and running, we encourage you to explore the IAS Computing Service Catalog for the full range of services available to you throughout your visit.

Your First-Days Checklist

  • Configure Duo Security — do this first! Duo protects your account and provides access to several IAS services and systems. Setting it up now helps prevent you from being locked out later when you urgently need access.
  • Register your personal devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) to connect to the Institute's wireless networks. A quick registration through the Register Network Devices section of the Updateme.ias.edu user portal ensures reliable Wi-Fi from the moment you step onto campus—no scrambling for a signal before your first meeting.
  • Log in to your IAS mailbox. Important announcements, seminar invitations, and colleague introductions may already be waiting for you. Checking in early ensures you don't miss anything time-sensitive.
  • Install one of our network printers on your personal devices. Printing a paper, handout, or draft should take seconds, not a support ticket—set this up before you need it.
  • Add the School of Math events feed to your personal devices. Seminars, talks, and gatherings fill up quickly; having them on your calendar automatically ensures you'll never miss an opportunity to connect or learn.
  • Log in to your IAS office computer. Your office machine is preconfigured for Institute resources—signing in early lets you personalize your setup before your workload picks up.
  • Request access to licensed software. Many specialized tools require approval, which can take time. Request early so the software is ready when your research demands it.
  • Request software installation on your IAS office computer. Whether it's a niche package or a standard tool, letting us know now ensures your environment is fully equipped from day one.
  • Stop by and introduce yourself! We genuinely enjoy meeting new members, and a quick hello helps us understand how best to support your work. The sooner we connect, the sooner we can tailor our support to you.

Beyond the Basics: Resources for When You Need Them

Once the essentials are in place, you'll find a range of additional resources designed to make your day-to-day life at the Institute easier and more enjoyable. There's no need to tackle these on day one—just know they're available whenever the moment is right.

If family members, partners, or collaborators will be joining you during your stay, you can create user accounts for them through the Create sponsored accounts section of the Updateme.ias.edu user portal to grant them access to Institute resources and events. When your research requires specialized hardware, we lend equipment—from adapters to niche devices—as supplies last. To help you navigate campus with confidence, a map (PDF File) of the Institute's academic campus is available online and is worth a quick look before your outing. Because life at IAS extends well beyond the office, you can check the daily lunch menu and browse the list of upcoming events on the Institute’s website to plan around meals, lectures, and gatherings that make the Institute such a special place to work and connect. 

Ready to Get Started?

Take fifteen minutes today to work through the first few items on this list—especially Duo Security—and you'll thank yourself all week. If you have questions or run into a snag, email the Math Computing Group or drop by our offices. We're here to make your time at the Institute as academically productive and rewarding as possible.

Welcome again—we're so glad you're here!

All the best,

Kevin, Theresa and Rutger
Math Computing Group