You shouldn't have to install much to make a connection with a local NetWare server; CSNW alone should do the trick. A remote NetWare server is a different story, though. Although IPX/SPX is a routable protocol, I think you have to go through a VPN in order to connect to a Netware server remotely. I'm not sure, I've never tried. (I'm a CNA, but I haven't pursued any further Netware-related education, and all CNA requires is that you know how to administer a pre-existing, local Netware server)

I think that some configuration has to be done server-side in order for a Netware server to respond to client requests from a remote subnet. You should ask your school's network administrator, who is probably CNE or better, and hence who would be more qualified to help you set up a remote connection.

One thing is for sure: Your computer and the Netware server MUST be running the same frame type. For Netware 4 and up, that is probably IEEE 802.2, and for earlier versions of Netware, it's 802.3. (That's counterintuitive, but it's a fact)