From TechHelp - MCLA's Technology Help Center

Contents 1 Steps to do before coming to campus. 1.1 Step 1 - Laptop Minimum Requirements 1.2 Step 2 - Activate your MCLANET Account 1.3 Step 3 - Login To FirstClass 1.4 Step 4 - Placement Testing 1.5 Step 5 - Activate your Banner Account 1.6 Step 6 Become familiar with Blackboard Learning System (BLS) Vista 1.7 Step 7 - For Resident Students - Additional Equipment To Bring 2 Steps to do after coming to campus. 2.1 Step 8 - Dorm Network Registration Process 2.2 Step 9 - Verify you have wireless access 2.3 Step 10 Set up your telephone and sign up for voice mail

Steps to do before coming to campus.

Step 1 - Laptop Minimum Requirements

MCLA requires all incoming students to have a laptop as part of MCLA's Laptop Initiative program. Most laptop computers purchased within the last few years will connect to our network without any problems. However, if you are looking to purchase a laptop or bring one from home, you should check out our Laptop Minimum Hardware Requirements. Many students take advantage of our laptop program for the discounted price and 4 year on-site Complete Care accidental warranty. To check out the current ‘everything you need’ laptop bundle package - click here.

Those students who already have a laptop or prefer not to purchase the program laptop are still eligible to receive Microsoft software through E-Academy at a considerable discount. Microsoft Office is the standard productivity suite at MCLA. To learn more about MCLA recommended hardware and software visit the Computing Hardware and Software section.

Step 2 - Activate your MCLANET Account

When you become an accepted student and your information has been entered into the student information system, you can then activate your account. The online activation process requires you to have your Student ID number (AKA 'A' number). To go through the activation process, please visit:
http://techhelp.mcla.edu/register
Then click on 'Activate your MCLANET account'
You do not have to be on campus to activate your account.

The MCLANET ID and password is used for authentication purposes for services such as campus computer access, wireless network access and FirstClass email.

Note: Students will need their 'A' numbers to start the account creation process. This 'A' number also known as the Student ID number can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Phone: (413) 662-5216

Also, get familiar with the user policies that you agreed upon during this MCLANET account activation.

• Virus Policy
• Computer Support Procedures
• Network User Agreement
• Dorm Connection Policy
• Software Policy
• Computer Helpdesk Services for Students
• Peer 2 Peer Sharing (P2P)
• Netiquette
• MCLA Electronics Communications Policy

Step 3 - Login To FirstClass

MCLA uses FirstClass to as its online communcation portal. Every student should be checking FirstClass. Please activate and download FirstClass as soon as you can. The FirstClass activation and download appears as one of the last steps of your MCLANET User account registration.

Step 4 - Placement Testing

Online Testing is CLOSED

Step 5 - Activate your Banner Account

Log on to Banner to review your schedule, financial aid and transcript information.
Note: To login to Banner, you are required to have a valid Banner ID (A number). If you are logging in for the first time, you must enter your Banner ID with a capital 'A'. Enter your birth date (MMDDYY format) as the PIN number. You will then be asked to set a new 6 digit PIN number of your choice.

Step 6 Become familiar with Blackboard Learning System (BLS) Vista

MCLA's official learning management system is Blackboard Learning System (BLS) Vista. Some of your classes may use Blackboard Vista for course information, course materials, distribution and submission of assignments. See our informational page located on this site.

• The log in page to BLS Vista is located at http://vista.mcla.edu

You will need your MCLANET User ID and password that you obtained in Step 2 to log on.

• Note: In some cases BLS user access will not be open until the first day the class starts.
• Also Note: It will take up to 1 hour after you have created your account to access BLS Vista.

Step 7 - For Resident Students - Additional Equipment To Bring

• Network Cable - You will need to bring with you a network cable to connect your laptop to the dorm network for internet service. Even though wireless is avaliable in resident areas, students who rely solely on wireless may have a less than desirable network experience.

• Analog telephone and line cord (4 wire) - You will need a telephone and line cord to use the college's telephone service.

• Cell phone - Cell services within the dorm is challenging and difficult, so using a plug in phone is advised to stay in contact with the college community, family and friends. For those students who do decide to bring a cell phone with them, please note that Verizon and AT&T carriers have the best coverage outside the dorms and city area.

• Prepaid Long Distance - The college recommends that all resident students purchase calling cards prior to arrival or purchase prepaid calling cards at the college Bookstore. The college does not provide long distance services for resident students.

Steps to do after coming to campus.

Step 8 - Dorm Network Registration Process

New and returning students attaching their computers to the Dorm Network will be able to register their computers day or night and within minutes have access to the local MCLA Network and to the Internet.
For complete instructions on how to register a laptop on the dorm network, please see Connecting Your Computer to the Dorm Network.
Note: To register your computer on the Dorm Network you are required to have a valid MCLANET account (Step 2). As well as an ethernet cable.

Step 9 - Verify you have wireless access

The MCLANET Wireless Network covers all classrooms, offices, dorms, public areas and some open spaces on the main campus. MCLANET User accounts (Step 2) are required for access to all technology resources including wireless access.

Step 10 Set up your telephone and sign up for voice mail

The college does provide local calling and voice mail services to each resident student upon arrival to campus. Resident students must bring with them an analog phone to use in their dorm rooms. Using a plug in phone and setting up voice mail is advised to stay in contact with the college community, family and friends. The following links will provide you information on setting up your voice mail and answers to frequently asked questions about the telecom services avaliable at the college.

• Student Voice Mail Instructions
• Voice Mail Request Ticket
• Telecom Student FAQ
• More information about Telecom services at MCLA