Difference between revisions of "Student - Getting Started"

From TechHelp@MCLA
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎Step 4 - Login To MyMCLA Portal (Email))
(→‎Complete Additional Security Setup)
 
(15 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
==Step 1 - Laptop Minimum Requirements==
 
==Step 1 - Laptop Minimum Requirements==
 
MCLA recommends that all students have a laptop computer.
 
MCLA recommends that all students have a laptop computer.
−
Most laptop computers purchased within the last few years will connect to our network without any problems. However, if you are looking to [[MCLAs Laptop Initiative | 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 [[MCLAs Laptop Initiative | bundle package - click here]].
+
Most laptop computers purchased within the last few years will connect to our network without any problems. However, you should check out our [[Laptop Minimum Hardware Requirements]]. All students receive Microsoft software for free through their MCLA Office 365 Account (refer to:[[Install Office 365 ProPlus]] instructions). Microsoft Office is the standard productivity suite at MCLA and the use of it will ensure file compatibility with your faculty.  
  
−
===Laptop Program Orders: http://www.dell.com/mcla===
 
−
 
−
Those students who already have a laptop or prefer not to purchase the program laptop are still eligible to receive Microsoft software through their MyMCLA Office 365 Account (refer to:[[Install Office 365 ProPlus]] instructions). Microsoft Office is the standard productivity suite at MCLA and the use of it will ensure file compatibility with your faculty. Antivirus software is also provided free for 4 years to all MCLA students through academic licensing provided by Sophos (refer to the [[Install Sophos Antivirus]] link.
 
 
To learn more about MCLA recommended hardware and software visit the [[Computing Hardware and Software]] section.
 
To learn more about MCLA recommended hardware and software visit the [[Computing Hardware and Software]] section.
  
 
<youtube>[[_-5_nq06MPE</youtube>
 
<youtube>[[_-5_nq06MPE</youtube>
  
−
==Step 2 - Activate your Banner Account (Student Grades, Financial Aid, Student Billing, Class Registration)== 
 
−
 
−
Self Service Banner (SSB) is a service that allows you to view your student record. Your Self-Service Banner account provides you access to such resources as:
 
−
 
−
*Class schedules
 
−
*Class registration
 
−
*Academic transcript (grades)
 
−
*Financial Aid information
 
−
*Student billing information
 
−
*Emergency communication setup
 
−
*MyMCLA account setup and management
 
−
 
−
 
−
To setup your Banner account, you are required to have a valid student ID (A#). If you do not know this number, please call the registrar's office at 413-662-5216 to obtain it.
 
−
 
−
'''To setup your Self-Service Banner account''' after you have your student ID (A#) - follow these steps:
 
  
−
*1. Go to http://techhelp.mcla.edu/banner
+
==Step 2 - Setup your MCLA Portal Account==
−
*2. Enter your Student ID in the "MCLA ID (A#):" field (Ensure you include the A)
 
−
*3. Enter your birth date (MMDDYY format) in the "PIN"
 
−
*4. You will then be asked to set a new PIN of your choice.
 
−
*5. Once your PIN has been setup, you will be logged in to the main menu of SSB.
 
  
−
If you have already setup your Banner account, but have '''forgotten your PIN''' then follow these steps:
+
After you are admitted and enrolled, you will receive an email from MCLA containing:
  
−
*1. Go to http://techhelp.mcla.edu/banner
+
* Your MCLA User ID (Student ID)
−
*2. Enter your Student ID in the "MCLA ID (A#):" field (Ensure you include the A)
+
* Your MCLA email address
−
*3. Click on "Forgot PIN"
+
* A temporary password
−
*4. You will then be asked to answer security questions to validate your identity.
+
* Instructions for signing in
−
*5. You will then be asked to set a new PIN of your choice.
 
−
*5. Once your PIN has been reset, you will be logged in to the main menu of SSB.
 
  
−
NOTE: If you are unable to validate your identify through the security questions and have locked your account out, please call 413-662-5276 for assistance with manually resetting your PIN.
+
Once you receive this email, you can immediately sign in to MCLA systems.
  
−
<youtube>[[0L9I3J0Tajo</youtube>
+
=== What You Will Need ===
  
−
==Step 3 - Activate your MyMCLA Account (MyMCLA Portal, Email, Canvas, BlazerNet, Lab Access) ==
+
* '''Your MCLA account notification email''' containing your MCLA User ID and temporary password.
 +
* '''A computer, tablet, or smartphone''' with internet access.
 +
* '''Access to your personal email account''' where MCLA sent your account information.
  
−
As a student at MCLA you are expected to regularly check your MCLA email through the MyMCLA Portal.  Many of our courses also use virtual online classrooms on our Canvas learning management system, also accessible from the MyMCLA Portal. In addition, the MyMCLA account provides access into other on line services and technology resources such as:
+
''If you did not receive your account information email, contact the Tech Help Desk at helpdesk@mcla.edu or 413-662-5276.''
−
 
−
*Electronic course content (Canvas Learning Management System, as mentioned above)
 
−
*E-mail (Office 365, as mentioned above)
 
−
*Productivity software such as Microsoft Office (free to all students)
 
−
*On-campus computing lab access with printing
 
−
*On-campus wireless access (BlazerNet)
 
−
*Resident student dorm network
 
−
*Library Database Access
 
−
*Virtual desktop access through the MyLab system
 
  
−
'''To setup your MyMCLA account''', you are required to '''claim your account by activating it''' using a link located in Self-Service Banner (previous step). Follow these steps to activate:
+
=== Sign In  ===
  
−
*1. Go to http://techhelp.mcla.edu/banner
+
# Go to '''https://portal.mcla.edu'''
−
*2. Login using your SSB account (refer to Step 2)
+
# Enter your '''MCLA User ID'''.
−
*3.  Click the 'Claim Your MyMCLA Account' link located on the main menu of SSB.
+
# Enter the '''temporary password''' provided in your account notification email.
−
*4. Follow the account claim procedure, setting a password at the end which should be a combination of numbers as well as letters.
+
# Click '''Sign In'''.
−
*5. Confirm activation is complete by logging into http://sso.mcla.edu with your newly setup MyMCLA account.
 
  
 +
''The MCLA Portal is your central access point for email, Canvas, Self-Service, WiFi resources, and other MCLA technology services.''
  
−
If you have already setup your MyMCLA account, but have '''forgotten your MyMCLA password''' then follow the steps found [[Reset a Lost MyMCLA Account Password|here]]
+
=== Set Password ===
  
−
==Step 4 - Login To MyMCLA Portal (Email)==
+
# The first time you sign in, you will be prompted to change your password.
 +
# Enter the temporary password from your email.
 +
# Create a new password that meets MCLA password requirements.
 +
# Confirm your new password and complete the process.
  
−
MCLA uses an online communication portal that is integrated with [[Office 365]]. Every student should be checking [[Office 365]] Email. Once you have [[User ID and Password | activated]] your MyMCLA account, you can use it to login to:
+
''For password requirements, see [[MCLA Account Password Complexity Requirements]].''
  
−
*http://portal.mcla.edu
+
=== Complete Additional Security Setup ===
  
−
Click on 'Mail' located on the left side navigation area on MCLA's portal site.
+
You may be prompted to enroll in Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to help protect your account.
  
−
'''Note''': Your user name is your MyMCLA ID (A#), '''NOT''' your MCLA e-mail address.
+
Simply follow the on screen instructions for MFA authentication setup.
  
−
== Step 5 - Become familiar with Canvas (Learning Management System) ==
+
== Step 3 - Become familiar with Canvas (Learning Management System) ==
  
 
MCLA's official learning management system is [[Canvas]]. Some of your classes may use Canvas for course information, course materials, distribution and submission of assignments. See our informational page located on [[Canvas|this site]].
 
MCLA's official learning management system is [[Canvas]]. Some of your classes may use Canvas for course information, course materials, distribution and submission of assignments. See our informational page located on [[Canvas|this site]].
Line 88: Line 59:
 
*The log in page to Canvas is located at http://mcla.instructure.com
 
*The log in page to Canvas is located at http://mcla.instructure.com
  
−
*It is also accessible through MCLA's portal page located at http://sso.mcla.edu
+
*It is also accessible through MCLA's portal page located at http://portal.mcla.edu
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
You will need your MyMCLA account setup which you obtained in Step 3 to log on.
+
You will need your MCLA account setup which you obtained in Step 2 to log on.
  
 
'''NOTE''': In some cases Canvas access will not be open until the first day the class starts. Please contact your instructor via MCLA e-mail to confirm that the course has been 'published' if you are unable to access.
 
'''NOTE''': In some cases Canvas access will not be open until the first day the class starts. Please contact your instructor via MCLA e-mail to confirm that the course has been 'published' if you are unable to access.
Line 98: Line 69:
 
='''<font color="red">Steps to do after coming to campus.</font>'''=
 
='''<font color="red">Steps to do after coming to campus.</font>'''=
  
−
==Step 6 - Connect to the MCLA Network==
+
==Step 4 - Connect to the MCLA Network==
  
 
*Connection through Ethernet in Dorms
 
*Connection through Ethernet in Dorms
Line 107: Line 78:
  
 
*Wireless Network Connections
 
*Wireless Network Connections
−
The [[Network | MCLA wireless network (BlazerNet)]] covers all classrooms, offices, dorms, public areas and some open spaces on the main campus. Please refer to [[Connecting to BlazerNet| Blazernet]] connection instructions on how to register your device on that network.
+
The [[Network | MCLA wireless network]] covers all classrooms, offices, dorms, public areas and some open spaces on the main campus. Please refer to the [[Eduroam| Eduroam]] connection instructions on how connect!
−
 
 
−
Note: To register your computer the MCLA Network you are required to have a valid [[User ID and Password | MCLA account]] (Step 2).
 
−
 
 
−
== Step 7 - Set up your telephone and sign up for voice mail ==
 
−
 
 
−
The college does provide local calling and [[Student Voicemail Setup Instructions |  voice mail services]] to each resident student upon arrival to campus. Resident students can request a phone for use in their dorm rooms. The following links will provide you information on setting up your [[Student Voicemail Setup Instructions | voice mail]] and answers to [[Student Telecom FAQs|frequently asked questions]] about the [[Telecommunications | telecom]] services available at the college.
 
  
−
*[[New Student Voicemail Introduction Letter]]
+
Note: To login to the wireless network you are required to have a valid [[User ID and Password | MCLA account]] (Step 2).
−
*[[Student Voicemail Setup Instructions]]
 
−
*[[Student Telecom FAQs|Student FAQs]]
 
−
*[[Telecommunications | More information about Telecom services at MCLA]]
 

Latest revision as of 14:38, 3 November 2026

Getstarted.png

Steps to do before coming to campus.

Step 1 - Laptop Minimum Requirements

MCLA recommends that all students have a laptop computer. Most laptop computers purchased within the last few years will connect to our network without any problems. However, you should check out our Laptop Minimum Hardware Requirements. All students receive Microsoft software for free through their MCLA Office 365 Account (refer to:Install Office 365 ProPlus instructions). Microsoft Office is the standard productivity suite at MCLA and the use of it will ensure file compatibility with your faculty.

To learn more about MCLA recommended hardware and software visit the Computing Hardware and Software section.


Step 2 - Setup your MCLA Portal Account

After you are admitted and enrolled, you will receive an email from MCLA containing:

  • Your MCLA User ID (Student ID)
  • Your MCLA email address
  • A temporary password
  • Instructions for signing in

Once you receive this email, you can immediately sign in to MCLA systems.

What You Will Need

  • Your MCLA account notification email containing your MCLA User ID and temporary password.
  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
  • Access to your personal email account where MCLA sent your account information.

If you did not receive your account information email, contact the Tech Help Desk at helpdesk@mcla.edu or 413-662-5276.

Sign In

  1. Go to https://portal.mcla.edu
  2. Enter your MCLA User ID.
  3. Enter the temporary password provided in your account notification email.
  4. Click Sign In.

The MCLA Portal is your central access point for email, Canvas, Self-Service, WiFi resources, and other MCLA technology services.

Set Password

  1. The first time you sign in, you will be prompted to change your password.
  2. Enter the temporary password from your email.
  3. Create a new password that meets MCLA password requirements.
  4. Confirm your new password and complete the process.

For password requirements, see MCLA Account Password Complexity Requirements.

Complete Additional Security Setup

You may be prompted to enroll in Multifactor Authentication (MFA) to help protect your account.

Simply follow the on screen instructions for MFA authentication setup.

Step 3 - Become familiar with Canvas (Learning Management System)

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


You will need your MCLA account setup which you obtained in Step 2 to log on.

NOTE: In some cases Canvas access will not be open until the first day the class starts. Please contact your instructor via MCLA e-mail to confirm that the course has been 'published' if you are unable to access.

Steps to do after coming to campus.

Step 4 - Connect to the MCLA Network

  • Connection through Ethernet in Dorms

New and returning students attaching their computers to the 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 hardwire connection, please see Connecting Your Computer to the Dorm Network. You can also register other devices such as media players, gaming consoles, and smart TV units by manually registering them using these instructions.

  • Wireless Network Connections

The MCLA wireless network covers all classrooms, offices, dorms, public areas and some open spaces on the main campus. Please refer to the Eduroam connection instructions on how connect!

Note: To login to the wireless network you are required to have a valid MCLA account (Step 2).

Retrieved from "https://techhelp.mcla.edu/index.php?title=Student_-_Getting_Started&oldid=8106"