Contents
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, enrolled, or hired, 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
- Go to https://portal.mcla.edu
- Enter your MCLA User ID.
- Enter the temporary password provided in your account notification email.
- 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
- 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.
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.
- 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://portal.mcla.edu
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 6 - 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 (BlazerNet) covers all classrooms, offices, dorms, public areas and some open spaces on the main campus. Please refer to Blazernet connection instructions on how to register your device on that network.
Note: To register your computer the MCLA Network you are required to have a valid MCLA account (Step 2).