Getting Started Checklist for Students

Getting-Started Student Video-Instructions Alt-text IT-articles

Welcome Columbus State students! We hope you are ready to get off to a great start this semester. Here is a checklist you can use to be sure you are technology-ready before your courses begin.

Click each item to read more:

Check your technology

Purchasing or using a personal computer? Check out the College's technical requirements page to ensure your device will meet your needs.
Need information about software and browsers? Review our new computer recommendations.
Need Microsoft Office to complete your coursework? Beginning on the first day of the semester, enrolled students can download Office 365 for free.
Taking online courses this semester? Check out cscc.edu/online101, CSCC's virtual resource portal for a successful online learning experience.

Discover your login name and password [Video]

After you have been accepted to Columbus State, you will be prompted to discover your login name(username) and password at password.cscc.edu.
This account information will be used to access many CSCC applications including Self-Service, Blackboard, and more.
For assistance with the discovery process, please review our instructions at Discover my Login name and password or watch the video instructions below.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) [Video]

For extra security, current students are automatically enrolled in multi-factor authentication (MFA).
By verifying your identity using a second factor such as your smartphone, it prevents anyone but you from signing in even if the person knows your password. This helps keep your personal information and College data secure.
Visit the MFA website for more information about enrollment and usage: Multi-factored authentication (MFA)

Get familiar with Self-Service

This is the website you will access to manage your student account. It is important to be familiar with the resources that are available here.
You can login to Self-Service at selfservice.cscc.edu to register for classes, access financial aid information, pay your fees, setup proxy access and more. Student Central is a great resource if you need assistance with registration, financial aid, and student forms.
You can also check out the Virtual College Resources page to access video tutorials about many related topics.
Be sure you review the academic calendar carefully to ensure you are aware of important due dates, like the fee deadline and the deadline to add or drop a course.

Set up proxy access

How to Give Proxy Access to My Account

Grant or remove authorized (or “Proxy”) access to your account. If you are giving someone Proxy Access, you are giving them shared access to part of your account. To remove someone's access, see Remove

How to Use Proxy Access / Act as Proxy

A student giving you proxy access gives you a limited view of their account information ... proxy-access ... How Do I Use Proxy Access? When given proxy access, you will receive an email from Columbus State letting you know. To access the proxy account: Log in to Self Service for Students

Check your student email regularly [Video]

It is vital that you check your Columbus State email regularly after you have been accepted to ensure you receive all official campus communications in a timely manner.
Communications will come from a variety of sources including financial aid, marketing, Columbus State leadership, and your instructors.
To access your email, go to student.cscc.edu. To login enter your full email address (username@student.cscc.edu) and your Columbus State password.
For assistance with accessing your email, please review our instructions at access email in the browser or view the video tutorial below. You can also setup Outlook on your phone or computer if desired.

Learn about Blackboard and access your courses

Blackboard is where you will access your course materials online. Every course will use Blackboard to some extent.
For a brief overview of Blackboard and how to login, review our Getting started with Blackboard article. Having trouble finding your course? Why aren't my courses in Blackboard yet?
To learn how to navigate and complete common tasks in your online course, check out our Blackboard crash course video series
For a more in-depth and interactive tutorial, check out the online Blackboard orientation, often required for COLS 1100 (First Year Experience Seminar).

Each online classroom will be made available in Blackboard 4 days before the start date of the course. We recommend that you access your course early to find your syllabus and due dates, and to see what course materials or books you need for each class. Make a note of each instructor's contact information so you can access it even when you are offline.

Get familiar with Starfish

Starfish is one way that professors provide feedback on how you are doing in your classes. You can also use Starfish to make appointments for academic advising or other student supports.

To access this resource, login to Blackboard, select the Tools option, then click the Starfish link.
In Starfish, click on the 3 parallel white bars in the upper left to access the menu. Here you can edit your profile, access your support network, or request help. For additional information, review this resource: Starfish
Starfish features a "Raise Hand” option through the Request Help feature that allows you to ask questions about any topic, whether it is something related to your class, or information about any aspect of the College.

Ask for help if you need it [Video]

If you need technical support, contact the IT Support Center. Call 614-287-5050, email helpdesk@cscc.edu, or access online resources at cscc.edu/ithelp. In-person support is also available in the Computer Commons (TL 116) on Columbus Campus and in the Learning Center (Moeller Hall) on the Delaware campus.
If you need help with your academic content, free tutoring is available to students. To access virtual tutoring in NetTutor, login to Blackboard, select the Tools option, then click NetTutor. For additional information about all tutoring services, you can review the following website: Tutoring at CSCC. This link is also available in Tools if you click the Tutoring: In-person (CSCC) link also pictured below.
If you need additional help with other Columbus State services, review the Resources for Students page or call the Telephone Information Center (TIC) at 614-287-5353 for more information. The TIC will answer your question or help direct you to the appropriate department or resource.

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