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For your Information Technology (IT) needs

Note: This is the 20142015 edition of the eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or click here to jump to the newest eCalendar.

For your Information Technology (IT) Needs

ƻԺ's IT Services website is your one-stop shop for all central IT services at ƻԺ. Visit www.mcgill.ca/it to:

  • Find details on all IT services, including available training and support. Services are organized by categories such as “Telephone, Network, and Wireless.”
  • Search the ƻԺ IT Knowledge Base for FAQs and supporting articles on all IT services. Search by keywords such as “myƻԺ,” or by specific article number.
  • Send us your feedback or get help on an IT issue.
  • Read featured articles on computer security, new software, and other timely tips.
  • Find out about new IT projects on the horizon.
  • Check the status of IT systems at a glance and view IT announcements and scheduled downtimes.

Under the Getting Started tab you'll find a section on IT services specifically for students, including myƻԺ, the University portal, and myCourses (for online course content). You’ll also find information on accessing your ƻԺ email, connecting to the ƻԺ wireless network, and downloading free software.

Logging In

Logging In

You need to use your ƻԺ Username (usually in the form of firstname.lastname [at] mail.mcgill.ca) and ƻԺ Password to access most central IT services including: myƻԺ, myCourses, email, wireless, and Virtual Private Network (VPN).

For some systems, such as uPrint (campus printing), you may sign in using your ƻԺ Short Username, i.e., the first letter of your first name + first five letters of your last name, usually followed by a number (e.g., jsmith5).

To find out your ƻԺ Username and Short Username, and to create or reset your ƻԺ Password:

  1. Log in to Minerva (www.mcgill.ca/minerva) using your 9-digit ƻԺ ID number and PIN.
  2. Go to Personal Menu > Password for ƻԺ Username.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

myƻԺ (the University portal)

myƻԺ (the University portal)

myƻԺ is the central access point where you:

  • Read your email.
  • Check myCourses.
  • Get direct links to Minerva to view and update your student records and account information.
  • Search the ƻԺ Library Catalogue.
  • Keep abreast of the latest ƻԺ news.

Click myƻԺ in the Quick Links menu, at the top of any ƻԺ web page (www.mcgill.ca), and sign in using your ƻԺ Username and ƻԺ Password.

Browser Compatibility

myƻԺ currently supports the latest versions of the following browsers:

  • Internet Explorer (IE) (Windows)
  • Firefox (Mozilla) (Windows/Macintosh)

myCourses

myCourses

Many of your courses will have online materials or activities such as assignments and readings, syllabuses, project guidelines, discussion forums, calendars, etc.

Access your online course content via the myCourses link within the myƻԺ portal.

  • Verify your browser settings by clicking System Check in the Support widget on the myCourses home page.
  • Watch and access help documentation from the IT Knowledge Base.

Find more information on myCourses for students at: www.mcgill.ca/it.

Email

Email

Your ƻԺ Email Address (usually in the form of firstname.lastname [at] mail.mcgill.ca) is the University's official means of email communication with you. For information on the policy, see E-mail Communications with Students at www.mcgill.ca/secretariat/policies/informationtechnology. Access your email at or through the myƻԺ portal using your ƻԺ Username and ƻԺ Password. View your ƻԺ Username, ƻԺ Email Address and set up your ƻԺ Password on the Minerva Personal Menu.

Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft Office 365

Office 365 is a packaged offering from Microsoft that provides cloud-based services including email, web communications, file storage, and file sharing. At ƻԺ we are currently providing students with free Office 365 ProPlus software and OneDrive cloud storage. Additional components of Office 365 will be rolled out over the course of the coming year. For more information see www.mcgill.ca/it/o365.

Software

Software

In addition to the Office 365 ProPlus software, mentioned above, ƻԺ IT Services provides free software to students at www.mcgill.ca/software. Sign in using your ƻԺ Username and Password.

Online Student Directory

Online Student Directory

You can opt in to the student directory and make it easier for your fellow classmates to contact you. Find more on this service at www.mcgill.ca/directory/students.

Getting Connected

Getting Connected

You will need to use your to access the services listed below:

Wireless: Through the ƻԺ Wireless network, you can access the Internet using your laptop or other mobile device from virtually anywhere on campus, including ƻԺ residences and the inter-campus shuttle buses. Log in to the Wireless network using your ƻԺ Username and ƻԺ Password. Find configuration instructions for your computer/phone in the IT Knowledge Base at .

EZproxy: If you are off campus, you will need to sign into EZproxy before gaining access to restricted ƻԺ Library databases and other library resources. Find more details on EZproxy in the IT Knowledge Base at .

Virtual Private Network (VPN): If you need to access restricted systems or servers from off campus, you may be required to establish a VPN connection. See for additional information.

Safe Computing

Safe Computing

Free antivirus software: Download free antivirus software to protect your computer at .
Note: Be sure to uninstall any previous antivirus software from your computer before installing new antivirus software.

Tips for keeping information secure: Read about steps you can take to protect your data and identity at www.mcgill.ca/it/information-security.

Set Up Your Security Questions in myƻԺ

Set Up Your Security Questions in myƻԺ

Setting up your security questions and answers for your ƻԺ Password allows you to use the Forgot Password? link found on several ƻԺ applications, in case you forget it.

Once you have set up your ƻԺ Password in Minerva, log in to myƻԺ () and click the link in the ƻԺ Password Security portlet. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your own security questions and responses.

Need Help?

Need Help?

ƻԺ IT Knowledge Base: Search the IT Knowledge Base at for setup instructions and answers to commonly asked questions about IT.

Contact the IT Service Desk by submitting your request via a web form at www.mcgill.ca/it/forms, or check phone and walk-in support hours at www.mcgill.ca/it.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Jan. 22, 2015) (disclaimer)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Jan. 22, 2015) (disclaimer)
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