Technology Resources for New Students

Welcome to the College of Charleston!

The Division of Information Technology (IT) has compiled the following resources for new students to provide you with the essential technology information offered at the College of Charleston.

New Student Checklist


 

laptop

Student Laptop Requirement

All students are REQUIRED to have a laptop computer.

Financial aid may be available – Visit Financial Aid for information on available options.  Information Technology has a limited number of laptops and WiFi Hotspots available to loan to those students who cannot afford one. Please create a ticket to borrow a laptop computer or internet hotspot (you must login to complete the form).

Before you buy, know the requirements:

Minimum Requirements

  • Windows 10 or MacOS version 10.15
  • i5 processor
  • 8GB of RAM
  • 250GB solid-state hard drive
  • Webcam and microphone should be built-in

High-Performance Requirements

  • Windows 10 or MacOS version 10.15
  • i7 processor
  • 16GB of RAM
  • 250GB of solid-state hard drive
  • Webcam and microphone should be built-in

Where to Purchase

You can buy your computer from anywhere, as long as it meets the requirements above. CofC has established online stores with both Apple and Dell where you can take advantage of reduced pricing when purchasing personal computers. Both sites include models recommended by Information Technology at various price point options.

Apple CofC Discount Dell CofC Discount

 

Secure your Equipment

You should also keep your original receipts and register your computer with Public Safety so that in the event that you lose your computer, or it is stolen, and you have to file a police report and/or an insurance claim, all the proper information is on file.

You can also register other electronic devices of value through our Operation ID Program at public safety headquarters.

Visit the Public Safety Offices at 89 St. Philip Street.


 

accounts

Accounts and Access

Email

  • New Students will have an email account created for them upon enrollment.
  • Prior to June 2023, log into your Gmail using your email address and your CofC password.
  • After June 2023, login into your Outlook using your email address and your CofC password.

MyPortal

  • MyPortal is an app (mobile or web-based) that allows the College of Charleston community access to academic, administrative and service applications in one place. Access MyPortal
  • Easily access: OAKS, DegreeWorks, My Grades, My Holds, Registration Tools and My Housing & Dining

SSPR and MFA

  • It is HIGHLY recommended that you set up your self-service password reset (SSPR) and multifactor authentication (MFA)
  • Reset, unlock or change ALL of your CofC IT managed account passwords without assistance from the IT Service Desk.
  • Set up your Self-Service Password Reset and Multifactor Authentication

 

oaks

OAKS Learning Management System

OAKS is the College’s learning management system and is used in both in-person and online classes. In OAKS, you can see course materials, take online quizzes/tests/exams, participate in discussions, submit assignments and stay abreast of grades and attendance.

If you are taking a synchronous online course, you can find your class Zoom link on the course homepage in OAKS. It will be located in the Upcoming Events on the right side of the screen. Click the link to launch Zoom.

Visit our Student OAKS Cheat Sheet to learn more.


 

computer

Software Downloads

Productivity Software

Internet Security Software

  • Trend Micro
    • Internet Security software is FREE for Windows or MacOS
    • Protect your identity, and socialize safely with protection against ransomware and other web threats
    • Install Trend Micro

AppsAnywhere

  • App platform that provides students access to all the available software the College has licensed
  • Includes many course-specific applications and statistical software
  • Install AppsAnywhere

 

wifi

Wireless Access

The College of Charleston offers the following wireless networks for students. CofC offers a “Guest” network as well for parents and visitors. Students should not use this network as it is not as secure and is considerably slower.

eduroam

  • Provides secure and high-speed wireless network access.
  • eduroam gives campus community members access to internet and wireless service at more than 4,000 other eduroam institutions globally.
  • Connect to eduroam

MyResNet


 

printer

Additional Technology Tools/Services

Printing

  • You get a $15 credit to your printing allowance. It costs .05 per page B&W and .30 per page for color printing. Printing beyond this free credit requires you having Cougar Cash on your Cougar ID card. Printing allocations start over 3 times a year, at the beginning of fall, spring and summer sessions. Keep in mind though, unused allocations do not rollover to the next semester. 
  • PaperCut’s Mobility Print is available for students connected to eduroam to Addlestone Library, Education Center and Beatty Center printers.

Computer Lab

  • Addlestone Library offers computer workstations for use in the event your computer is unavailable.

 

help

Need additional Technology Assistance?

IT Service Desk

  • The IT Service Desk is available to provide technical support for your hardware, software or technology-related questions.
  • Assistance can be found via self-service support at help.cofc.edu or walk-up locations on campus.

Knowledge Base

  • Find the answers you need quickly by searching our Knowledge Base where we’ve cataloged the resolution to many common questions and issues affecting multiple users.
  • Be sure to login to see all the articles.