Student Tech Support
Technology Help and Support Resources
Student Tech Support provides FREE assistance and service for all Sierra College students in accessing and successfully using Sierra College technology. We are staffed with knowledgeable and friendly team members who provide guidance to all students. Support is available via live chat, email, Zoom, and 15-minute appointments in Sierra Connect.
Acceptable use and prohibited conduct. Please review the Computer and Network Use Board Policy 3720.
How Can We Help
Multi-factor authentication is a process where a user is prompted during the sign-in process for an additional form of identification, such as entering a code on their cellphone or providing a fingerprint scan. Beginning in Fall 2021, all Sierra College students will be enrolled in MFA, requiring a form of authentication for use of mySierra, Canvas, DegreeWorks, etc. while off campus.
For more information about MFA, please visit How do I enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for my account?
If you are experiencing issues with your MFA account, please feel free to use the Student Tech Support chat so we can help you! If we are unavailable or for assistance during off-hours, please review the following help articles:
Wi-Fi. We can help connect phones and laptops to the Sierra College Wi-Fi networks. We can also help figure out the cause of an issue and provide advice on what steps to take to remedy an issue. Contact us via live chat or email studenttechsupport@sierracollege.edu so we can help.
- Free Wi-Fi at Sierra College
Free public Wi-Fi is available at our Rocklin, Nevada County and Tahoe-Truckee campuses on the “Sierra Public” network. No log in required. This network is also available in parking lot S on the Rocklin campus and parking lots 7 and 8 at NCC. Sierra College students, faculty and staff can also join the secured “Sierra” network at all three locations. This network requires a log in. Follow the Connect to Sierra Wi-Fi instructions to join.
What We Do |
What We Don’t Do |
| Canvas LMS (Access & Navigation)
Sierra College Course Software Support (Access & Troubleshooting). Check out the “Tech Support Tips and Tricks” section. Microsoft Office 365 (Access, Download, Troubleshooting). Free access for Sierra College students. mySierra & Sierra College Website (Navigation) Sierra Connect (Navigation) |
Student Account Related Issues. Please use the mySierra Student Help Form.
Non-Sierra College Software Support (installation, troubleshooting, etc.) School Work. Please contact the Tutoring Center for peer tutoring. They can also help new computer users navigate various applications used in instruction. See “Tech Study Skills” offerings on their online and on-ground schedule. Viruses. We cannot diagnose or remove viruses; however, recommendations to various resources may be provided. Specific support provided by other departments on campus. We are happy to refer you to the appropriate support service: For any other questions or assistance, visit Student Services. |
Tech Support Tips and Tricks
Multi-factor authentication is a process where a user is prompted during the sign-in process for an additional form of identification, such as entering a code on their cellphone or providing a fingerprint scan. Beginning in Fall 2021, all Sierra College students will be enrolled in MFA, requiring a form of authentication for use of mySierra, Canvas, DegreeWorks, etc. while off campus.
For more information about MFA, please visit How do I enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for my account?
If you are experiencing issues with your MFA account, please feel free to use the Student Tech Support chat so we can help you! If we are unavailable or for assistance during off-hours, please review the following help articles:
As a student at Sierra College, you will be using a variety of technology. Safe computing starts with password security. Please consider the following tips to keep you safe from possible threats:
- Never share your password with anyone.
- Create a complex password that you can remember and is unique to you. Passphrases are recommended when possible. For example: Ilove2walkintheraininMay!
- Create different passwords for different applications.
- Update your password from time to time.
- Don’t forget to log out. Leaving your account open is just as dangerous as providing your password. Take time to make sure you are fully logged out of all online applications and browsers.
- Test the strength of your password. LastPass, a leading password manager vendor, provides a secure utility to test the strength of your password and provides suggestions for improving its strength.
Need to reset your password?
Passwords requirements:
- Must be 15 to 32 characters, including at least one uppercase and one lowercase letter, and at least one number.
- It cannot contain your username, first name, middle name, or last name.
- It cannot be the same as one of your last 25 passwords or passphrases.
Many issues faced by students are the direct result of missing updates or are browser related, which can be solved in a few steps.
Check for operating system updates. Updates are designed to make our computers safer and keep hackers from exploiting vulnerable spots. Updates can fix the code that allows hackers to install damaging malware on our computers or delete important files. The things that you have been so busy working on that you think you do not have time to update your software—those are at risk if you decide to ignore the reminder.
Check for browser updates. Malicious hackers and websites can exploit security flaws in browsers and infect your computer with harmful programs and viruses. Regular updates to your browser fix security problems when they are detected and make your computer safer from those types of attacks.
Clear your cache. The more information that is saved in the cache, the slower your computer will be browsing the web. Deleting the cache data helps to troubleshoot, helps to increase the loading time of web pages and increases the performance of your computer. When you delete the stored cache data, the new version can be retrieved, which is very important when you have changed your password.
Use incognito or private browser windows. Private browsing prevents your browser from leaving any tracks on your computer. It also prevents websites from using cookies stored on your computer to track your visits.
Have you taken an online class before? Want to feel ready? First time users will greatly benefit from the Sierra College Distance Learning Department’s Getting Started page.
What is Canvas? Canvas is our learning management system (LMS). It’s where you can participate in your classes online via a computer or mobile app.
Tech Tips
- Use a compatible browser. You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available.
- You might need to “favorite” your courses for them to appear on your Canvas homepage. Do this using the full web/desktop version (not the mobile app). You can also remove a course from your dashboard.
- Some content will not be available until you enable Java in your browser.
- Some content may not be seen until you disable pop-up blockers for Canvas.
- Don’t give up, you can always call the Canvas 24-Hour Hotline: (833) 507-7235
How to Guides
- Embed an image in Canvas discussion posts
- Check your grade in Canvas
- Submit assignments in Canvas
- Take quizzes in Canvas
- Proctorio troubleshooting (test proctoring extension)
- Everything you need to know about Canvas
- Everything you need to know about Canvas Studio
Video Tutorials
How to Use Canvas
Watch Video: How to Use Canvas Student App (Log in to Canvas to View)
What is Zoom? It is a remote conferencing tool that Sierra College uses to conduct instruction remotely as well as appointments with counselors and other support services.
Tech Tips
- No webcam? If you need a webcam, please request one.
- No audio? If you are having trouble connecting to the audio, call in to your Zoom meeting so your voice can be heard. Ask your instructor/counselor for the dial-in information to attend. You will need the phone number and meeting ID.
- Slow internet? If your internet is slow at the time of your meeting, consider turning off your video for better results.
- Use your phone. There is a Zoom app that works great for video conferencing.
- Be sure to communicate with your instructor or counselor ahead of time if you do not have all equipment needed for your Zoom/ConferZoom session.
- For more solutions to common issues, please visit the Zoom Help Center FAQ’s.
How to Guides
- ConferZoom Participant Student Guide
- Get Zoom on your Android: Getting Started with Android
- Get Zoom on your iPhone/iPad: Getting Started with iOS
Video Tutorial
Learn how to access Microsoft Office 365, an integrated experience, that includes access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS office downloads, cloud file sharing, and more. These applications are updated monthly with the latest features and security updates.
Tech Tips
- Stay up-to-date with your Sierra College email by syncing to your smartphone.
- Need to reset your password? Unfortunately, you cannot do that via Microsoft. It should only be done using the password reset tool
- Use OneDrive for cloud storage. As a student, you have 1T (one terabyte) of cloud storage with Microsoft OneDrive. Watch the video tutorials below for more information.
- Submit your assignments in Canvas from OneDrive. Not sure how? Follow these assignment submission/file upload instructions.
How to Guides
Video Tutorials
Microsoft 365
Microsoft Cloud Storage and One Drive
What is a file type? A file type is a name given to a specific kind of file. For example, a Microsoft Word document (.doc, .docx, etc.) and an Adobe document (.pdf) are two different file types. While these file types are associated with individual applications, other file types, such as rich text RTF files and MP3 audio files are standard file types that can be opened by multiple programs.
Tech Tips
- Back up your files. It is a great idea to back up your files to prevent losing your work.
- Use your OneDrive! If you’re still carrying around a flash drive, USB or thumb drive or any other portable file storage option, try using OneDrive to save data to an offsite or remote storage system. Sierra College students have 1T (one terabyte) of storage in OneDrive through Microsoft Office 365.
- No scanner? Scan files by using your phone
- Want to preserve your formatting? Please first verify that a PDF file is acceptable for your assignment, then review these steps to Save As or Create a PDF
- Need to change the file type? Online Convert is a great Web app that lets you convert audio, video, images, and other kinds of files without installing software.
On-campus Services
Rocklin Campus
The Learning Commons Computer Lab has more than 80 computers, several iMacs, and scanners that students can use, as well as staff who can assist students with most technical questions.
Nevada County Campus
The Learning Commons at the Nevada County Campus is currently under construction.
Connect to a Windows 10 computer on campus from your device at home. If you have a Mac, Chromebook, or cannot otherwise install software on your home device to complete your coursework, please use the instructions to remote connect to a lab computer.
Sierra College is not charging for pay-to-print during the spring 2023 semester.
Students can print on campus in the Learning Commons Lab (black and white only). The first 100 pages will be free, then additional pages will be 9¢ per page. We can help you learn how to login, add money to your account, and check your balances.
You can also use these instructions on how to pay-to-print or watch the video.
Sierra College Cyber Security Information
Ransomware is a serious security matter that encrypts data and makes your computer data inaccessible. Please be vigilant in preventing ransomware from impacting our District systems. Typically these present themselves to you in the form of an email scam or malicious web site.
How to Prevent Ransomware
- Do not respond to phishing emails or click on embedded links within those emails
- Do not browse suspect sites and/or click on advertising links
- If you believe you have been a victim of a computer virus, malware, or Ransomware attack on your work computer, immediately contact the ITS Service Desk at (916)660-7777.
Official information from Sierra College ITS will come from sierra-college-its@sierracollege.edu.
Attention: Sierra College Staff
To assure your District data is properly backed up, always save it on a District network file share (N: drive, S: drive, or Department share). Note: Your computer’s C: drive is not regularly backed up by ITS.
Resource
Please protect yourself and our network users against email phishing scams. Phishing scams are more prevalent during the holiday season. Typically, they entice individuals to take action in one of the following ways:
- Click on an embedded link that installs malicious software on your computer,
- Get you to respond with personal information or financial support,
- Sends you to a website where you provide personal information or financial support, or
- Get you to spam others with ill-intended emails.
When you look at a message in your mailbox, take a moment and follow these helpful security tips:
- Understand who it is from
- Look at the “From” address. If it looks suspicious, DO NOT respond to it.
- Review any embedded links in the message
- Hover over the link to view the address. If the address appears suspicious, DO NOT click on the link.
- Use caution and be suspicious when you notice:
- Misspelled words
- Bad grammar
- A sense of urgency for your response
- You won the lottery
- It is an unexpected email
It is also important to ensure your computer has the current security patches and your antivirus software has the latest updates.
Always report suspicious emails to your supervisor and the ITS Service Desk at servicedesk@sierracollege.edu
Resource
Log in to the SANS Security Awareness Virtual Training Center to view training videos. Anyone with a California Community College email address can sign up for a free account.
CYBRARY also provides free IT security training.
Google has patched a severe Android vulnerability that researchers at IBM said impacts more than 55 percent of devices. As with most Android vulnerabilities, users are reliant on handset makers and carriers to push patches downstream to devices, something they’ve not always been diligent about.
IBM characterizes the vulnerability as a serialization flaw that if exploited allows an attacker complete control over an Android device. The most serious of the vulnerabilities disclosed today at USENIX by researchers Or Peles and Roee Hay affect versions 4.3 to 5.1, Jelly Bean through Lollipop, as well as Android M Preview 1 currently in beta. Make sure you keep your Android devices updated!
Learn more by reading Patched Android Serialization Vulnerability Affects 55 Percent of Devices.
A handful of frantic Microsoft Windows users have asked how to recover from PC infections from “CryptoLocker,” the generic name for an increasingly prevalent and nasty strain of malicious software that encrypts your files until you pay a ransom. For years, security experts have emphasized the importance of backing up one’s files as a hedge against disaster in the wake of a malware infestation. Unfortunately, if your backup drives are connected physically (USB for example), or via the local network to the PC that gets infected with CryptoLocker, your backups may also become encrypted as well.
Computers infected with CryptoLocker may initially show no outward signs of infection; this is because it often takes many hours for the malware to encrypt all of the files on the victim’s PC and attached or networked drives. When that process is complete, however, the malware will display a pop-up message similar to the one pictured above, complete with a countdown timer that gives victims a short window of time in which to decide whether to pay the ransom or lose access to the files forever. Windows users should check out CryptoPrevent, a tiny utility from John Nicholas Shaw, CEO and developer of Foolish IT, a computer consultancy based in Outer Banks, N.C. Another option might be cloud data storage systems such as the new Microsoft Office One-Drive, since it is not connected and susceptible like a network shared drive or USB drive.
The mission of the Sierra College Cyber Security Workgroup is to establish and maintain an information security program for Sierra Community College.
The program core initiatives are to:
- Assess our security posture annually through self-assessment using industry standard best practices such as ISO 270001 and NIST
- End-User Awareness Program designed to educate students, faculty, and staff to proactively avoid security breaches.
- Review and Update District Security Standards and Procedures
- Implement and Practice Security Incident Response