What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-powered productivity platform. With your CofC Microsoft 365 account, you can access:

• • Microsoft apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Teams, Outlook, OneNote, Stream, Sway, To Do, Forms, and more
  • Integrated third-party CofC apps such as MyPortal, OAKS, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, CougarEd, Cascade CMS, Banner, AiM, CSAS, and more. 

Why am I prompted to sign into Microsoft when trying to access a CofC system?

CofC provides current campus members with a licensed Microsoft 365 account. These accounts grant role-based access to many College applications and services, and will prompt for a Microsoft based sign on:

As much as possible, CofC tries to use Single Sign-On (SSO), an authentication method that allows users to use one set of credentials for logging in to multiple independent software systems. Once you are signed in, you don't have to keep entering your credentials to access other applications - your browser will recognize that you are already logged in. We are able to accomplish SSO authentication by integrating third-party apps with Microsoft 365.

Who has a College Microsoft 365 account?

Access to Microsoft 365 and how it is used depends on:

• • Your role at the College
  • College portal you are accessing

Not all College Microsoft 365 accounts grant the same level of access or benefits, but accounts exist for the following users:

• • Enrolled students: Students presently enrolled in courses for the current academic term
  • Current employees: Those with an active employee contract on file
  • Recent former students: As of January 1, 2022, students who leave or graduate from the College only retain their licensed Microsoft account for one year. More information on Alumni account lifecycle
  • Applicant/admitted students:
    
    • Incoming students who have submitted an application to the College for a current or upcoming academic term
    • Accepted students who have not yet confirmed their enrollment
    • Deposited students who are not presently enrolled in the current term, but will be enrolled for an upcoming one
  • Certain affiliates (vendor, contractor, etc.): Affiliates who have a College sponsor request a Microsoft account for them

Login Information

Login Credentials

• • Username:
    • The username is formatted like an email address:
      
      • Employees: USERNAME@cofc.edu
      • Student employees with @cofc.edu mailboxes (or current full time employees presently taking classes): USERNAME@cofc.edu
      • Students: USERNAME@g.cofc.edu
      • Applicants: CWID@g.cofc.edu 
    • The username is sent to your personal email account upon hire (employees) or upon paying deposits (students)

•  
  • Password:
    
    • To reset your password, use the Self Service Password Reset link: https://aka.ms/sspr  
    • First time? The initial password is: Your CWID + birthdate (mmddyy) + A! 
      • For example, if your CWID is 90000009 and your birthdate is Jan 5, 1995, then your initial password is: 90000009010595A!

To Get Log In Help from a Person*

• • Start a chat
  • Call 843-953-3375
  • Visit a walk-up location

*Due to FERPA, our agents are only permitted to speak with the account holder regarding their account.

What if my phone is lost or broken?

• We do have a process in place that will help you get access to your account again. You must contact the IT Service Desk by phone or chat and go through a live verification process. Once verified, they can reset your MFA methods. This action will allow you to sign in with just your password, and will prompt you to set up new MFA methods the next time you log in.
• Tip: You can set up more than one mobile phone with the Microsoft Authenticator App for verification on your account if you have access to multiple devices.

Not Receiving Texts

• First, please note that the SMS (text) message option for multi-factor authentication is being retired later in 2024, and eventually will not be an option. Please take the time to update your MFA methods before it retires.
• For immediate help with this specific issue, you may like to take a look at KB0011389 Multi-factor Authentication: Not Receiving Texts for suggestions

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)

• Our College Microsoft 365 accounts use MFA to keep the account secure. This two-step process requires users to enter their password (step 1) and then verify their identity using an additional method (step 2) when performing account sign-in transactions from off campus. 
• Your primary method, used for MFA, must be the Microsoft Authenticator App. The College will be retiring the use of SMS (Text) as a primary verification method on September 1, 2024. Learn more on that change and what to do if you do not have a mobile device (smart phone, tablet).
• The first time you sign in, you will be prompted to set up a primary and a secondary authentication method on your account. The secondary method can be Phone (SMS text verification), another authenticator app or a personal email. You need to have two unique methods configured for your account. While only the authenticator app can be used for MFA (to verify your identity when signing in), the secondary method(s) can be used for SSPR (to reset your password). 
• To learn how to update your authentication methods, see KB0010570: Add or Change Security Information

What College portals use a Microsoft 365 login for access?

The College is moving to have all campus portals use a College Microsoft 365 account to control login ability and permissions. At this time, not all portals or services use your College Microsoft account. As systems are upgraded or replaced, they will be configured as possible to use this account type.

You can view many of the applications that use a Microsoft sign in via your MyApps section of your Office 365 account. Some common systems:

• • MyPortal
    
    • Main administrative and academic portal for College members
  • OAKS
    
    • Learning and course content system for students
  • eBill
    
    • Billing portal for College members
  • CSAS
    
    • Cougar Scholarship Award System