New Student Technology Checklist

All students are REQUIRED to have a laptop computer that meets or exceeds the minimum laptop specifications for their class. This ensures that all students have equal access to a minimum level of technology and that instructors can incorporate this technology into their required coursework.

⛔ Chromebooks are not recommended as they are incompatible with all applications including some features in our learning management system.

💰 Please visit Financial Aid if you need assistance to help pay for your laptop.

💻 Information Technology offers a limited supply of laptops and Wi-Fi Hotspots as student loaners. Please create a Student Laptop/Hot Spot Loan request

Recommended Requirements

You are not obligated to purchase one of the suggested options. If purchasing on your own, consider the recommended system requirements listed below, along with the laptop’s weight and dimensions, to guide your decision-making process. 

You may need to edit the configuration after you click the link to match our specifications.

Where to Purchase

Get reduced pricing on personal computers from Apple and Dell, exclusively for our community. Browse recommended models from Information Technology at different price points to meet the above requirements. 

While you’re not restricted to Dell or Apple purchases, our campus technicians are Apple and Dell certified and they can repair these computers onsite if you have a factory warranty.  Without this warranty, we are unable to assist with hardware-related problems on your computer.

Apple Student Laptop Discount Dell Technologies for Students or Dell Student Purchase Program Discounts registration page.

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 Public Safety’s Operation ID Program.

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

Email

• New Students will have an email account created for them upon enrollment.
• Login into your Outlook using your email address (g.cofc.edu) 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) using the Microsoft Authenticator app.
• 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 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.

Microsoft Office 365

Google Workspace for Education

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 (you must log into the system to view this article)

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 (you must log into the system to view this article)

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

Eduroam:

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

ResNet

• Used in residence halls and historic houses
• Support provided by Apogee, not the College of Charleston

• You will get 300 free black and white prints, less if you choose to print color. Printing beyond this free credit requires you to have Cougar Cash on your Cougar ID card. Printing allocations start over 3 times a year, at the beginning of fall, spring and summer sessions. Remember, 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.
• Addlestone Library offers computer workstations for use if your computer is unavailable.