Computer Services

HCC Login ID and Password

Use your HCC login ID and password to access myHCC, HCC email, campus computers, password services, and the HCC wireless network. HCC’s online password services tool, available at www.howardcc.edu/PasswordServices, allows students to initially set up and manage their HCC login credentials and reset forgotten passwords. Your HCC login ID usually consists of the first initial of your first name + the first seven digits of your last name + the last four digits of your student ID number. For example, if your name is “Art Vandelay,” and your Student ID number is 1234567, your HCC login ID would be “avandela4567.”

Password services will walk you through the initial set up of your identity and password, and with changing your password every 12 months thereafter.

myHCC

myHCC is the center of your digital life at Howard Community College! Use it as the starting point for many online services. After logging into myHCC with your HCC Login ID and password, you can view college calendars and announcements, check email, get to your Canvas courses, and use self-service:

Choose Self Service in myHCC to take advantage of these and other planning, registration, and financial services. Full registration instructions are provided online and in the printed Schedule of Credit Classes.

Student Email

The College recognizes email as the official method for communication with students. Students are expected to act upon all official communications received at their college email address. Get your email through myHCC, or visit https://outlook.office.com/mail/. If prompted, login using your HCC email address and password. Check your email regularly, delete messages that you no longer need. Your HCC student email address is yourfirstname.yourlastname@howardcc.edu.

Canvas and Online Courses

Canvas is the learning management system used by HCC. Students are granted access to course sites three days before the start of the term. All faculty post syllabi and grades in Canvas. Additionally, students may find course materials, quizzes, and other class activities in the Canvas sites. There are many Ways to Learn at HCC:

• Flexible Online
• Scheduled Remote
• Online Hybrid
• Face-To-Face
• In-Person Hybrid

Students use their HCC email and password to access Canvas through the Tools & Resources button on the HCC homepage. For best performance, Canvas recommends using the most current or previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.  User can use the guide - What are the browser and computer requirements for Instructure products? - to see if they are using the most up-to-date version.. Students should log in to Canvas regularly to check for announcements, feedback, due dates, and content.

HCC offers several forms of support for students within Canvas:

• Learn about Canvas features using the Canvas Student Training Guide, found within the Canvas Help Center button.
• Click the New2HCC button in Canvas for an Orientation to Online Learning.
• Contact 24/7 Canvas Support by chat, phone, or email using the Canvas Help Center button.

Wireless Internet Access

HCC’s free wireless Internet is available to students and guests in most locations on campus. Using your personal laptop or other device, open a browser ( Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) and log in to the HCCSTUDENT wireless network, using your HCC Login ID and password. Non-students are welcome to access the HCCGUEST wireless network without a login ID and password. HCCGUEST wireless network will provide 2 hours of service before requiring a re-connection by the user.

Mobile Alert

HCC’s Mobile Alert system enables you to receive instant notification of important campus information and emergency announcements to your cell phone and email. It will alert you to parking problems, weather delays and closures, as well as on-campus emergencies and drills. Subscribing to the service is free, but standard text messaging charges from your carrier may apply. Visit howardcc.edu/mobilealert to learn more and sign up.

Computer Labs and Printing

HCC provides multiple open computer study labs, which offer a quiet academic environment where students can study, do research and complete class assignments. These labs are located in KHH-266, CL-203, and DH-110 and are equipped with PCs offering Internet access, scanners, printers, and software based upon the needs of the academic community. Credit students may log in using their HCC Login ID and password. The DH110 is staffed to assist students. For audio, students should bring their personal headsets. On occasion, you may be asked to relocate to another computer to allow someone to access specialized software, scanners, or raised computer desks. Food and beverages are not permitted.

To maintain our quiet study area, please minimize conversations and noise, turn off cell phones or set to vibrate mode, and leave the room to make or receive phone calls. Lab users are expected to adhere to HCC’s Standards of Acceptable Use of Campus Technology below. Students are encouraged to save and back up their work frequently. Computers in the open labs automatically log off and erase files after 15 minutes of inactivity. Both labs are normally closed for college holidays and during breaks. Check the posted hours in the Computer Labs or visit the Computer Lab web pages for the latest computer lab hours and closings.

File Storage

Students are encouraged to use cloud storage, such as Google Apps and Microsoft OneDrive, for storage of personal files. To access, visit:

• https://drive.google.com/a/howardcc.edu for Google Drive (use your HCC Username and HCC password).

• https://onedrive.live.com/ for Microsoft OneDrive (use your HCC email address and HCC email password).

Laptop Loans

Laptops and hot-spots are available for loan to students who have registered for the current semester.  Visit the DH110 open computer lab on the first floor of the Duncan Hall building to request a laptop and or hot-spot.  You will be asked to read and sign a contract acknowledging your responsibilities in caring for the equipment. This program is open to approved full time credit and noncredit students who abide by the terms of the contract.

Technology Service Center

TSC staff are available to assist students having problems with technology. Call 443-518-4444 or visit howardcc.edu/tsc for information, online forms and FAQs. You may also visit the RCF Welcome Center or the DH110 Open Lab for in-person assistance. Visit the visit the Computer Lab web pages for the latest computer lab hours and closings.