Information for New Faculty

Request Computer & Specialized Software

We will be contacting you over the summer to ask about your computer and software needs so that we are able to provide you with a computer and any software you need when you arrive in the fall.

Activate Your Oxy Account

To activate your oxy.edu account, go to myaccount.microsoft.com

After using your initial passphrase (provided by your hiring manager), you will be prompted to enroll in Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Use the Security Info menu to change your passphrase and control other settings related to MFA. Note that our password requirements use "passphrases" of 20 or more characters. Learn more about passphrases and how they are different from passwords.

Explore Google Workspace

At Oxy we use Google apps for email, calendar invitations, document creating and sharing, chat and email lists. When you first log in, be sure that Google recognizes your oxy.edu account in addition to any personal gmail account you may have. 

• Read more about managing class email lists in Google Groups
• Create appointment calendars for office hours or advising
• Get tips on managing your email inbox
• Learn more about Google Drive (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, etc.)

Join Occidental Wifi

When you first join Occidental Wifi, your computer will prompt you to register your device on the wireless network. Usually, your computer will automatically prompt you to log in with your Oxy credentials. On mobile or IoT devices, you may need to take additional steps.

• How to register mobile phones
• How to register a IoT device (e.g., smart devices, Apple TVs, etc.)

Log into MyOxy

MyOxy is the online portal for internal resources and links within the Oxy Community. From here you can access your class roster and advising lists, submit Care Reports and Academic Concerns, and find quick links to Google Workspace and the Library. 

Familiarize with Classroom AV Technology

Nearly all classrooms are equipped with a projector and screen or flat screen display. The AV lecterns have a built in PC and also allow users to plug in a personal laptop via HDMI. Most classrooms have a "switcher" that allows you to change between the built in PC and your personal laptop. Sometimes the switcher is physical and sometimes it is on a touch screen.

• It can be useful to get acquainted with your classroom(s) ahead of the first day so that you are comfortable with the set up. Check the room availability via Master Calendar.
• If you'd like to schedule an appointment to go over the classroom technology set up, please contact ITS through this request form or at mediaservices@oxy.edu. 
• Learn more about types of classrooms, including Hyflex/Hybrid spaces.

Learn about Canvas

Canvas is the official learning management system (LMS) of Oxy. While faculty are not required to use Canvas or any other LMS, Canvas is our most robust and centralized way to manage course materials and communications. Canvas can be used to manage files, such as your syllabus and readings, facilitate learning activities, such collaborative annotations and paper submissions, as well as to communicate with your students through announcements and discussion forums. Oxy also has Canvas Studio for managing and sharing video content.

A chat service is available for immediate assistance within Canvas by clicking on Help in the left-hand sidebar and then Chat with Canvas Support (Faculty) under Other Resources. 

Explore Virtual and Flipped Classroom Tools

All Oxy Faculty have access to licensed accounts in Zoom. To access this account, be sure to sign in with "SSO" and go to occidental.zoom.us to ensure you have access to all paid features. Webinar accounts can be purchased via helpdesk@oxy.edu.

Access Software for Teaching and Learning 

Please view our Service Catalog for more information on what software is available and how to make purchase requests.