The Information Technology Services (ITS) department is your first stop for tech support. We support Oxy's technical infrastructure, such as wireless, Google Workspace, and classrooms. We also employ and train student workers.
Activate Your oxy.edu Account
All Oxy students receive a network account (e.g., yourname @oxy.edu) to access the College’s computer network and various online services, including your email, protected online material and services, and computers in the public computing labs on campus.
In order to set up your account, go to My Account in Microsoft. Note that our password requirements use "passphrases" of 20 or more characters. Learn more about passphrases and how they are different from passwords.
Using the initial passphrase from your Admissions Portal, log in with your username and initial password. After using your initial passphrase, 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.
Log into Gmail
Once you have activated your Oxy account though Microsoft, log in to your Oxy Gmail account; when prompted, type in your full @oxy.edu email address and your password. The first time you log in, you’ll need to accept Google’s terms of service and complete a captcha. Be sure to check your Oxy email regularly, as all official College communication will be sent there.
Get Connected to Campus Wifi
The main campus wifi network is called "Occidental." The first time you connect to wireless you'll need to log in. Computers and phones will usually prompt you to log in. If your device doesn't or cannot prompt you via a browser (smart home devices, some gaming systems, etc.) you can register it using the MAC address on the "oNet" network.
- How to join your phone to Occidental
- How to register a gadet or device to oNet
- How to locate a MAC address
- Report weak or unstable wireless connections
- How to connect to Ethernet in the residence hall
Please do not attempt to add your own wireless access point or router. They interfere with our own network equipment, disrupting internet access for others. If we determine that there is such a device plugged in we will turn off network access in that location until we receive conformation that the device is no longer plugged into our network.
Secure Your Information
Here are some ways to stay safer online:
If you are concerned about any external entity that is pressuring you for personal information or sending you abusive or threatening messages please contact us at helpdesk@oxy.edu
Get Ready for Class
Computers
Oxy students typically bring their own PC or Mac laptops. Chromebooks, iPads, and other tablets may be useful for many class activities, but please note some classes will require software that is not easily accessible on tablets.
- Read more about recommended computer specs and education discounts
- Find a public computer on campus in the Academic Commons
- Check out the Library's Tech Lending program
Printers
You may bring in your own printer if you wish, but you will have access to a number of printers on campus, including one in your residence hall. To print to Oxy printers you'll need to follow the instructions below. Otherwise, you can log into any of the public desktop computers in the Academic Commons to print to one of the Oxy printers in the building.
Canvas & Course Communications
Professors use email for class communications and many also use Canvas and/or Google Drive to share course materials and assignments. Be sure to check your Oxy Gmail regularly and review Canvas for course information.
- Get tips on managing your email inbox
- Learn more about Google Drive (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, etc.)
Access Software
Students are provided a free version of Microsoft Office and can access software like SPSS, STATA, Matlab and Mathematica via the Virtual Computer Lab. Certain courses will be provided with access to media production software based on faculty teaching needs. We do not currently offer a college wide license to Adobe products. If you have a special software need for your courses or research please reach out to us and we will do our best to find solutions.