Get Started with IT: Preparing for Classes (Students)

Activate Your UTC Account

Your UTC account is your key to a wide array of online services at UTC. Visit Account Activation to get started with setting up your password for the first time.

To reset a forgotten or expired password, please visit www.utc.edu/password or www.utc.edu/pw . For password instructions and assistance, visit the IT Knowledge Base or call 423-425-4000.

Duo

We encourage you to enroll in Duo Mobile (two-factor authentication) for better password protection before the start of the semester. Duo is required for accessing resources like GMail, MyMocsNet and Canvas.

MyMocsNet

Log in and familiarize yourself with MyMocsNet, the UTC-specific web portal to essential services such as MocsMail+, Canvas, current events, housing, class schedules, financial aid, parking services, and much more. You can access MyMocsNet by clicking here or via the upper right-hand corner of UTC’s home page under "Quick Links".  MyMocsNet is also available as a mobile app in the Google Play and Apple App stores. 

For more information on your MyMocsNet account visit https://utc.edu/mymocsnet-info

MocsMail+

Get Familiar with MocsMail+, your official university e-mail account. Set up your MocsMail+ account on your tablet and phone. You can access your MocsMail+ account by clicking here or via the MyMocsNet account link in the upper right hand corner of UTC’s home page under "Quick Links".

UTC Alerts

UTC Alerts will be used on a very limited basis—only when there is an immediate threat on campus. Update your UTC Alerts settings here.

Prepare Your Computer Equipment

Most Windows and Apple computers that are four years of age or less will be sufficient for coursework. We recommend planning ahead and checking your syllabi required technology (hardware and software) needs. If purchasing a new computer, we recommend these minimum specs:

  • Windows or Mac operating system (Chrome books are not recommended)
  • Intel i5 (Windows) or M1 (Mac) CPU
  • 8GB RAM or greater
  • SSD (Solid State) hard drive of 256GB or greater capacity

The "sweet spot" for purchasing a new computer is generally mid-range. If you are on a budget, you may actually be better off purchasing a refurbished computer that meets the specs above rather than buying a budget computer that will be slow today and even slower tomorrow.  Likewise, keep in mind that unless you are a gamer, there's no need to spend $2,000 on the fastest computer available. Also note that if you are in a major that requires specific software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe InDesign, you will need more RAM.

If you take classes that demand faster hardware like Engineering or Interior Design, we recommend these minimum specs:

  • Windows operating system (Mac and Chromebooks are not recommended)
  • Intel i7 CPU or greater
  • 16GB RAM or greater
  • A dedicated GPU with 4GB VRAM
  • 512GB SSD

Access Software

Check our Software for Students article for access to discounted and free software for students. 

Zoom

Learn how to use Zoom.

Microsoft Office 365

Once you're enrolled, you have a free subscription to Microsoft Office 365. Visit https://portal.office.com and sign in using your UTC email (ex. abc123@mocs.utc.edu) and UTC password.

Store Files Online

Save your files online so you can get to them from anywhere. IT recommends Microsoft O365 One Drive and Google for online file storage for students.  Do you need to work on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with your project team or classmates? Microsoft O365 and Google support online collaboration.

Chat

Canvas has a collaboration feature to chat, so check with your instructor if that will be used for a specific course. You can also chat with classmates or your instructor using Microsoft Teams