New Faculty FAQs

• How do I get a Columbia email account?

  As a faculty member, you will be issued an official Columbia email address. Columbia uses email to distribute important information; faculty members are required to regularly check their incoming college assigned email address (for example jsmith@colum.edu) and use it for corresponding about college-related business. Checking your Columbia email is also the best way to stay current about what is happening on campus, including the many events that are open to faculty.

  To check your email, go to mail.colum.edu

  For questions about receiving your Columbia email address, contact Client Services at (312) 369-7001.

• What is my Columbia email login and password?

  Faculty will be issued a Columbia email account through the college. Your email userID will in most cases be the first initial of your first name and full last name. Your password will be the first initial of your first name (capitalized) followed by the first letter of your last name, followed by your 6-digit birthdate. 

  Example:  Jane Doe, DOB:  January 07, 1975
  Email:  jdoe@colum.edu
  Login:  jdoe
  Password:  Jd010775 

  To check your email, go to mail.colum.edu

  Be sure to change your password when you login for the first time. To do so, go to the Password Manager site. Be advised that if you incorrectly enter your password information three times in a row, you will be temporarily locked out of the system and will need to contact Client Services for support at (312) 369-7001 

• How do I login to the Columbia wireless network?
  Select the Columbia FacStaff network, and login using your email login and password information. 
• What is the Intranet and how do I log in?

  The Columbia College Chicago Intranet is a private site for faculty and staff to access internal information, resources, and services throughout the college. The Intranet features an up-to-date, simple, and organized homepage with announcements, events, and links relevant to the entire college community, and provides access to transactional business processes, requisition approvals, and policies.  This is also where you can view your paycheck information and officially update your mailing address (Go to MyC Self Service).

  Your login and password are the same as your Columbia email account. 

• What is MyColumbia and how do I get my MyColumbia login and password?

  MyColumbia is Columbia’s system for all student transactions. As a faculty member, you will be assigned a MyColumbia username and password.

  Once your hiring paperwork has been completely processed and you have been assigned to teach a course, the IT department will generate a MyColumbia userID for you. This ID will be included in your System Credentials email sent to your personal email account from an IT administrator. Your password will be your 6-digit birthday: mmddyy. If your birthday is Jan. 7, 1975, your password will be 010775. We recommend you change your password as soon as possible, using this Password Manager site.

  In order to reset your password, you must complete a registration process before you will be able to use the system. During this registration process you will be asked how you would like to be notified (e.g. text or call; alternate email account; security questions) to verify that you are indeed the person requesting a password change. This will allow you to reset your password from any location, on any device. 

  If you have not already registered your account, you need to visit https://aka.ms/ssprsetup in your web browser and complete the sign-up process. When prompted, use your existing Columbia email address (ex. jsmith@colum.edu) and password. 

• I am having trouble accessing email/Intranet/MyColumbia/Canvas. Who do I contact?

  For technical support, call 312-369-7001 or email clientservices@colum.edu, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 

• What is Canvas?

  Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) used by all courses throughout the College. Faculty can post course materials, track grades, communicate with students, and use several other features of our LMS.

  As part of New Faculty Orientation, all faculty are trained in Canvas. Additional Canvas trainings are offered throughout the year. 

• Where can I get more information about the benefits offered to Columbia employees?

  Information about benefits available to faculty can be found on the Human Resources website.

• What is Global VPN and Duo

  Columbia College Chicago has adopted using a VPN and Duo for security purposes. Duo Security is a two-factor authentication service that you will need to have to access email, Global Project VPN, MyColumbia, and other Columbia websites. Click here for a step-by-step guide to installing Duo on your phone. 

  GlobalProtect VPN provides an encrypted connection between your off-campus computer and the campus network. You will need to use the VPN when working remotely to access MyC, Open Enrollment, and Timesheet. Click here to be taken to Information Technology's page that gives step-by-step guides for downloading the VPN onto your computer and phone. 

• Where can I get my Columbia College Campus ID Card?

  Once your Columbia Network Credentials have been confirmed, you will receive an email from ID Services with a link to upload a photo. Once your photo has been uploaded, ID Services will confirm the date and location for your ID card pick up.

• How do I access my class list?
  1. Log-in to MyColumbia
  2. Select “Faculty” tab
  3. Under “CX - Faculty Main Portlet”, select “Class Lists”
  4. Enter Course Number (ABCD #### format)
  5. Enter Section Number (## - 2-digit section number)
  6. Click the “Search” button at the bottom of the page 
• How do I know which building my classroom is located in?
  Classroom locations can be found on the Campus Map.

  Click here for a helpful list of campus building names and their locations.

• Where do I make photocopies of my syllabus, handouts, etc.?

  It’s best to first check with your department’s staff contact about departmental photocopying policies.

  There is also an on-campus Xerox Document Center at 619 S. Wabash Avenue, 1st floor. The center is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. 

• What is a Teaching Availability Form (TAF)? (For part-time faculty only)
  A CCC Teacher Availability Form (the "TAF") for each department shall be made available online to part-time faculty on an ongoing basis. The College will send Unit members an e-mail notice regarding the TAF and the due date for submission at least eight (9) weeks prior to the due date for completing the course scheduling for the following semester. Unit members are responsible for submitting their completed TAF on a timely basis. Unit members are responsible for submitting their completed TAF to their department not later than six (7) weeks before the due date for completing the course schedule. (Columbia College Chicago Collective Bargaining Agreement 2019-2023 Article VII.1.A.)