Tech FAQs
Quick answers about email, passwords, online safety, Wi-Fi, software, printing, and collaboration tools.
General FAQs
How do I access my Sinclair email account?
Log in at my.sinclair.edu using your Sinclair username and password. Click the Open Your Mail tile to open your Outlook 365 account. Check this account regularly—it's where all official Sinclair messages are sent.
What should I do if I forget my password or can't log in?
Go to my.sinclair.edu and use the Forgot Username or Forgot Password links on the login page. Follow the prompts to recover your account credentials.
How do I stay safe online and avoid scams or phishing emails?
Be cautious with links, attachments, and unexpected emails. Sinclair uses Mimecast to block most spam, but some suspicious messages may still reach your inbox. Always report suspicious emails, and visit the Cyber Security Hub for practical tips and best practices.
Student Tech FAQs
How do I connect to Wi-Fi on campus?
- Students/Employees: Connect to SCC-Wireless and sign in with your Sinclair credentials.
- Visitors: Use SCC-Guest (no login required, limited access).
Note: Peer-to-peer file sharing and some streaming/gaming services are blocked to ensure network security.
What free software and cloud storage do I get as a student?
Sinclair students get access to Microsoft 365 Education—including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote—and 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage. Sign in at login.microsoftonline.com using your Sinclair email address and password.
Where can I print on campus and how much does it cost?
Use the PaperCut system to print from Sinclair computers or your own device. Each student gets $7.50 in free print credit per semester. Learn more or add funds at papercut.sinclair.edu.
Can I print from my laptop or phone?
Yes. Use Mobility Print to print from personal devices (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook). Connect to SCC-Wireless and follow the setup instructions on the Printing on Campus page.
How can I share files or collaborate with classmates?
Use OneDrive to store files and share them securely. You can also collaborate in real time using Word or Excel online. Log in at sinclaircc.onedrive.com with your Sinclair credentials.
What’s the policy on copying or printing copyrighted materials?
Only print what you have the legal right to reproduce. Avoid printing full textbooks, copyrighted books, or protected articles without permission.
For more info, see the Acceptable Use Policy and our Copyright Guidelines.
Employee Tech FAQs
How do I request new hardware or software?
Submit a request in the Service Catalog. For larger initiatives or new systems, coordinate with your IT liaison and (if applicable) complete the Project Request Worksheet (Word).
How do I connect to Wi-Fi on campus?
- SCC-Wireless — Sign in with your Sinclair username and password (recommended for employees).
- SCC-Guest — Limited public access; no login required.
How do I change my password or set up MFA?
Visit the Password Requirements & Reset page. You’ll be prompted to set up Microsoft Authenticator for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) when signing in.
How do I access files when working remotely?
- OneDrive: Go to sinclaircc.onedrive.com and sign in with Username@sinclair.edu.
- VPN (GlobalProtect): Use VPN to reach internal resources not available on the public internet.
- Remote tools: If you’ve been approved for Remote Desktop or a specific app, connect through VPN first.
How do I install approved software on my Sinclair computer?
Open the Software Center (IT Self Service) on Windows and select the apps you need (e.g., Office 365, Zoom, OneDrive). Your device must be on the Sinclair network (or connected via VPN) for installs.
How do I map a network (shared) drive?
- Open File Explorer > right-click This PC > Map network drive…
- Choose a drive letter and enter the path (e.g.,
\\server\share), then Finish. - Off-campus? Connect to VPN first.
How do I get a shared mailbox or distribution list?
Submit a request in the Service Catalog with the mailbox/list name, owners, and who needs access.
How do I print and release jobs?
Use the PaperCut system on Sinclair devices and release at any public copier. Check balances and history at papercut.sinclair.edu. Swipe your Tartan Card or enter your ID and PIN at the device.
How do I schedule or join Zoom/Teams meetings?
- Zoom: Sign in via the Zoom tile in my.sinclair.edu (SSO).
- Microsoft Teams: Open teams.microsoft.com or the desktop app and sign in with your Sinclair account.
How do I handle sensitive or student data safely?
Protecting student information is everyone’s responsibility at Sinclair. Under FERPA and College policy, you may only access and share student data if you have a legitimate educational interest in doing so. To handle sensitive or student data safely:
- Access only what you need. Do not view or download student records unless it is required to perform your job.
- Keep it secure. Always store student information in Sinclair-approved systems (e.g., Colleague, eLearn, OneDrive, secure shared drives). Do not save files to personal devices, unencrypted USB drives, or unsecured cloud services, such as Google Drive.
- Use College email. Communicate student information only through your Sinclair email account. Never use personal email to share or discuss student records.
- Be cautious with printed material. Secure hard copies of student records in locked cabinets and shred them when no longer needed. Do not leave documents unattended on desks, copiers, or in classrooms.
- Verify before sharing. Share information only with Sinclair employees who have a legitimate educational interest, or with outside parties when student consent or a FERPA exception applies. When in doubt, consult the Registration & Student Records Office.
- Be mindful in public spaces. Avoid discussing student information in hallways, elevators, or other places where conversations can be overheard.
- Report concerns. If you believe student data has been lost, shared improperly, or otherwise compromised, report it immediately to your supervisor and the FERPA Coordinator in Registration & Student Records.
Failure to follow these requirements may expose students and the College to risk, and may result in disciplinary action. If you are unsure whether information can be shared, do not release it until you have confirmed with the Registrar’s Office or Human Resources.