IT FAQs for Students

Q: What is Canvas?
A: Canvas is a modern, open, user-friendly teaching and learning platform for today's faculty and students.  

Q: Where can I learn more about Canvas?
A: For user guides, visit the Canvas Student Guide page. 

Q: What computer labs can I use to write or print a paper?
A: Computer labs are available for reservation during regular University hours. View a list of campus computer labs. To find a printer, visit Lab Printing @ CSUN.

The CSUN mobile app can be downloaded for free. For frequently asked questions and to read about its features, visit the CSUN Mobile App page.

Q: How do I access the CSUN Portal for the first time?
If you have been admitted to CSUN and have not already accessed the CSUN Portal, you need to activate your account. Locate your CSUN user ID and password on the "Activate CSUN Username and Password" letter sent to you by Admissions and Records. If you follow the account activation process, you will be brought to the Portal.

Q: When does maintenance take place?
A: Wednesdays from 8:00pm through midnight and once a month on Sundays from 12:00am through 6:00am. During these times, access may be intermittently unavailable. 

Q: Where can I find how-to guides on using the CSUN Portal and SOLAR? 
A:  Visit the Information for Students page for more information. 

Q: I don't know my student Gmail address. Where can I find it?
A: To obtain your CSUN email address, log in to the CSUN Portal and go to the Student Center (SOLAR). Your email address is located under "Personal Information." 

Q: How do I forward my student Gmail account to another a personal email address such as Yahoo or Hotmail?
A: Log in to Gmail. Go to Settings, select Add a forwarding address next to Forwarding and follow the subsequent steps. For additional instructions, visit Gmail Help: Forwarding mail to another email account automatically.

Q: Which browsers work with my student Gmail account? 
A: View Google's list of supported web browsers.

Q: How do I access my student Gmail account from a mobile device?
A: View Google's list of mobile devices and configuration instructions. Note: You must use your full@my.csun.edu email address when you are prompted for your username.

Q: How do I access my Gmail account from other email clients using IMAP/POP?
A: View instructions for IMAP and POP instructions. Read about the differences between IMAP & POP and learn about using Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook. Note: You must use your full "@my.csun.edu"email address when you are prompted for your username.

Q: What is the storage limit on my student Gmail account?
A: Enrolled/Active Students: 25 GB. [Graduated Students: 0 GB (Their email will need to be forwarded if they want to retain the address)]

Q: Is email that I send from my student Gmail account protected?
A: Email sent to or from your student Gmail account is unprotected. For this reason, we do not recommend sending/forwarding email which contains confidential or sensitive information.

Q: What is Google's privacy policy?
A: View Google's Privacy Policy.

Q: How can I set up a spam filter?
A: From Gmail, filtering instructions are located on the menu bar under Settings, Filters, Create a New Filter.

Q: Can I use ad blocker or script blocker with Gmail?
A: No. You must not use ad blockers or script blockers, "e.g. Adblock and NoScript" with Gmail. Be sure to disable these features before you log in to Gmail.

Q: Email that is sent to my student Gmail account is not always delivered. What is wrong?
A: If you auto-forward your student Gmail account to a personal email address, your personal email address may be invalid. This may be the reason why you are not receiving email. Although you auto-forward your Gmail account to another address, your student Gmail account is your official account with the university which means that the university will use it for official university communications. You are responsible for monitoring your student Gmail account and the information sent by the university.

Q: Where can I learn more about using Gmail?
A: Visit Gmail Help. Once you begin using your new account, review "Switching Guide" inside the new email system for more information on Getting Started with Gmail.

LinkedIn Learning is a free training resource. Learn at your own pace from anywhere. Want to learn Photoshop? Or brush-up on Microsoft Office? All you have to do is log in with your CSUN credentials to get started. 

For frequently asked questions, visit the LinkedIn Learning page.

Q: How do I know what type of media equipment is available in my classroom?
A: View a list of Media Equipment in Auditoriums and Classrooms. For more information, visit Media Services. 

Q. I need help with the equipment in the classroom I am in. Who do I call?
A. Classroom Support at (818) 677-1500. 

For frequently asked questions, visit the myCSUNbox page.

For frequently asked questions, visit the myCSUNsoftware page.

For frequently asked questions, visit the myCSUNtablet page.

Q: How can I access CSUN's computing resources from an off-campus location?
A: Most resources such as the CSUN Portal, and Gmail can be accessed via an internet browser. Others, require a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. The VPN creates a secure connection called a "tunnel" between your computer and the campus network.

Q: I am repeatedly being prompted for my CSUN User ID and Password when I try to connect. Why is this happening?
A: Make sure you are using your correct User ID and Password. To verify this information, view the CSUN User ID and Password Instructions. If you continue to have difficulties, contact the IT Help Center.

Q: When I try to connect to the VPN, I receive the message, Initializing the connection. However, after a while, I am simply back at the connection screen where I get a disconnected message. Why does this happen?
A: From the configuration screen, ensure that the portal address value is set to vpn.csun.edu. If you continue to have difficulties, contact the IT Help Center. 

Q: How can I protect my CSUN campus account?
A: The number one way to keep your CSUN account safe is to never give your CSUN password to anyone, including family and friends. Second, when using public computers to connect to campus services such as email or the CSUN Portal, always log off the computer before walking away. Finally, never download and install software from unknown/un-trusted sources, and only visit trusted web sites. If you believe that your CSUN password has been compromised, immediately change your password and contact the IT Help Center.

Q: How do I obtain Antivirus software for my computer?
A: Symantec Anti-Virus is available for students, faculty, and staff at no additional cost. Visit the CSUN Software Downloads page and sign in with your CSUN user ID and password. You will see Symantec Anti-Virus Corporate Edition available for downloading to a PC or Mac.

Q: Which software programs help combat spyware?
A: We recommend installing Spybot–S&D or Lavasoft Ad–Aware.

Q: What is a STOP security plate? How do I obtain one for my laptop?
A: For $10.00, a STOP security plate is the most cost–effective, anti–theft and recovery product available. Whether your laptop is lost or stolen, a STOP plate may increase the chances of your laptop being returned to you. For more information, view the Personal Electronics Security page.

Q: Will my STOP security plate ever expire?
A: No. Once registered, the STOP plate will help protect your device for life.

Q: Will CSUN ever ask me for personal information via email?
A: No. Any email message asking for personal information such as user IDs, passwords, birthdates, and social security numbers is likely to be a phishing scam. Often, phishing scams will look like they're from banking institutions and other trusted organizations (such as the CSU). If you receive one of these messages, delete it immediately and never respond. Learn more.

Q: What kind of software/hardware is available to CSUN students?
A: There are several options available to students for purchasing hardware for academic and personal use. View the Student Software & Hardware Purchasing page. 

Q. What software is available to me at a student?
A,. As a CSUN student, software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and anti-virus software is available to you at no additional cost. For more information, visit the Student Software page. 

Q: What is SOLAR?
A: SOLAR is the name for the administrative applications at CSUN. For students, SOLAR generally refers to the section in the CSUN Portal where you can register for classes, view grades, update campus contact information, etc. To learn more about using SOLAR, view Admissions and Records: How To Guides for Students.

Q: Where can I find user guides, tutorials and other resources for software/applications used at CSUN? 
A: Visit the IT Training Guides and Resources page. LinkedIn Learning is also available to you. To access the library for free, log in with your CSUN user ID and password. 

LOG IN TO LINKEDIN LEARNING

Q: How can I view my CSUN transcripts?
A: For instructions to view or print your unofficial CSUN transcript, and to order an official CSUN transcript, visit Admissions and Records: Order Transcripts.

Q. How can I submit transcripts from participating California community colleges to CSUN?
A. For instructions, visit Admissions and Records: eTranscript California.  

Q: What is the WebDrive?
A:The WebDrive is CSUN’s environment for hosting web content. View access instructions.

Q: How do I find my CSUN User ID and Password? 
A: Admissions and Records assigns each student a CSUN user ID and an initial password and this information is listed on your Admissions Acceptance form. This is what you use to set up and activate your campus account. If you have misplaced your user ID and password, contact the IT Help Center for assistance. 

Q: How do I change my CSUN password?
A: Go to Forgot My Password. If this does not work, contact the IT Help Center by phone at (818) 677-1400, online at (https://csun.topdesk.net/) or in person in (University Library, First Floor, Learning Commons). For security reasons, the Help Center is unable to reset your password via email.

Q. Is there a guide to walk me through the password reset process?
A. Yes. Please review the Portal Password Reset guide (.pdf). 

For information about web conferencing, visit the Zoom webpage. 

Q: How do I access CSUN wireless?
A: Connect to CSUN's encrypted wireless network, eduroam. This network will require a one-time login using your CSUN email address and will not require a VPN connection for additional security. Learn more.

Q: Where can I access CSUN Wireless?
A: CSUN's wireless connection works throughout the campus. Connections in the parking lots and away from academic or residential buildings my be intermittent.

Q: Which devices are compatible with CSUN's wireless network?
A: Most Wi-Fi capable devices are compatible; however, Gaming devices (e.g. Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox etc.) are not compatible. 

Q: Can I access the wireless network from more than one computer at the same time?
A: Yes.