Do you have a question about a school-related technology issue?
The Student IT Help Desk is here to help with issues such as:
- Email/Dashboard log in assistance
- Banner/Blackboard log in assistance
- Installing Microsoft Office 365
- Installing Lockdown Browser
- Other student technology issues with laptops or mobile devices
Contact the Gwinnett Tech Student IT Help Desk.
Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu or 678-226-6407
When submitting a help request, please include your first and last name, your student ID number, and your student email address so that we can help you more quickly.
In person assistance is also available:
On the Lawrenceville campus:
We are available
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday
8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
If you do not see a technician at the Student Tech Support desk in the lobby during regular hours please give us a call at 678-226-6407. Go to the information desk in the lobby of building 100 and ask to see the Student IT Help Desk.
On the Alpharetta campus:
We are available from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Go to the information desk and ask to see the Student IT Help Desk or give us a call at 678-226-6407.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gwinnett Tech uses a single sign on system for all of these applications.
Students will log in through the dashboard link to access Banner, Blackboard, Office 365, or other student applications.
To avoid sign in errors, always log in through the dashboard page, then click on the links for banner and other applications from there.
Go to https://gwinnetttech.edu/dashboard/ and click on the login button.
To access your dashboard, you need to know your Gwinnett Tech student email which follows this format: FLLLLLLxxxx@student.gwinnetttech.edu. (first initial, up to 6 characters in last name, last 4 of student ID number)
Your default password is “gtc” and then your 6-digit date of birth, MMDDYY (no dashes or slashes), example: “gtc010580”
The first time you log in you will need to configure your forgot password security questions and multifactor authentication.
Available multifactor authentication methods include a text message, a voice call, or the OKTA verify app. We recommend setting up more than one verification method if possible so you don’t lose access to your account. Please refer to the OKTA login instructions below for more details. OKTA is the identity management solution implemented at all TCSG colleges.
Please click OKTA Verify Setup Instructions for more information.
Scroll down to the other FAQs on this page for more information about multifactor authentication.
If you receive the error message “unable to sign in,” your password or email address is incorrect.
INCORRECT PASSWORD
When you log in for the first time your password is gtc and your 6-digit date of birth. Example: gtcmmddyy
If a student’s birthday was 07/08/24
Then their password would be gtc070824.
INCORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS
Check to be sure you have typed your student email correctly and it is all lowercase letters.
@student.gwinnetttech.edu (2 Ns and 3 Ts)
Your Gwinnett Tech student email follows this format:
FLLLLLLxxxx@student.gwinnetttech.edu (first initial, up to 6 characters in last name, last 4 of student ID number)
If you have checked everything, and you continue to receive the error message “unable to sign in” or you have forgotten your password, please contact the Student IT Help Desk by phone or email
678-226-6407 or StuHelpDesk@GwinnettTech.edu
Please provide the details below so that we may reset your password.
- Full Name
- Student ID number
- Date of Birth
If you do not know your Gwinnett Tech student ID number, read these instructions on where to find your student ID number.
If you are unable to locate your student ID number with the instructions provided, please give us a call 678-226-6407 or Stop by and see us at the Tech Support Desk.
Scroll down to the FAQ below for where to find your student ID number.
Where do I find my student ID number? Where do I find my student email address?
Phishing emails are deceptive messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, they may try to impersonate Gwinnett Tech or other trusted institutions, to get you to reveal your personal information, login credentials, or financial details. Recently, there has been an increase in phishing emails targeting Gwinnett Tech students.
Scammers want your password, don’t tell them!
It seems obvious not to tell anyone your password, but scammers are getting sneaky in the ways they may try to get you to reveal it.
Messages may claim to be from Tech Support, student services, or other Gwinnett Tech departments. Some of the messages use a name with the title of Doctor saying they are from the school. Don’t be fooled.
These emails did not come from the school.
Never tell anyone your password or text verification code
No one from the school will ever ask you for your password or text message verification code.
Any message that asks for this information is a scam!
What do phishing messages look like?
The recent messages are all taking a similar form, a blank message with an attention getting subject line but no text, the messages all contain a document. A link in the document takes students to an online form asking them to reveal information.
Check the sender
The easiest way to spot these messages is by looking at the sender. If they are from an account you don’t recognize they are likely fake. Official messages from the school will be from a @gwinnetttech.edu address. If the message is from a strange-looking Gmail account, it is most likely fake. Sometimes the message may come from a compromised student account @student.gwinnetttech.edu, watch out for that also. Messages sent from compromised student accounts have been reduced by our recent security steps but it does sometimes happen.
Fake Job Offer
The subject lines will vary, making them sound like a job offer.
The form link in the document makes it sound like a job application, but it is all fake.
Do not open the link; do not fill out the form.
Stop and think, does this look real?
Phishing messages make things sound urgent so you will act quickly without thinking. If you slow down and look at the message you can often times see it is fake. If you are not sure about a message, please contact the Student Help Desk.
stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407 | Tech Support desk on campus, hours and location
If you receive a suspicious message, please report it
Reporting suspicious messages helps us purge these messages from the Gwinnett Tech student email system.
If you receive a suspicious email, please take a screenshot of it and send it to spammail@gwinnetttech.edu
We need to know the Subject, Sender, and Date of the message so we can purge the messages from the system. Please help us protect your fellow students and report these messages if you see them.
See more examples of Email scams targeting Gwinnett Tech Students – Phish Bowl
If you have questions please contact the Student Help Desk.
stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407 | Tech Support desk on campus, hours and location
New Students
New students can find their Gwinnett Tech student ID number and student dashboard log in credentials on the Application and Acceptance Portal.
The links at the top of the Application and Acceptance Portal have more information about how to complete your application and other important information students will need.
How do I check my application Status?
Contact Student Recruitment if you have questions.
via email: GTCRecruitment@GwinnettTech.edu or via phone: (678) 226-6751
https://mygwinnetttech.force.com/apply/
Log in with your personal email address and the password you created.
To reset your password for this log in, use the Forgot Password link next to the sign in button on the application page.
An email will be sent to you with a link to reset your password. If you do not receive the email, check your junk mail, or spam folder.
If you cannot find the self-service password reset email, please Contact Student Recruitment via email: GTCRecruitment@GwinnettTech.edu or via phone: (678) 226-6751.
The Student Recruitment Office will also send students a welcome letter containing this information to your personal e-mail 24 to 48 hours after being accepted to the college.
You may need to check your spam or junk mail folder.
Current Students
If you are a current student and you are able to log in to your student dashboard page you can find your student ID number in the personal information section.
Go to https://gwinnetttech.edu/dashboard/ and click on the log in button.
Once you are logged in, click on your name in the upper right corner of the page, then click the settings menu
You can find your student ID number in the personal information section of the dashboard settings page.
Your Gwinnett Tech student email follows this format: FLLLLLLxxxx@student.gwinnetttech.edu. (first initial, up to 6 characters in last name, last 4 of student ID number)
Former Students or Forgot Password
If you are a former student, or you need a password reset for the student dashboard page, please let us know.
- Contact the Student IT Help Desk at 678-226-6407 or StuHelpDesk@GwinnettTech.edu, for a password reset.
- If you need a password reset please provide the details below:
Full Name
Date of birth
Student ID number - If you do not know your student ID we will need some additional details to verify your ID.
You can use text messages, a voice call, or the OKTA verify app for multifactor authentication. We recommend setting up multiple authentication factors so that you do not lose access to your account.
If you need your multifactor authentication options reset because your phone number has changed or you have a new device please contact the Student IT Help Desk at 678-226-6407 or StuHelpDesk@GwinnettTech.edu, let us know you need your Multi-Factor Authentication reset, and be sure to provide the details below.
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Date of birth
If you do not know your student ID number we will need additional details to verify your ID. Scroll to the “I don’t know my student ID number” FAQ on this page for where to find your student ID number.
When using the text message option for multifactor authentication the code will not send automatically, you must click the “Send Code” button in order to have a code sent to your device.
If you continue to have difficulty logging in, please contact the Student IT Help Desk at 678-226-6407 or StuHelpDesk@GwinnettTech.edu
Text Message System Outage
The text message system does sometimes experience outages or delays. If you continue to have difficulties getting text message codes we may need to add an additional authentication factor such as the OKTA verify app or a voice call.
We recommend setting up multiple authentication factors so that you do not lose access to your account.
If you need your multifactor authentication options reset please contact the Student IT Help Desk at 678-226-6407 or StuHelpDesk@GwinnettTech.edu, and be sure to provide the details below.
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Date of birth
If you do not know your student ID number we will need additional details to verify your ID. Scroll to the “I don’t know my student ID number” FAQ on this page for where to find your student ID number.
If you are brought back to the log in page again after entering your information to log in, you will need to clear your browser cache and close all browser windows.
If you are using the Google Chrome browser these are the instructions for clearing your browsing data:
From the “Menu” button in the upper-right corner of the Chrome window (it looks like three small dots), choose “More Tools” then choose “Clear browsing data…” Make sure you choose “All time” from the “time range” drop down menu. Also, make sure the “cookies and other data” box is checked, then click the “clear data” button.
Session Expired / Login Failed / Authentication Error
If you get an error message such as Session Expired, Login Failed, or Authentication Error when trying to sign in to the student dashboard page or you are stuck in a log in loop, you will need to clear your browser cache and close all browser windows to get past this sign in error.
Click the links below for instructions on how to clear your browser cache using one of our Supported Browsers
Microsoft Office 365 is free for all Gwinnett Tech students!
You can watch the video below on how to install Microsoft Office 365 or follow the written instructions. Follow the instructions in this video Installing Office 365
- Go to https://gwinnetttech.edu/dashboard/ and select the log in button
- Select the Office 365 link
- Select the Install Office button in the upper right corner of the page
- Select the office 365 apps button to begin the download of Microsoft office 365
- After your Office 365 download is complete, double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the install.
- When you see the prompt asking “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?” select yes to install the app on your device. Your install will then begin. Watch the progress bar to see how long it will take.
- Once Office 365 has been installed, be sure to login with your Gwinnett Tech student email account the first time you start an Office application.
Follow this link for illustrated instructions.
For information about how to install LockDown Browser go to the link below.
https://gtclibrary.libguides.com/lockdown
In order for LockDown browser to work properly with Gwinnett Tech classes it should only be downloaded and installed from the link on the page above, unless otherwise specified by your instructor.
Once Installed, go to your desktop and open LockDown Browser.
Log in to Blackboard.
You can use the Help Center link found at the top of the LockDown Browser to be sure it is working properly. Or, follow this link: https://web.respondus.com/monitor-helpcenter/
After you start up Lockdown Browser
Log into Blackboard.
Navigate to the test.
Please note, LockDown Browser does not work with Chrome books or other mobile devices such as phones, tablets, or iPads. (unless specified by your instructor)
For additional assistance with lockdown browser contact Blackboard support using their Help Desk Request Form at the link below.
https://gtclibrary.libanswers.com/blackboard
There is another version of Lockdown Browser required for some classes. Your instructor will provide you with a download link and instructions if this is required for a class you are taking. Be sure to read your class syllabus and other instructions given in Blackboard for which version of Lockdown Browser you need.
Blackboard is not compatible with Microsoft edge, this is the cause of the “404 – File or Directory not found” error.
Google Chrome or Firefox are the only two browsers Blackboard supports.
You will need to download Google Chrome or Firefox.
You can download the Google Chrome browser here: https://www.google.com/chrome/ You can download the Firefox browser here: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
Basic Windows computer
Follow these specifications if the type of classes you will be taking only require things like running Microsoft Office and similar applications, browsing the web, and light duty applications. For most students this will be what you need.
OS = Windows 11 or 10 – 64 Bit. Preferably 11 recommended
CPU = 1.1 GHz or faster, 2-core
Memory = 8 BG RAM
Hard disk = Hard Disk = 7200 RPM SATA ( 512 to 1024 GB of capacity ). SSD ( same size ) recommended
Graphics = the built-in graphics card will be able to handle up to HD quality displays.
Display resolution = 1280 x 768. (64-bit Office required for 4K and higher).
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Graphic intensive Windows computer
Follow these specifications if you will need to run more graphics intensive programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Autodesk inventor, or SolidWorks –
OS = Windows 11 or 10 – 64 Bit. Preferably 11 recommended
CPU = 2.5 GHz or greater. 3.0 GHz or greater with 4 or more cores recommended
Memory = 16GB. 32 GB recommended
Hard Disk = 7200 RPM SATA ( 512 to 1024 GB of capacity ). SSD ( same size ) recommended
Graphics = 1 GB GPU. 4 GB GPU recommended
Display resolution = 1280 x 1024. 3840 x 2160 ( 4K ) recommended.
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Mac system requirements
Mac systems with specs capable of running one of the three most recent Mac OS versions will be sufficient to run any basic applications.
Student who would like to run more graphic intense applications such as Photoshop work or video editing on a Mac should be running the most current Mac operating system, and they may want to upgrade their systems with additional RAM and a faster M1 or M2 processor.
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Can I use a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is not a supported device for use with Gwinnett Tech apps and systems.
You will have problems trying to use a chrome book.
Unsupported devices may encounter unexpected errors and Student Tech Support will be unable to assist in troubleshooting those errors.
Because of the way they interact with the OKTA dashboard, Chromebooks are more prone to get stuck in a log in loop or expired log in Error.
Blackboard support has let us know that they do not support the use of Chromebooks on the blackboard platform. You will get errors similar as if you try to use a phone or a tablet. Mobile devices are not supported on blackboard. Some pages won’t display properly, some links won’t open.
You may also get errors when trying to access banner, some pages won’t display properly, some links won’t open.
You will also need Lockdown Browser for most classes. The version of Lockdown browser used at Gwinnett Tech is not compatible with Chromebooks.
I would not recommend trying to use a chrome book as there are a lot of issues you may run into. It is not a supported device.
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Supported browsers
Whichever device you choose, make sure you use a supported browser on that device, Firefox or Google Chrome; and it is the most up to date version of that browser.
Click the link below for updated information
Recommended Computer specifications for students
Click the links below for instructions on how to clear your browser cache using one of our Supported Browsers
do-not-reply@blackboard.com is the address that all blackboard messages are sent from. If you are not receiving some of your messages from blackboard it is likely that this address has been blocked in Outlook.
To change this, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your student email account through the Outlook link on the student dashboard.
2. On the upper right of your Gwinnett Tech Outlook web app, you will see a gear icon, click on this to open your outlook Settings.
3. Select View all Outlook Settings
4. From the menu on the left choose Junk email
5. If you see do-not-reply@blackboard.com on your blocked sender’s list click the trash can icon to the right of it to remove it
Once this is done scroll down and click Save
Here is a video tutorial about changing your blocked sender’s list.
Not receiving blackboard messages
The time and date error message is related to a software update from OKTA
“The OKTA End-User Dashboard has encountered an error. To continue using the dashboard, please make sure your system date and time are set correctly”
After the OKTA update you will be unable to sign in unless your date and time are correct and your time zone is set correctly to match your current location.
Here is how to make those changes:
- Left click on the clock in the lower right-hand corner of your screen.
- Click on “adjust date and time”
- Make sure the time Zone is set to “Eastern Standard Time” or the time zone you are currently in.
- You may need turn off “set time zone automatically” so you can make this adjustment.
- Once the time zone is set correctly, turn “set time zone automatically” back on.
- Once you adjust the time zone, also click “Set time automatically” and it should adjust the time to be correct automatically.
- Make sure “set time zone automatically” and “Set time automatically” are on once everything is correct.
You should now be able to log in.
To access Banner be sure to log in on the dashboard page https://gwinnetttech.edu/dashboard/ then click the banner link once you are logged in.
Using an older link or saved bookmark will cause a sign in error or a log in loop.
These errors can also sometimes happen if the page sits idle for more than 30 minutes. Be sure to close the page if it is not being used.
To clear this error, you will have to clear your browser cache and close all browser windows to get past this error.
If you are using the Google Chrome browser these are the instructions for clearing your browsing data:
From the “Menu” button in the upper-right corner of the Chrome window (it looks like three small dots), choose “More Tools” then choose “Clear browsing data… “. Make sure you choose “All time” from the “time range” drop-down menu. Also, make sure the “cookies and other data” box is checked, then click the “clear data” button.
If that does not work, try using an incognito window.
From the “Menu” button in the upper-right corner of the Chrome window (it looks like three small dots), choose “new incognito window”
Follow this link for illustrated instructions on clearing the cache in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Firefox browsers. Clearing Browser History Cookies
Once you cleared your browser cache and closed all browser windows, open a new window and try logging in on the banner or dashboard page.
Go to https://gwinnetttech.edu/dashboard/ and click on the log in button.
This can often happen if you have more than one Microsoft login such as another school or work email, Outlook, Hotmail, or even X-box live. You will need to log out of this other account before you can log in to your Gwinnett Tech student email account.
You may also want to clear your browsing data and close all browser windows.
If you are using the Google Chrome browser these are the instructions for clearing your browsing data:
From the “Menu” button in the upper-right corner of the Chrome window (it looks like three small dots), choose “More Tools” then choose “Clear browsing data… “. Make sure you choose “All time” from the “time range” drop down menu. Also make sure the “cookies and other data” box is checked, then click the “clear data” button.
If that does not work, try using an incognito window.
From the “Menu” button in the upper-right corner of the Chrome window (it looks like three small dots), choose “new incognito window”
Follow this link for illustrated instructions on clearing the cache in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Firefox browsers. Clearing Browser History Cookies
Your default PIN is set to your 6-digit date of birth, MMDDYY (no dashes or slashes)
If this does not work, contact the Student IT Help Desk at 678-226-6407
or StuHelpDesk@GwinnettTech.edu and be sure to provide the details below and we can reset your PIN.
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Date of Birth
If you do not know your student ID number we will need additional details to verify your ID. Scroll to the “I don’t know my student ID number” FAQ on this page for where to find your student ID number.
To check your application status, you will need to log in to the Application and Acceptance Portal by clicking the green Apply Now button at the top right of the Gwinnett Tech home page. Log in with your personal email address and the password you created.
Or click the link below. Log in with your personal email address and the password you created. https://mygwinnetttech.force.com/apply/
Click on the links in the Application and Acceptance Portal to check your application status.
https://mygwinnetttech.force.com/apply
You may need to scroll down on some pages to see all the information.
The links at the top of the Application and Acceptance Portal have more information about how to complete your application and other important information students will need.
If you have questions about your application status contact Student Recruitment.
via email: GTCRecruitment@GwinnettTech.edu
or via phone: (678) 226-6751.
New students can find their student ID number and student dashboard log in credentials in the next steps section of the New Student Portal.
https://mygwinnetttech.force.com/apply
You can also find log in instructions as well as lots of other information new students will need.
https://mygwinnetttech.force.com/apply
Log in with your personal email address and the password you created.
To reset your password for this log in, use the Forgot Password link next to the sign in button on the application page.
An email will be sent to you with a link to reset your password.
If you do not receive the email, check your junk mail, or spam folder.
If you cannot find the self-service password reset email, please Contact Student Recruitment.
For questions about your application status, please Contact Student Recruitment.
via email: GTCRecruitment@GwinnettTech.edu
or via phone: (678) 226-6751.
If you see a message that says “This page is not enabled for the current user role.” when trying to log in to banner it means your student banner log in has not been enabled yet. This is because your student application is not yet complete.
To check your application status, you will need to log in on the Apply Now page with your personal email address and the password you created.
https://mygwinnetttech.force.com/apply
Or use one of the green Apply Now buttons on the Gwinnett Tech home page
For questions about applying to the college, including password resets for the Apply Now page, please contact the Student Recruitment Center.
via email: GTCRecruitment@GwinnettTech.edu or via phone: (678) 226-6751.
In order to annotate, print, and sign any Gwinnett Technical College PDF document, please download the free Adobe Reader® software on your machine.
Follow the link below to download: https://get.adobe.com/reader/
You do not need to sign in or create an Adobe account to use the free adobe reader.
Students have a budget of 300 free prints each semester.
To check your print budget:
Uniflow is part of the Gwinnett Tech single sign on system, sign in on the dashboard page first.
Go to https://gwinnetttech.edu/dashboard/ and log in
- Select the Office 365 link
- Select the apps icon
- Select Student Print Budget to go to Uniflow online
Or go to the link below:
Additional security on Gwinnett Tech student accounts
Gwinnett Technical College has implemented additional security on all student email accounts. This is called Multifactor Authentication.
- What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a more secure authentication process for connecting to a web service. It uses at least two out of three factors: something you know, something you have, or something you are. With the system we use at Gwinnett Tech you can verify your ID with a text message, a voice call, or the OKTA verify app. The OKTA verify app is available for Android or iOS.
- Why does GTC require MFA for student logins?
- This year saw a substantial increase in the quantity and complexity of malicious emails on the Internet. In addition, spammers have been increasingly successful in tricking account holders into releasing their passwords, compromising these accounts, which were used to send spam or other malicious attacks.
- How does MFA prevent unauthorized logins if the student’s login information has been compromised?
- By requiring a text message, a voice call, or the OKTA verify app as an additional authentication requirement, MFA blocks access to criminals even if they have the student’s login information. If you get multiple authentication messages on your phone even though you aren’t logging in to your student account, change your password as soon as possible. You have likely compromised it in some way without your knowledge.
- Can I use an alternate email address for MFA?
- No. OKTA only supports verification through a text message, a voice call, or the OKTA verify app.
- If you are unable to log in with the new MFA system Contact the Gwinnett Tech Student IT Help Desk. Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu or 678-226-6407
- Is there some alternative to a phone call, SMS or the OKTA verify app??
- No. Gwinnett Tech’s access policy does not support any other authentication method.
- Will you disable MFA on my account if I find it inconvenient?
- No. MFA protects you, other students, faculty, staff, the school’s data, and others online. It has also been instituted as a required security policy at all TCSG colleges.
- If you are unable to log in with the new MFA system Contact the Gwinnett Tech Student IT Help Desk. Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu or 678-226-6407
Automated spam prevention policy
Because of the increased phishing and spam attempts on the Gwinnett Tech student domain we have made changes to the automated spam filter.
Student accounts are restricted from sending emails with a large number of recipients.
Sending a large volume of messages from a student email address will trigger the automated spam filter.
The filter will block the messages from sending and the account will be placed on the restricted sender list unable to send further messages.
Am I on the restricted sender list?
Look in your inbox for a message from Microsoft Outlook letting you know your messages are being blocked. It will look like the image below. The message will let you know to contact Tech Support for help.
Contact the Student Help Desk
If you find yourself unable to send email messages from your student email address, please contact the student help desk.
Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407
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Be careful not to hit Reply-All
To prevent getting on the restricted sender list, please be careful not to use reply all on messages with a large number of recipients.
The Anti-Spam policy was put in place because some student accounts were sending out large numbers of messages after the accounts were compromised. We had to make these security changes to protect everyone.
Unfortunately, this filter can sometimes be triggered when responding to legitimate messages.
Sending a large volume of messages from a student email address will trigger the automated spam filter, this includes hitting reply all on messages with multiple recipients.
Once the spam filter is triggered students will be put on the restricted senders list, unable to send messages, until someone from Tech Support can investigate to see what triggered the spam filter.
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Contact the Student Help Desk
If you find yourself unable to send email messages from your student email address please contact the student help desk.
Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407
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Increased Security
Because of the increased phishing and spam attempts on the student domain we will most likely have to live with this spam filter for the foreseeable future. Please respond to messages accordingly. Be extra careful not to hit Reply-All
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Use Microsoft Teams
If you have a reason to exchange more message than this spam filter will allow a Teams group may be a possible workaround. Within the teams group students can exchange more messages than this filter will allow as well as making use of many other Teams group features. Teams is free for all students as part of Microsoft Office 365
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Please use BCC on group messages
If you are a faculty or staff member we encourage you to please use the blind carbon copy or BCC feature when sending messages to large groups of students. Students will not see each other’s email addresses and if they accidently hit reply all they will not be in danger of triggering the antispam filter as they will only be replying to the sender.
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References: Gwinnett Technical College, 2023-2024 Course Catalog and Student Handbook
Student Information, Computer Use Policy, Item 11
A Chromebook is not a supported device for use with Gwinnett Tech apps and systems.
You will have problems trying to use a chrome book.
What happens if I use an unsupported device?
Unsupported devices may encounter unexpected errors and Student Tech Support will be unable to assist in troubleshooting those errors.
OKTA dashboard errors
Because of the way Chromebooks interact with the OKTA dashboard, Chromebooks are more prone to get stuck in a log in loop or expired log in Error. We would not recommend using a Chromebook.
Blackboard errors
Blackboard support has let us know that they do not support the use of Chromebooks on the blackboard platform. You will get errors similar as if you try to use a phone or a tablet. Mobile devices are not supported on blackboard. Some pages won’t display properly, some links won’t open.
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Banner errors
You may also get errors when trying to access banner, some pages won’t display properly, some links won’t open.
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Lockdown browser
You will also need Lockdown Browser for most classes. The version of Lockdown browser used at Gwinnett Tech is not compatible with Chromebooks.
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Can I use a Chromebook?
We would not recommend trying to use a chrome book as there are a lot of issues you may run into. It is not a supported device.
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What should I use instead?
These are the Recommended Computer specifications for students. These devices are supported and known to perform well with Gwinnett Tech sites and apps.
Recommended Computer specifications for students
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Are there computers I can use on campus?
There are several open labs located on campus for students who need to use a computer to complete assignments as well as computers available in the Library
When logging in to the Gwinnett Tech student dashboard you will need to setup multi-factor authentication. You can verify your ID with a text message, a voice call, or the OKTA verify app. We recommend setting up multiple authentication factors so that you do not lose access to your account.
OKTA verify will work on devices with or without phone service, you only need Wi-Fi.
Follow the instructions below to set it up if you are logging in for the first time or you recently had your MFA reset. To add OKTA verify as an additional verification factor, scroll down to the directions below.
OKTA Verify setup instructions
To setup OKTA verify you will need a laptop or desktop as well as your mobile device with the OKTA verify app installed. OKTA verify is available on iOS or Android devices including a phone, tablet, or iPad.
A QR code specific to your account will be displayed on the desktop or laptop screen as you get to that step in the setup process. If you have had your MFA reset or this is your first time logging in follow the instructions below.
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Step 1: Log in to the student dashboard page https://gwinnetttech.edu/dashboard/ on a laptop or desktop computer.
Step 2: Enter your email address and password. Then click the “Sign In” button.
Step 3: On the set up multifactor authentication page, click the “Setup” button under “Okta Verify.”
***Be sure to download the Okta Verify app to your mobile device before the next step.***
Step 4: Next you will go through the installation steps for your type of phone. Choose either iPhone or Android to begin the process. Then click next, a QR code specific to your student account will be displayed on the laptop or desktop screen.
Step 5: Open the Okta Verify app on your mobile device, and select “Add an account”, choose organization, then scan the QR code on your laptop or desktop screen.
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OKTA Verify setup as additional verification
To add the OKTA verify app as an additional verification factor follow the instructions below.
First download the OKTA verify app on your Android or iPhone mobile device.
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Step 1. Log in to the student dashboard page https://gwinnetttech.edu/dashboard/ on a laptop or desktop computer.
Step 2. Click on your name on the upper right-hand side of the page, then click settings.
Step 3. You will be prompted to reenter your password and provide verification.
Step 4. You can then scroll down to “Security Methods” and click on the “Set up” box next to the additional verification for OKTA verify.*
***Be sure to download the Okta Verify app to your mobile device before the next step.***
Step 5. First your type of phone, either iPhone or Android to begin the process. Then click next, a QR code specific to your student account will be displayed on the laptop or desktop screen.
Step 6. Open the Okta Verify app on your mobile device, and select “Add an account”, choose organization, then scan the QR code on your laptop or desktop screen.
Please Note
If this is your first time using the settings menu, and the Security Methods section is blank with no options to make changes, you will need to sign out and sign back in again. The security methods section should then be accessible as described above.
If you have questions, please contact the Student Help Desk.stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407 | Tech Support desk on campus, hours and location
Ask questions before you travel
For questions about logging in from outside the country please check with the Student IT Help Desk before you travel.
Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407
Gwinnetttech.edu is not accessible from all geographic locations.
If you see a message that says “You don’t have permission to access this page” or “Access from your area has been temporarily limited for security reasons” it means you are in a location where you will be unable to view the website.
You may choose to use a VPN when logging in from outside the country. Always be sure to connect through a United States VPN server.
Due to the number of options and configurations Gwinnett Tech does not offer technical support for the use of these tools. The site link below has some information about VPNs.
https://computer.howstuffworks.com/vpn.htm
Setup the OKTA verify app
OKTA verify setup instructions
If you are unable to receive your usual text or phone calls for MFA while travelling you will need to setup the OKTA verify app before you travel.
You do not need phone service for the OKTA verify app, it can be accessed using Wi-Fi.
Follow these instructions: OKTA verify setup instructions
Contact the student IT help desk for help setting up the OKTA verify app for MFA before you travel.
Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407
Please Note: There is no 100% guaranteed method for logging in to the Gwinnett Tech Student Dashboard while travelling outside the country.
Please make your travel plans during the semester accordingly.
Please contact the Student IT Help Desk and your instructor before you travel.
Stuhelpdesk@gwinnetttech.edu | 678-226-6407
