New Students: Tech Setup & Orientation Checklist

Overview

Below are the setup steps every new student should complete before orientation. Working through these items will prepare you for a successful first day and start to the academic year.

Activate Your SUNY Cobleskill Account

What you'll need: Your Banner ID and your Temporary PIN. Your Banner ID is the 9-digit number starting with 800 that was included in your admissions letter.

Important:

If you don't have your Banner ID or Temporary PIN, contact the Admissions Office at (518) 255-5525.

  1. Go to MyLogon(opens in new tab).
  2. Enter your Banner ID and Temporary PIN, then select "Logon."
  3. Follow the prompts to create a security question and set a custom password for your SUNY Cobleskill account.
Tip:

For detailed instructions, see Activate Your SUNY Cobleskill Account(opens in new tab).

Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds a layer of security by requiring two or more pieces of evidence before granting access to your account. All students must set up MFA to use campus systems.

What you'll need: Your personal smartphone (not a parent's phone) and a laptop or desktop computer.

  1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator(opens in new tab) app on your phone.
  2. On a laptop or desktop, go to the MFA Setup Site(opens in new tab).
  3. Sign in with your Cobleskill account (if prompted).
  4. Click "Update info" under "Security info."
  5. Click "+ Add Method," select "Authenticator app," and click "Add."
  6. Follow the prompts until you see a QR code.
  7. Open the Authenticator app on your phone, select "Scan a QR code," and scan the code on screen.
  8. Approve the test notification sent to the app to complete setup.
Tip:

If you recently replaced your phone and need to update your authentication method, see Update Your MFA After a Phone Change(opens in new tab).

Log In to Banner

What you'll need: Your activated SUNY Cobleskill account credentials.

  1. Go to Cobleskill.edu(opens in new tab).
  2. Click "Current Students" at the top of the screen.
  3. Under "Student Resources," click the "BannerWeb" icon.
  4. Sign in with your Cobleskill account (if prompted).

If you have trouble signing in:

Access Microsoft Office 365 Email

Your campus email address is username@cobleskill.edu. Your mailbox has a 25 GB limit, and it is your responsibility to manage your storage. Cobleskill email is the primary means of communication for faculty, staff, and students.

Access your email online at webmail.cobleskill.edu(opens in new tab). Sign in with your Cobleskill username and password.

Use Microsoft OneDrive Cloud Storage

Your Office 365 account includes OneDrive for Business, which provides 1 TB of cloud storage with file uploads up to 10 GB from desktop, mobile, or the web. Use this space to store academic files, collaborate with classmates, or access Microsoft applications in the cloud.

Access OneDrive by signing in at webmail.cobleskill.edu(opens in new tab) with your Cobleskill username and password, then click the OneDrive link on the toolbar.

Visit Student SharePoint

The Student SharePoint site(opens in new tab) is the online student information center. You'll find official college announcements, news, upcoming events from student clubs and organizations, the Student Activities calendar, and more.

Install Campus Software

Under the current Microsoft Campus Agreement, each registered student receives a free copy of the latest Microsoft Office (Microsoft 365 Apps) for Windows or Mac.

What you'll need: Access to your Cobleskill email account.

  1. Sign in to your Cobleskill email.
  2. Click the grid (App Launcher) icon in the top-left corner.
  3. Choose "More apps" (if needed).
  4. Click "Install apps" in the top-right corner.
  5. Select "Microsoft 365 apps" (may appear as "Install Office"), then follow the download and installation prompts for your device.

If you do not see the Install option, contact the IT Service Desk at Warner 016 or call (518) 255-5800.

Microsoft Windows operating system licenses can be purchased through the e-Academy site(opens in new tab).

Review the Campus Computer Resources Policy

The Campus Computer Resources Policy outlines acceptable use of college technology, including network access, software, email, and lab equipment. All students are expected to read and follow this policy.

Read the full policy: Campus Computer Resources Policy(opens in new tab).

Academic Resources

Brightspace is the campus course management and online learning platform. Sign in at BrightSpace.cobleskill.edu(opens in new tab) with your Cobleskill username and password. In Brightspace you'll access course sites, syllabi, content modules, assignments, quizzes, discussions, grades, and announcements. You can also enable notifications for due dates and updates.

Tip:

Install the Brightspace Pulse mobile app (iOS/Android) to track deadlines and course activity on the go.

Banner is the Student Information System. Access it at Banner Student Self-Service(opens in new tab). Students can look up course schedules, grades, financial or academic holds, and financial aid information. For assistance with your Banner account, contact the Admissions Office at (518) 255-5525 or admissionsoffice@cobleskill.edu.

Student Resources

  • Student ID (CobyCard): Obtain your student ID card from the CobyCard Office in Bouck Hall. Phone: (518) 255-5886.
  • Parking Permit: Obtain your parking permit and information from University Police in Johnson Hall. Phone: (518) 255-5317.

Need Help?

If you need assistance or require this information in an alternate format, contact the IT Service Desk:

This article has been adjusted for EIT standards – 03/20/26 | Wren Rowan

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