Is navigating the digital landscape of Boston College feeling like a labyrinth? It's time to ditch the disorientation and master the essential online tools that empower every BC student, faculty, and staff member. The digital world moves quickly, and staying informed about the college's resources is critical for success, whether you are accessing important information or setting up your account, this article will guide you through.The digital gateway to all things Boston College, the Agora Portal, has undergone some significant changes. The original agora.bc.edu server is no longer operational, and the boston college agora portal (portal.bc.edu) has been retired. While this might seem disruptive, the college has implemented new systems and procedures to ensure seamless access to essential information and services. This guide clarifies how to navigate these changes and access all the resources you need. From logging in and updating your account to accessing email, the directory, and more, this comprehensive guide is designed to get you up to speed. We'll address logging in, tackling common issues, and provide answers to frequently asked questions. We will also provide detailed explanations of the current systems in place.
Category
Information
Portal Name
Agora Portal (Legacy)
Status
Retired (portal.bc.edu)
Replacement
Various BC Services (see below)
Accessing Email
BC Google Account
Accessing Courses
Canvas Learning Management System
Network Access
BC Wireless Network (credentials required)
VPN Access
Eagle VPN (Cisco AnyConnect)
Account Management
BC Username and Password
Official Website
Boston College Official Website
Setting up your email and connecting to the network are fundamental steps for every member of the BC community. Your BC Google account, including email, is a primary communication tool. Similarly, secure network access is essential for academic work, research, and staying connected. Boston College provides comprehensive instructions on how to accomplish these tasks. The BC wireless network is accessible in every residence hall, as well as many other locations on campus, including libraries, classrooms, and dining halls. Faculty, staff, students, and guests of Boston College may use the wireless network at BC. For students with iPhones or iPads, specific setup instructions are available to ensure seamless connectivity. Furthermore, for secure remote access, downloading the Cisco AnyConnect software is the first step to connect to the Eagle VPN. Once connected to Eagle VPN, you can verify your connection by returning to bc.edu/testvpn.Canvas, the learning management system used by Boston College, is where you'll find your courses. You can log in to Canvas either through the BC Agora Portal (if the link is still active) or directly through the Canvas web address. Once logged in, your courses will be displayed on the dashboard or within the courses menu. To make your frequently accessed courses easily available, you can "star" them.Boston College's course schedule provides a comprehensive overview of academic offerings. You are invited to explore the full breadth and depth of available courses, with detailed descriptions, meeting times, and room assignments. You can search the schedule by term, school, keyword, and subject code. Note that the subject code is required for Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences courses. You can customize your search by using filters to select course number. Eagleapps course information and schedule in the Agora Portal includes course descriptions, faculty, meeting times, and room assignments. You may search by term, school, keyword, and subject code (required for MCAS courses).Accessing online services and resources restricted to the BC community requires authentication using a BC username and BC password. Every Boston College student, faculty, and staff member will be assigned unique credentials when they first become a member of the BC community. These credentials act as your digital key to unlock various online tools and information. Remember that your BC Google account (including email), Microsoft 365, BC Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, Agora Portal, network access, and all other BC services will end on the date established for your termination by Human Resources if you are faculty & staff leaving Boston College.For students managing their finances, the Agora Portal provides access to "My Bill," Boston College's electronic student account billing and payment system. Students must log into their Agora Portal account and select "My Bill." Once accessed, students can view and pay their student account bill online.Staying secure online is a priority at Boston College. The university requires all students to use antivirus software. In addition to antivirus protection, secure network access is also crucial. For those connecting remotely, downloading the Cisco AnyConnect software is only the first step to connect to the Eagle VPN. Once connected to Eagle VPN, you can verify your connection by returning to bc.edu/testvpn.Boston College provides various resources for faculty and staff. Boston College employs more than 3,500 people, making it one of the largest employers in the cities of Boston and Newton. The community of scholars, teachers, administrators, and staff is dedicated to supporting students and advancing the Boston College mission. Department representatives who wish to update departmental information displayed in the directory should contact the records coordinator in Human Resources.Instructions on how to register for courses at Boston College are readily available. Will you have trouble accessing registration from off-campus? Generally, no, but using the Eagle VPN can provide an extra layer of security.For new members of the BC community, welcome and congratulations on joining! Here, you will find information to help you connect to wifi, hook up your gaming consoles to the internet, and connect to BC's online streaming service (Xfinity on Campus).The National Student Clearinghouse (NSCH) is the authorized vendor for the delivery of official Boston College transcripts. Transcripts can be ordered to be sent electronically or on paper via regular or express mail.Even if you are not a BC member but you have an account, you can still log in. Login options are available for all other users as well.Room type, group formation, room selection times are factors that are considered during room selection processes.In summary, navigating Boston College's digital resources requires understanding the current systems and procedures. The retirement of the old Agora Portal necessitates a shift toward utilizing Canvas for course access, BC Google accounts for email, and the Eagle VPN for secure remote connections. By following the instructions provided by the university, you can ensure seamless access to the information and services you need to succeed at Boston College. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or staff, the college offers a wealth of online tools and resources to enhance your experience. Remember to keep your BC username and password secure and utilize the available support resources if you encounter any difficulties. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and Boston College is committed to providing its community with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate it effectively.
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