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Getting Started with Your MCC Student Accounts

Overview

Welcome to MCC!
We're excited to have you here. Getting started is an important first step. Whether you're a new student or returning to MCC, completing the setup steps below will help ensure you have secure, uninterrupted access to the tools and resources you need.

Completing the setup steps below will ensure you have secure access to your accounts, email, and other important resources from the start, and during this process, you’ll set your password, protect your account with Multifactor Authentication, and access key systems like Brightspace, email, and MyMCC.

Please read carefully and follow each step to avoid delays or access issues.

Instructions

  1. Complete Steps 1–5 in order. Do not skip any steps.

    • Take time to review all the steps, linked articles, and instructions. They are essential for accessing your account correctly.

    • If you open a linked article, be sure to return to this page to continue with the next step or section.

    • Skipping steps, sections, or instructions may result in issues accessing MCC systems.

  2. At the bottom of this page, you’ll also find important information about:

    • Keeping your account up to date

    • Additional Resources to help you get started with MCC technology and third-party support.

    • How to contact the Help Desk if you need assistance

Getting Started

Please wait one (1) hour after receiving your Access to Technology at McLennan Community College email before resetting your password to ensure your accounts are fully set up. This email is sent to your personal email on file and may be in your spam or junk folder. 

Step 1. Create Your Password

Your accounts are created automatically. You only need to create your password.

  1. Go to the IT Hub article: Manage Your Password (Create, Reset, or Change).
  2. Follow the steps in the article. 
  3. Create your new password, and if you are using an iOS device, follow the iOS-specific steps.

If you are a dual credit student, you must reset your password, as the password used for the High School Gateway Portal will not work for other MCC systems. Once reset, your new password will work across all MCC systems, including the High School Gateway Portal.

Step 2. Log into MyMCC

MyMCC lets you view and manage your student information and register for classes once approved.

Step 3. Log into your Student Email

  1. Access your student email by clicking this link Outlook Email.
  2. Log into your email using your student email: Example: jd0123456@students.mclennan.edu
  3. Once you have logged in for the first time, you will be prompted to Setup your Multifactor Authentication. Please continue to Step 4. 
  4. More information about your email and adding to your phone can be found at: Access Student Email.

Do not use your MCC email for personal accounts or third-party services.

Step 4. Getting your Multifactor Authentiction Setup

MCC uses two different authentication methods based on your enrollment status. When you log in to your student email, the system will automatically prompt you to set up the correct method.

Follow the instructions for either Microsoft Authentication or Duo Security, depending on your situation.
If you are not currently taking classes, you will use Microsoft Authentication. Once your classes begin, you will automatically be switched to Duo Security. Once you are between classes and have not registered for an upcoming semester, you will be automatically switched back to the Microsoft Authentication. 

Your Status Authentication Method
Before you are registered for courses/Between Semesters (not registered for courses)

Microsoft Authentication
Currently registered for courses

Duo Security
Setup Microsoft Authentication
  1. After you logged into your student email, you will get a Let's keep your account secure screen.
  2. Click Next. 
  3. Enter your phone number.
  4. Click Next. 
  5. Enter the code that was sent via text to the number you provided.
  6. Click Next. 
  7. Click Done to complete the setup. 
Set Up Duo Security

You may not need to setup Duo now but bookmark this page so you can follow these instructions when starting classes to avoid access issues.

Go to the IT Hub article Setup Duo on Your MCC Account for step-by-step setup instructions on setting up your Duo account required to access email and Brightspace.

  1. After you logged into your student email, you will follow the prompts to set up Duo. You only need to setup Duo once. 
  2. Select Duo Mobile which is the Duo app option. (This is the recommended option).

    Select Text message passcode if you do not want to use the Duo app. Phone call only is not as robust as the Duo app or Text message passcode and not recommended as your primary authentication method. 

Add a Backup Duo Method

Adding a backup device is highly recommended and helps prevent account lockouts.

If you have a backup Duo device, you can use it to log into the portal to add, update, or replace your primary authentication device for faster service without contacting the Help Desk if your primary device is lost, damaged, or unavailable.

If your only Duo device is damaged, lost, or unavailable while the Help Desk is closed, you may be locked out of your MCC accounts and could miss assignments, exams, or important communications until the Help Desk reopens.

Step 5. Log into Brightspace

When you can access your Brightspace account will differ based on whether you are logging in to take registered courses for an upcoming semester or beginning the Highlander Prep course.

When can I log into Brightspace to take my registered courses?

More information about when your account is created and when you can log into Brightspace is located in the IT Hub article Brightspace Account Creation and Access. Trying to log into Brightspace before your account is created will result in a username or password error.

When can I log into Brightspace to take the Highlander Prep course to see an advisor?

More information about when your account is created and when you can log into Brightspace is located in the IT Hub article Highlander Prep Student Onboarding Course Availability. Trying to log into Brightspace before your account is created will result in a username or password error.

How to Log into Brightspace

Confirm above that you have access before attempting to log into Brightspace. Trying to log into Brightspace before your account is created will result in a username or password error.

  1. Go to brightspace.mclennan.edu.
  2. Log in using your MCC credentials.
  3. Complete Duo Authentication if prompted. 
For Help with Brightspace
Logged in, but course(s) are missing?

Registered courses may not immediately be visible in Brightspace. 

More information about missing courses and course upload schedules are in the IT Hub article Classes Missing on Brightspace.

Keep Your Account Information Updated

Keep your personal information up to date to ensure uninterrupted access to MCC systems and communications.

  • If you are changing or using a different personal email address, log into MyMCC and update your email information to continue receiving important messages, such as password reset emails. Instructions can be found at: Personal Information Update.
  • If you are changing your phone number or mobile device, update your Duo settings like adding another device before making the change to avoid being locked out of Duo and your MCC accounts.

Additional Resources and Information

Don't Get Phished!

Stay cautious when opening and responding to emails to help prevent your account from being compromised by phishing attempts. Learn how to identify and report phishing messages in Phishing Emails and Texts: How to Spot and Report Them.

MFA Fatigue

MFA Fatigue is an attack where attackers bombard you with repeated multi‑factor authentication (MFA on Microsoft or Duo) prompts until you, out of annoyance or confusion, approve the request—giving the attacker account access. If you are getting random or multiple authentication request that you did not initiate, your password may have been compromised, and you will need to change your password. 

Never approve a Duo or Microsoft MFA authentication request you did not initiate. 

Office 365 Access

You have access to Microsoft Office 365 applications such as Word and Excel. Your level of access to use these applications online or install them on your personal computer, depends on your status with the college. Additional information is available in How to Access Microsoft Office 365.

Digital Textbook Issues?

Having issues with your digital textbooks? Contact the publisher for account or technical support. Publisher contact information can be found in Digital Textbooks, Pearson, and McGraw-Hill Support.

Tech Support

If you need assistance, Tech Support is here for you.

  • Use the search bar at the top of the page to find solutions for common issues and how‑to resources.
  • View Tech Support contact options including current semester hours at https://ithub.mclennan.edu/.
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