Help

Your username is your Student ID and is the same as you The Q username. There is a single click login to Blackboard once logged in to The Q. The password may/can be the same password as your The Q password. If the password does not work, please contact the IT Service Desk at 508.854.4427.

Please view the How to Login to Blackboard job aid for detailed instructions.

At this time, QCC recommends using Mozilla Firefox, available at the Firefox Website for both PCs and MACs.

For technical help or more information on operating systems and download links to browsers and plugins for Blackboard see this Blackboard Help page.

Contact your instructor. Your instructor controls the availability of all course content.

Blackboard Learn doesn't keep a record of emails sent or received. To locate an email message you sent, do the following:

• Student: Login to your Qmail account and check messages in the Sent folder

• Faculty: Login to your QCC account and check messages in the Sent folder

From the Blackboard Learn website: "Blackboard measures and evaluates accessibility using two sets of standards: the WCAG 2.0standards issued by the World Wide Web Consortium(W3C) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act issued in the United States [by the] federal government."

This is the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).

Screen Reader Tutorials for Blackboard Learn are available as well.

To succeed in an online course, you should:

1. Know how to use Blackboard to contact your instructor and for discussions, assignments and tests.
2. Be able to create, send and download emails, with and without attachments.
3. Create, edit and submit word processing, spreadsheet and presentation files.
4. Copy and paste
5. Download, locate and install software applications and plug-ins.
6. Some courses might also require the use of head sets and microphones or other course-specific software or peripherals.

Please see the attached How to Post and Reply to Discussion Boards job aid for detailed instructions.

Please see the attached How to Access Online Support Communities job aid for detailed instructions.

Please see the attached Show or Hide Menu Options Job Aid for detailed instructions.

For Students:

If your instructor has informed you that you need to download and install the Respondus LockDown Browser (and Monitor) to take a test, click here to access a job aid with the download link and instructions.

For additional details and information, you may download the Respondus Student Quick Guide by clicking here.

For Instructors:

If you are just getting started using Respondus LockDown Browser in Blackboard for testing, click here to access a job aid to assist you in the process.

For additional details and infomation, you may download the Repondus Instructor Quick Guide by clicking here.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Click here to review some common issues and troubleshooting tips.

Blackboard Ally is an integrated part of our learning management system (LMS) and helps build a more inclusive student experience by improving accessibility of content materials in Blackboard.
For more information, click the links below:

Students

• Ally Quick Start for Students
• Watch short, engaging Help videos for Ally here

Go to the Blackboard Mobile web site to see the features available with Blackboard Mobile™ Learn.

You can learn how to use the Blackboard Mobile app and get technical assistance from the Blackboard Mobile App website.

• All campus buildings will be open, resuming normal business hours.
• Employees will no longer be required to notify Campus Police or Facilities prior to being on-site.
• The self-checker should be completed daily before coming to campus.
• Masks are required on campus while indoors
• When parking on campus, current parking decals must visible on your windshield. To request a decal, complete the parking decal registration form. 

Changes will occur as QCC monitors guidance from authoritative sources (such as the CDC) as they are modified.

• We are working to have vaccination clinics on campus this fall.
• Information will be shared as it becomes available.
• Vaccinations are available at most retail pharmacies throughout the state at no cost to patients.

• Visit your office prior to August 2 to log in to your computer and make note of any technology or other needs you may have.
• Follow your department guidelines for ordering supplies.
• If you need assistance with your computer or other technology, email the help [at] qcc.mass.edu (Help Desk) as soon as possible.

All students, staff, and faculty must wear a face covering on campus while indoors regardless of vaccination status. People who show no symptoms of illness may still be able to spread COVID-19. For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, the CDC advises the following:

• Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth.
• Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available
• Get tested if you have been exposed to or have symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Reach out to your supervisor and if necessary, speak with HR.

We understand that just as there was concern transitioning to remote work and instruction, there may be concern returning to in-person service and teaching. Our Employee Assistance Program provides videos and additional information to support your return to campus.

Webinars

• Embracing the New Normal
• Transitioning Back to Work
• Burnout and Coping in the New Normal

Let your supervisor know of your concerns so they may work with you on finding a solution.

QCC will resume its face-to-face courses in the Fall 2021 semester at approximately 75% capacity. We learned a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic about the needs of our students and will continue providing convenient, accessible learning and support opportunities in-person, and online.

QCC has and will continue to offer a robust schedule of real time remote and online course offerings. In fact, OnlineU.com has ranked our online Associate Degree programs 5^th best in the country (1^st among Community Colleges) for best return on investment!

Yes! We are still able to provide students with emergency funds through our Student Emergency Fund, as well as state and federal emergency aid. Students should visit Student Emergency Aid for additional information. 

• Considerations for the Fall 2021 semester continue to develop and are subject to change
• The 15 Massachusetts community colleges are not mandating COVID-19 vaccines  for students, faculty, or staff at this time
• It is essential to meet the needs of all of our students
  • They are often from the communities hit hardest by this pandemic
  • They face disproportionate access to the COVID-19 vaccine
• Creating additional barriers for our students would go against our critically important mission of open access for all.

We will continue to encourage our college community to get vaccinated. Read the Statement from community college presidents to lean more.

Visit the CDC for updated information on vaccinations.

QCC currently offers on-site, symptom free COVID-19 Testing. QCC COVID-19 PCR Testing is FREE! No appointment is necessary, just walk-in!

QCC Main Campus - 670 West Boylston Street, Athletic Center

• Mon.: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Thu.: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

QCC Healthcare & Workforce Development Center - 25 Federal Street, Room 115D

• Tue.: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Wed.: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Fri.: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

More Testing Locations

Visit www.QCC.edu/EZQ for detailed information on this new program. 

QCC has and will continue to offer a robust schedule of real time remote and online course offerings. In fact, OnlineU.com has ranked our online Associate Degree programs 5^th best in the country (1^st among Community Colleges) for best return on investment!

Yes! We are still able to provide students with emergency funds through our Student Emergency Fund, as well as state and federal emergency aid. Students should visit Student Emergency Aid for additional information. 

QCC students:

As you prepare to come to QCC’s campus for classes or to receive registration or other in-person support, we want to make sure you are aware of a few changes that will begin on August 2.

As you may know, the CDC has changed the face covering guidelines, as a result of the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Although most of Massachusetts and our community are not in the CDC’s designated high level of transmission area, in an abundance of caution we are proactively requiring that everyone (those who are vaccinated or unvaccinated) wear face coverings indoors in all campus and satellite locations until further notice.

Due to the fast-changing nature of this new nationwide surge, we will continue to monitor the trends to reevaluate our safety protocols as we enter our Fall semester. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 in our community, and will continue to follow the guidance of medical experts. 

As always, your health and the health of our community is of the utmost importance. The College has worked diligently to provide a safe environment in which to learn. Our efforts to support our return to campus include:

• Upgraded air conditioning and air handling/ventilation equipment with the highest level of filtration available as applicable, following CDC guidelines.
• Continued cleaning of all offices and college spaces throughout the day and night
• Installed additional hand sanitization stations in all offices and bathrooms, as well as throughout the main campus and all QCC locations
• Updated signage reminding people to maintain good hygiene and wear face coverings are posted throughout all QCC locations
• Developed a new Web site, QCC.edu/HealthySafeCampus to communicate information and updates as applicable.
• Face coverings will be available to all employees, students, and visitors who are in need of a face covering and unable to bring their own.
  • Contact Campus Police dispatch at 508.854.4221 for assistance.
  • Face Coverings are available between 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Please note that the face coverings provided from Public Safety are in limited supply so please only request one if you have no other means in which to secure your own.)

Vaccines

We continue to strongly recommend that everyone get the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are safe and effective and readily available at all retail pharmacies throughout the Commonwealth.

The 15 Massachusetts community colleges are not mandating COVID-19 vaccines for students, faculty, or staff at this time

• It is essential to meet the needs of all of our students
  • They are often from the communities hit hardest by this pandemic
  • They face disproportionate access to the COVID-19 vaccine
• Creating additional barriers for our students would go against our critically important mission of open access for all.

Please read the statement from community college presidents to learn more, and visit the CDC for updated information on vaccinations.

QCC President and Vice Presidents

In order to minimize crowding during this time of substantial COVID-19 transmission, space will be limited in the QCC Bookstore in the Administration Building on QCC’s West Boylston Street campus.

Please consider ordering and receiving your books online utilizing the free shipping options available.

Free shipping! All online orders of books or course materials for the Fall 2021 semester will ship free to your home.

If you must pick up your books and other supplies in-person, please make an appointment to enter the QCC Bookstore using QCC’s new EZQ system. EZQ is easy to use and saves time! There are 3 easy ways to get in line (choose one) to pick up your books:

1. Text "quinsig" to 508.315.6028
2. Web: Get in line online
3. Mobile App: Download the QCC Mobile app and click on EZQ

1. Login to Blackboard and click on the "Bb Support" tab, this will open the Help page and another menu will appear as shown below. 
2. Click the Infobase Learning Cloud tab as shown below.  
3. Click on the Infobase Learning Cloud icon for automatic login and search the video tutorials.

You can get technical help for Infobase Learning Cloud from the Home Page Help link.  When in the Infobase website, click on the arrow next to your name in the upper right hand corner,. Click on Help in the list.

Your full student email address is your Qmail username.  You can find your username by logging into The Q. In the top right corner is a circle (Avatar) with either your ID picture or a person Icon, click on the circle then select “My Profile & Settings”.

Click on Contact Information (at left) > Email Addresses  - click the down arrow to view email address.

• e.g. John Smith - Qmail user name is jsmith [at] qmail.qcc.edu

The default password will be the first two letters of your last name, followed by the last four digits of your social security number, then the letters “Qc”. This password is all lowercase, except for the letter Q. If you are unable to login using this password, contact the IT Service Desk to have it reset.

Office 2007, Office 2010, Office 365, or Office 2013 users can open documents created without any additional action. Customers using earlier versions of Office may need to download and install a compatibility pack.

If you are using Microsoft Office Word 2007 or Word 2010, you can open .docx or .docm files that were created in Word 2019, 2016 and 2013. However, a few newer features may not be supported in older versions or they may not be editable. For example, equations in later files are converted to images in earlier versions of Word, which can’t be edited.

Although people who use previous versions of Microsoft Office and have installed the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats, can open documents that are saved in the Microsoft Office Word 2007 format, they may not be able to change some items that were created by using new or enhanced features.

The ribbon is a set of toolbars at the top of the window in Office programs designed to help you quickly find the commands that you need to complete a task. You'll find some of the things that were previously on the ribbon available now under the File menu, including the Save and Options selections.

There are several ways that you can control the appearance of the ribbon: Auto-Hide Ribbon, Show Tabs, Show Tabs and Commands.

The ribbon can be minimized so that you only see the tab names and not the command groups and buttons. To always keep the ribbon minimized, right-click on a blank area of the ribbon, then select Collapse the Ribbon from the menu. (To revert this setting, click on one of the tabs, then right-click on a blank area of the ribbon and de-select Collapse the Ribbon from the menu.) You can also double-click on an active tab name to toggle this setting.

Office 365 is a subscription based version of the Microsoft Office suite. It includes the latest full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher*, and Access* as well as cloud services and 1TB of OneDrive storage.

Faculty and Staff

You can obtain Office 365 directly through the Microsoft website. You'll be able to use Office 365 on up to FIVE devices/computers at a time. Follow these steps:

• Go to https://www.office.com/ and Sign in. Be sure to use your QCC Email address if you need to register.
• Follow the instructions on the website.

 If you require assistance, these are your options:

• If your password doesn’t work at the Microsoft site, you should go to SSRPM (Password Reset) and either enroll or reset your password.
• If you have trouble loading onto your personal computer (not QCC owned), you can call 508.854.4427, select 2 then 3 for BlackBelt Technical support.

Students

For the web-based version of Office 365, you will need to know and have access to your QCC Student Email, Qmail. 
You can obtain Office 365 directly through the Microsoft website. Follow these steps:

• Go to https://www.office.com/ and Sign in. Be sure to use your QCC Student Email address as the username. Your default password has been sent to that Qmail email address in a separate email.
• Once you login, you will be prompted to set up your password recovery questions and method. This only takes a minute! Follow the instructions on the website.
• If you have not received the email or would like password assistance, please call the QCC Help Desk at 508.854.4427, press 1 then 4. We are available Monday -Friday 8am -5pm.

*Microsoft Publisher and Access for PC only.

QCC has several video tutorial powered by Atomic Learning that are available to all students, staff, and faculty members. If this is your first time using Atomic Learning we recommend that you watch two short videos to learn about preferences available in Atomic Learning and how to search.

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• Publisher*
• Access*
• OneNote
• TB of OneDrive Storage and more
• * Publisher & Access are only included in the Windows Version

You may install Office 365 on up to 5 PCs or MACs, as well as other Mobile Devices.

Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus can be installed on Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 and Mac OS 10.6.8 or later.

For additional training, students, staff and faculty can watch Infobase Learning Cloud video tutorials (formerly Hoonuit). These are available once logged into Blackboard by clicking on Bb Support at the top of the page, then Infobase Learning Cloud click on the link at the bottom and the website will launch. Search for Office 365 to show the video tutorials.

You must go to the Registrar’s Office with a legal document (marriage certificate, divorce papers, etc) that states that your name has changed. At that time, you can ask that your Qmail username be changed.

The default password will be the first two letters of your last name, followed by the last four digits of your social security number, then the letters “Qc”. This password is all lowercase, except for the letter Q. If you are unable to login using this password, contact the IT Service Desk to have it reset.

To forward your Qmail account to your personal email follow these steps;

1) Log in to your Qmail from The Q.

Tip: Forgot your Qmail Username? Click on "Personal Info" next to your name after you login to The Q to view your full Qmail username.

2) Click on the Settings icon at the top right (Gear) and select Settings from the drop-down menu.

3) Click the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab

4) Click the Add a forwarding address button

5) Enter the email address you wish to forward your Qmail to and click Next.

Tip: Send yourself a test email to your Qmail address to make sure forwarding is working properly.

Don't know where to start?

We can help! Schedule a Remote Learning Orientation with a Tutor in the General Academic Areas Tutoring Center!

• Call us at 508.854.4279
• Email us at gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu
• Find us on the Web at www.QCC.edu/GAA

For more in-depth assistance contact an Online Learning Coach

Online Learning Coaches are here to help you succeed in classes at QCC. Please use one of our contact methods listed below if you need help with any of the following: 

• help navigating your Blackboard course 
• accessing course materials 
• accessing and/or submitting assignments 
• logging onto your Zoom or Collaborate course 
• using Zoom, Collaborate, Blackboard, Starfish, The Q, Qmail or other online tools 

If you need assistance from an Online Learning Coach, use these contact options: 

Email: OnlineCourseHelp [at] qcc.mass.edu  
Phone: 508.854.7455 
Starfish: We are listed in your success network. 

How do I get Access to the Internet? (Click here for more information)

Can I get Financial Assistance for Internet access? (Click here for more information)

The college provides access to The Q (personal portal), Qmail (College email), Blackboard Learn (our learning management system), and Starfish (Communicate and monitor your progress) to all credit students. We recommend that you log into all college systems 7 days before classes start to ensure everything is working. 

Tour of the QCC Suite of Online Tools!

The Q is Quinsigamond Community College's secure website or portal. Think of it as the gateway to the college; it's the one stop which allows current students and faculty the ability to access their personal college information twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Your student id number is your username for The Q. Your username for The Q and password information was sent to you prior to the start of your first semester here at QCC via email or mail.

You can reset your password to The Q, but you need to have access to your Qmail to do so.

If you don’t have your login information, contact the Registrar’s Office, or via email qccreg [at] qcc.mass.edu. Their office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Please note that the Registrar’s Office will not release this information over the telephone.

The login page for The Q is accessible through any internet browser.  At this time we recommend Firefox (or Chrome) as your internet browser. Visit The Q

• Click here to see how it's done! 

For more information on The Q, visit The Q help section.

For technical support, contact the IT Service Desk, Technical Support.

• Phone Number: 508.854.4427
• Email: Help [at] qcc.mass.edu
• Help Website 

We recommend that you test your access to "the Q" one week prior to classes starting.

Your class may require your attendance in a virtual classroom. At QCC there are two tools you may need to know, Blackboard Collaborate and Zoom.

Blackboard Collaborate is part of the Blackboard Learn system. You're instructor will make the course room available at the required time. To access the virtual classroom, log into Blackboard and click on the VIrtual Meeting link located on the left of the course page. For more information on Blackboard Collaborate visit the Blackboard Collaborate help section.

Zoom can be accessed from within Blackboard or by a link supplied by you professor. For more information on Zoom, visit the Zoom meeting help website.

For more information on how to use Blackboard Collaborate or Zoom, contact the General Academic Areas Tutoring Center.

• Phone Number: 508.854.4279
• Email: gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu
• GAA website

For technical support, contact the IT Service Desk, Technical Support:

• Phone Number: 508.854.4427
• Email: Help [at] qcc.mass.edu
• Help website

We recommend that you test your camera and microphone one week prior to classes starting.

Starfish provides a tool that you can use to stay informed of your progress in courses, take action on flagged issues and referrals by viewing your Starfish folder and keep in touch with your personal "success team".

To access Starfish click on the Starfish option  on the menu bar across the top of your screen.

How can I learn more about Starfish?  For more information on how to use Starfish, review the Student Guide. 

We recommend that you test your access one week prior to classes starting.

Yes you can! For information on how to get Microsoft products click here: https://www.qcc.edu/help/microsoft-products

What you need:

• Your syllabus (to reference your course and section number)
• A course ID number (provided by your professor, usually on your syllabus)
• Your access code (on the course materials you purchased)
• Navigate to the product page, as instructed by your professor. This is usually provided on your syllabus.
• Click on any option where it says “Register.”
• Enter the information as it asks you to. This might include your name, your course and section number, your course ID number, and your access code. You may also have to sign up with a username and a password.

 If you have issues with your username and password, contact the product company’s customer support line. If you need a course ID, contact your professor,

For General help with Pearson products: https://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/students/support/index.html

For MyMathLab make an appointment with the Math Center by emailing MathCenter [at] qcc.mass.edu or calling 508.854.7523

For all other Pearson Products  Make an appointment at the General Academic Areas Tutoring center by emailing  gaa [at] qcc.mass.edu or calling 508.854.4279

If you are required to install LockDown Browser, you should only use the download link provided to you by your instructor. 

Install Instructions 

• Your student id number is your username for The Q. Your username for The Q and password information was sent to you prior to the start of your first semester here at QCC.
• If you don’t have your login information, contact the Registrar’s Office.
• If you need help resetting your password please contact the IT Service Desk or call 508.854.4427. Give them your name, your phone number or email address, your id number and a brief description of your problem. Mention that you have a portal problem. Do not send your password.

Login to The Q. Click on the My Academics tab. Click on My Registration. Click on the My Degree Audit link on the right. Select "What-If Degree Audit" if you want to run an audit for a major other than your currently elected major. If your major is Undeclared you also should select a "What-If Degree Audit," as you do not have any "Your Curriculum Requirements" degree audit until you have applied and received a letter of acceptance from the Admissions Office.

Please contact the Registrar's Office. You will need a photo ID.

If your student record is correct, but your Qmail name is incorrect (either the username or the viewable name), contact the IT Help Desk.

If any other information on The Q is misspelled or needs to be changed, you can update it by doing the following:  Click the Personal Info link next to your name. Click on the Biographical Info tab. Click on the pencil icon next to "Name, Address and Personal Details". Enter your changes, then Click [Submit]. Information will be updated within two to three business days.