Technology and Password Support

AccessCOTR is our online database where your records are securely stored. This is why it has a password different from your COTR network account. You can use AccessCOTR to change your contact information, register for courses, order transcripts, apply for graduation, access your college financial activity and income tax information.

Video directions on how to access and use AccessCOTR are available in Virtual BaseCamp in the Learn How to Use AccessCOTR section.  

Your username is your student id (ex. c1234567, insert your student number).

• Make sure you use a small c,
• have 7 digits in the number -if it doesn’t have 7 digits, put the required number of zero’s in front of the number to make it 7 digits.
• don’t use the domain with it (@cotr.bc.ca)

The “Forgot your username” option on the AccessCOTR login page  will  ask for your first and last name and an email address. The system will send you a reminder you of your username as there is no changing your username.

If you are unable to access your AccessCOTR account use the “Create Password or Reset Password” option on the AccessCOTR  login page  to change your password. Enter your username and email address. Wait patiently for an email and then follow the directions in the email to change your password.  

When changing your password:

• Use at least 8 characters
• 1 uppercase letter (e.g., A, B, C) 
• 1 lowercase letter (e.g., a, b, c) 
• 1 number (e.g., 1, 2, 5) 
• No special characters
• Don’t use your name or a previously used password

If you’re still stuck, contact the Student Help Desk at studenthelp@cotr.bc.ca. 

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Step by Step Instructions: Getting Started With Technology at COTR

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Returning Students

If you set up your College Network account during a previous semester, you will use your username (example: c1234567@cotr.bc.ca) and your existing password to login. If you don’t remember your password, please go to Option 1 of the COTR Network Account Set Up and Login Info section.

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New Students

Once you have registered for a class(es), your network account is created for you and you will receive an email with your College Network Account information that includes directions to setting up your network account (same as below), your student number (ex. 1234567), your student id (ex. c1234567) and your email address.

Your student Id is the base of your username for your College Network accounts.  The College Portal and COTR email will require the addition of @cotr.bc.ca (ex. c1234567@cotr.bc.ca).

COTROnline, COTR Library Services and AccessCOTR do not need the @cotr.bc.ca to login. All these systems share a password except for AccessCOTR, which requires a unique password as it holds all your personal and financial information.

You will have to change the temporary password and set up your Multi-factor Authentication app (MFA) to gain access to the various online systems. These steps need to be completed in order first or you will not be able to sign into other network resources.

Please use a computer (desktop) or laptop, not your mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook. Due to limitations on software and applications available, Chromebooks are not supported as they will not connect to our eduroam network and they do not support the installation of the office 365 software.

You can use one of the computers on campus or use your own(off or on campus) as long as you have a solid internet connection.

Please follow the directions in the email to set up your Network Accounts first and if you have an issue, move on to the directions below.

Important Info for All:

• Changing your College Network Account password updates your access to your College Network accounts such as the Portal, COTROnline (Moodle), Office 365 (including webmail/Outlook, Word, etc.), Experience Portal, Eduroam Wi-Fi, Learning Commons systems, the College computers and printing.   
• Some applications may not work outside the college network.  
• Your network username is in this format: c1234567@cotr.bc.ca (use your student number). This is different from your email address. For security, keep your username to yourself.
• Your email address is: first initial, family name @cotr.bc.ca and may possibly contain a number, if there are multiple people with that initial and last name (ex. msmith2@cotr.bc.ca). This is for you to give to people to contact you.
• A new password must be at least 8 characters long, and must include:
  • 1 uppercase letter (e.g., A, B, C)  
  • 1 lowercase letter (e.g., a, b, c)  
  • 1 number (e.g., 1, 2, 5)  
  • 1 special character (e.g., ! @ # $ % & *)
  • Don’t use your name or a previously used password.
• Check the email you received after you first registered for your course(s) – it contains your login details.

Directions for COTR Network Account Password Change/Reset:

Option 1: I’ve forgotten my password or don’t know my current one.
Use this if you can’t log in at all.  

1. Go to the Password Reset page: https://passwordreset.cotr.bc.ca/  
2. Read the instructions on screen and enter your username (c1234567@cotr.bc.ca).  
3. Confirm your username is correct, provide the characters displayed in the picture and click on next.
4. Create a brand-new password using the guidelines above.

Option 2: I know my current password but want to change it (for security or to update it)
Use this only if you can still log in with your existing password.  

1. Go to the Password Change page  
2. Enter your username (c1234567@cotr.bc.ca, insert your student number)

1. Enter your current (old) password first.  
2. Then enter your new password (following the requirements above).  
3. Confirm the new password and save/submit.

If you’re having ongoing trouble (e.g., account not activated, locked, check with admin, need for reset), contact the Student Help Desk at studenthelp@cotr.bc.ca.  When contacting them, please provide:  

• Your first and last name (spell your last name if leaving a voicemail)  
• Your student number (from your registration receipt)  
• Your contact email or phone number

They will help activate your account or resolve the issue and get back to you.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important part of keeping information – and your accounts – safe. When you try to open an application, online account, or a VPN, you will be required to provide two or more verification factors to ensure it really is you. This helps to decrease the likelihood of a successful cyberattack and the potential loss of that essay you’ve worked so hard on. You will need to access this app whenever the system asks you for MFA.

This set up can only be done after you have set up your College Network Accounts (by changing your password using the directions provided above) and must be completed, or you will not be able to sign into any of the college online platforms or resources. 

To set up the MFA you will need both a computer/laptop and your phone. If you do not have a cell phone, please reach out to the IT department (studenthelp@cotr.bc.ca) to request a FOB (fee required).

What do I need to do?

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

2. On your computer or laptop, log in to webmail at https://outlook.com/cotr.bc.ca/ using your COTR network account username (ex. c1234567@cotr.bc.ca) and your new password.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts and use the QR code.to link the Microsoft Authenticator app to your account.

Your COTR Email:

You will be able to access your COTR email once you have set up your COTR network account.

Your email address contains your first initial and family name@cotr.bc.ca ex. msmith@cotr.bc.ca.

Your email may contain a number after your family name if there is more than one person with that initial and last name (ex. msmith2@cotr.bc.ca).

Your username and email address are different. Your username is yours to access your accounts and your email address is to connect with others. You can not use your email address as your username.

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You will need to access this app whenever the system asks you for MFA.

Get it on Google Play

Download from the Apple App Store

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Step by Step Instructions: Navigating COTROnline

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Access to a personal computer is critical to your success as a student.

We highly recommend Windows based operating systems (Windows 10) for your personal computer at this time. Software used in our classes is based on the Windows operating system.

Apple products can connect to the College internet, and will run most, but not all, Microsoft Office 365 applications and other software (Microsoft Access is not available for use on Mac), but the technology is not supported by College IT Services at this time.

Note: Due to limitations on software and applications available, Chromebooks are not supported as they will not connect to our eduroam network and they do not support the installation of the office 365 software.

View detailed computer requirements

• A minimum download speed of 1.5 Mbps is the minimum supported,  which is commonly the speed associated with a basic DSL or a cellular/satellite connection.
• A faster connection, such as cable or fibre-optic service, will further enhance your online experience. A Wi-Fi connection is generally acceptable, but is dependent upon one of the two services mentioned above. 
• While student may register for courses with internet download speeds below 1.5 Mbps, the college assumes no liability for the quality of the student experience.

• Students may use a tablet or smartphone to access and participate in some of an online course, but a laptop or a desktop computer will be required for most components of the online course. Important note: A cell phone or tablet is not an adequate substitute for a personal computer for students.
• Mobile devices and their operating systems are not supported by the IT Student Help Desk. For more information contact the IT Student Help Desk.

Mobile devices and their operating systems are not supported by the IT Student Help Desk. For more information contact the IT Student Help Desk.

Students may use a tablet or smartphone to access and participate in some of an online course, but a laptop or a desktop computer will be required for most components of the online course. Important note: A cell phone or tablet is not an adequate substitute for a personal computer for students.

Students need to be able to

• Copy and paste
• Locate and upload a file
• Use a web browser and word processor
• Send and receive emails