Technology and Password Support
We all rely on technology everyday – and it is constantly evolving. Whether you need help connecting your laptop to Eduroam, require a password reset, or have issues with your College email account, we can help.
As a College of the Rockies student, you will use two different student accounts, your COTR Network account and AccessCOTR account.
COTR Network Account
Gives access to:
- College computers
- Your COTR email
- eduroam (student wi-fi)
- Student portal
- Office 365
- COTROnline (Moodle)
- MS Teams
Please note: You may not be able to access certain applications if you are trying to access them from outside the College.
AccessCOTR Account
Gives access to:
- Student info/records
- Financial account activity
- Grades
- Course information
- Registration
- Transcripts
Please note: These services can be accessed from anywhere that you have a wi-fi connection, in or outside the COTR network.
Account Set-Up / Login Instructions / Password Support
COTR Network Account Set Up and Login Info
Video Tutorial: Getting Started With Technology at COTR
Returning Students Login Instructions
If you set up your College Network account during your previous semester, then you will use your User ID (Username) (example: c1234567@cotr.bc.ca) and your existing password. Note: Your COTROnline (Moodle) username is just the student number (e.g., c0123456) without a domain name. However, the password still be the same as your network account.
New Students Login Instructions
If you are a registered student you already have a network account created for you. Students will have to change their password to gain access to College Systems.
To setup your network account you will need to login to the college portal and change the temporary password. This step needs to be completed first or you will not be able to sign into other network resources.
Login to the College Portal: https://portal.cotr.bc.ca/
Follow the directions below to login in from either on-campus or off-campus from a computer or laptop, not your mobile phone.
Login From On-Campus
- Your network username uses your student id in the format c1234567@cotr.bc.ca
Some resources will require you to include @cotr.bc.ca (Student Portal, COTR email, Experience Portal) and some won’t (COTROnline, Library Services). Please follow the instructions below to successfully login and reset your password. Note that your email address is different from your username.
Username: c1234567@cotr.bc.ca
Temporary Password: c1234567
Your email address is: first initial, family name@cotr.bc.ca.
Note: Your email may possibly contain a number if there are more than one person with that initial and last name ex. msmith2@cotr.bc.ca or (if you have a common last name you may have a number after your family name).
Find an available College lab computer.
- Enter your temporary password – 7 digit student number + prefix “c” in front. You will be prompted immediately to change your password.
- Your new password needs to be at least 8 characters long and include:
- an uppercase letter (example: A,B,C,H)
- a lowercase letter (example: a,b,c,h)
- a number (example: 1,2,5,8)
- a special character (example: & ! @ %)
Do not use your name as your password as this makes it easy to guess your password and will not be accepted by the system.
After this initial setup, you will use your User ID (Username) and your newly created password to log into most College Network services.
or
Login From Off-Campus
If you are not at one of our campuses, you can set up your College Network Account on any computer or laptop (not your mobile phone) by visiting the following page (note that you must be connected to the internet to use this page): https://outlook.com/cotr.bc.ca/
Username: c1234567@cotr.bc.ca
Temporary Password: c1234567
Your email address is: first initial, family name@cotr.bc.ca.
Note: Your email may possibly contain a number if there are more than one person with that initial and last name ex. msmith2@cotr.bc.ca or (if you have a common last name you may have a number after your family name).
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
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.
What do I need to do?
The first step is to download the MFA app to your smart phone. If you do not own a smart phone, please contact the Student Helpdesk and they will provide you with an alternative solution.
Visit your app store, download the Microsoft Authenticator app, and follow the instructions.
Video Tutorial: Getting Started With Technology at COTR
You will need to access this app whenever the system asks you for MFA.
COTR Network Account Password Support
Password Reset Instructions
Video Tutorial: Getting Started With Technology at COTR
Have you forgotten your login information? Not to worry. Follow the five quick steps on the Password Reset screen and you’ll be well on your way.
If you want to reset your College Network password:
Before you begin:
Note: This process will reset or update your access to Portal, Office 365 (including webmail), cotronline.ca (Moodle), eduroam, etc. Please note that certain applications may not have access outside the college network.
Your network username uses the format c1234567@cotr.bc.ca to login to the password reset page.
- Click on this link to go to the password reset page
- then enter your new password
- You new password needs to be at least 8 characters long and include:
- an uppercase letter (example: A,B,C,H)
- a lowercase letter (example: a,b,c,h)
- a number (example: 1,2,5,8)
- a special character (example: & ! @ %)
- You new password needs to be at least 8 characters long and include:
Please check the email you received from the Registration Department or from a Student Navigator after you register for your courses for your login information. If you are having trouble locating this information, please contact the Student Help Desk at studenthelp@cotr.bc.ca.
Password Change Instructions
For security purposes, it’s a good idea to change your password occasionally.
Note: This process will reset or update your access to Portal, Office 365 (including webmail), cotronline.ca (Moodle), eduroam, etc. Please note that certain applications may not have access outside the college network.
If you wish to change your College Network password:
- Click on this link to get to the password change page
- enter your current password
- then enter your new password
- You new password needs to be at least 8 characters long and include:
- an uppercase letter (example: A,B,C,H)
- a lowercase letter (example: a,b,c,h)
- a number (example: 1,2,5,8)
- a special character (example: & ! @ %)
- You new password needs to be at least 8 characters long and include:
If you continue to have difficulties accessing your COTR Network account, contact the Student Help Desk to activate your network account and email.
Provide the following information when you contact the Student Help Desk:
- First and Last Name (please spell your last name if leaving a voicemail)
- Student Number (will be shown on your Registration receipt)
- Information on how to contact you (your email address)
The Student Help Desk will contact you if they have any questions and will let you know when your account is ready.
AccessCOTR Set-Up
AccessCOTR is our online database where your records are securely stored. You can use AccessCOTR to change your contact information, register for courses, order transcripts, access your income tax information and apply for graduation. In the following video series, you will learn how to access and use this system.
Video Tutorial: Learn How to Use AccessCOTR
AccessCOTR Account Password Support
Oh no! You aren’t able to access your AccessCOTR account. We’ve provided some information below that should help point you in the right direction.
Video Tutorial: Learn How to Use AccessCOTR
The following link grants you access to reset your AccessCOTR account in case you’ve forgotten your password.
The following link grants you access to reset your AccessCOTR account in case you’ve forgotten your username.
If you continue to have difficulties accessing your AccessCOTR account, contact the Student Help Desk to activate your network account and email.
Provide the following information when you contact the Student Help Desk:
- First and Last Name (please spell your last name)
- Student Number (will be shown on your Registration receipt)
- Information on how to contact you (example: email address or phone number)
The Student Help Desk will contact you if they have any questions.
COTROnline (Moodle) Support
Video Tutorial: Navigating COTROnline
Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Developmental Learning Environment) is your virtual classroom. Moodle is used for all College online and hybrid courses, as well as for many of our face-to-face classes. Moodle allows instructors and students an efficient way to share learning materials, upload assignments, and keep track of grades and other important course notices.
It’s where you:
- Receive messages and course material from your instructor
- Meet and interact with your classmates
- Work on assignments and activities
If you experience technical problems, or need help setting up your College email and computer account, be sure to contact our helpdesk, studenthelp@cotr.bc.ca or by phone (250) 489-2751 ext. 3333.
The COTROnline Help Desk is dedicated to helping you with your questions about the Moodle learning management software (LMS). Our Help Desk educational technologists can troubleshoot Moodle issues, and can assist you in finding the most efficient way to use this LMS. If you are new to using Moodle, please ask for an orientation session through the Help Desk, or watch for our semi-annual lunchtime sessions on Moodle tips and tricks.
Support is available Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Mountain Time Zone except Statutory Holidays.
Computer Requirements
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.
Internet 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.
Mobile Devices
- 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.
Minimum Computer Skills
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
Login Instructions
Welcome to the world of online learning!
Online courses and websites for on-site courses at College of the Rockies can be found at www.cotronline.ca
Accounts for COTROnline and the college network, will be created automatically
- Online courses & those In-Person / Face-to-Face Courses with support websites:
Directions for accessing courses will be sent to you by email- You will usually receive an email the Friday before your course starts.
- Check with COTR Online Help Desk. if you did not receive an email with course access directions.
- Note: We find that our emails to you sometimes go into your junk/spam mail. If you have not received your information, you may want to check there.
- Office Administration / Upgrading for Academic and Career Entry (UACE students: Your login information will be provided to you directly by your instructor(s).
- If you have any questions, please contact your program’s coordinator.
- Continuing Education Students: Some continuing education courses are offered online and have different login instructions.
- Students who have registered in an online Continuing Education course will receive their instructions via email.
- Contact your local campus for more information.
Please make sure Registration has your current email address.
- Directions for Accessing the COTROnline website
- Directions for Finding Your Courses
- If you require further assistance, please contact the COTR Online Help Desk, or get more information about how things work in the COTR Online Student Help Manual
Contact Us
Student Help Desk
Phone: 250-489-2751 x3333
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687 x3333
Fax: 250-489-8218
Email: studenthelp@cotr.bc.ca
COTROnline Help Desk
Phone: 250-489-2751 x3737
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: cotronline@cotr.bc.ca
Accessing Your Accounts
Video Tutorials
Logging into AccessCOTR and Changing your Password
Student Computer Requirements
To study at College of the Rockies, you will require a computer.