As a Reynolds student, you have access to a range of technology tools to help you communicate with your professors, complete assignments, and succeed in your classes. If you run into a technical issue, help is available.
Get Help, Fast
For technology issues that need quick attention, submit a Help Desk ticket through TeamDynamix . Sign in with your MyReynolds username and current password.
Technology Support Topics
MyReynolds
MyReynolds provides a single login for VCCS applications, including the Student Information System (SIS), Canvas, and your student Gmail account.
- Student Information System (SIS)
SIS allows students to register for classes, pay tuition and fees, review financial aid, view unofficial transcripts, and view grades.
- Canvas
Canvas is the college's online learning system. It is used for online, dual-enrollment, in-person, and hybrid courses.
For the best experience with Canvas, use a current version of your web browser. Check whether your browser is up to date .
- VCCS Email (Gmail)
Reynolds students receive a college Gmail account. You can access your account through MyReynolds.
First-Time User Instructions
Before logging in to MyReynolds for the first time, you must:
- Retrieve your MyReynolds username.
- Get a temporary password.
- Review or update your mobile phone number and alternative email address to comply with the college's multi-factor authentication (MFA) policy.
Logging In to MyReynolds
After you have retrieved your username and temporary password, you can log in to MyReynolds.
- In a web browser, go to the MyReynolds login page .
- Enter your username, then select Go.
- Enter your temporary password, then select Go again.
- When prompted, create a new password and select Submit. Your new password will be valid for 180 days.
- When prompted, enter your authentication code or approve your login notification to complete the sign-in process.
If you need help logging in to MyReynolds, contact the Information Center .
I forgot my username
You can find your MyReynolds username by selecting Forgot My Username on the MyReynolds login page .
- Enter the email address associated with your account. The email address must be on file in the Student Information System (SIS).
- Select the I'm not a robot checkbox.
- Select Next.
- Follow the additional instructions shown on the screen to recover your username.
I forgot my password
You can reset your MyReynolds password by selecting Forgot My Password on the MyReynolds login page .
- Enter your VCCS username or email address.
- Select Continue.
- Choose your preferred reset method. Available methods are based on the email address and mobile phone number currently on file in SIS. If your information is incorrect, submit a Help Desk ticket to have it updated.
- Select Submit.
- Allow a few minutes for the reset. A message will appear with instructions for resetting your password.
- Select Close to dismiss the message. You will then be directed to a page where you can create a new password.
- Enter your new password.
- Your password must be between 8 and 32 characters and include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character.
- Do not reuse a previous password.
- Do not use your birthdate or include spaces.
- Do not use more than two consecutive characters from your username, first name, or last name.
- Verify that you receive a message confirming that your password was successfully changed. Allow up to 10 minutes for the new password to be accepted by VCCS applications, including Canvas, SIS, and Gmail.
- Return to the MyReynolds login page and sign in with your username and new password. Complete the login process by entering your authentication code or approving your login request.
Logging Out of MyReynolds
To protect your account, sign out of MyReynolds when you have finished using it.
- Select Account Details, located next to your name.
- Select Logout.
- Close the browser window to make sure you are completely signed out.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Reynolds requires multi-factor authentication (MFA) to log in to your MyReynolds account . MFA adds another layer of security to help protect your account and data.
What Is MFA?
MFA requires you to verify your identity in addition to entering your username and password. You may verify your identity by entering an authentication code or approving a login request.
MFA Enrollment Steps
- Go to MyReynolds and enter your username and password.
- A verification code will be sent to the alternate email address on file in your personal information. After signing in, select the MFA Enrollment tile.
- Choose one of the following methods to complete your setup.
MFA Options
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Push Notification via App (Recommended)
The Push MFA Authentication method is the most secure option. It requires a smartphone. Install the RapidIdentity app and approve login requests through the app or push notifications.
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Password + Text Message (SMS)
Password + SMS sends a code to your mobile phone by text message after you enter your username and password. Before enrolling, make sure your mobile phone number is current in SIS.
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Personal Email
The Alternative Email Method sends a code to a personal email address rather than your email.vccs.edu address.
Your preferred email address in SIS will be used first. Make sure it is current before enrolling. If you are enrolled only in non-credit classes, the code will be sent to the alternate address in the WES system.
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Authenticator App (Time-Based One-Time Passcode, or TOTP)
The TOTP option works with apps such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. The app generates a new passcode every 30 to 60 seconds. During setup, scan the QR code shown on the MyReynolds login page to link your account.
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FIDO Security Key
A FIDO key is a small physical device that connects to a USB port. This option is available if you do not have a smartphone or cell phone or if another authentication method does not work for you.
Request a FIDO security key . Allow two business days for the library to process your request. You may then pick up your key at the Parham Road, Downtown, or Goochland Campus library.
If you experience difficulty setting up MFA, contact the Information Center .
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is available to currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff each semester. It provides access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office apps.
How to Access Microsoft 365
- Go to the Microsoft 365 website .
- Sign in with your VCCS email address and select Next. Faculty and staff may also sign in with their Reynolds email address.
- Enter your VCCS password and select Sign In.
- To use an online app, select the app you want to use, such as Word or Excel, from the navigation menu.
- To install Microsoft 365 on a Windows or Mac computer, select Install Apps, then select Microsoft 365 apps.
Note for Mac Users
Microsoft Access is not available on Mac. If your coursework requires Access, you have three options:
- Use a Windows computer with Microsoft 365 installed.
- Borrow a Reynolds laptop from a campus library. Access is preloaded on all loaner laptops. Complete the laptop loaner request form .
- Visit a Reynolds campus library and use a library computer. Access is preloaded on all library computers.
OneDrive Storage
VCCS provides up to one terabyte (TB) of cloud storage through Microsoft OneDrive. Learn the basics of OneDrive .
Important: You must be a current student to maintain access to your OneDrive files. A current student is someone who is enrolled this semester or was enrolled last semester. If you have not been enrolled for two or more semesters, your access will be removed.
- About 30 days before your files are deleted, VCCS will send you a warning email reminding you to back up your data.
- After the grace period, your OneDrive account will be deactivated and your files cannot be recovered.
- If you re-enroll later, your account access will be restored, but previously deleted files will not be restored.
Free Student Software
The following software is available for free download:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader : opens and views PDF files
- Mozilla Firefox : free web browser
- VLC Media Player : plays audio and video files
- Respondus LockDown Browser : required for some proctored tests and quizzes in Canvas. If you are using a Reynolds loaner laptop, LockDown Browser is already installed.
- Google Chrome : free web browser
- Microsoft Edge : free web browser. Edge comes preinstalled on newer Windows computers.
- Audacity : free audio editor and recorder
- Canvas Student: view and interact with your Canvas courses on a mobile device. Available for Android and iOS .
Printing at Reynolds
Reynolds uses PaperCut for student printing. You can use your MyReynolds account or a guest account to load funds and print in black and white or color. You can also send documents to the print queue from your personal computer or mobile device before arriving on campus. Pick up your print job at any campus library.
Set Up Your Student Email in the Gmail App on a Mobile Device
Your Reynolds student email is a Gmail account ending in @email.vccs.edu. You can access it on your phone or tablet through the free Gmail app.
Steps to Add Your Student Email in Gmail
- Open the Gmail app on your mobile device.
- Select your profile icon.
- Select Add another account.
- Select Google as the account type.
- Enter your full VCCS email address and select Next.
What is my VCCS email address?
Your VCCS email address is your VCCS username followed by @email.vccs.edu. For example, if your username is snowglobe123, your email address is snowglobe123@email.vccs.edu.
- Select Accept to continue to the VCCS login screen.
- Enter your VCCS username, not your full email address, and your password. Then select Sign In.
- After you sign in successfully, your student email account will appear in Gmail.
Using Your Student Email Responsibly
Your VCCS email is the official way Reynolds communicates with you. Instructors, staff, and other students will use this address to contact you, so check it regularly.
You are required to follow the student email guidelines outlined in Reynolds Policy 1-08, Student Email .
Computer Requirements
Students are encouraged to have their own computer or use a computer in one of the campus libraries or computer labs. Chromebooks are not recommended because they may not be compatible with software required for some courses.
Recommended Minimum Specifications for a Personal Computer
- Operating system: Latest version of Windows or macOS
- Memory: 16 GB
- Networking: Ethernet port and Wi-Fi
- Processor: Current-generation i5 or equivalent
- Hard drive: 512 GB SSD
- Battery: 6-cell battery for laptops
- Security: Firewall enabled with antivirus software
- Software: Microsoft 365, Respondus LockDown Browser, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a file backup service such as Dropbox or Google Drive
- Other: At least one or two USB ports
VCCS provides Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive through student accounts. You may lose access to these accounts after you stop attending a VCCS institution. Consider keeping a personal backup account or using an external hard drive with at least 128 GB of free space so you can retain your files after graduation.
Academic Pricing Discounts
As a Reynolds student, you may be eligible for discounts on computers and tablets through the following retailers. You must be a current student to qualify. Eligibility is restored when you re-enroll.
- Shop student deals at Best Buy
- Shop Dell University pricing
- Shop Apple's Education Store — an Apple ID is required to make a purchase
- Shop the Microsoft Education Store
- Sign up for Amazon Prime Student
Information Technology Student Acceptable Use Agreement
The VCCS and Reynolds Information Technology Student Acceptable Use Agreement covers the college's policies for ethical use of computers and technology.
Read Policy 4-32, Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources .
Recommended Practices for Cyber Safety
Review the Top Ten Safe Computing Tips from MIT for guidance on protecting your accounts and devices.