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 is a single login to access your VCCS enterprise applications including the Student Information System (SIS), Canvas, and your student email account (via Gmail) with only one username and password to remember.
- Student Information System (SIS)
SIS provides students with the ability to register for classes, pay tuition and fees, review financial aid, view unofficial transcripts, and view grades. - Canvas
Canvas is an online course management system used for distance learning courses (including those for dual-enrollment), traditional in-person courses, and hybrid courses (a mixture of distance learning and in-person course meetings). Make sure your browser is up to date to use Canvas correctly. Check your browser version at updatemybrowser.org. - VCCS Email (Gmail)
Reynolds students will have a college Gmail account. You can access your account through MyReynolds.
First Time User Instructions
Before logging into MyReynolds for the first time, you must:
- Retrieve your MyReynolds username.
- Get a temporary password.
- Review and/or update your mobile phone number and alternative email address to comply with our multi-factor authentication (MFA) policy.
Logging in to MyReynolds
After you have retrieved your username and a temporary password, you can log in to MyReynolds.
- In a web browser, navigate to https://jsr.my.vccs.edu.
- Enter your username, then click Go.
- Enter your temporary password, then click Go again.
- When prompted, create your new password. Click Submit to save your password -- you will use this for the next 180 days until it expires and forces you change it again.
- When prompted, enter your authentication code or approve your login notification request to complete the login process.
If you need help logging into MyReynolds, contact the Information Center.
I forgot my username
Users can find their MyReynolds username by clicking on the Forgot My Username link on the MyReynolds login page.
- Enter your email address that is associated with your account. The email address must be on file in your records in the Student Information System (SIS).
- Click the I'm not a robot box.
- Click Next.
- On the next screen, you will see a message with the additional steps you must follow to recover your username. Please read this information carefully.
I forgot my password
Users can reset their MyReynolds password by clicking on the Forgot My Password link on the MyReynolds login page.
- Enter your VCCS username or your email address.
- Click Continue.
- Choose your preferred reset method. Note that the preferred methods that are available to you are based on your email address and mobile phone number information that is currently on file in SIS (Student Information System). If your information is incorrect, please submit a Help Desk ticket to get it updated.
- Click Submit.
- It may take a few minutes for the reset. You should then see a message with instructions that you will need to follow to reset your password.
- Click Close to clear the message from the screen. You should then be directed to go to a page that will force you to change your password.
- Enter your new password.
- Your new password must be between eight (8) and 32 characters long and must contain at least one capital letter (A-Z), one lower case letter (a-z), one number (0-9) and one special character ($, #, etc.).
- Do not use a previously used password.
- Do not use your birthdate or include any spaces.
- Do not use more than two consecutive characters in your username, first name, or last name.
- Verify that you see a message saying that you successfully changed your password. It is recommended to wait up to 10 minutes for your new password to be accepted by all VCCS applications, including Canvas, SIS and Gmail.
- Go back to the MyReynolds login page and login with your username and the new password you created. Make sure that you successfully authenticate to your account with a passcode or that you approve your login request to complete the login process.
Logging out of MyReynolds
To protect access to your accounts be sure to sign out of your MyReynolds account when you have finished using it.
- In your MyReynolds account, click the Account Details option at the top right of the page (the icon symbol looks like a person that is next to your name).
- Click Logout.
- Close the browser window to ensure that your account has been completely signed out.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Reynolds requires multi-factor authentication (MFA) to log in to your MyReynolds account. MFA is an added layer of security that helps keep your account and data safe.
What is MFA? MFA is an additional layer of security that requires you to verify that you are who you say you are. After entering your username and password, you will also need to verify your identity with an authentication code or by 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 on file in your personal information. Once you are inside the portal, click the "MFA Enrollment" tile.
- Choose one of the five options below to complete your setup.
Option 1: Push Notification via App (Recommended)
The Push MFA Authentication method is the most secure option. It requires a smartphone. You will install the RapidIdentity app and approve login requests through the app or push notifications.
Option 2: Password + Text Message (SMS)
Password + SMS is the least secure option and should only be used if you do not have a smartphone. After entering your username and password, a code will be sent to your mobile phone by text message. Before enrolling, make sure your mobile phone number is up to date in SIS. To check, log in to MyReynolds, go to SIS, and click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Option 3: Personal Email
The Alternative Email Method sends a code to a personal email address (not your email.vccs.edu address). Enter the code on the MyReynolds login screen to access your account. Your preferred email 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.
Option 4: Authenticator App (Time-Based One-Time Passcode - TOTP)
The TOTP option works with apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. The app generates a new passcode every 30–60 seconds. During setup, you will scan a QR code on the MyReynolds login page to link your account.
Option 5: FIDO Security Key
A FIDO key is a small physical device that plugs into a USB port on your computer. This option is available if you do not have a smartphone or cell phone, or if no other method works for you. Request a FIDO key by completing this form. 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 difficulties setting up your MFA, contact the Information Center.
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 is available to all currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff each semester. It gives you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office apps.
How to Access Microsoft 365
- Go to office.com.
- Sign in with your VCCS email address and click Next. Faculty and staff may also sign in with their Reynolds email address.
- Enter your VCCS password and click Sign In.
- To use online apps in your browser, select them from the left navigation (for example, Word or Excel).
- To install Microsoft 365 on your Windows or Mac computer, click Install Apps near the top-right corner of the page, then click 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 one of our campus libraries. Access is pre-loaded on all loaner laptops. Complete the laptop loaner request form.
- Visit any Reynolds campus library and use a library computer. Access is pre-loaded on all library computers.
OneDrive Storage
VCCS provides up to one terabyte (TB) of cloud storage through Microsoft OneDrive. Learn the basics of OneDrive (Microsoft Support).
Important : OneDrive account access: You must be a current student to keep access to your OneDrive files. A current student is someone who is either 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 to back up your data.
- After that 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 your deleted files will not.
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 pre-installed on newer Windows computers. Older Windows machines can download it or install security updates to get it.
- Audacity: free audio editor and recorder
- Canvas Student: view and interact with your Canvas courses on a mobile device. Available for Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad).
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 without being on campus first. Pick up your print job at any campus library when you are ready.
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. The fastest way to access it on your phone or tablet is through the free Gmail app. Don't have Gmail? Download it for free from your device's App Store before getting started.
Steps to Add Your Student Email in Gmail
- Open the Gmail app on your mobile device.
- Select your profile icon in the top right corner.
- 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? It's 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), your password, and tap Sign In.
- Once 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 reach you there, so check it regularly. You are required to follow 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 since they may not be compatible with software required for your courses.
Recommended Minimum Specs 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 (laptops only): 6-cell battery
- Security: Firewall enabled with antivirus software
- Software: Microsoft 365, Respondus LockDown Browser, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a file backup app such as Dropbox or Google Drive
- Other: At least 1–2 USB ports
VCCS provides Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive as backup options through your student accounts. However, you will lose access to those accounts if you stop attending a VCCS institution. It is a good idea to also keep a personal backup account — or use an external hard drive with at least 128 GB of free space — so your files stay with you 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. A current student is someone who is either enrolled this semester or was enrolled last semester. Eligibility is restored when you re-enroll.
- Shop student deals at Best Buy
- Shop Dell University pricing
- Shop Apple's education store — you will need an Apple ID to 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 on ethical use of computers and technology on campus. Read the full policy for 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 keeping your accounts and devices secure.