Welcome to Mines IT -- Getting Started

This page will guide you through setting up your technology so you’re ready to thrive at Mines—from accessing key campus systems to getting online and staying secure. This page will cover how to (each bullet point will link to a section below):

• Set up MFA with Okta Verify
• Access email, Canvas, Trailhead, and other campus resources
• Connect to the internet
• Connect via VPN
• Cybersecurity Tips
• Work for IT
• Other Resources

IT has a lot of support options to help you troubleshoot issues while at Mines:

• Search the knowledge base for step-by-step guides and answers to common questions.
• Chat with BlasterBot to quickly resolve minor IT issues. Look for the Blaster icon in the bottom right corner of the helpcenter.mines.edu page to get started.
• Submit a ticket at helpcenter.mines.edu
• Call the IT Service Desk at 303-278-HELP (4357).
• Visit us in person at the Center for Technology and Learning Media (CTLM) 156A (next to the Computer Commons) for hands-on help. For current hours visit the helpcenter.mines.edu

You must set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to access key Mines applications like Canvas and Trailhead. Mines uses Okta Verify for MFA setup and authentication.

You should’ve received instructions on setting up your Mines email and MFA setup to your personal email before the semester begins. If you didn’t complete setup shortly after receiving that initial email, contact the IT Service Desk.

Log into my.mines.edu with your Mines email and password to access your email, Office365, and other key campus systems including, but not limited to:

• Canvas – The platform for your courses, whether in person or online. Use Canvas to view materials, submit assignments, check grades, and communicate with instructors and classmates.
• Trailhead – Your student portal for handling registration, class schedules, grades, financial aid, and other academic and administrative tasks. Learn more about using Trailhead.
• BlasterPrint – The campus-wide printing service. Students receive an $8 credit each semester. Submit your files online and release them at printers located across campus. Learn more about using BlasterPrint.

Mines is in the middle of a campus-wide Network Modernization Project, which means you’ll see multiple Wi-Fi networks available across campus. Use the guide below to figure out which network to use and when – it depends on your building and device.

• Mines – Use in most residence halls (except the older Mines Park buildings) and in campus buildings that have been upgraded. Connect your devices to the Mines network (not sure if your building has been upgraded? Check out the Network Modernization Project schedule).
• Mines-Legacy – Use in campus buildings that haven’t been upgraded yet. Connect your devices to the Mines-Legacy network.
• Eduroam – Use this network at Mines and at other participating institutions and organizations while traveling–this network is great for study abroad, research travel, or visitors from other schools. Connect your devices to the eduroam network.
• Mines-Guest – Short-term visitors can connect to this network using this guide.
• Mines-Personal – Use in residence halls (except the older Mines Park buildings) for gaming and streaming devices to connect smart TVs, gaming consoles, and media devices to the Mines-Personal network.

All wired Ethernet wall ports within the residential halls should be active. If your Ethernet wall port is not working, please contact the IT Service Desk.

VPN may be required to access some on-campus resources. Mines uses GlobalProtect for secure, remote access.

Please note that if you’re using a personal computer or device (not managed by IT), it must meet three basic security requirements before it can connect:

• Anti-Malware must be installed and enabled
• Automatic Updates must be turned on
• Firewall must be installed and enabled

When you sign into GlobalProtect, a popup will appear summarizing these requirements and indicating which ones (if any) you need to address. Learn about these security requirements and how to connect to VPN.

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility–protecting your data helps protect the Mines community. Here are a few quick tips to get started:

• Report suspicious emails using the Phishing Alert button in Outlook mail. This notifies the IT staff to investigate and remove phishing attacks from inboxes across campus.
• Never share your passwords
• Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments
• Run antivirus software consistently
• Turn on automatic software updates in order to keep your base operating system updated
• Read about cybersecurity and get more tips

We hire students to help staff the IT Service Desk–ideal candidates have strong customer service skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. You’ll gain valuable IT skills while supporting the Mines community!

Apply through Workday or stop by CTLM 156A to learn more.

What computer or other technology should I bring to Mines?

Not sure what kind of computer or tech gear you’ll need? Check out our recommended PC configurations page for guidance on what works best for Mines coursework and campus systems.

Campus Computer Labs and Loaner Laptops

Need access to a computer on campus? Computer labs are available in the Arthur Lakes Library and the CTLM Computer Commons, offering access to academic software and printing.

Additionally, loaner laptops are available for checkout at the Arthur Lakes Library and Brown Building—perfect solutions if you’re waiting on a device or need a temporary solution.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

At Mines the Research Computing (RC) team supports researchers in the areas of Material Science, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Molecular Modeling, Nuclear Physics, Geophysics, Astrophysics, Earth Science, Applied Math & Statistics, and many more.

IT’s RC team maintains various HPC (supercomputer) platforms, provides consulting services to enable more effective research, and hosts workshops covering HPC topics throughout the school year.

Whether you’re just starting out or deep into a research project, they’re here to help you get the most out of Mines’ computing resources. See rc.mines.edu/ for more details.

Software

As a Mines student, you have access to specialized academic software on more than 1,500 public lab computers across campus. Select software such as Microsoft programs, MatLab, Mathematica, ArcGIS, Minitab, LabVIEW and more may also be available for download and personal use. For more details, visit our Knowledge Base.