Setup Accounts and Passwords

As a student at USCA, you will encounter many different computers, systems, software packages and websites; each of these may have their own username and password. Keeping up with the correct account information for each can be very confusing.

To make things as easy as possible, USCA has worked hard to ensure that all resources provided directly from the USCA campus use your standard USCA Network (PacerNet) Username and Password.  These include: all campus computers, eMail,  VPN access, shared folders and network resources. For a complete list of please see the Account Association page.

Setup USCA Pacer (Email) Instructions

This will be your password for Pacer Student Email, Computer Login and Wi-Fi. This account is in no way associated with your VIP ID / Blackboard / SSC account.

 STEP 1: Access Your Account

1. Go to https://portal.office.com
2. Log in using the following credentials:
   Email: username@usca.edu
   Password: Last 5 digits of your ID + "USCA#" – spell out USCA in all caps
   Example: If your VIP ID number is 00123456, then your default password is "23456USCA#"

 STEP 2: Set Up Microsoft Authentication

1. Go to Portal.Office.com
2. Log in with your @usca.edu
3. Use your current password
4. When prompted with "Additional Information Required", click Next.
5. Download Microsoft Authentication Application
6. Click Next
7. Open MFA App– Click Add – QR Code
8. Scan the QR Code on the screen and follow the prompts to save

 STEP 3: Change Your Password

1. Go to https://portal.office.com and log in.
2. CoPilot will be the first screen you see
3. On Bottom Left of screen - Click on User Name - Click on "View Account" and then "Change Password".
   (Note: Password can be changed at any time prior to the 6-month expiration, but MUST be changed from the default on first login)
4. Password Requirements
         Can not include any part of your username, Must include at least 8 characters and include Uppercase, Lowercase, Numbers, and Special Characters and can not be a password you used in the last year.

Setup USC Network (VIP ID / Blackboard / SSC) Instructions

A few other systems which most students use, are actually located on the main USC campus in Columbia.  These do not use your PacerNet account information.  Access for VIP and Blackboard, the two main USC systems, are explained in their relevant links on the menu to the left.

STEP 1: Claim Account

1. Go to http://MyAccount.SC.Edu and click on Account Claiming.
2. Enter your information then click Submit
3. Verify Email Preferences
4. Get code from Email Verification
5. Confirm your University Email
6. Set up your Security Questions and Password.
7. Once you have that set up you will need to set up DUO Mobil.

STEP 2: DUO Mobile Multifactor Authentication

1. Go to http://MyAccount.SC.Edu and select Update Account Settings. Log in using your Network Username and password, answer your security question, and then select the Multifactor tab.
2. Generate a new code – copy
3. Click on Device Management
4. Paste Bypass code
5. Enter your mobile phone number, select mobile, choose your platform, then press submit.
6. Select Activate beside your mobile phone number. A QR code will be displayed. (You will scan this code in a later step.)
7. Install the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone.
8. Open the Duo Mobile app on your smartphone.
9. On the App, press + at the top of the screen to create new account.
10. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer. This will complete setup.