An Introduction to My Alma
Alma College is pleased to announce the launch of the new campus portal, available to all users at:
http://my.alma.edu
The following questions are meant to provide a basic overview and introduction of the portal and its uses. Please feel free to read through the information below and contact the Help Desk at x7303 if you have questions.
General information
What is the Portal?
The Portal is a website providing information and tools that are relevant to members of the Alma College community. It is customized based on your relationship to the college--student, faculty, staff--and can be further personalized by you to meet your individual needs.
Why has Alma College created the Portal?
The Portal exists to be a "One Stop Shop" for Alma's online services. It is meant to provide simple, secure access to our users, whether they are on or off campus.
Why do we need a main Web site AND a Portal? How are they different?
The main website is geared more toward providing outside users with information about the college. The portal is designed to help people who are already part of the Alma community to get news, use applications, and stay connected.
Who can use the Portal?
Anyone can visit the public portal as a guest. The ability to log in, which provides access to further news and services, is currently available to students, faculty, and staff. The portal will provide expanded services to prospective students and alumni in the future.
Logging in
How do I log in?
Just click the "Login using AlmaID" link in the upper right corner of the portal page. You'll be prompted for your username and password, which will give you access to all the portal services.
How do I log into my Web mail account from the Portal?
Once you've logged into the portal, simply click on the "Webmail" tab. You will go straight into your mail without having to log in again.
Do I have to use Web mail or can I still use my existing email program?
If you are already using an external mail program, such as Outlook Express or Entourage, you may continue to use it. However, webmail in the portal gives you a quick, simple way to check your mail from anywhere.
Can I access the Portal and its services from my home computer?
Yes, the portal is accessible via any Internet connection, on campus or off.
Using applications
What applications are available on the Portal?
The portal includes news from on and off campus, the PIG Book directory, off-campus access to library research services, webmail, Moodle, informal campus polls, the campus calendar, and more. Registration for Fall 2006 courses will also take place online through the portal in the next few weeks. Watch for more information and instructions regarding this soon!
Can I post campus announcements on the Portal?
Right now, posting announcements is not open to general users. If you have an event that you'd like to publicize, you can visit the campus calendar and submit information there. Your event will then appear in the "Upcoming Events" list on the portal. And we will definitely be exploring more ways for users to share content and news through the portal in the future.
Setting preferences
What is the Preferences feature on the Portal?
The "preferences" link in the upper right corner allows you to customize the portal to match your needs. For example, you can add your own tab and then add content within it that is most helpful to you. We will be providing more detailed information and instructions for customizing your portal experience in the near future.
Requesting features
Will new services be added to the Portal over time?
Definitely! The portal that you're seeing now is just the start. We will be asking for feedback in the coming weeks to help us prioritize and plan for what will be developed next. There are many options, but some of our main interests include online billing and payments, access to file shares, online grades, and more.
Can I request certain kinds of information or services be added to the Portal?
Yes. You are welcome to email Aaron Kerr (webmaster@alma.edu) at any time with suggestions. We will also be formally asking for feedback and ideas later in the month of March.
Getting help
Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns about the Portal?
If you experience a problem, please contact the Help Desk at 7303. We will do our best to respond quickly.
