Merced Community College
Student Help Desk

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FAQ's (Frequently asked questions)

1 Q. How do I register for classes online? I am a new or returning student. I need help! Follow the directions. Watch the video and learn how to do it.

2 Q. I cannot open documents in Blackboard. I need help!

You need to take three steps in order to solve the problem.

1. Your need Java 5.0_07. (Mission Critical) 

2. You need to have Microsoft Office 2007, or the free Openers of MS office documents, or the converter in case you have MS Office 2003.

3. You need to follow instructions to bypass the MS Bug while using IE and Blackboard.

I have Microsoft Office but I cannot open certain documents. How do I open new MS office documents?

To open Microsoft Office Word 2007 .docx or .docm files with Microsoft Office Word 2003, Word 2002, or Word 2000, you need to install the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats and any necessary Office updates. By using the Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system, you can open, edit some items, and save Office Word 2007 documents in previous versions of Word

3 Q. How do I send an attachment in Blackboard?

Checklist:

NEW: Java not working after Firefox 3.6 update. If you are running Firefox 3.6, you need the latest JAVA version. Get it at http://www.java.com (March 2010)

1. Please make sure the attachment is somewhere saved in your computer. Also make sure the application that created the attachment is closed (some files do not like to be attached if the program that created them is still running).

2. Did you follow the procedure in page 22, or 39, of the Blackboard User Guide in step 1?:  http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/default_blackboard.htm

3. Did you install JAVA JRE 5.0_07 as per instructions in step 2: http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/default_blackboard.htm

4. Did you follow the Run Applications instructions on the top of page 7 of the Blackboard User Guide in step 1?:  http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/default_blackboard.htm

5. If you have taken those steps and it still does not work, there is the possibility you might need the Java Overhaul: http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/java_and_blackboard_full.htm

 

4 Q. I cannot login to the WiFi and I am using my MC4ME Portal
Password as per the instructions.
SOLUTION: You need to change your password in MC4ME Portal
.

  • Why do I need to do that?

    • Because WiFi directory is not aware of the recent changes we made to our Master Directory. (The Directory is the place where usernames and passwords live). Thus, when you change your password, a token forces your authentication scheme to check against the Master Directory.

  • Can't you fix it?

    • We are in the process of doing so. In the Meanwhile, we ask for your collaboration.

5 Q. I am trying to attach a file using Blackboard for my online class. I am using the computers at the Merced College Library and it does not work. I followed your instructions here yet I can't seem to be able to do it. I need help.
 
PROBLEM: The Merced College Library does not support our online Education System called Blackboard. They do not have JAVA, JRE 5.0_07, installed in their systems. Thus, you WILL NOT be able to use the computers at the Merced College Library in order to operate Blackboard with all of its features. The Library informed us, since 2007, that their systems are intended for research solely.

SOLUTION:  Go to the computer lab located in the Communications Building.

6 Q. I am having difficulties installing Respondus. Can you help? Click here

7 Q. What should I do? I am trying to log in to the Blackboard for my online class and it tells me session is already running. Thus, it won't let me go to my class.

Restart your Browser. If it still fails, restart your computer.

Note: The problem appears when you log in to blackboard in two windows or tabs in your browser.

8 Q. How do I watch the videos for my online classes? You need to download/install the free Quicktime Player from Apple (r) http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ (When it asks you, tell it to become the default player for all media: music, videos, etc.), and Circumvent the BUG (http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/blackboardDOCbug.htm)

9 Q. How do I open a Power Point Presentation in Blackboard when using IE?

Install Power Point Viewer: 

http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/open_MS_Office_Documents.htm

 

Circumvent the Bug by following instructions: 

http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/blackboardDOCbug.htm

 

10 Q. How do I configure my iPhone, cell phone, or other email client, such as a PC, to retrieve emails from my college email account?

 

 

WANT MORE TECHNICAL INFO

 


 

FAQ's (Other Frequently asked questions)

 

Q. What is the Oriebntation and Assessment schedule for Merced and Los Banos Campus?

Los Banos: http://www.mccd.edu/off_campus/los_banos/orientation.html

Merced: http://www.mccd.edu/ar/assessment.html

Q. What are the Bookstore dates and hours for Fall semester. For instance, when will they buy used my book?

Q. Will I be awarded Financial Aid? Attention Financial Aid awards recipients. We’ve just sent you an email notifying you of your award. Please go to MC4ME Portal
to check it. Find out how to access MC4ME Portal
.

Q. Probation Classes - schedule for Fall: Fall 2010 probation workshops.pdf

Q. I need to buy my books, where can I see the list?
Go to the bookstore: http://www.mercedcollegebookstore.com/

Q. How can I check for available seats at a course?
Is the course closed?

Click here: http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/search_for_sections.htm

Q. How do I register for courses Online? See instructions

Q. How can I open my Flashdrive after the new security restrictions that block me from doing so?

Double click on My Computer. Right click on the Flashdrive

 

On the submenu, click on Explore.

We thank student Chris Cox for providing the student community with a solution :)

Q. When? All the important dates are in these two links:

http://www.mccd.edu/ar/reg_dates.html

http://www.mccd.edu/ar/reg_schedule.html

Q. Are grades posted? Get your grades

Q. How do I find Grants? (Student loans I do not have to pay back)

Go to http://studentaid.ed.gov/ and click on Financial Aid and Scholarship Wizard, on the next page click on Search for Scholarships, and finally, on the next page type the career your are aiming for.

Q. How do I chat on Blackboard, for my online course? It easy, follow directions.

Q. How do I search for course availability? (I am a new student and I can't log in yet) It's easy

Q. Where is the Probation Workshop Schedule? It's here

Q. How do I chat on Blackboard, for my online course? It easy, follow directions.

Q. How do I connect my iPhone, Blackberry, Cell phone to my College email address? Here are the settings

Q. I am getting a message that says my account was locked due to too many incorrect attempts when trying to input my password.

A. You account only locks up for 15 minutes. Please, try again, reset and invent a new password.

Q. How do I compress pictures to put on my Website, or email. By Mike Smith (text) and Eduardo Alvear (video)

Q. How do I buy MS Office 2007 for $79.95?

http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

Q. How do I recover my order from Digital River.

http://www.findmyorder.com/

Q. How do I make a video, publish it in Youtube and then add close captioning text.

Make a Movie Seminar and Close Captions

 

Q. How do I open a Power Point Presentation link? In some cases you can just click on the link and install Microsoft Plug ins and the Active X controls (watch Video)

Excerpt: Instructions to watch the Power Point Presentation using Internet Explorer: Click on “Plagiarism” and Internet Explorer is going to prompt you to run a “Microsoft Office Runtime” from “Microsoft Corporation.” It is on the Information Bar. Go ahead and click on that and run the Add-On. As soon as you run the Add On, you will see another add on. That does exactly the same thing. Go ahead and click on it, it is the Active X Control now. So it is two things you need to click and you will be able to watch the power Point Presentation.

 

 

How To Get A User Name & Password for MC4ME Portal
(text only instructions)

How To Get A User Name & Password for MC4ME Portal
(step by step with images)

 

The Virtual Buildings at Merced College
My MCCD Portal MC4ME Portal
Blackboard
Image of Library Building Image of Lesher Building Image of Blackboard Building
http://mc4me.mccd.edu /

How to access?

http://mc4me.mccd.edu

/

How to access?

https://mccd.blackboard.com/

How to access?

 

 

MOST COMMON QUESTIONS

OCS Portal

Remember: Only currently enrolled students have access to this resource

 

MC4ME Portal

 

WebCT / BlackBoard CE 6

 

Miscellaneous

 

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS (Continuation)

 

 

  • Will the College send me my Grades via regular mail?

No, the College will not send you your grades via regular mail. The college will send you your grades to your college email account

 

  • When are Grades posted on MC4ME Portal
    ?

The totality of Grades will be posted 3 weeks after Final Exams. Nevertheless, some instructors start posting their grades directly on MC4ME Portal
the week after Final Exams. Do not be surprised if your grades are posted before the scheduled time.

Example: If Final Exams started the second week of December, all grades will be posted the second week of January. For Spring semester grades will be posted the second week of June.

 

  • What is the deadline to drop classes?

You can find that information on this page: http://www.mccd.edu/academics/resources/schedule.html

Go to the Registration and General Information link

 

  • I need an official transcript. How do I get one?

Click here to find how to get one.
http://www.mccd.edu/ar/transcript_info.html

 


 

  •  How do I find Grants? (Student loans I do not have to pay back)

Go to http://studentaid.ed.gov/ and click on Financial Aid and Scholarship Wizard, on the next page click on Search for Scholarships, and finally, on the next page type the career your are aiming for.

 

 

  • How can I check for available seats at a course?

Find out if there is a seat available for you.

 

  • What do the error codes on the OCS Portal mean?

I got a message stating that I do not have permission to perform this operation. Error (_WWC-44131_)
What does that mean?
The answer is here: https://my.mccd.edu/portalHelp/html/errus.htm

Please contact us to solve the problem. 209 381 6565, myhelp@mccd.edu

 

  • When is the Writing Center open?

WRITING CENTER:
http://www.mccd.edu/academics/resources/writing_help.html
STUDY CENTRAL:
http://www.mccd.edu/academics/resources/study_central.html

 

  • What do I do if I loose my money on a coke machine?

Just a reminder. If a student or staff member loses their money in a coke machine. Refunds are provided at the Student Activities Office located in the Student Union during normal business hours.

Marvin Smith Director, Business Services, Merced CCD, 3600 M Street Merced CA 95348-2898

 

  • Computer Security: Best Practices for Home Computing

Click here to see the presentation in Adobe® PDF format
Click here to see the presentation in Microsoft® Power Point format

 

 

  • When are the orientations? What is the orientation desk phone number, so I schedule an appointment?

http://www.mccd.edu/ar/orientation.html

(209) 384-6000

 

No. Some browsers will not work. Internet Explorer will work for sure. For instance, Safari will not work. You need to download Opera or Firefox if you have a MAC.

Download Firefox

Download Firefox (installation instructions are provided at the site)

What is a web browser?

 

  • What are the PC requirements to take an online course?
    Please go to
    Registration & General Information - Spring 2008 in the schedule page located at http://www.mccd.edu/academics/resources/schedule.html . On page six, under the section called Online and Hybrid Instruction, you will find the requirements.

 

 

 

  • The new science building map?

 

Accept Cookies Allow Pop-ups Available seats? Cancelled Classes Check Schedule Drop Courses Forms Get My Grades Get My Transcript I have a MAC Labs Map LIVE Email Live Email directly Open MSOffice docs Open MSOffice w/Mac Recording MP3 audio Register for Courses Respondus Respondus - Install Respondus & Firewalls Respondus Update Save as RTF? Search for Sections SEXUAL HARASSMENT Sign Up Spanish Keyboard WebAdvisor Errors WebAdvisor Issues Waitlisting

NAVIGATION

Accept Cookies Allow Pop-ups Available seats? Cancelled Classes Check Schedule Drop Courses Forms Get My Grades Get My Transcript I have a MAC Labs Map LIVE Email Live Email directly Open MSOffice docs Open MSOffice w/Mac Recording MP3 audio Register for Courses Respondus Respondus - Install Respondus & Firewalls Respondus Update Save as RTF? Search for Sections SEXUAL HARASSMENT Sign Up Spanish Keyboard WebAdvisor Errors WebAdvisor Issues Waitlisting

About Us Access Blackboard Access MC4ME Portal Access My Portal Buy Software FAQ's News Online Campus Tour Waitlisting Wireless

 
 

STUDENT HELP DESK, Merced Community College, 3600 M Street, Merced CA 95348
(209) 381-6565 •
http://www.mccd.edu/myhelp/myhelp@mccd.edu • located at Lesher 101A (110)
Web Site Created by Eduardo Alvear, Desktop Support Technician