Student Information

• Change Known Password
• Reset Forgotten Password
• Portal Login Instructions

Username (if enrolled before Fall 2018): First initial + full last name + last four digits of FMU Student ID number

Example username: mjohnston5643

Username (if enrolled after Fall 2018): Full first name + “.” + full last name

Example username: Michael.Johnston

Instructions for MFA

FMU Gmail

Username: the username used in Password Manager + @g.fmarion.edu

Example: mjohnston5643@g.fmarion.edu or Michael.Johnston@g.fmarion.edu

Password: the password created in Password Manager

Windows Devices

Apple Devices-MacBooks, iPhones, iPads

Android Devices – Aruba Quick Connect

Chromebooks & Andriod Devices

Blackboard uses the same username & password as your other accounts.

Library Resources

Username: the username used in Password Manager

Password: the password created in Password Manager

Print from your personal device to any of the Francis Marion University Print Labs!

Click here for Mobility Print Instructions

Connecting Your TV in Residential Locations

• You will need a QAM-Tuner Box. This box can be purchased from Amazon but you can also check at Walmart or Best Buy.
• If your TV is less than 2 – 3 years old this may not apply to you. If you are unsure test your TV on campus first before purchasing the box.

Connecting the QAM-Tuner Box

• Verify if the cables listed below are included with the QAM-Tuner Box.
• A coax cable connection is provided in the room.
• A coax cable is needed to connect the box to the wall.
• A HDMI cable or composite cable (RCA) depending upon the age of the TV is needed to connect the box to your TV.

Patriot Portal

Username: the username used in Password Manager

Password: the password created in Password Manager

SwampFox Alerts Webpage

Francis Marion University complies with the SACS Commission on Colleges’ distance education policies. These policies include procedures to protect student privacy and to ensure student authentication. Each student in a distance education course is assigned a login and password and must use this login and password to access and participate in the distance education course. For security reasons, this specific course and student information is not available to any outside users.

All Francis Marion students, including those enrolled in online, hybrid, or other distance education classes, are informed of the FMU honor code, standards of academic conduct, and standards of student behavior. Students enrolled in online, hybrid, or distance education courses must adhere to policies on electronic security that prohibit sharing of passwords and require students and faculty to prevent non-authorized persons from gaining access to their university computer accounts.

Faculty engaged in distance education actively seek to ensure the integrity and security of distance education instruction. The university encourages additional means of authentication and student privacy in education courses as new options become available.

No additional costs are associated with the authentication of student identity at Francis Marion University.

Who do I call for Blackboard support?

• You may call the Campus Technology Help Desk at 843-661-1111 or email helpdesk@fmarion.edu for support.

What credentials do I use to sign in to Blackboard?

• Blackboard uses the same username & password as your other accounts.

What Web Browser should I use with Blackboard?

• Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are suggested.
  In all cases it is recommended to install, and keep current, multiple browsers on your computer. In the unlikely event something doesn’t work as expected with one browser you can quickly retry with a different one.

I have never taken an online course before. Where can I go for instructions?

• https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student

I was taking a test online when I lost my internet connection during a test. What do I do?

• If unable to restart the test, contact your instructor and explain what happened, and request a reset.

Why did I get kicked out of my exam?

• The number one reason is not using a wired connection.  The best advice is for any Blackboard activity that is graded, be sure to plug in and use a wired network connection. Other common reasons for a test to terminate unexpectedly are:
  • Refreshing the page
  • Closing the browser window
  • Using the browsers “Back” button

  Instead of using those browsers controls, use the control buttons on the Blackboard form to navigate.

How do I use the Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor?

• Student Quick Start Guide
• Introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser video

Connecting to the Wireless Network

To connect to ResNet, your computer must have:

• An operational Ethernet Port (integrated or an installed Ethernet adapter)
• An updated operating system installed which supports TCP/IP and DHCP services. Operating system developers (Microsoft, Macintosh) provide free, critical updates/software patches to improve the functionality and address security concerns associated with their products. These updates are critical, as they protect individual computers and their related networks from the various viruses, worms, and security issues that are currently associated with use of the World Wide Web. They are free of charge and require users to access their web pages and install the relevant updates. These updates must be obtained on a regular basis and, if possible, should be acquired prior to arriving on campus.
• Up-to-date antivirus software installed to protect your computer and our network from internet worms and viruses. AVG is a free anti-virus software, which may be downloaded and installed. Students who wish to purchase their antivirus product must keep the virus signature file subscription and the files themselves up-to-date. Antivirus developers release these signature files on a weekly basis, allowing their software to recognize and take appropriate action against all newly discovered and previously known viruses and worms. You must download these files on a regular basis to obtain and retain access while on campus. After your initial purchase of a product, you generally have a valid subscription for a year after which you will need to purchase another subscription to keep your computer safe from attack.
• A Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet Cable for you to connect your computer to the data jack in your room
• A computer with technical specifications that meet a minimum set of system requirements.

• • Windows 10 or better
  • i5 Processor
  • 16 GB preferred, 8GB minimum
  • Storage at least 500GB SSD (Solid State Drive)

  *CHROMEBOOKS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED

• Wireless Router
• Wireless Printer
• Gaming System
• Smart TV
• Apple TV/ Chromecast/ Roku/ Fire Stick

Microsoft Windows Updates

Macintosh OS X Updates

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1)  We recommend a program, like AVG, to prevent junk-ware from entering your PC. This program can be downloaded for free using the link under “Self Help.”

2)  Use discretion when installing downloaded programs. Unused or useless programs waste space and resources. Keeping these to a minimum reduces the risk of getting a virus or spy-ware, and greatly affects the computer operating speed.

3)  Retain all CD’s and software for your PC and make frequent back-up files in the event that the system has to be reinstalled.

4)  It is recommended to have all computer equipment connected through a surge protector in the event of a power outage.

5)  A firewall is recommended to prevent intruders from accessing your PC. Windows has an integrated firewall available from the network control panel. To enable the Windows integrated firewall click:

For Windows 7: Start menu>>Settings>>Control Panel>>Windows Firewall

                   For Windows 10: Search for Windows Firewall

6)  It is recommended to perform internet clean-up activities every few weeks. To perform internet clean-up:

For Windows 7: Start menu>>Settings>>Control Panel>>Internet Options>>select General tab>>Delete Cookies/Delete Files

                   For Windows 10: Search >>Internet Options>>select General tab>>Delete Cookies/Delete Files

**NOTE: This will delete ALL passwords i.e. yahoo, hotmail, etc. and website settings on your PC. You may want to skip this step if you don’t remember your passwords.**

Self Help