New Student FAQ
Congratulations on becoming a member of the Skidmore community. This page will serve as a guide for everything I.T. related at Skidmore. If you find yourself needing more help then what is listed on this page we have a special category of helpful articles you can browse here.
Creating your official Skidmore account:
It is imperative that you create your official Skidmore account and check your Skidmore email. Your Skidmore email is the primary way Skidmore, faculty, staff, and student leaders will be in contact with you. These emails will be sent to your Skidmore email address.
Once you receive notification from admissions you can create your account here. A step by step guide is available here.
Please note: If anything Interrupts the account creation process, or if you get a time-out error, or if you start making the account and then close out of the browser, you will want to contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@skidmore.edu or at 518-580-5900 to finish setting up your account.
What is Okta?
Skidmore uses a single location for all of it's Web-based applications. It is called
Okta. By going to Skidmore.okta.com you are able to access things like your email, theSpring, and much more. A brief
overview of the various applications available through Okta can be found here. If the school year has not started be sure to check the FYE checklist to see when access to each application will become available.
FAQ's:
What technology will I need to bring with me?
Skidmore has a large quantity of public desktop computers for students to use. Two primary locations for these are the Library, hours of operation listed here, and Case Center, open 24/hours. Software available on these computers is listed here.
If you are going to purchase a new computer, we advise against chromebooks as their compatibility with our systems is poor.
Additional items you may want to bring, as well as some items you will want to avoid, can be found here.
How do I update my Chosen Name?
The College enables students, faculty, staff and alumni to have a chosen name, which may be the same as, or different from, their legal name, for use within College information systems and communications across campus. An individual’s chosen name will be used in systems and communications maintained by the College’s Information Technology Office except where the use of a legal name is required. A current list of systems where chosen name may be displayed; where legal name must be displayed; and where a community member may choose to use their legal or chosen name may be found by logging in at skidmore.okta.com and selecting the Chosen Identity Okta Tile.
More information about Skidmore's policies about chosen identity can be found here.
Additonal Help:
The Skidmore IT Help Desk offers limited support for students. It is located on the first floor of Scribner Library and is open during normal library hours. If you are unable to come to the desk in person they can be contacted at 518-580-5900 or by submittting a help ticket.
Phone hours of operation are Monday-Friday between 8:30AM-6:00PM ET.