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WebCT Help Resources

General:

  • Trouble Logging into WebCT? Look at the Login Help

    Login Basics

    • How do I login to WebCT?

      Use your MAC ID to log into WebCT, unless otherwise specified*.

      *Guest Users and Instructors with one-year contract positions may be issued non-MAC ID WebCT User IDs.

    • What is my MAC ID?

      STUDENTS

      Your MAC ID account provides authenticated access to many services on campus including WebCT, Email, MacConnect, MUGSI, etc.

      You must get your MAC ID account in order to log into WebCT. More information on the services you can access using your MAC ID can be found at: http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/macid/studentservices.htm

      You must register for your MAC ID at the beginning of every academic year.

      FACULTY and STAFF

      Your MAC ID account provides authenticated access to many services on campus including WebCT, MacConnect,etc. Your email account is a completely separate account.

      You must get your MAC ID account in order to log into WebCT. Please contact your departmental office or complete the Email/MAC ID Account Request form and submit it to University Technology Services (UTS) in Building T13 Room 127.
    • How do I get my MAC ID?

      UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:

      (Excerpt from: http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/mugsi_reg.htm)

      To get a MAC ID, Go to the MUGSI page.

      • Click on ‘Activate Your MAC ID’
      • Follow all the prompts to complete the registration.
      • Choose a strong password: it has to be at least 8 characters long, and has to include at least one character from two of the four groups below:
        • Uppercase letters: A, B, C, ...Z
        • Lowercase letters: a,b,c, ..z
        • Numerals: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
        • Symbols on the keyboard that aren't letters or numerals: ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )_ + - = { } | [ ] \ : " ; ' < > ? , . /

      FACULTY AND STAFF:
    • How do I change my MAC ID password?

      Mac ID passwords are centrally administered by University Technology Services (UTS). See http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/macid/ for more information on MAC ID's

      UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:

      Go to http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/pw_change.htm and follow the instructions to change your password or to enable the self-service MAC ID feature.

      FACULTY AND STAFF:

      To change your MAC ID password:

      1. Open your web browser.
      2. Enter the URL https://adweb.cis.mcmaster.ca/cis/macidpwchange.
      3. Follow the prompts. and Using the self service MAC ID password reset feature
      You may fax a copy of your ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Main Office (our fax # is 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your employee id number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the Technology Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.
    • What do cookies have to do with anything?

      You cannot log into WebCT unless you have your browser cookies enabled. If you don't know how to enable your browser cookies, you will have to go through the Browser Tune-up Steps.

      The Browser Tune-up provides step-by-step instructions to make sure your browser settings are optimized for the best possible WebCT experience. In other words, you need to make sure that your browser can talk to WebCT. 90% of user problems are resolved after checking the Browser Tune-up site.

      How?

      1. Open to the WebCT's Browser Tune up site (this site will open in a new window).
      2. Click on the appropriate links for your computer operating system and Internet browser you use.
      3. The version of WebCT used at McMaster is: CE 4.1
      4. Make sure to go through all your browser settings such as: Javascript, Cache, Pop-up blockers, etc.

      If you still have problems with WebCT after you go through the browser tune-up:
    • What is Browser Tune-up?

      • The Browser Tune-up provides step-by-step instructions to make sure your browser settings are optimized for the best possible WebCT experience. In other words, you need to make sure that your browser can talk to WebCT. 90% of user problems are resolved after checking the Browser Tune-up site.

      How?

      1. Open to the WebCT's Browser Tune up site (this site will open in a new window).
      2. Click on the appropriate links for your computer operating system and Internet browser you use.
      3. The version of WebCT used at McMaster is: CE 4.1
      4. Make sure to go through all your browser settings such as: Javascript, Cache, Pop-up blockers, etc.

      If you still have problems with WebCT after you go through the browser tune-up:

    Login and Password Troubles

    • What is my WebCT password?
      • Your WebCT password is the same password as your MAC ID password, unless otherwise specified*. (See What is my MAC ID? in 'Login Basics' of this page.)

      *Guest Users and Instructors with one-year contract positions may be issued non-MAC ID WebCT User IDs.
    • I forgot my MAC ID username and/or password.
      • Mac ID passwords are centrally administerd by University Technology Services.

      UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:
      1. Open your web browser.
      2. Enter the URL https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca.
      3. Click on "Forgot your MAC ID or Password?" which is available under Student Applications
      4. Follow the prompts

      If you are unable to change or reset your own password, come to Technology Services, T13, Room 127 (Building T13 on your campus map). Remember to bring your student ID card with you. Password resets take effect immediately.

      Students who are away from the campus on co-op terms or internships, may fax a copy of your student ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Service Desk (uts@mcmaster.ca, or by fax to 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your student number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the Technology Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.


      FACULTY AND STAFF:

      MAC ID password: send an email from your McMaster email account to the UTS Service Desk (uts@mcmaster.ca) requesting a password reset.

      You may fax a copy of your ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Main Office (our fax # is 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your employee id number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the UTS Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.

    • I am using my Mac ID, but I still can't login!!!
      1. You need to make sure your browser can talk to WebCT.
        • Run the WebCT Browser Tune-Up

          The Browser Tune-up provides step-by-step instructions to make sure your browser settings are optimized for the best possible WebCT experience. In other words, you need to make sure that your browser can talk to WebCT. 90% of user problems are resolved after checking the Browser Tune-up site.

          How?

          1. Open to the WebCT's Browser Tune up site (this site will open in a new window).
          2. Click on the appropriate links for your computer operating system and Internet browser you use.
          3. The version of WebCT used at McMaster is: CE 4.1
          4. Make sure to go through all your browser settings such as: Javascript, Cache, Pop-up blockers, etc.

          If you still have problems with WebCT after you go through the browser tune-up:
        • Restart your computer and try logging in again
      2. Ensure that you're typing your User ID and password correctly. For instance if your username was 'smithjd' and you typed 'Smithjd' in the log in box you would not be able to login and you would return to a login error screen.
      3. If that doesn't help, verify your MacID user name and password
      • I did verify my MAC ID: It said Result is FAILURE
        • You will have to request a MAC ID password reset Mac ID passwords are centrally administerd by University Technology Services.

          UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:
          1. Open your web browser.
          2. Enter the URL https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca.
          3. Click on "Forgot your MAC ID or Password?" which is available under Student Applications
          4. Follow the prompts

          If you are unable to change or reset your own password, come to Technology Services, T13, Room 127 (Building T13 on your campus map). Remember to bring your student ID card with you. Password resets take effect immediately.

          Students who are away from the campus on co-op terms or internships, may fax a copy of your student ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Service Desk (uts@mcmaster.ca, or by fax to 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your student number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the Technology Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.


          FACULTY AND STAFF:

          MAC ID password: send an email from your McMaster email account to the UTS Service Desk (uts@mcmaster.ca) requesting a password reset.

          You may fax a copy of your ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Main Office (our fax # is 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your employee id number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the UTS Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.
    • My password from last year doesn't work - help!
      • Have you re-registered for computing services this year? This is essential, as your MAC ID will expire on October 15 if they are not renewed.

      You will receive a new password when you register for a MAC ID.

      Get your MAC ID

      UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:

      (Excerpt from: http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/mugsi_reg.htm)

      To get a MAC ID, Go to the MUGSI page.

      • Click on ‘Activate Your MAC ID’
      • Follow all the prompts to complete the registration.
      • Choose a strong password: it has to be at least 8 characters long, and has to include at least one character from two of the four groups below:
        • Uppercase letters: A, B, C, ...Z
        • Lowercase letters: a,b,c, ..z
        • Numerals: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
        • Symbols on the keyboard that aren't letters or numerals: ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )_ + - = { } | [ ] \ : " ; ' < > ? , . /

      FACULTY AND STAFF:
    • I can't remember my password from last year.
      • You must re-register for computing services every year. This is essential, as your MAC ID will expire on October 15 if they are not renewed.

      You will receive a new password when you register for a MAC ID.

      Get your MAC ID

      UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:

      (Excerpt from: http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/mugsi_reg.htm)

      To get a MAC ID, Go to the MUGSI page.

      • Click on ‘Activate Your MAC ID’
      • Follow all the prompts to complete the registration.
      • Choose a strong password: it has to be at least 8 characters long, and has to include at least one character from two of the four groups below:
        • Uppercase letters: A, B, C, ...Z
        • Lowercase letters: a,b,c, ..z
        • Numerals: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
        • Symbols on the keyboard that aren't letters or numerals: ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )_ + - = { } | [ ] \ : " ; ' < > ? , . /

      FACULTY AND STAFF:

    • I was able to log in last week (or month), but now I can't log in any more.
      • Returning students (level 2 and higher):
      Have you re-registered for computing services this year? This is essential, as your MAC ID will expire on October 15 if they are not renewed.

      You will receive a new password when you register for a MAC ID.

      Get your MAC ID

      UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:

      (Excerpt from: http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/mugsi_reg.htm)

      To get a MAC ID, Go to the MUGSI page.

      • Click on ‘Activate Your MAC ID’
      • Follow all the prompts to complete the registration.
      • Choose a strong password: it has to be at least 8 characters long, and has to include at least one character from two of the four groups below:
        • Uppercase letters: A, B, C, ...Z
        • Lowercase letters: a,b,c, ..z
        • Numerals: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
        • Symbols on the keyboard that aren't letters or numerals: ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )_ + - = { } | [ ] \ : " ; ' < > ? , . /

      FACULTY AND STAFF:
      Otherwise:
      You will have to get your MAC ID password reset:

      Mac ID passwords are centrally administerd by University Technology Services.

      UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:
      1. Open your web browser.
      2. Enter the URL https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca.
      3. Click on "Forgot your MAC ID or Password?" which is available under Student Applications
      4. Follow the prompts

      If you are unable to change or reset your own password, come to Technology Services, T13, Room 127 (Building T13 on your campus map). Remember to bring your student ID card with you. Password resets take effect immediately.

      Students who are away from the campus on co-op terms or internships, may fax a copy of your student ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Service Desk (uts@mcmaster.ca, or by fax to 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your student number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the Technology Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.


      FACULTY AND STAFF:

      MAC ID password: send an email from your McMaster email account to the UTS Service Desk (uts@mcmaster.ca) requesting a password reset.

      You may fax a copy of your ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Main Office (our fax # is 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your employee id number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the UTS Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.
    • I was just logged in 10 minutes ago, but now I can't get in.
      • If you didn't just change your password:
      1. Wait 20 minutes. Your account may be locked out due to repeated unsuccessful attempts
      2. You need to make sure your browser can talk to WebCT.
        • Run the WebCT Browser Tune-Up

          The Browser Tune-up provides step-by-step instructions to make sure your browser settings are optimized for the best possible WebCT experience. In other words, you need to make sure that your browser can talk to WebCT. 90% of user problems are resolved after checking the Browser Tune-up site.

          How?

          1. Open to the WebCT's Browser Tune up site (this site will open in a new window).
          2. Click on the appropriate links for your computer operating system and Internet browser you use.
          3. The version of WebCT used at McMaster is: CE 4.1
          4. Make sure to go through all your browser settings such as: Javascript, Cache, Pop-up blockers, etc.

          If you still have problems with WebCT after you go through the browser tune-up:
        • Restart your computer and try logging in again

      3. You may need to clear your cache and browser cookies:
      Otherwise:
      You will have to get your MAC ID password reset:
      Mac ID passwords are centrally administerd by University Technology Services.

      UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE STUDENTS:
      1. Open your web browser.
      2. Enter the URL https://mugsi.mcmaster.ca.
      3. Click on "Forgot your MAC ID or Password?" which is available under Student Applications
      4. Follow the prompts

      If you are unable to change or reset your own password, come to Technology Services, T13, Room 127 (Building T13 on your campus map). Remember to bring your student ID card with you. Password resets take effect immediately.

      Students who are away from the campus on co-op terms or internships, may fax a copy of your student ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Service Desk (uts@mcmaster.ca, or by fax to 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your student number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the Technology Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.


      FACULTY AND STAFF:

      MAC ID password: send an email from your McMaster email account to the UTS Service Desk (uts@mcmaster.ca) requesting a password reset.

      You may fax a copy of your ID card (both sides!) to the UTS Main Office (our fax # is 905-528-3773). In this case, your password will be reset to the lower case first letter of your surname followed by your employee id number. The reset will be done as soon as possible upon receipt of the fax, within one business day. You may speak with someone at the UTS Service Desk by calling 905-525-9140 ext 24357.
    • I can log in, but I can't see my course!
      • Make sure that your course offers a WebCT component. Check the WebCT Course List.
      • To ensure that you appear in the Registrar's files, your registration process (including the paper work for any drop/adds) must be properly completed.

        If you have just registered, please allow 24-48 hours for your course enrollment information to pass onto the WebCT database.
      • Since you can log into the MyWebCT area, you can ask your course instructor to manually "Add" you to his/her WebCT Course List.
      *As a student, you cannot add a course to your WebCT account. You will have to ask your instructor to manually add you to their course.
    • How do I get more help?

      If you've exhausted the other options available and are still in need of help additional resources are available for both students as well as faculty, staff and instructors.

      If you are a student then visit the WebCT Help for Students. If you are a faculty member, staff, or an instructor please visit our WebCT Designer Resources area.

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Last updated: July 2009