New Employee IT Checklist: Getting Started at Cedar Crest

Tags New employee

Welcome to Cedar Crest College! Whether you're joining us as a faculty or staff member, this checklist will help you set up your accounts, access College technology resources, and prepare for your first day.

Before Your First Day

Complete these steps once you receive your College account information.

  1. Set up your FalconNet account. Your FalconNet account provides access to College email, Microsoft 365, FalconLink, and other campus systems. Account information is typically sent to your personal email address after your hiring paperwork has been processed. Review What Is Your FalconNet Account? for more information.
  2. Configure multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security to your College account. Follow the MFA Setup Guide.
  3. Access your Cedar Crest email. Sign in to Outlook on the web using your College account. Check your email regularly for important information and communications.
  4. Sign in to FalconLink. FalconLink provides convenient access to College applications and services. Follow Logging in to FalconLink for the First Time.
  5. Review your technology needs. Your supervisor will coordinate any required computer equipment, software, and departmental access. If you have specific technology needs for your position, discuss them with your supervisor before your start date.

On Your First Day

Once you arrive, take some time to become familiar with your College computer and technology resources.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • Sign in to your College computer. Use your FalconNet credentials to sign in to your assigned computer. If you experience difficulty signing in, contact IT Support.
  • Connect to campus Wi-Fi. If you're using a laptop, phone, or tablet, follow the instructions in the Wi-Fi, Network & Remote Access Knowledgebase to connect to FalconNet Wi-Fi.
  • Explore Microsoft 365. Cedar Crest provides access to applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneDrive. Visit Microsoft 365 to get started.
  • Set up OneDrive. Use your College OneDrive account to store and access work files. Review How to Use OneDrive.
  • Confirm access to required systems. Depending on your role, you may need access to departmental shared folders, printers, Jenzabar One, My CedarCrest, Canvas, or other College applications. Your supervisor should coordinate any additional access requests.
  • Learn how to print on campus. Review the Printing, Copying & Scanning Knowledgebase for information about available printers and printing services.

Getting Familiar with Campus Technology

The following resources will help you navigate the technology systems commonly used at Cedar Crest.

Microsoft 365 and Collaboration

  • Outlook: Manage your College email, calendar, and meetings.
  • Microsoft Teams: Communicate and collaborate with colleagues.
  • OneDrive: Store and share files securely.
  • Microsoft 365 Apps: Create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Campus Systems and Applications

  • FalconLink: Access many College applications from a central location.
  • My CedarCrest: Access campus information and services.
  • Departmental Shared Folders: Access files and resources shared within your department, if authorized.
  • Jenzabar One: Access administrative and student information systems, depending on your role.

Additional Resources for Faculty

If you're joining Cedar Crest as an instructor, you may also need to become familiar with:

  • Canvas: Cedar Crest's learning management system for course materials, assignments, and student communication. Review Getting Started with Online Teaching in Canvas.
  • Classroom Technology: Learn about instructor stations, projectors, displays, and audiovisual equipment in campus classrooms.
  • Academic Software: Some courses require specialized applications or access to FalconApps.

Your department or academic program can provide additional guidance about the systems and applications used in your role.

Keep Your Accounts and Devices Secure

Help protect College information and technology resources by following these practices:

  • Keep your computer and applications updated.
  • Never share your FalconNet password or MFA verification codes.
  • Be cautious of unexpected emails, links, and attachments.
  • Lock your computer whenever you step away from your workstation.
  • Store College files in approved locations, such as OneDrive or authorized departmental shared folders.
  • Report suspicious emails or potential security incidents promptly.

For more information, review Recognize and Report Phishing Emails.

Need Technology Help?

Cedar Crest College provides 24/7 remote IT support for faculty and staff.

Tip: If you need access to a departmental system, shared folder, or specialized application, contact your supervisor to coordinate the appropriate access request.