Computer Help Desk

Item	Contact
Your Personal Computer	If you are having difficulty with a hardware item on your PC, please contact the appropriate technical support telephone number for the vendor or manufacturer, or we may be able to direct you to a local computer repair shop.
Software	For issues with learning software (ex: MyMathLab, MindTap, WebAssign, etc.) please contact your instructor first, or the associated helpline for that software, before contacting Helpdesk. Software installed on your PC at the factory may be covered by their technical support staff. Other third-party software will require that you contact the software developer directly.
Canvas	Course content questions within Canvas should be directed to your instructor. Technical issues should be directed to the Help Desk.
User ID&Password/Account Access Wi-Fi Issues	Issues regarding access into the Pirate Portal, student campus (classroom or lab) computers, or trouble receiving your BanSam account info should be directed to the Help Desk. For help with wi-fi please visit www.victoriacollege.edu/wifi or contact the Help Desk. View the Wireless Network Access Points available.
Online Registration	In general, issues regarding web registration should be directed to the Advising Department at 361-582-2400 or AdvisorHelp@VictoriaCollege.edu Issues regarding login to the Pirate Portal or issues loading pages within the Pirate Portal may be directed to the Help Desk.

 

For the problems outlined above that require you to contact the Victoria College Computer Helpdesk, you will receive a response within 2 hours of your message during the below posted helpdesk hours (See Office Hours & Physical Location).

• Always try restarting the computer first. This solves a majority of problems.
• Be prepared to answer questions about the problem.
• If there is an error message associated with your problem have it written down or up on your screen.
• Be at your computer and ready to act in case the Helpdesk asks you to do anything. Most problems cannot be diagnosed if you are not at your computer.
• Gather as much information as you can about the problem. If it only occurs when you are using a particular program, have the program open, and know its name and version.

• Know where you are on campus or who is your ISP.
• Know your username, password and telephone number.
• Know a little about your computer system and its hardware.
• Know what application you are using, and any other applications that are open.
• Know the exact wording of an error message.

What is multi-factor/two factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication is a security protocol that requires more than one method of authentication, from independent categories of credentials, to verify a user’s identity for a login or other transaction.  One simple example is when withdrawing cash from an ATM, you must present your card and use a personal identification number (PIN) in order to receive your money.  

Why are we integrating MFA into our systems?

With the recent increase in security breaches, and the amount of personal and private information we store, it is imperative that we do everything that we can to protect the information of our students and employees.

Are we the only ones that are implementing this feature?

No.  There are many institutions, large and small, old and new, that are using multi-factor authentication.  Some well-known companies and organizations that use MFA are Apple, Bank of America, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Facebook, Microsoft, and Charles Schwab.  In addition, The University of Texas, Sam Houston State University, and Cedar Valley College, all use MFA in some capacity.

How does this make my account more secure?

Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security by either allowing you to answer questions that you have previously provided or by sending a one-time code, by text message or email, to a phone or personal email account that you own.  While each authentication method (passwords, PIN’s, security questions, hardware tokens, etc.) has strengths and weaknesses, systems that use two or more different factors are considered stronger than those that use only one factor.

Will I have to use MFA every time I login to the Pirate Portal?

Yes and no. When you log into Pirate Portal, you may be prompted to stay signed in. If you select click Yes, you will not have to sign in on that browser as often. If you select No, you will need to sign in every time to access Pirate Portal.

What secondary methods of authentication will we be using?

The secondary method of authentication will be the Microsoft Authenticator app or a one-time code sent to your phone via text message or phone call.  We recommend setting up both authentication methods

Please review the Victoria College Computer Use Regulations in the VC Student Handbook .

Fall & Spring Hours for VC Computer Labs

Technology Center, Room 129
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

VC Library, Room 106
Monday-Friday: 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m.

Health Sciences Center, Room 135
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Revised 04/20/2022

Bring Your Own Device
Victoria College students who bring their own laptop, smart phone, or tablet can use any of these study areas:
• Sports Center Patio
• Technology Center,
    - 2nd Floor Seating Areas
• Health Sciences Center,
    - 2nd Floor Seating Area
    - Red River Foyer
    - Room 121

Configure your device to connect to VC’s wireless network at VictoriaCollege.edu/WiFi.

Print from Anywhere on Campus
You can print from computer labs or your own device from anywhere on campus. To print from your own device: Pirate Portal > Student PaperCut > Web Print > Submit a Job. Students receive a $2 printing credit each fall semester. Unused credits expire on the second Monday of August. Additional cards or credits may be purchased at:

$2 PaperCut Cards:
• Campus Store    
• Café Espresso    
• The Cove    
• The Grind

PaperCut Credits:
• Payments (Main Campus)
• Gonzales Center
• VN Program - Hallettsville

Print release stations:
• Allied Health Building, Room 104
• College Services & Training Building, Room 100 (color printing)
• Health Sciences Center, Room 123
• Library, Student Success Center, Room 301
• Learning Lab, Student Success Center, Room 303
• Technology Center, Room 129
• VC’s Gonzales Center and Hallettsville location 

Printing Costs  
Black & White
Single-sided: $.05/sheet
Double-sided: $.08/sheet
Color (CST 100)
Single-sided: $.25/sheet
Double-sided: $.40/sheet

Color printing and specialty printing are available in
Marketing & Communications (College Services & Training
Building, Room 100).

 

Regular Support Hours

Call	Fall & Spring Semesters	Summer Sessions
Help Desk	Monday-Friday  7 a.m.-7 p.m.	Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Weekend On-call	N/A	N/A

Extended Support Hours

Call	1 Week Prior to Start of Classes	2 Weeks After  Start of Classes	Finals Week
Help Desk	7 a.m.-10 p.m.	7 a.m.-10 p.m.	7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Weekend On-call	8 a.m.-10 p.m.	8 a.m.-10 p.m.	8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Physical Location 
Technology Center, Room 102
Building #15 on VC's Campus Map