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 Carolina Computing Initiative (CCI)

The Carolina Computing Initiative is a nationally-recognized laptop program for UNC-Chapel Hill students. Received your laptop? Get started with configuration by choosing the right option below.

Deciding whether to buy? It’s never too late to get the CCI benefits: onsite authorized repair, deep discounts, access to loaner machines and more. Visit CCI for details.

 Secure your account

Carolina Key

Protect your account with Carolina Key. Carolina Key replaces your password and Duo with device-based authentication like facial recognition, PIN or fingerprint scanning and works on web-based systems and services protected Single Sign-On, such as Canvas and ConnectCarolina. Carolina Key is easier for you, but harder for hackers. Register your devices at Carolina Key.

2-Step Verification

At UNC-Chapel Hill, there are 2 ways to 2-Step. We know that having more than one way to verify your identity might seem confusing at first, but these two industry-standard tools are the most effective ways to protect your accounts. Visit 2-Step Verification to set up both services.

Microsoft Authenticator app logoMicrosoft 365 (previously known as Office 365) has 2-Step Verification built-in. Some other services also use Microsoft to authenticate.

Duo Security LogoFor other 2-Step uses on campus, including VPN and ConnectCarolina, the University Duo Security.

 Get connected!

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is everything! Enroll your device with eduroam for secure and encrypted Wi-Fi on campus and at more than 10,000 hotspots worldwide.

If you need Wi-Fi on a device that’s not compatible with eduroam, like a gaming console or smart TV, use UNC-PSK. And leave the guest network for guests — it’s not secure and restricts access to some campus resources.

CarolinaGO mobile app

Download the University’s mobile app. Designed for students, by students, the app is a must-have for dining hours, transit schedules and more. Search “CarolinaGO” in the App Store or Google Play.

Canvas

Canvas. Need we say more? It’s your online course-management system and you’ll use it many, many times throughout your UNC student career.

Zoom

Meeting online for class? Sign into your UNC Zoom account before joining your Zoom meetings! See tips for attending class in Zoom.

Panopto

You may need to watch videos for class through UNC Panopto. Sign into UNC Panopto to create your account! You must also click on the Panopto tool in your Canvas or Sakai course to get access to course videos.

 Productivity apps

Email

Get to know Heelmail. It’s your go-to spot for checking your email and calendar throughout the semester. Most official University services will default to your UNC email, so check it often!

Storage

OneDrive is available to all students. It’s a great spot to store and share your files. Visit OneDrive to access.

Carolina Print Hub (formerly CCI printing)

Wondering which printers are up and running? Need to find the closest printer in a hurry? Curious about your printing allotment? Learn more about the Carolina Print Hub. The printing map is available online. Also, mobile printing is available.

WordPress websites

Create a website in under a minute. Need a website for class, a student org or just for fun? Tarheels.live makes it easy to create a WordPress website.

 Be accessible

UNC-Chapel Hill believes everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and participate in a welcoming environment. This includes creating an inclusive digital experience.

Connect with the Digital Accessibility Office to learn how to make the digital content you create, like websites, social media, video and more, accessible for all Tar Heels.

 Be creative and keep learning!

FREE Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud is available to all students for no additional cost. Visit the Adobe at UNC to request your license, which now includes free access to Adobe Stock images and Adobe Firefly AI tools.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is also available to all students. Need to learn Excel for class? Maybe how to edit a video? Or, just some tips for public speaking? LinkedIn Learning has online classes for any skill you need to pick up or refine.

AI tools at Carolina

Across campus, Tar Heels are exploring generative AI and finding innovative uses for teaching, learning, work and play. ITS provides campus with centrally supported AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection. When you use these, or any AI tools, make sure to follow University guidelines to use AI appropriately and ethically.

 ConnectCarolina

From registering for classes to checking grades to taking care of financial aid, ConnectCarolina is the hub for your most essential to-dos as an enrolled student.

To keep your data secure, you’re required to use Duo 2-Step Verification when logging into ConnectCarolina, and when off campus, the University’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) is required to access certain portions of ConnectCarolina.

Bonus: a simplified mobile version is available in the CarolinaGO app.

 Stay safe and secure

Policies to read

Take a few minutes to read all of our IT policies, with Acceptable Use and Copyright Information at the top of your must-read list.

Emergency alerts

Alert Carolina is our emergency alert system – from timely and weather warnings to serious campus situations. Visit ConnectCarolina to make sure your info is up-to-date!

Phishing and email security

Don’t get snagged by a phishing email! Phishers target the University — and you — daily, trying to trick you into sharing your password or other valuable information. As the semester begins, look out for job scams. Criminals target students and use the lure of easy and high-paying campus jobs to steal your money or identity. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Want a second opinion? Contact the ITS Service Desk. When you know it’s a phish, use the “report phishing” button in Outlook. This alerts Microsoft to review and potentially remove the message from other inboxes to help keep Carolina safe.

 

Need help?

We offer four great ways to get help with any and all of your tech issues: