Welcome to Trocaire
On behalf of the Office of Information Technology (OIT), welcome to Trocaire College! Our goal is for all of our new students to be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to be digitally literate and successful while here at Trocaire. Explore the information below by selecting on each heading to learn more about minimum technology requirements, the types of software and systems you’ll use at Trocaire, and more.
Minimum Technology Requirements
Computer
Personal Devices:
Any device other than Chromebook laptops, which are not compatible with Trocaire software.
Public Devices:
Note that the use of public access computers (e.g., at a public library) or employer-provided computers may result in slowness or errors (timeouts or access problems) when accessing course materials. Public access computers may not permit access to certain course materials or systems due to security limitations.
Trocaire College Computers:
You can use the computers located in the Rachel R. Savarino Library (main campus) as well as any computer labs during building hours.
Operating System
An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer; it usually comes pre-loaded on any computer you buy. It manages the computer’s memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer’s language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.
The two most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows and macOS. At a minimum, your device will need to be updated to one of the following:
- Microsoft Window 10 or newer
- Apple macOS 10.14 or newer
Software
Microsoft Office 365 – All Trocaire students have access to a free Microsoft Office 365 student account associated with their Trocaire email, which gives you access to the web-based versions of Office applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and more
Anti-Virus Software updated regularly (recommended)
Internet
A high-speed Internet connection (1.5 Mbps upload and download required; 5 Mbps or better preferred). You can test your internet speed by going to www.speedtest.net and selecting “GO.”
Browser
Trocaire recommends all students use Google Chrome as their designated browser. Mozilla Firefox can also be used. Note that some software (e.g., Moodle) is only compatible with these browsers.
Trocaire Software
eStudent Portal
The eStudent Portal is your one-stop shop to access and manage your academic and financial information, such as:
- Your student number
- Your course schedule
- Your academic progress
- Your unofficial transcript and final grades
- Register for classes
- View your Financial Aid award
- Sign up for a payment plan
Elsevier
Elsevier is a third-party health science information provider that provides resources and online learning activities that align with the NCLEX (licensing exam) and national standards in nursing education.
Some academic programs at Trocaire, including nursing as well as some arts and sciences courses, use Elsevier’s digital learning platform, Evolve, which allows students to access a variety of academic activities.
Online Library Databases & Resources
The library supports you with more than 150 research databases, where you can find online articles from journals, eBooks, and so much more. You can search the library’s online catalog for the titles and locations of any books in our collection as well as explore online subject guides.
The library has just instituted a 24/7 online reference chat service called LibChat 24/7. This service allows you to ask a question and have it answered by a librarian at any time. Sometimes the librarian answering your question will be from Trocaire, and at other times (when the library is closed) the librarian might be from across the country, or across the globe!
Learn more on the Library’s website.
Outlook / Trocaire Email
Email is the primary form of communication at Trocaire. Through Outlook, you can send and receive emails from your Trocaire email address through your browser or mobile device. In addition to using Outlook for sending and receiving emails, you can also use it to stay organized with your calendar and the tasks function.
Note that you should only contact Trocaire faculty, staff, and other students from your Trocaire email address. Messages sent from your personal email address are not considered official communication and you may not receive a response.
Microsoft 365
As a Trocaire student, you have access to all of the web-based Microsoft Office applications that you know and love, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel through Microsoft Office 365. You will also use Microsoft Teams Meetings to connect virtually with your instructor, peers, and college staff. Note that this Microsoft Office 365 account gives you access to the web-based versions of Office applications only, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. You will not be able to download these applications on your personal device (i.e., desktop computer or laptop) for offline use.
Moodle
Moodle is Trocaire’s Learning Management System. If you are taking an online course, you will use Moodle to access course content, complete activities, and submit assessments. If you are taking a seated course, your instructor may or may not use Moodle for these things.
ProctorU
ProctorU is a proctoring service that monitors you while you are taking your exams online. By relying on professionals to secure your online testing environment, we can improve academic integrity and promote student success by providing consistent remote assessment experiences.
Minimum Proficiency Requirements
Digital Literacy
At a minimum, students should have basic computer literacy skills including:
Using a keyboard and mouse
Selecting, copying, pasting text
Sending and receiving email
Saving and retrieving files in different formats (.docx, .pdf, .pptx., etc.)
Using a text editor (changing fonts, inserting links, using spell check, etc.)
Browsing for files to attach and upload
Accessing the Internet using a web browser and resetting basic web browser settings (clearing cache/history, cookies, etc.)
Cybersecurity
Password Security
To maintain compliance with the U.S. Department of Education requirement CFR 602.17(g), all IT usernames and passwords must be kept secure at all times. Do not share your Trocaire log-in information with anyone, including college employees.
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) constantly strives to provide the best protection for your usernames and passwords. In keeping with these practices, OIT may ask questions to verify your identity prior to assisting with password resets via phone, email or in-person, such as home address (on file), personal email address (on file), or the last 4 digits of your social security number.