Fall 2025 - Start of Term IT Checklist
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Get tech-ready and start the semester strong! This checklist has everything you need to help you prepare for the Fall 2025 term.
Follow these four essential steps to ensure you’re fully equipped for success:
1. Connect to Wi-Fi View Instructions for Connecting to WiFi
Discover how to connect to Mac WiFi using your MacID.
2. Familiarize yourself with Microsoft 365 Explore the Discover & Learn Site
McMaster students have free access to Microsoft 365. Visit the Discover & Learn site to familiarize yourself with M365 products.
3. Access and Explore MacHub Learn how to Navigate MacHub
MacHub is your personalized platform to make life at Mcmaster easier, more organized and connected. From academic advice to course enrollment or quick links like Avenue to Learn, MacHub is your go-to starting point.
4. Complete the Information Security Training Visit the Training Course Webpage
Learn how to protect your data and defend against cyber threats by completing the information security training course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Access your free OneDrive Storage through our Microsoft OneDrive webpage.
Find your storage limits information on our Microsoft Storage Limits webpage.
Use the PrintSmart system when printing at McMaster. Learn more at Library Printing Services.
Avenue to Learn (A2L) is the primary learning, course delivery and assessment platform at McMaster.
Access A2L via avenue.mcmaster.ca.
Yes! Student Accessibility Services has tech tools and support for students with disabilities.
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Office 365 Visit Our Office 365 Hub
Do I have to buy Office 365?
No! Office 365 is free with your McMaster account.
Resetting Password Learn How to Reset Your Password
How do I reset my password/what if I forgot my password?
You can reset your password by following the instructions included in the link below.
Top Tech Tips
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This page will help you access the key tech tools you need at McMaster. Your faculty or program will share details on the required online learning tools, but you can get tech-ready by ensuring you have access to the crucial IT services below.
Email McMaster Mail
McMaster Mail (powered by Microsoft 365) is the email and calendaring service for Faculty, Staff, Emeritus Professors, Undergraduate, and Graduate Students. Click the link below to find setup and support information for this service.
MacID Learn more about MacID
Your MacID allows access to McMaster resources and learning applications, such as Avenue to Learn, Microsoft 365, and library services. Note: Your MacID and student number are not the same thing.
Get to know online learning tools View Online Learning Tools
Your faculty or department will be in touch with the required course materials. In the meantime, get to know online learning tools through training opportunities using the link below.
Secure your online experience Secure your Experience
IT Security is a shared responsibility. Check out the link below to find out the best way to secure your online experience.
Get the support you need Get support
UTS is here to support you for all of your IT issues!
View tips for online learning success Learn More
The Student Success Centre’s online learning page has you covered with online learning guidance and tips. Access these tips using the link below!
Virtual private networking (VPN) Access the VPN
The use of the McMaster VPN is only intended for students working and learning outside of Canada. To access many McMaster resources, such as email and Mosaic, some students outside of Canada may need to use a VPN.
Online Learning Tools
Software Licensing – Students
Find licencing information on a variety of software and services
If you have any questions, or are unable to resolve your issue, support can be received via the Service Desk.
McMaster provides opportunities for software licenses to be purchased at reduced educational prices or at no cost. Software licenses available for purchase are only available to staff and faculty and must be purchased with a McMaster account.
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Azure Dev Tools for Teaching Learn More
Azure Dev Tools for Teaching provides higher-education departments with additional Microsoft software and services.
Licensed for: STEM Students and Faculty.
EndNote Learn More
EndNote is a citation management tool that moves you through the research process as you search, organize, write, publish, and share your work. Whether you’re writing a paper or manuscript, leading a research project, maintaining a CV, teaching a course, or applying for a grant, EndNote can help you.
Licensed for: Faculty, Staff and Students
Freedom Scientific Register Here
Register with your McMaster email with the link below to access the following Freedom Scientific software:
- Jaws Screen Reader
- ZoomText magnifier with speech
- Fusion powered by Jaws & ZoomText
Licensed for: Students, Staff, Faculty
Mathematica Learn More
For three decades, Mathematica has defined the state of the art in technical computing- and provided the principal computation environment for millions of innovators, educators, students and others around the world.
Licensed for: Students, Staff, Faculty
MATLAB Learn More
MATLAB® combines a desktop environment tuned for iterative analysis and design processes with a programming language that expresses matrix and array mathematics directly.
Licensed for: Faculty, Staff and Students
NVDA Download NVDA
Fast, functional, & totally free Screen reader.
Licensed for: Faculty, Staff and Students
Microsoft 365 Learn More
Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Products
Includes Microsoft 365 Apps (formerly Microsoft Office) and collaborative tools.
Licensed for: Students, Staff, Faculty
Read&Write Learn More
Read&Write is a literacy support tool that offers help with everyday tasks like reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words, researching assignments and proofing written work.
Licensed for: Students, Staff, Faculty
SAS Learn More
SAS is a software suite developed by SAS Institute for advanced analytics, multivariate analyses, business intelligence, data management, and predictive analytics.
Available for purchase
Windows Learn More
Licensed for: Students, Staff, Faculty
Zoom Learn More
Lean Library Learn More
McMaster University Libraries is pleased to offer Lean Library, a browser extension which simplifies your off-campus access to e-resources provided by the Libraries, and many other features for both on and off campus.
SensusAccess Learn More
SensusAccess is an online document conversion system supporting the transformation of text and image-based file types into different formats.
Expandable List
| Software |
Licensed for
|
Download |
| Azure Dev Tools for Teaching | STEM Students and Faculty | Download |
| Camtasia | Faculty and Instructional Assistants | Download |
| Cortex | Faculty and Staff | Download |
| Mathematica | Faculty, Staff and Students | DOWNLOAD |
| MATLAB | Faculty, Staff and Students | Download |
| Office 365 | Faculty, Staff and Students | Download |
| Read&Write | Faculty, Staff and Students | DOWNLOAD |
| SAS | Available for Purchase | Download |
| TrendMicro Anitvirus | Faculty and Staff | Download |
| UTS Quick Support (Windows) | Faculty, Staff and Students | Download (Windows) |
| UTS Quick Support (Mac) | Faculty, Staff and Students | Download (Mac) |
| VMWare Academic Program | Faculty, Staff and Students | Download |
| Windows | Faculty, Staff and Students | Learn More |
| Virtual Private Network | Faculty, Staff and Students | Learn More |
| Zoom | Faculty, Staff and Students | Download |
Device Recommendations
The McMaster IT team has identified the following minimum technical recommendations to run key online learning tools. Students should check with their department or Faculty for specific program needs.
IT Security
With an increase in online work, there is an increase in cyber threats. Email phishing and malware attacks are on the rise. Learning about these threats and why creating strong passwords are an important security measure to keep you safe.
Accessibility
McMaster maintains its commitment to accessibility as students shift to online learning. Find out how to use accessibility features for online learning tools below.
For more Technology Resources please visit the Office 365 Hub
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Accessibility Hub Visit the Accessibility Hub
McMaster’s Equity and Inclusion Office has resources on accessibility for web and video conferencing tools.
Accessibility Resources View the Accessibility Resources for Staff, Faculty and Students
Looking for accessible resources for staff, faculty and students? Visit the ‘Resource’ page on the Accessibility Hub to access the supports you may need.
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Access Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodation assistance and related supports to students with disabilities at McMaster.