Online Programs FAQ for Current Students

What are the technical requirements for an online course?

You will need access to the Internet and to email. You will get a free email account from NECC. For email-related questions contact the academic computing office at servicedesk@necc.mass.edu. For business hours, visit the Technology Help page.

What browsers are compatible with Brightspace

A list of compatible browsers is listed here. You can use the Brightspace System Check to confirm that your computer meets the technical requirements for Brightspace.

How do I navigate Brightspace?

View this short navigation video on how to move around Brightspace. All students are enrolled in the Brightspace Student Orientation Course to help them become familiar with this learning management system. Take a few minutes visit the Orientation course to get acquainted with the system.

How do I submit an assignment?

View this Brightspace video tutorial on how to submit an assignment. More details about assignment submissions can be found in the D2L Brightspace Community Site – the official help guide.

How can I download the Brightspace Pulse app on my phone?

To download the Brightspace Pulse app on your phone, go to the Google Play or Apple App store and search for “Brightspace”. Search for Northern Essex Community College and then use your Brightspace username and password. Watch this video overview for using the Pulse app.

How do I log into Brightspace?

Go to the myNECC student portal to log in and access Brightspace and other services.

Reach out to the NECC Service Desk (check business hours) with log in issues or questions at (978) 556-3111.

How do I post a discussion on Brightspace?

This quick video tutorial shows you how to post a discussion. Keep in mind that your instructor might include specific guidelines for your course. Please be sure to carefully read the instructions your professor provides.

How can I check my grades on Brightspace?

The grades link in Brightspace is located in the course navigation bar. This video tutorial on how to check your grades in Brightspace.

I click on my quizzes but nothing happens.

Note: Quiz is the tool name where tests, exams, and quizzes are posted. Brightspace video provides an overview on taking a quiz.

A couple of things can cause this problem:

• You have a pop-up blocker installed and since quizzes open in a new window the pop-up blocker will not allow the quiz to open. Configure your pop-up blocker to permit pop-ups.
• Your quiz did open, but for some reason, it opened under the other windows. Minimize all open windows and see if your quiz exists behind the other windows.
  For additional help see the Brightspace page for help with quizzes. 
• Some courses use proctoring tools, such as Honorlock. Please check your computer settings if using Honorlock.

Take a few moments to view these videos to become familiar with the too: how to Take a Quiz and Why can’t I access a Quiz.

I’m having technical issues with Zoom; how can I get help?

Start by watching these videos. 

How do I join a meeting?

Watch this short video on how to join a Zoom meeting

How do I schedule a Zoom meeting on the Zoom Website?

To learn how to schedule a meeting on the Zoom Website, click here for a short tutorial.

How can I manage the meeting controls?

Here is a link to a short tutorial.

Please contact the NECC HelpDesk.

Microsoft

How can I get access to Microsoft Office?

As a NECC student, you have access to Microsoft Office for free. M365 CoPilot gives you access to virtual Microsoft Office applications – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. To access your M362 CoPilot account, visit the M365 CoPilot Help and Login page for details. 

Is there a way for me to forward my NECC emails to a personal email account?

First, log into your NECC email on a computer. Go to myNECC, log in, and then click “Access Student Email”. You’ll need to then log in using your NECC Email address (STUDENTID@student.necc.edu). Next, click on the “Settings” wheel in the top right hand corner. Then search for “Forwarding”, click ‘Enable Forwarding” and then enter your personal email address in the field labeled “Forward my email to:”. You should then receive a copy of all of your emails in your personal email account.

What is my student email username?

Your student e-mail is YourStudentID@student.necc.edu,for example: 00112233@student.necc.edu

How do I unlock my NECC account?

If you are locked out of your NECC account, contact the IT Client Help Desk at (978)-556-3111 or servcedesk@necc.mass.edu.

How can I find out my email and password to get into my NECC email?

You e-mail is YourStudentID@student.necc.edu and the password is the same as the one you use for myNECC. Details about accessing student emails, please go to the NECC Student Email System – M365 page.

Why can’t I view a PDF?

If you do not have a PDF reader installed on your computer, you will not be able to open these files. Adobe provides a free PDF reader for download from their site. 

What browsers are most compatible with NECC applications?

We recommend that you use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as your internet browser for all college applications, but check the requirements for each system as these can vary. Maintain the most recent versions of the browsers for security reasons.

When I log into my student account, I keep getting “problem loading page.” What do I do?

Try logging in using another internet browser. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you can contact the IT Client Help Desk at (978) 556-3111 or servicedesk@necc.mass.edu

How can I get in touch with my professor?

We recommend using your NECC student email account to contact your instructor. You can find your instructor’s names and contact information in Navigate. Click on “Resources” and then “People”. You’ll see a list of your instructors and their email addresses there.

How do I download the Navigate app?

First, download the app by searching for “Navigate Student” in the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Then, search for Northern Essex Community College, and log in with your student credentials. Visit the NECC Navigate page for details. 

How do I change, drop or withdraw from my course?

Visit the NECC Admissions – Register page for guidance on changing, dropping, or withdrawing from courses, especially if you are on financial aid. The phone number is (978) 556-3700.

When to contact your instructor

Your instructor will assist you with course related questions, such as when quizzes are available, deadlines and assignments. Your instructor will also assist you if your course contains software requiring an access code, and you are having difficulty with the access code. You should also let your instructor know if you are having technical problems and have contacted the Service Desk.

When to contact the Service Desk

Help with MyNECC accounts, including login problems for Brightspace, Self Service, and Student Email is now provided through the NECC Service Desk. The Service Desk offers walk-in support in Room A-341 on the Haverhill Campus, and in Lawrence, Room L-242.You can also contact the Service Desk by phone at 978-556-3111, or by email at servicedesk@necc.mass.edu.

I get a “Bad username or password” error.

You may be logging in incorrectly. Remember, your login is case-sensitive. Keep this in mind when entering your username and password.

Usernames and passwords are the same as for your myNECC, Self-service, and Online Payment account login. They are different from your student email login. If you are not able to log in, please contact the NECC Service Desk at 978-556-3111 or email: servicedesk@necc.mass.edu

I am having trouble with my NECC email account.

For NECC email accounts contact the NECC Service Desk at 978-556-3111 or email: servicedesk@necc.mass.edu 

I am having trouble with a course access code or Inclusive Access.

Contact your instructor about this error. Instructors works closely with the publishers and the NECC Bookstore. You may also visit the Bookstore Help Desk for more information.