Virginia Education Wizard

The Virginia Education Wizard is a one-stop website to help you choose a career, get the information you need to pursue your career, enroll in one of Virginia’s community colleges, pay for college, transfer to a four-year college or university, and get answers to your questions about your future.

Click on the Careers tab to take assessment quizzes to help you determine what jobs might be more suitable for you, as well as look up information about career fields.

Student (VCCS) Email & Google Apps

The Virginia Community College System email system is hosted by Google Apps, and everyone (students, faculty, and staff) with a MyVWCC username is assigned a Gmail account. The Google email system provides you with a very reliable and secure way to send and receive email. Emails are delivered through a web browser and email addresses will not change.

For help with your email check out the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding student email.

Faculty & Staff: This is not your official Virginia Western email address. If you do not want to check multiple email addresses, you should forward your Gmail to your Outlook email account.

Google Apps

In addition to Gmail, you also have access to other Google Apps. Check out the main features you have available to use below; be sure to click on the options to see video demos and Google Help Center information.

Google Calendar

Multiple calendars are available for you to use, including a simple online calendar, shared calendars,  and subscriptions to public calendars. Mobile access is included.

Google Calendar Help Center

Google Docs, Sheets & Slides

Create word processing documents, spreadsheets or presentations. Export them to your favorite desktop and mobile programs. Share them with your groups and make real-time changes together.

Google Docs, Sheets and Slides Help Center

Google Drive

Store and access files anywhere — on the Web, on your hard drive or on your mobile device. Share files easily with others.

Google Drive Help Center

Google Sites

Participate in team website creation where you can embed videos, images and gadgets.

Google Sites Help Center

Canvas for Students

Canvas is a course management system that is maintained by the Virginia Community College System. It allows you to access your course assignments, course announcements, and discuss course issues via the course discussion board.

Canvas is web-based, so there is nothing for you to install or download. All you need is an Internet connection. Canvas is accessible from all browsers and mobile devices.

Tutorials for using Canvas can be found on the Virginia Western online website.

AntiVirus & Anti-Spyware

Free Anti-Spyware Software

Have Questions?

The Help Desk will make a good faith effort to answer installation questions. On-campus support will be given higher priority and resolution of home installation problems is not guaranteed. Note: Support for home use of this software is strictly limited to college-related work.

Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus

VWCC is happy to announce the new Microsoft Student Advantage program.  Current students, faculty, and staff are able to download and install Microsoft Office desktop applications for no cost.

Who is eligible?

All currently enrolled students at VWCC are eligible to download Office 365 ProPlus.  Once you are no longer enrolled, your Microsoft Office ProPlus subscription will end. You may enroll in other available consumer or commercial offers.

Current faculty and staff are also eligible for this offer.

Where can I download Office 365 ProPlus?

Students can access Office 365 ProPlus by going to: http://office.vccs.edu

The login will be your full MyVWCC e-mail address (e.g. student123@email.vccs.edu) and your password is your MyVWCC password.

Does my system meet the requirements?

We strongly recommend that you have high speed Internet access to download Office ProPlus. Minimum System Requirements

What software can I download?

Eligible students will be able to download Microsoft Office ProPlus applications on up to 5 devices (PC, Mac, and/or mobile device). These applications include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote*, Access*, and Publisher*.

*Windows PC client programs and/or features only. Cannot be used across devices!

Student Tutorials & Training

Virginia Western has a variety of tools and technical resources available to you!

MyVWCC Tools

MyVWCC (https://vw.my.vccs.edu) is your central source for accessing student information at your convenience. It is also your entry point for tools such as Canvas and your Student Email. Students receive their MyVWCC username upon completing an application.

Computer Access Expectations

Students enrolled in online courses at Virginia Western are expected to have a laptop computer (or a desktop system with webcam and microphone) that meets the minimum specifications listed here.

Loaner Laptops

A limited number of loaner laptops are available to current VWCC students through Brown Library. These laptops are intended for students who have limited access to a computer when not on campus. For more information, visit the library's Loaner Laptops page.

Need more help?

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please fill out our online form or call us at 540-857-7354.

Available Software

Software such as Microsoft Office 365 and Respondus Lockdown Browser are available for students through the VCCS at https://resources.vccs.edu/.

LastPass Password Manager

Every student can get the benefit of online security with a complimentary subscription of LastPass premium, a simple, secure password manager. Visit this page to claim your Premium LastPass subscription.

Full instructions on how to get set up can be found here.

Computer Labs

Brown Library's Learning Commons, located on the first floor of the library, houses an open computer lab with PCs, Macs, and printers for student use. Computers have general software installed, including Microsoft Office, Zoom, Lockdown Browser, and special course programs like AutoDesk & the Adobe Creative Suite. The computer lab is accessible for students whenever the library is open. To see current library hours, visit Brown Library's website.

How to Connect to VWCCWifi

Printing

The college offers free printing for currently-enrolled VWCC students in Brown Library. Two printers and a flatbed scanner are located on the first floor of the library, in the Learning Commons. Library staff can show students how to print to the printers anytime the library is open. See the library website for hours.

Guidelines & Policies for Computer Use

Virginia Western Technology Use Policies

VWCC Information & Educational Technology Service Level Agreement (SLA) (PDF) This service level agreement (SLA) provides the basis for managing the services provided and relationships between the Information & Educational Technology (IET) department and the Faculty, Staff and Students at Virginia Western Community College (VWCC). This agreement describes how user service requirements are understood and addressed and attempts to create a realistic service expectation level.

VWCC Information Technology Use Policy (PDF) The purpose of this policy is to ensure the appropriate, responsible, and safe use of electronic communications and social media by employees. This policy establishes minimum standards for all state employees.

VWCC Information Technology Use Policy Q&A This document contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding technology use at Virginia Western. If you do not find your answer here contact the Help Desk directly.

VWCC Guidelines for iPads The scope of this guideline is for iPad use. End users must consider the implications of personal use as well as data sensitivity when requesting an iPad from the college. These guidelines are intended to outline supported practices for those who choose to utilize a VWCC iPad.

Virginia State Employee Guidelines

Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media (PDF)

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the appropriate, responsible, and safe use of electronic communications and social media by employees. This policy establishes minimum standards for all state employees. Agencies may supplement this policy as necessary, as long as such supplement is consistent with this policy.

Virginia Community College System Guidelines & Standards

Information Technology Employee Acceptable Use Agreement (PDF) As a user of the Virginia Community College System’s local and shared computer systems, I understand and agree to abide by the above acceptable use agreement terms. These terms govern my access to and use of the information technology applications, services and resources of the VCCS and the information they generate.

Information Technology Student/Patron Acceptable Use Agreement As a user of the Virginia Community College System’s local and shared computer systems, I understand and agree to abide by the above acceptable use agreement terms. These terms govern my access to and use of the information technology applications, services and resources of the VCCS and the information they generate.

VWCC Information Security Plan (ISO27002 Standard) (PDF) The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides shared information technology resources and services to faculty, staff, and college patrons, collectively “Users,” for activities supporting the VCCS mission. The purpose of this standard is to protect the integrity of VCCS Technology Resources and the Users thereof against unauthorized or improper use of those resources. The above standard describes responsible behavior expected by those given access to the technology resources and services. The System Office Information Technology Office provides practical guidelines for the application of this standard and general oversight to govern the implementation.