Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required for all users logging into Google email accounts provided by MCAD.
MCAD provides email access for one year after graduation to all alumni, and as such, all alumni will be required to set up MFA on their Google email to be able to continue accessing their accounts. However, unlike most MCAD users who will use OneLogin to access their Google accounts, Alumni will use the built-in multi-factor tools that Google Worksapce provides. Alumni users will need to complete the setup process outlined below to be able to access Google Workspace.
NOTE: Alumni should discontinue using https://gmail.mcad.edu/ as a shortcut to access their MCAD Gmail accounts, as this site redirects users to OneLogin, which Alumni are not authorized to use. Instead, please switch to https://www.gmail.com/ to ensure you are getting to the right login portal.
First, log out of your MCAD Google account, and then sign back into your account using your short email address (ie., yamano@mcad.edu)
Google will now prompt you to set up MFA (2-step authentication, in Google’s terminology). Please click “Enroll” to begin this process.
NOTE: in some cases you might need to sign out and then clear your cookies to see this prompt. Additionally, doing this process in an private window of your browser should force this prompt to come up.
Enter your personal phone number and select Text message or Phone call to receive a one-time code to continue the setup process.
Google will send you a code to your personal device. Please enter it into the blank and click NEXT.
If you entered the right code, you should now see the following screen. Click TURN ON in order to finish the setup.
(Optional) Once MFA has been configured, Google will take you to your main account security page. MCAD recommends setting up an additional 2-Step Verification method. To do so, please click the line for 2-Step Verification to see your options.
MCAD recommends setting up an Authenticator app or using Google prompts. We’ll briefly cover setting up an Authenticator below.
Click on the Authenticator option, and then follow the instructions on the next page to download and install an Authenticator app (Google suggests using their own application, but there are a number of choices out there. Most should work just fine). Then click “+ Set up authenticator”
Inside the authenticator app on your device, click the appropriate button to add a new account, and then scan the QR code on the website. Then click “Next” on the website.
Enter in the six-digit code from your authenticator app into the website to complete the process.
Once completed, you should see all the 2-Step Verification options available to you. Add as many options as you like, but two is generally good enough.
As always, if you have any trouble following any of these steps, or if you encounter any issues along the way, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@mcad.edu, stop by the Help Desk during normal business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday), or call our office at 612-874-3666.