Technology Support
To complete your college and course requirements, you will be required to access the web and use many types of software.
Because accessing the right technology is crucial to your success here at Brightpoint, we have systems that allow you to:
In addition to offering access to technologies, we also have trained staff and support resources to help you complete your college-related tasks and address technical difficulties.
On-Campus Technology
Whether you need to connect to the internet, work on a desktop computer, or simply need a quiet place to study, we have resources available for you.
Wi-Fi
You can log into Brightpoint’s Wi-Fi from libraries and computer labs during open hours.
The Brightpoint-Public network is available for basic web browsing. Text message authentication is required.
If you’re a current student, you can log into the Brightpoint-Student network using your myBrightpoint username, password, and the passphrase, “brightpoint.”
Computer Labs
Brightpoint offers two computer labs, each with 15 desktop computers. These are open throughout the week and on Saturdays.
Chester Campus Computer Lab
Moyar Hall, M211
Midlothian Campus Computer Lab
Eliades Hall, E319
Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 9:45 p.m.
Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Discipline-specific computer labs may also be available to you. Please contact your division for access requirements, locations, and schedules.
Library Resources
The libraries at each Brightpoint campus have desktop computers and other technologies for students to use during their open hours. Trained staff are also available for research support in-person and virtually.
-
Ask-a-Librarian is a text-based chat service with video conferencing and screenshare options. Ask-A-Librarian is staffed 24/7.
-
Make an appointment to meet with one of the Brightpoint librarians
-
Free printing at both libraries (speak to a librarian for assistance)
Brightpoint libraries are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Contact the Library
Email: library@brightpoint.edu
Phone: 804-706-5195 (Chester) or 804-594-1519 (Midlothian)
Borrow Devices from the Library
At both campus libraries, laptops, Chromebooks, calculators, and webcams are available on loan, for free, for the entire semester. Loans are offered based on supply, and students are not guaranteed technologies.
In order to request a device from the library, you must fill out a Technology Loan form. For students requiring the use of a Macbook Pro, please reach out to your instructor for additional instructions.
Laptops from Brightpoint libraries include Microsoft Office 365 and the Respondus Lockdown Browser. For additional software needs, request software through the online form. Seek the advice of your instructor if you are unsure which software you might need.
Purchase Laptops with Financial Aid
Students may purchase laptops from the Bookstore using the financial aid that remains after all tuition and fee expenses are deducted. Financial aid can only be used at the Brightpoint Bookstore to purchase these technologies.
How does this work?
-
After their financial aid award has been applied to their tuition and fees, students must complete a Bookstore Authorization.
-
Then, they can visit the campus or online Bookstore, and during the specified periods (see below), purchase a laptop of up to $1300 with their remaining financial aid.
Laptops can be purchased during these dates:
-
Fall 2024: August 16 - October 25
-
Spring 2025: December 9 - March 14
Students should note that they may only purchase a laptop once per year, and only from the official Brightpoint Bookstore. There is also a maximum purchase price of $1300 for any laptop.
Important Online Resources
Every student will need to use certain technologies in order to access their student accounts and course materials. Depending on your course requirements, you may have additional software needs.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Students must use multi-factor authentication (MFA), which provides an additional level of security, when logging into myBrightpoint.
myBrightpoint
myBrightpoint allows you to access the Student Information System (SIS), VCCS email, Canvas, Virtual Computing Lab (VCL), and other key resources from one location, using one login.
Logging into myBrightpoint
You will need your username and a password in order to log into your myBrightpoint account.
Locate Your Username
Once you’ve submitted your online application to Brightpoint, your username will be immediately provided to you. We recommend you store your username in a safe place.
If you need to look up your username, use our username lookup tool. Please note, however, that the information you provide must match exactly what you used when you completed your application to Brightpoint. This includes using your full name or nickname as appropriate. The system is also sensitive to spaces in names and hyphenated names.
If you encounter problems and are not able to access your username online, please visit the Help Hub to get support.
Create Your Password
You use one password for all of the accounts that are managed through myBrightpoint: the Student Information System (SIS), VCCS student email, Navigate Student, and Canvas. If you are a new student, you will be provided with a temporary password when you submit your admissions application. If you are not provided with a temporary password, you can still retrieve your password. The first time you log in, you will be prompted to change your password immediately for security purposes. The system will direct you to change your password and select a security question. You will need to complete this process and set your password before you can access your accounts.
Student Information System (SIS)
The Student Information System (SIS) is your central hub for accessing important information. It’s where you’ll go when you want to register for classes, add, swap, or withdraw from a class, track financial aid updates, pay for tuition, and manage your personal information.
To access SIS, you must first log into your myBrightpoint account. Then, select the SIS icon on the dashboard.
You can also learn more about SIS by watching our video tutorials.
myBrightpoint Tutorials
VCCS Email
When you become a Brightpoint student, you will be assigned a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) email account. This is a secure, private email that is designed for communications with your instructors about courses and any other similar topics. The college will also send you information about events, opportunities, and news through this email account.
You access your VCCS email via your myBrightpoint account. If you have trouble logging in, contact the Help Hub for assistance.
Phishing Email Scams
Phishing, or scam, emails are becoming more common and more sophisticated, and they can be sent to any email account, even your VCCS student email address. These scam emails are designed to steal your personal information and can be tricky to spot.
How to Protect Yourself from an Email Scam:
- Verify the sender: Check if the sender’s email address is legitimate. Look for small inconsistencies, like misspellings or unfamiliar domains. College personnel will only communicate with you through the official college email systems.
- Look out for urgent language: Scammers will try to rush you into making quick decisions by using phrases like "act immediately" or "urgent job opportunity."
- Be cautious of unexpected job offers or opportunities: If you did not apply for a position or internship, the offer is likely fake.
- Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious or unsolicited emails. These can contain malware or lead you to phishing sites.
- When in doubt, ask: Never reply to the email with personal details. If you’re uncertain about an email's legitimacy, contact the Help Hub.
If you received one of these emails, follow these steps immediately:
- Do not respond or engage with the sender.
- Do not provide any personal information (such as your name, address, Social Security number, or banking/credit card details).
- Stop all further contact if you've already initiated a conversation with the scammer.
- Inform others if you forwarded the email to anyone, by sharing this warning with them.
- If you’ve responded to the scam and provided personal details, contact your financial institutions immediately for assistance with protecting your identity and finances. As a precaution, if you have provided any student-related information, please also contact the Help Hub for assistance in protecting your account.
Navigate Student
Navigate Student is a free online tool and mobile app that acts as your personal guide to Brightpoint. In addition to helping you register for classes, Navigate can help you track your progress within a program, plan an effective course schedule, and create appointments, such as with advisors and other faculty.
To access Navigate Student, click on the Navigate Student BCC icon in your myBrightpoint dashboard.
Watch one of our video tutorials to see how Navigate can work for you.
Canvas Learning Management System
Canvas is the learning platform you’ll use to access your coursework and assignments digitally. In addition to logging in to Canvas through myBrightpoint, you can download a mobile app for your smartphone or tablet.
Tutorials and Support
BrainFuse
Want some extra help with course materials? You also have access to 300 minutes (five hours) of free tutoring per semester through BrainFuse. If you need additional time, you can request it by emailing arc@brightpoint.edu. Access BrainFuse through your Canvas dashboard, or in any Canvas course, by locating “BCC Student Resources” in the left sidebar.
Note: Brainfuse is only available outside of normal Academic Resource Center (ARC) hours. This means that Monday through Thursday, BrainFuse can only be accessed before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. From Friday to Sunday, it can be accessed at any time. If you need virtual assistance during the week at a time when Brainfuse is not available, you can email the ARC to set up an online appointment with staff.
Virtual Computing Lab (VCL)
The Virtual Computer Lab (VCL) is a secure remote desktop that allows students to access computing resources on and off campus. As long as you have a device that can connect to the web, such as a laptop or tablet, you can use the VCL and access applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Creative Suite to complete your course requirements.
To access the VCL, you will need to log into myBrightpoint and create a reservation. Watch our video tutorial to learn more.
Microsoft Office Download
Brightpoint students are able to download a free copy of Microsoft Office. This includes applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. You will need to know your college email address to download these applications.
Zoom
Zoom is the web-based audio and video conferencing platform that Brightpoint uses for many of its courses. You can access Zoom after logging into myBrightpoint.
Emergency Notifications
Brightpoint Alert
Brightpoint Alert is one of the many notification tools that the college will use to alert students, faculty, and staff of an emergency situation and of closings and delays due to inclement weather.
Sign up for Brightpoint Alert to stay aware of any campus changes. Or download a quick reference guide on safety and security at Brightpoint to access important emergency contact information and keep yourself informed on our emergency protocols.
Get Additional Support
If you need assistance with downloading or accessing important software, or have any other technical challenges, reach out to the Help Hub.