New Student Guide

Welcome to CalArts! This guide is for new CalArts students. It provides an ordered checklist for the technology services you should verify before classes begin. VCFA students should use the VCFA student guide.

Before you arrive

1. Activate your CalArts account. Look for the most recent email from do-not-reply@calarts.edu with the subject “Welcome To CalArts!” and use its registration code at login.calarts.edu. See How Do I Register My Account.
2. Configure account verification and recovery. Add the verification methods offered during activation. Never approve a verification request you did not initiate.
3. Open your CalArts email. Sign in through login.calarts.edu, open the Google application, and send a test message. CalArts email is provided through Google Workspace.
4. Review your program's computer and software requirements. Program-specific accounts or software may be provided separately by your school or program.

Before classes begin

• Canvas: Sign in and confirm that your expected courses appear. Start with the Canvas Student Quick Start Guide.
• Wi-Fi: Follow How Do I: Connect to CalArts WiFi. Use CalArts Special for supported smart devices and gaming systems as described in that guide.
• The Hub and Self-Service: Review How to Use the Hub for student administrative services.
• Creative and productivity software: Review Adobe Creative Cloud for Students and Microsoft 365.
• Computer labs: Review Campus Computer Lab Information.
• ID card: Review CalArts ID Cards and watch your CalArts email for the photo-upload invitation.

During your first week

• Set Canvas notification preferences and verify that you can open course files and submit work.
• Confirm you can access Google Drive and any program-specific storage or software.
• Confirm your emergency-contact and campus-alert information in the appropriate CalArts administrative system.
• Bookmark the CAIT Help Center and learn how to submit a useful support request.

If something is missing

• Account, email, Wi-Fi, Canvas access, software, or printing problem: Contact CAIT.
• Course enrollment or official academic-record problem: Contact the office or program responsible for the record; CAIT can help route the request if you are unsure.
• Program-specific software or equipment: Check with your school or program first.

When you leave CalArts

Account access and software eligibility change after graduation, withdrawal, or another departure. Review Students: What Happens After I Leave? early enough to transfer required data before the stated deadlines.

Get technology help

• Email cait@calarts.edu.
• Call 661-253-7887 or extension 7887 from campus.
• Visit CAIT in room E200g, inside the Library.
• Read How Do I: Submit A Ticket? before sending a request.