USC UPSTATE

How do I login to Blackboard?

Enter the address blackboard.sc.edu into your Web browser. At the login page, enter your USC Network Username and Password.

What is my Blackboard username?

Your Blackboard username can be found by logging into VIP, clicking the Technology menu found on the left side, and then looking for option labeled “Show Me: Network Username.” Your USC Network username found on that page is used for accessing Blackboard.

What is my Blackboard password?

Your Blackboard password is not viewable from any page, but can be reset on the same page that you found your Blackboard username. This is found by logging into VIP, clicking Technology on the left side, and choosing the option labeled “Show Me: Network Username.” Your Blackboard password can be reset in the text boxes found on this page. Be sure to pay special attention to the password requirements listed there.

I can’t login to Blackboard! I know I’m using the right password!

Try resetting your Blackboard password. Blackboard passwords expire every 6 months. This can happen overnight and without warning.

My class isn’t showing up in Blackboard, how do I add it?

If you just registered for the class, wait 24 hours. It takes about a day for classes to appear in Blackboard after registering for them. If it has been longer than 24 hours and your class is still not there, contact the USC Help Desk at 803-777-1800.

When I try to login to Blackboard, I get an error message saying my Student number does not match some other number?

Contact the USC Help Desk at 803-777-1800. One or more entries in your student records are not matching. Generally this is due to a simple input error and can be corrected easily.

Why can’t you repair hardware issues on other computers besides the recommended laptops?

Recent changes in our warranty service agreement prevent us from working on any computers other than the University’s recommended laptops.
By focusing our support service to a single platform, we will be able to drastically reduce repair time, which reduces the amount of time you are without your computer.

Where can I take my computer for repair if it the Help Desk cannot work on it?

There are a number of local repair shops that you can take your computer to. The Spartanburg Yellow Pages has more than two dozen computer repair facilities listed. Let your fingers do the walking!

Is there someone that will work on my computer on the side?

Help Desk staff cannot do or discuss non-University related work during office hours. ITS cannot endorse a particular company or repair person.

I have a laptop that is not one of the recommended models. Can you work on it?

We can perform diagnostics to determine the problem with the computer. However, if it is a hardware or operating system issue we will not be able to repair it.

How long will it take the Help Desk to fix my laptop?

We cannot give an exact estimate of repair times, but it is our goal to return laptops within three business days. Hardware repairs take a minimum of two business days to complete. Software repairs vary in time, but generally do not take more than three business days.

Is there a charge for laptop repairs?

No, there is no charge for laptop repairs.

Why can’t you save any of my photos, music, or documents? I don’t care if you see them!

First and foremost, we do not backup any student’s data in an effort to preserve privacy. There is also a potential for legal recourse should personal documents or photos be seen by anyone other than their owner. Second, repair times are drastically reduced if we do not have to backup data from a laptop. The time it takes us to repair a computer can more than double if we are concerned with copying all of your personal files from the computer first. We may backup personal data in certain instances if the student is unable to do it and we have space to store all the data. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis. 

Why did you remove Program X from my laptop?

If you get your laptop back and are missing a program or two, but not everything, then odds are those programs were causing the problems with your laptop. Any application found to be spyware or a virus will be removed to complete repairs. As a rule of thumb, Help Desk technicians will remove any peer-to-peer programs found on a laptop (ie: Limewire, Bearshare, Bittorrent, etc.).

What happened to all my files and programs? I turned on my laptop and none of my stuff is there!

A full system restore was run on your laptop. This is done if your hard drive is replaced, or if your laptop’s performance has not improved after being run through our diagnostic and repair tools. This is often done if there are too many spyware applications and/or viruses found on the laptop to clean successfully.

Are students required to have a computer to attend USC Upstate?

No, students are not required to own a computer to attend USC Upstate. While it is certainly more convenient to have your own computer while here, it is important to note there are over 400 computers in labs across the campus for students to use.

My son/daughter is attending USC Upstate and I want to buy them a computer; does USC Upstate have a required computer?

USC Upstate has a line of recommended Dell laptops that you can find more information about by clicking here. While it is not required to purchase one of these laptops, the ITS Help Desk will only repair these recommended laptops.

What is my USC Upstate e-mail address?

Since our integration with Live@Edu, student e-mail addresses have changed from past semesters. E-mail addresses are now uscusername@email.uscupstate.edu. USC Usernames can be found by logging into VIP, clicking the Technology menu on the left, and choosing the Network Username option there. So, if your name is John Doe, your USC username may be doej, which means your e-mail address is doej@email.uscupstate.edu. There is no formula for guessing your USC username, so you must check for it through VIP.

What is my Upstate e-mail password?

Changes in security policies across the USC system no longer allow ITS to set default passwords.  In order to login to your University e-mail for the first time, you will have to create your password.  Passwords can be created and reset at the password reset site found here.

How do I change my password?

Students who are unable to login to their USC Upstate account can reset their password at the password reset site found here. If you know your correct USC Upstate password and would just like to change it, you can follow the directions below.

From campus:
Login at any computer lab found across campus with your current USC Upstate username and password.
After logging in, press Ctrl, Alt, Delete and choose the change password option on the Window that appears.
Follow the directions on screen to change your login password.

From off campus:
From home or on campus, go to login.live.com and enter your Upstate Live@Edu login information.
On the Account Summary page that appears, choose the Change Your Password option and follow the instructions. 

Where do I go to check my USC Upstate e-mail?

From any Web browser, surf to email.uscupstate.edu. 

Do you sell Microsoft Office?

Yes, the University offers Microsoft Office 2010 for PC and Office 2011 for Mac at a substantial discount for students. Software can be purchased either online through VIP or by going to upstatebookstore.com, or by visiting the bookstore in the HEC building. Both Mac and PC versions of Office are available at the discounted price of $99.99.

I only need Microsoft Word, can I purchase it separately?

No, individual Office applications are not available for purchase through the University. 

Do you sell the Windows operating system?

Yes, upgrade versions of Windows 7 Home, Windows 7 Pro and Windows 7 Ultimate areavailable for $119.99, $199.99 and $219.99 respectively. Windows 7 Pro full version is available for $299.99. 

Where do I go within VIP to buy software?

Login to VIP, click the "Technology" menu on the left side, and look for the "Software Distribution" option there. When asked, choose "Software for Home." Software must be purchased using the CarolinaCard. 

How do I login to VIP for the first time?

Enter the address "vip.sc.edu" into your Web browser. Click Login. Click on the tab that says "USC ID/Pin Login and First Time Users". Enter your USC ID and VIP PIN to access your VIP account. 

What is my USC ID?

By default, your USC ID is your nine-digit Social Security Number. 

What is my VIP PIN number?

Your VIP pin is a four digit number that should be on the data sheet you receive after enrollment. If you have lost or never received this data sheet you can reset the pin by following the instructions on the first time users login page on VIP. After your first login, you will be asked to change your PIN to another number. 

I cannot login to VIP; it keeps saying invalid PIN.

If you are unable to login to VIP because your default PIN does not work, or if you have forgotten your PIN, you must visit the Records Office, located in Administration, Room 308. You must present a picture ID to have your VIP PIN number reset. 

I forgot my VIP PIN, can you tell me what it is?

If you have forgotten your VIP PIN, you must visit the Records Office, located in Administration, Room 308. You have to present a picture ID to have your PIN reset.

I need to know my VIP password to register for classes. How do I find that out?

Login to VIP using your Social Security number and pin code. Click on "Personal". Click on "Show Me My VIP ID and Password". Your 8 digit VIP ID will be displayed at the top. Below that will be a box where you can create a password (note: this will be separate from your Blackboard and email passwords).