MFA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between on-campus vs. off-campus network?

On-campus: 1) Physically on the campus using your office desktop computer, or 2) Remotely accessing your office desktop computer using the VPN (Splashtop). MFA will not be required to access email and Office 365 applications from the on-campus network.

Off-campus: Accessing your email or Office 365 applications from any other device such as district issued laptop, personal computer, or mobile phone. MFA will be required to access your email and Office 365 applications from the off-campus network.

What if I already use Workday?

If you access Workday from off-campus you are already set up with the MFA verification process. The same process is being added to your email and Office 365 sign-in from off-campus. You should not be required to set up multi-factor again. You will just be prompted for the verification step, much like when signing into Workday.

What if I do not use or have access to Workday?

Not to worry. Workday access is not required in order to set up MFA for email and Office 365. You will simply be setting up MFA for accessing email and Office 365. Since many people are already familiar with the MFA process for accessing Workday from off-campus, this will be a similar process, but Workday access is not required.

What are my options for MFA verification?

You have two options. The MFA verification process can either send a text code to your mobile device, or the process can call your phone (either mobile or land line).

How often will I get prompted for the MFA verification?

In most instances, once you have completed the MFA verification step you won’t continue to be prompted each time signing in. MFA remembers your device and location. If you use a different device, clear you browsing data, or change location you may get the MFA verification prompt again. Otherwise, it will prompt every 90 days.

Does anything change for accessing GCCCD email from my mobile devices?

Possibly. If you already use the Microsoft Outlook app on your mobile device, you should only have to complete the MFA verification process if prompted. No additional setup is required.

If you are using any other email client (i.e., Gmail app, Apple’s Mail app, Samsung’s Mail app) on your mobile device, MFA may not be compatible with it. In this case, you are encouraged to download and install the Outlook app to continue accessing your GCCCD email on your mobile device.

What if I change the phone number for my mobile device?

If you change the phone number associated with your MFA verification, contact your campus or district IT help desk. Let them know you have changed your phone number and need to have your MFA reset. You will then be prompted to set up MFA again and you can enter your new phone number during the setup process.