Student Information

1. Set up your Tufts University Credentials (new students and if needed). Most Courses at Tufts offerings require logging into Tufts University Systems (some short-term offerings such as workshops are excluded).  If this is the case, an email was sent to you approximately 24 hours after enrolling with instructions on how to set up your Tufts email and credentials. These credentials are distinct from the ones you created when you enrolled in your course in the Student Registration Portal. 

You are required to use Tufts login credentials to access university systems such as our Learning Management System, Canvas, and the Student Information System (SIS), where grades and other academic records are housed. You are required to use Tufts login credentials to access university systems such as our Learning Management System, Canvas, and the Student Information System (SIS), where grades and other academic records are housed. If you don’t plan on checking your Tufts email, please set up email forwarding. The University by default will email your Tufts account, so forwarding emails or checking that account often is the best way to stay informed. Information about forwarding your email.

If you need help logging in to your accounts, please call Tufts Technology Services at 617-627-3376.

2. Submit any outstanding enrollment documentation via the registration portal. This may include prior academic records such as transcripts, immunization records, health insurance information, etc. Students who fail to submit required documentation will be automatically withdrawn from their courses. Enrollment documentation can be submitted through your Student Registration Portal.

3. Get an ID (new students and if needed). If you are taking a course on any of the Tufts campuses, you must obtain a student ID for building access. To obtain a Tufts ID please follow the steps below:

• Go to the Picasso photo upload site, log in using your Tufts credentials and upload a passport style photo. There are detailed instructions about the type of photo required. 
• Your ID will be printed at the security office of the campus you are attending. Locations can be found here (note you do not need to follow the replacement ID steps).

Please note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, student IDs will not be created for new students attending 100% virtual programming.

4. Familiarize yourself with policies. Tufts has established policies and codes of conduct for all members of the Tufts community; individual schools have their own policies as well. Please review the University-wide and relevant school policies here.

Virtual and Online Courses (including Hybrid/Virtual)

Coursework will be available through the Tufts Learning Management System, Canvas. Students registered in a course are automatically added to Canvas. Canvas will be used to post syllabi, assignments, and required course materials.

No later than the 1st day of class, you should log into Canvas and note due dates for assignments, where applicable (though please note that not all instructors post materials in advance).

If you have any trouble accessing the Canvas page for your course, please contact your instructor directly. You can identify your instructor and their email address on the course page by searching for it here.

To learn more about the platform and how to navigate it, visit this page.

Virtual meetings links will be provided by the instructor. Typically, these are posted on the syllabus and on the Canvas site. Most instructors use Zoom for virtual courses. If you are not familiar with Zoom, please see a quick tutorial available here.

In-Person Courses (including Hybrid-In-Person)

Most instructors use the Tufts Learning Management System, Canvas. Students registered in a course are automatically added to Canvas. Canvas will be used to post syllabi, assignments, and required course materials. 

If you have any trouble accessing the Canvas page for your course, please contact your instructor directly. You can identify your instructor and their email address on the course page by searching for it here.

To learn more about the platform and how to navigate it, visit this page.

You can locate the room number for your course by viewing your class schedule in SIS. A campus map and directions to Tufts' campuses can be found here.

Workshops and Short Courses

Instructors will email you with information about accessing the materials and any live sessions.

Please note that some Professional & Continuing Education courses at Tufts may not utilize Canvas. Please email your instructor with any questions regarding Canvas use.

Instructors post lists of required textbooks through the Tufts Bookstore website. You can see if your instructor has listed any books by using the bookstore's Course Materials Finder. Items may be purchased from the bookstore website and mailed directly to your home address. For questions about online purchases, you can reach the bookstore staff at 617-627-3468.

If you do not see materials for your class listed, you should check the syllabus or with your instructor on the first day of class.

SMFA at Tufts Continuing Education Courses

If you are taking a continuing education course at the SMFA, most courses have required materials or software. Your instructor will email you with the related materials list. You can purchase Adobe software at a reduced rate and find supplies at any local or online art store. For questions about software purchases you can reach the SMFA team at smface@tufts.edu.

Computer

You will need access to either a Mac computer running at least OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or a PC running Windows 7/8/10. Users on Windows 10 will have to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

Internet Access

A reliable, high-speed (cable or broadband) internet connection is required. Students are expected to log into Canvas and check email daily, and will need regular and reliable access to the internet.

Web Browser

Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the most commonly used browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Safari.

Software

• Microsoft Office or the ability to create .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files. Tufts provides current students with access to Microsoft Office 365.
• Using either Open Office or Google Docs is acceptable if MS Office is not an option.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (or a program with the ability to open PDFs)

Course-Specific Requirements

There may be additional requirements for hardware and software at the course-level, which will be specified before the course begins. For virtual courses, individual instructors may select a video-conferencing platform (such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, WebEx) to be used to facilitate discussions and virtual lectures.

Getting Help/Support

Technical support is available 24x7. Contact support at 617-627-3376 or email it@tufts.

Please also see our page "Tufts Technology."