Swarthmore Account
All students registered for a Swarthmore class are assigned a student ID and username. Accounts are created automatically for new students in the fall and spring. You will be sent instructions for accessing your account upon initial enrollment. If you do not have a username please contact the Registrar's office (registrar@swarthmore.edu). Your username and password can be used to access most campus digital services, such as: For guidelines on responsible conduct while using Swarthmore accounts and services, please review our Acceptable Use Policy for Swarthmore College computer systems and networks.Account Usage
Setting Your First Password
For instructions on how to reset your password in the future, please visit our Password Reset instructions page.
Duo Two-Factor Authentication
Swarthmore uses Duo two-factor authentication to help you keep your Swarthmore account secure. This kind of authentication requires something you know (like your account username and password) coupled with something you have (a device registered with the service such as your cell phone). Requiring interaction with a device you have with you ensures that only you are able to access your account, even if your password were to be compromised. For more information about Duo please visit our Getting Started with Duo page. The first time you log into your Swarthmore account you will be prompted to register a device for Duo. For step-by-step instructions on how the registration process works, plus helpful tips for different device types please visit our page on adding and managing devices in Duo. It is highly recommended that you register more than one device with Duo to make sure you never have an issue logging into your account.
Swarthmore Virtual Private Network (VPN)
When you're working online remotely, use SwatVPN (VPN = virtual private network). The VPN client software for SwatVPN is called Cisco AnyConnect.
Not only does VPN secure the network communication between your computer and the College, but it also provides you access to resources only available from on-campus and the same level of network protection that you have while on campus. Note that if you don't "control" or own the network you're on (e.g. public WiFi), you should absolutely use VPN for any college-related activities. By the way, VPN isn't just for Macs and PCs, you can also install it on Chromebooks as well as iOS and Android devices.
How to Install the Swarthmore VPN
On a computer: On a mobile device:
Logging Into the Swarthmore VPN
Below are the instructions for how to connect to the Swarthmore VPN from a macOS or Windows computer. For more information on how to connect to the Swarthmore VPN from other devices, please see our VPN and Off-Campus Access page.
When ready to quit the VPN session open the minimized VPN client icon in the taskbar (Windows) or the dock (Mac) and select the End Session button. The VPN application will stay running until you exit from it. Once the client has been downloaded, there is no need to go back to the SwatVPN web page. To use the VPN at a later time:
Anti-Virus Protection
Make sure you are running up to date antivirus (AV) software whether on a PC or Mac (yes, definitely Macs too). Being up to date includes the AV software itself and the signatures. Also, be sure to schedule a periodic scan of your computer (scheduled to run at least once a week). There are several companies that provide free antivirus software. These are just a few: This information about antivirus updates applies primarily to personally-owned, non-ITS-managed computers.
Information Security
Keeping your account and data secure is very important. Using Duo, the Swarthmore VPN, and having up-to-date anti-virus protection is only a small part of a number of things you can do to ensure you keep your data secure. Please check our page on how to work and learn safely while remote. Please also check out our tips for better wifi.
Zoom
Zoom video conferencing with a pro license is available for all Swarthmore students. You can use this service to attend remote classes, meet with study groups, or virtually attend various campus events. You can access Zoom via the web at swarthmore.zoom.us or download the desktop or mobile applications. For more information on Zoom please visit our Zoom Video Conferencing page.
Software
Swarthmore provides software for download to assist our students in their learning. You can browse and install available software from our Software Installation page.
Please note that not all software listed on our installation page is available for students to download. Check the Access column - if it lists Students or Everyone it is available for student download. Make sure to also check the Platform column to ensure the software is compatible with your computer's operating system.