View personal information, grades, register for classes, financial aid, account information, and MyBVDegree.
View your college email here by entering your student email address and password.
Learning management system for your coursework.
Monitor your progress towards degree completion.
Microsoft 365 is designed to help you achieve more with innovative Office apps, intelligent cloud services, and world-class security.
A resource for tutoring and advising services.
LinkedIn Learning offers video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills.
Provides access to a variety of eJournals, eBooks, and research databases. Includes Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Business Source Elite, and others.
Mergent Intellect offers new and existing clients a unique opportunity to access private and public U.S and international business data, industry news, facts and figures, executive contact information, the ability to access industry profiles and much more.
Critical news, legal and business information
Introduced in 1913, The Journal of the American Dental Association is the nation's premier dental journal-a reliable, peer-reviewed source of information on dentistry and dental science.
Established in 1930 as the official publication of the AAP, the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) publishes original papers of the highest scientific quality to support practice, education, and research in the dental specialty of periodontics.
Published since 2011, Clinical Advances in Periodontics (CAP) is dedicated to advancing clinical management of patients by translating scientific knowledge into practical therapy.
Ancestry Library Edition is available in the U.S., the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Ireland and Norway, and provides access to billions of historical documents, millions of historical photos, plus local narratives, oral histories, indexes and other resources in over 30,000 databases that span from the 1500s to the 2000s.
Contains full text articles covering everything from Architecture to Zoology and research & scholarship.
Provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature. *Not all resources are open-access/full-text.
Houses primary print, pictorial and audio-visual resources.
Michigan State University Libraries Digital and Multimedia Center's Digital Collections: contain primary resources relating to Africana, American Radicalism, Applied and Life Sciences, History, and Social Sciences.
KCPL is a local public library. Please note that some of their databases are only available on-site.
is the local independent library located in South Charleston.
West Virginia's online arm of the public library. Access is available with a current West Virginia Public Library card. There are ebooks and audiobooks that can be downloaded and "read" on multiple devices.
An ongoing eBook collection project including older U.S. literary works which have exceeded their copyright rights.
Provides access to millions of pages of in print books. *Not all resources are free, open-access/full-text.
Houses a free online collection of over 3,400 video tutorials covering mathematics, history, health care, medicine, finance, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, economics, cosmology, organic chemistry, American civics, art history, macro- & microeconomics, and computer science.
Created by the University of Pennsylvania, is a growing collection of free eBooks and currently houses special collections like a Celebration of Women Writers, Banned Books Online and Prize Winning Books Online.
Provides free cultural and educational media: eBooks (fiction and non-fiction, including text books), audio books, movies, films, and language lessons.
General health and healthy living materials, news, videos, recipes, pod-casts, blogs, etc. covering diseases, symptoms, drugs & supplements, tests & procedures, first-aid.
A patient education and health information site which includes pod-casts, web-casts, transcripts of web chats with physicians, symptom checker, and many more interactive tools for patients and students alike to stay up to date with the latest health news.
Contains compilations of carefully selected information from various health organizations. Some services include the Drug Interaction Checker, Online Checkups and newsletters.
Includes an illustrated medical dictionary, the latest health news, directories (doctors, dentists, hospitals, clinics, etc.), and interactive health tutorials. The GoLocal option allows users to search for resources by state.
Free, peer-reviewed research articles and journals. This site includes tabbed links to Chemistry Central, an accompanying open access site that you may find helpful.
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out-of-class instruction.
Provides a guide to using the Chicago Style.
Welcome to the IT Department's Helpdesk FAQ for students. Below you will find links to the areas that you will be logging into throughout your time at BridgeValley. If one of the sections below does not have the information you are looking for or you are still having technical issues, please click the help button in the bottom right.
Our Helpdesk hours are Monday – Thursday 8AM – 6PM, Friday 8AM – 5:30PM.
What is MyBridge?
MyBridge is the student portal for all BridgeValley students. It includes links to systems such as My SSB, Blackboard, student email, library resources and more.
What happened to the old MyBridge page?
BridgeValley has updated the system used by students to access student records. This information is now found under the My SSB link in the new MyBridge Student Portal. The My SSB link is where you can access your student records, such as grades and transcripts, as well as billing information, tax documents, and financial aid. Please remember to update any personal bookmarks you may have that accessed the old MyBridge page.
Can I access the resources found within the MyBridge portal from any off-campus location?
You do not need to be on campus to access any of the resources found within MyBridge. You can access the information anywhere you have access to a device that will connect to the Internet. This includes your home, work, a public library, etc.
What are the recommended bandwidth requirements to access the resources within MyBridge Student Portal?
The minimum requirements to access the resources of the MyBridge portal are 4Mbp/s Down and UP. Any Internet connection classified as broadband will be sufficient.
How do I access my student email?
BridgeValley CTC student email is hosted via Gmail. There are two ways to access the BridgeValley student email. The first way to access your student email is via the link in MyBridge Student Portal. The second way to access your student email is by simply going to gmail.com
Once at the log in screen for Gmail, type your BridgeValley student email. Click “Next” and it will redirect you to the Microsoft sign in screen. The credentials for your student email are the same as what you used to access the student portal. For additional information, please view this guide.
What is my student email password?
The password for your student email is the same as what is used to access your MyBridge Student Portal.
What are the hardware specifications for laptops I need at the college?
Please see the chart below. The minimum specifications will work for most of the college programs. If you just need a computer for word processing, checking email and accessing the internet, a device with the minimum specifications will work for you. If your program is in technology or engineering, you may need a more powerful computer. Please check with your instructor for more information of what type of computer you will need.
Computer Component | Minimum | Recommended |
---|---|---|
Processor | Intel Core i3 | Intel Core i5 or better |
RAM | 4GB | 8GB or better |
Storage |
500GB 7200 RPM Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or 120GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
256GB Solid State Drive (SSD) or better |
Graphics | Integrated | 4GB Dedicated or better |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home, Mac OS X | Windows 10 Home, Mac OS X |
Can I use a Chromebook?
While Chromebooks now fully support Lockdown Browser, the IT Department still recommends against them. Chromebooks are a cheaper option, but they have several draw backs. Chrome OS does not support Windows applications, so if your class requires special software, it will most likely not work. Chromebooks are usually underpowered and lack ample storage. This leads to disappointment from waiting on the system and frustration when storage runs low.
Does the college offer laptops for students to purchase?
The BridgeValley Bookstore has several laptops available for student purchase. Financial aid can be used for purchasing for those who qualify. Please contact the BridgeValley Bookstore for any questions related to purchasing. All laptops meet the minimum specifications of the chart above.
What is Blackboard?
BridgeValley offers classes through a web-based platform that allows students access to course resources. This system is called Blackboard. You can access this system by clicking on the Blackboard Learn link on the MyBridge portal home page.
What are the computer requirements for Blackboard?
Blackboard continually updates its browser and system compatibility, which means some older versions of browsers and operating systems may no longer be supported. Be sure to check the Blackboard Browser Checker page to make sure your computer is sufficiently up-to-date. Also, your browser settings should be set at the following:
How do I access Blackboard on my mobile device?
To use Blackboard on your iPhone or Android device, please download the Blackboard app from the App Store or Google Play. Please view the Blackboard App Quick Start page for more information.
Why don’t I see all my courses listed?
You will only see courses in which you are enrolled and that your instructor has made available in Blackboard. If you are enrolled in a course and don’t see it listed in Blackboard, contact your instructor.
How do I access the courses that I am registered for?
Once you log into Blackboard, you will see your courses listed under the Course List module in the center of the page.
How do I get help with Blackboard?
For assistance, please visit the Blackboard Learn Help for Students page that provides answers to many common questions. If you are still having issues, please click the Help icon in the bottom right on this page and click Contact Us to describe your issue.
How to I use Lockdown Browser to take an exam for my class?
Your instructor may require you to use Lockdown Browser when taking an online exam. If you need to download and install LockDown Browser on your personal computer, please do so at this link - http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=939939653 (This link is specific to BridgeValley and will only work for BridgeValley exams). If you choose to take exams on campus, there is no need to download anything as the Lockdown Browser is installed on campus computers. To take an online test, start LockDown Browser. Login to Blackboard using the same credentials you used to login to the MyBridge Student Portal. Navigate to the exam. (You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.) For additional details on using LockDown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide.
Why cannot install Lockdown Browser on my Windows 10 computer?
Your Windows 10 machine might be running Windows 10 S Mode. You can check whether you’re using S Mode by heading to Settings > System > About. On the About page, scroll down to the “Windows Specifications” section. If you see the words “in S mode” to the right the Edition entry, you’re using an S Mode PC. If you don’t, you’re not using S Mode. Lockdown Browser is not available on the Microsoft Store, therefore, you cannot install it if you are in S Mode. In order to install the application, you need to remove your device from S Mode. Windows 10 in S mode is designed for security and performance, exclusively running apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to switch out of S mode. Switching out of S mode is one-way. If you make the switch, you won't be able to go back to Windows 10 in S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode.
What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is designed to help you achieve more with innovative Office apps, intelligent cloud services, and world-class security. All BridgeValley accounts have access to the Office web apps, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These web apps allow you to create, view, and edit Office documents directly from a browser without installing any software. If you are actively enrolled in a course, you also can install the Office apps for your PC and/or Mac and mobile clients.
How do I sign into Microsoft 365?
Sign into MyBridge Student Portal and click the Microsoft 365 link. If you are ever prompted for credentials, use the same credentials used to access the MyBridge Student Portal.
How do I install Office products on my personal devices?
Enrolled students can install Office products on up to 5 devices. For computers, simply login to your Microsoft 365 account. Once signed in, click the option to Install Office, see example image below. For mobile devices, download the app for the product you wish to use and sign-in with your BridgeValley student account info when prompted.
What is OneNote and how do I use it?
OneNote is a digital notebook that automatically saves and syncs your notes as you work. You can type information into your notebook or use handwritten notes if you are using a device with a touchscreen. Your notebook can be shared with others and can be easily accessed from any device. For more information on how to use OneNote, please see Microsoft’s OneNote support page.
What is OneDrive? How do I access files from multiple devices?
Microsoft OneDrive is a powerful cloud storage tool that is included with your Microsoft 365 account. It allows you to store unlimited data in the cloud and access it from any internet connected device. For more information on how to use OneDrive please see Microsoft’s OneDrive support page.
What happens to my account and docs once I graduate?
Currently, BridgeValley IT does not disable or delete your account(s) when you graduate or stop attending BridgeValley. With that being said, the IT Department recommends moving any important services/ documents to a personal account. This makes it easier for you to access the information since you will be managing the account and not BridgeValley IT. Only actively enrolled students receive the license to activate Office apps on your Windows or Mac computer. Access to Office web apps and your OneDrive cloud storage will still be accessible when not enrolled in any classes.
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is the hub for teamwork in Microsoft 365. It brings conversations, content, assignments, and apps together in one place.
How do I access Microsoft Teams?
To access Microsoft Teams, you can either use a web browser, desktop client, or mobile app. To login with a web browser, go to https://teams.microsoft.com. Your login credentials are the same used to access the MyBridge Student Portal.
To download the Microsoft Teams app for your PC for Mac, please access the download link from Microsoft’s webpage. Once you download and install the application, your login credentials are the same used to access the MyBridge Student Portal.
Microsoft Teams is also available for mobile devices using the links below.
My class is using Microsoft Teams for video calls or content. How do I connect to the class?
If your instructor is using Microsoft Teams for a class, you will see your class listed by opening the Teams app or going to https://teams.microsoft.com. Then, click the Teams icon on the left app bar. You should have also received an email with an invitation link to the Teams Classroom. Once you find your class, click the General Channel to see Posts, Files, Class Notebook and more along the tabs at the top. You can chat with your instructor and classmates using the Conversation box in the bottom of the page.
How do I join a video call?
To join a video call in Microsoft Teams, you will either receive an email with a link that says Join Microsoft Teams Meeting, or you will see a meeting invite listed in the Posts feed of your class. For more instructions, please view Microsoft’s guide on how to join a Teams meeting.
Can I chat with my instructor or classmates on Teams?
Absolutely! If your instructor or classmates are logged into Teams, you will be able to instant message them. If they are offline, they will receive the message the next time they login. You can do 1:1 chat or group chats. To start a chat, click on the New Chat icon in the top menu bar (directly to the left of the Search bar) and begin typing the name of the person(s) you want to chat with. You can then type your message in the Message box at the bottom of the screen. For more information on chats in Microsoft Teams, please view Microsoft’s guide on starting chats and calls.
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a cloud-based video communications app that allows you to set up virtual video and audio conferencing, webinars, live chats, screen-sharing, and other collaborative capabilities. Your BridgeValley instructor may use Zoom to deliver live course content.
How do I create a Zoom Account?
To create a Zoom account, go to https://zoom.us/signup. Use your BridgeValley e-mail when creating your free Zoom account and not the other options listed below the email entry field on the sign-up page (Do not sign in with SSO, Google or Facebook).
You will need to verify your BridgeValley e-mail via link Zoom will send to your email. Once you verify your email, you will need to check “no” that you are not signing up on behalf of a school. Finally, enter your name and choose a password to complete the account creation process. Skip the “Don’t Zoom Alone” Step. Congratulations, you have a free Zoom Account!
How do I download and install Zoom?
For PC and Mac, when you go to https://zoom.us/support/download, the download will automatically start. Once the installer is downloaded, run the file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Zoom is available for mobile devices by using the links below.
How do I log into Zoom Desktop Client?
First you need to install Zoom and open the application. Click sign in and then enter your Zoom credentials. If you do not have a Zoom account, please see above for steps to create your account.
My instructor is using Zoom for my class. How do I connect to the Zoom call?
On the day and time of your class, please find the corresponding Zoom invitation and click the meeting link listed. Your instructor may have sent this to your student email or posted it to your Blackboard course. If you are on a computer, the browser may ask you to open the Zoom desktop client if it is installed. Otherwise, the browser will prompt you to download and install the desktop client.
From a mobile device, simply locate the invitation for the class you need in your email and click the meeting link. The Zoom app will auto launch if you have it installed or prompt you to install it if you do not.