Overview
If you are new to myPortal, it is important to know how to utilize functions such as the search function, tools, and pages. This guide details how to navigate the myPortal interface, customize your sidebar shortcuts, and quickly find resources using the search bar.
Applies to: Faculty Staff Students
Before You Begin
- Ensure you are logged into myPortal with your active Columbia College credentials (e.g.,
username@ccis.edu and password).
- Access myPortal using an up-to-date web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
Instructions
Managing Tools, Pages, and Searching in myPortal
1 Navigating Tools and Pages
Tools and Pages are both used to access quick links that can go on your sidebar within myPortal. They both have dedicated sections in the sidebar that can be found by scrolling past the rest of the shortcuts.
To browse available Tools or Pages to add as shortcuts, click on the section title or the three dots (…) next to them.
2 Adding Tools to Your Sidebar
From the Tools section, click on the add icon next to any tool to add it to your sidebar shortcuts so it remains visible at all times during navigation.
Once added, the tool will appear directly under the Tools section in your sidebar menu:
3 Adding Pages to Your Sidebar
You can add Pages to your sidebar menu in the exact same manner:
- Locate the page you want to pin and click the add icon:
- The page will now appear under the Pages header in your left sidebar menu:
4 Customizing and Editing Shortcuts
You can further personalize your shortcuts to keep your most frequented resources easily accessible:
- Add to Favorites: Click the star icon next to any Page or Tool to add it to your favorites, placing it directly at the bottom of the Shortcuts section in your menu.
- Edit Shortcuts: Click the Edit link located at the top-right corner of the Shortcuts section:
- Reorder or Delete: While in Edit mode, click the trash can icon to remove a shortcut, or click and drag the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) on the left to rearrange shortcuts to your preferred order:
5 Using the Search Function
The search bar located at the top of the myPortal dashboard allows you to search for specific pages, tools, and external Columbia College links:
- Locate the Search Bar at the top of your myPortal dashboard:
- Type your search term into the bar. Search results will automatically populate below. For instance, searching for "Library" returns both the Stafford Library (campus physical library) and the Syllabus Library (virtual repository of course syllabi):
- Click on any result to be directed to that page within the CCIS network. Note: Search terms must be spelled correctly to return accurate results.
Common Search Terms & Uses:
- "Self-service" — Access the tool used to register for courses, plan degree pathways, or check financial aid status.
- "My profile" — Update your personal details including phone number, physical address, preferred name, or personal email address.
- "Course" — Quickly find the academic course catalog and class schedules.
- "Help" — Open the Help Portal to look up knowledge documentation or submit a Helpdesk ticket.
- "MFA" — View Multi-Factor Authentication documentation and setup guides.
- "Payment" — Access the payment portal to pay tuition/fees or configure financial aid refund preferences.
- "Directory" — Search the campus directory for employee and department contact information.
Need More Help?
If you need assistance navigating myPortal or locating resources, please use the support links below: