What web browser should I use to access Sakai?

Sakai requires one of the following web browsers:

• Firefox (Windows, Macintosh, or Linux) - free download
• Netscape 8 (this is the same as Firefox) or other Mozilla browsers
• Internet Explorer for Windows, version 6 or higher - available through Windows update

For optimum performance, we recommend using the Firefox browser. Screens draw more quickly especially in Forums and the Resources tool. You may download it here. NOTE: Though OHSU's ITG does not support Firefox , the Sakai Help Desk (not an ITG service) does support Sakai-related Firefox use via the Sakai Help Desk trouble ticket system or by calling 503-494-7074.

You may also require additional plugins (Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, Real Player, etc.), depending on the resources that your instructor uses.

Other web browsers such as Safari, Opera, and Konqueror are known to have incompatibilities. Older web browsers such as Netscape 4.8 or Internet Explorer 5.5 or earlier (for Windows or Macintosh) will not work.

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What operating systems work with Sakai?

Any operating system that allows use of the most recent Firefox or Internet Explorer browser will work with Sakai. This includes Windows XP, Windows Vista, Macintosh OS X and Linux.

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How do I change my email address?

Email addresses can be changed using the 'Account' tool under 'My Workspace.'

• To set your email address for system/course announcements, go to My Workspace -> Account -> Modify Details and change the email address.

The email address entered under the 'Profile' tool is used for sharing information with other students in your course. It is not used for system/course announcements.

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How do I change my password?

Your Sakai password is not linked to any other OHSU account. To change your password, go to My Workspace -> Account -> Modify Details and change the password. Be sure to submit your changes.

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What do I do if I forgot my password ?

Submit a trouble ticket to the Sakai Help Desk or by phone 503-494-7074. Be sure to have your user ID handy. The Sakai Help Desk operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

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Who do I contact if I have technical problems using Sakai?

Your first line of defense is the online Help area: you may be able to resolve most issues by reading about the tools that are giving you problems.

Should you encounter a problem that requires individual attention, please complete a trouble ticket at the Sakai Help Desk or phone 503-494-7074. The Sakai Help Desk operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Trouble tickets submitted to the Sakai Help Desk are monitored evenings and over the weekend and responded to if possible.

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How do I use spell checking in Sakai ?

The latest Firefox browser's built-in spell check system is incompatable with the rich text editor (FCKeditor). So, if you need spell checking while using the rich text editor, your only option is to use Internet Explorer and install the free ieSpell tool. Instructions can be found here.

When the Firefox incompatability is fixed, we will update this FAQ.

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Where do I upload my picture for inclusion in my profile?

Your picture (a JPEG or GIF graphic) must be uploaded to your Resources folder in My Workspace. Alternatively, a picture posted to some other publicly accessible web space may be used.

Once your picture has been uploaded in the appropriate space (see instructions for uploading documents and files), access it using your web browser. Then, follow these steps:

1. Right click on the image that appears in the browser.
2. Select Properties from the menu
3. Find Location and "click and drag" over the entire URL in that space so that it is highlighted
4. Hit Ctrl-C to copy the URL into your computer's memory
5. Go to your My Workspace and click on the "Profile" menu item.
6. Click on "Edit Profile" button.
7. Select the radio button Use Picture URL
8. Hit Ctrl-V to to paste the URL you copied into that field just below the 'Use Picture URL' option.
9. Click on the Save button. Your picture should be inserted into your profile.

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How do I go back to a tool’s main screen?

To go back to the default display for a tool, don’t use a browser’s back-button. You will experience unpredicatable results.  Instead, use the reset button.

Most tools have a homepage or main screen -- the screen that you see when you open the tool for the first time. For example, the Assignment tool’s homepage shows all assignments for a course.

When you click on a specific assignment, you will be taken to a new screen (below). You can go back to the tool's homepage by clicking on the Reset button (circular arrow) next to a tool's title. This will put you back on the homepage of the tool. You can do this with any tool.

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Why can’t I see a course in which I'm enrolled?

There are usually two reasons why you may not be able to see a course site.

1. You have been dropped or withdrawn from the course in OHSU's student information system, Banner. A drop in Banner results in student being removed from your Sakai course site. You may be dropped if you have:
   • failed to pay their tuition for the current semester or have other outstanding financial dues.
   • been suspended due to disciplinary action.
   • outstanding parking dues.
   • outstanding library dues.
   • failed a pre-requisite for this course in a previous semester.
2. You recently registered for your class.
   • It may take up to 24 hours for your enrollment status to be reflected in Sakai.

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Why can’t I log in to Sakai?

There are several reasons why you may not be able to log in:

1. No Sakai ID (student U-number) exists in the system.
2. You recently registered for a class but registration information has not been updated in Sakai.
3. Your password used is incorrect.

If you're unsure as to why you cannot log in, submit a trouble ticket to the Sakai Help Desk or call 503-494-7074.

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What is my u-number?

Your student u-number is issued by the OHSU Registrar and is a private identification number. The number is available online by logging into ISIS (Banner), the OHSU student information system.

The Sakai Help Desk does not have access to student u-numbers and cannot issue them. Please contact the OHSU Registrar's office at 503-494-7800 to get your u-number..

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Why am I having trouble using Sakai on my Mac?

Sakai is incompatible with Internet Explorer for the Mac. Sakai has known compatibility issues with the Safari web browser. If you are using a Mac, we recommend using Firefox.. It can be downloaded from: http://www.firefox.com

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