How do I enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for my account?

Question

How do I enable MFA for my account? 

Answer

Enabling MFA for your account is a requirement for all users when logging into our systems from off campus. This includes accessing your Sierra College student email, mySierra, Canvas, Sierra Connect and more.  

You have two options for MFA: 

1. Use your phone number to get a login code by text or call 

2. Use an authenticator app to get a login code on your personal device (click here to jump to the instructions)

If you do not have a personal device to enable MFA, please contact studenttechsupport@sierracollege.edu.  

To set up your phone number:

Start by watching this video tutorial or by following the steps listed below.  

STEP 1: Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup on your computer or mobile device 

STEP 2: Enter your Sierra College email address and password when prompted  

• Student email addresses: username@student.sierracollege.edu 
• Employee email addresses: username@sierracollege.edu 

STEP 3: Click on the link in the lower left corner that says Set up a different way to sign in 

STEP 4: Choose Phone from the Sign-In Method 

STEP 5: Enter your phone number and select Text a code or Call and then click Next.

STEP 6: Enter the verification code sent to your device and then click Next.

STEP 7: You are all done once you see the green checkmark with “Phone number added”. Click Done to finish.

STEP 8: Go to mySierra to login 

STEP 9: Click on the Text or Call option when prompted.   

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CHANGING YOUR PHONE NUMBER 

• If you change your phone number, and still have access to your old phone number, please use these instructions to change your phone number for MFA. 

• If you changed your phone number, and do not have access to your old phone number, please complete a MFA Reset form for one of our specialists to reset your account.  

• Updating your phone number in mySierra will NOT update your MFA account. These are independent systems. Please use these instructions to change your phone number for MFA. 

To set up an authenticator app

IMPORTANT! Please do not attempt to add your Sierra College account to an authenticator app without going through these important steps first. 

STEP 1: Go to https://aka.ms/mfasetup on your computer or mobile device - we highly recommend using a computer to go through these steps.

STEP 2: Enter your Sierra College email address and password when prompted

• Student email addresses: username@student.sierracollege.edu 
• Employee email addresses: username@sierracollege.edu 

STEP 3: If you haven’t already done so, download an authenticator app. For the purposes of these instructions, we recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app. Click Next, then Next again to set up the app for your account. 

STEP 4: When you see the screen above, open the authenticator app on your device, then add an account, select a work or school account. (Be sure to allow notifications on your device from the authenticator app.)  

STEP 5: Scan the QR code on your computer screen using your authenticator app on your device.  

STEP 6: After you scan the QR code, click Next, and you will see this notification on your computer screen. Using the authenticator app on your device, approve the login or enter the number shown on the screen.  

STEP 7: You are all done once you see the green checkmark with “Notification approved” on your computer screen. Click Next to finish. 

STEP 8: Login to mySierra and follow the prompts to verify with your authenticator app when prompted.  

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CHANGING YOUR DEVICE 

• If you change devices (get a new phone) or reset your device, please complete a MFA Reset form for one of our specialists to reset your account. 
• Updating your contact information will NOT change your contact methods for MFA. These are independent systems.

If you have any questions, please contact us!

• Students: (916) 660-7777 or via email studenttechsupport@sierracollege.edu
• Employees: (916) 660-7777 or via email servicedesk@sierracollege.edu