About the Information Technology Department

The Information Technology Department provides the technology infrastructure and support for the academic and administrative needs of the College. Services include maintenance of all college-owned computers, mobile devices, software, network equipment, telephone equipment and computer labs. We oversee all administrative and information systems. Support for faculty, staff and students is provided through our Help Desk. 

Help Desk

The Help Desk is located within the Information Technology Department in the lower level of the Arts and Sciences Building. We are responsible for providing prompt assistance to students, faculty, and staff. The Help Desk is staffed with professional and student computer technicians.

The following services for students are offered:

  • In person, telephone, and e-mail support for educational technology needs;
  • Basic support for personal computers (Mac or PC);
  • Help with installation of student-owned software or other free programs/utilities;
  • Support for our campus Wi-Fi network.

Contact information:

The Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hours may vary on holidays and breaks. Contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@coa.edu, by calling 207.801.5653, or by visiting in person.


COA Network Access Instructions

COA IT requires that you to register your computers and other devices before full network access is granted. By registering devices that connect to our network, we are able to provide a more secure and reliable computing environment. During the registration process, your computer is scanned to ensure that the operating system is current (including the latest critical security patches) and anti-virus software is installed. The scan does not collect or review any personal data on your system. Please note that if you elect not to register your system, you will not be able to access the campus network, which includes Internet access.

Connecting to COA Wifi

Step # 1 - Connect to the COACloud wireless Internet

Step # 2 - Open your Internet browser and go to any website, such as bookbyte.com . This will redirect you to the COA Acceptable Use Policy. Please read the policy before selecting “Accept.

Step # 3 - Once you accept, the Network Access Control window will open. Click the hyperlink “COA Students, Faculty and Staff”.

Step # 4 - This will open a window where you will need to enter your COA username and password. This information was sent to you in June. If you do not know this information you should email helpdesk@coa.edu  or stop over to the IT Department (M-F from 8-4).

Step # 5 - If entered correctly, you will be asked to download and install the Bradford Network Access software. This software will scan your computer to make sure that your computer has up to date antivirus software and that your operating system is up to date with patches. If your computer is not up to date you will have 3 days to update it before losing network access.

If you have any issues connecting, you should email helpdesk@coa.edu or stop over to the IT Help Desk. 


COA Card Information

The COA Card is the official identification card of College of the Atlantic, and is issued to every student and employee. COA Card IDs are used for many services:

  • All dining services locations: TAB and Sea Urchin
  • Library: Access to Thorndike Library, as well as interlibrary loan

 What should I do if my COA Card stops working, is lost, or stolen?

  • Contact the IT Helpdesk immediately if your card is lost or stolen, we will deactivate it and issue you new one. 

 Replacing a COA Card

Replacement COA Cards can be obtained at the IT Helpdesk.  A fee of $10 must be paid via Linda Black in Admissions before a new card is issued unless you have a legal name change processed through the Registrars office and we reuse your existing photo or you have your COA Card in your possession (eg: you have not lost it) and it is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged through normal wear and tear and we reuse your existing photo.


Microsoft Office 365 Pro - No Cost for Student Use

Starting April 2014 COA Information Technology began providing Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus for students at no cost via the Microsoft Student Advantage program. This agreement between COA and Microsoft allows us to provide current students with the latest version of Office 365 at school and at home. 

How to obtain access: 

- You must be a currently enrolled student 
- Access is integrated to your COA Network account. 
- Sign in to your Office365 Portal with your network credential (your username@coa-domain.com with your network/Bradford password) at the following link: Click Here

If you do not know your COA Network account and/or password, contact the Help Desk or drop by the IT Office.

 To install Office 365:

- Select Office 
- Select your language & Install

* Note: the first time you open an Office 365 application (e.g. Word, Excel) you will be asked to activate the application. When you click on the link you’ll be prompted to authenticate again. Login with the following credentials: your username@coa-domain.com with your network/Bradford password.


You can install the latest version of Office on up to five computers that you use. After you’ve completed the installation, make sure you have automatic updates turned on.

If you have any questions regarding the Office 365 Student Advantage offering at COA, please contact helpdesk@coa.edu