Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General


How do I access the Microsoft Office applications?

All current Palomar College students and employees can access to the Microsoft (MS) Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) by logging in to the Microsoft 365 site using their Palomar College email address and password. If you have any trouble logging in, you can contact the Palomar College Information Services Department at helpdesk@palomar.edu or (760) 744-1150 x2140 for help with your username or password.

Canvas


How do I change my Display Name in Canvas?

The process for changing your display name in Canvas is a bit different for employees versus students:

  • For students, you’ll need to go into the MyPalomar system (where you enroll for classes) on the Student Center tab, under the Personal Information section, and set your “Preferred Name.” After your name is modified there, within three hours the new listing should appear listed in Canvas. Should you run into any problems using the MyPalomar system, you can get help from the Enrollment Services staff (admissions@palomar.edu or 760-744-1150 X2164).
  • For employees, you’ll need to contact the Human Resources department, and if they approve the change they will input the change into the HR PeopleSoft system, where is will eventually synch up with the MyPalomar system, which in turn will push the name change into Canvas. Since there is a review process involved, there is no guaranteed turn-around time for employee name customization.

How do I request to have an announcement posted in Canvas?

We have discontinued the process of posting a system announcement in Canvas in favor of a new messaging tool available to us since Summer 2024. This new tool, called “Impact Messaging,” allows for targeted messages in Canvas to have better results.

Since this is no longer a “blast to everybody” situation, we don’t currently have a detailed form for you to fill out making the request. Instead we encourage you to open a ticket in the ATRC Help system, and let us know what message you want to distribute, what your intended audience is, and where in Canvas you’d like the message to appear. From there we can discuss any details around your message, such as time frames and what sort of metrics you’d like on who is seeing your message.

Please submit requests for messages well in advance of when you want them visible in Canvas. Again, this is a new messaging tool, so at first we expect to need at least a couple of weeks notice before messages can go live.

WordPress


Where can I find WordPress training materials and videos?

The Palomar College WordPress Central website has information about many WordPress training opportunities for employees.

How do I log in to WordPress?

The Palomar College WordPress Central site is the best place to log in to a Palomar College WordPress site. Once at the site, choose the appropriate system to log in to from the site menu.

Your login credentials for WordPress are the same ones you use to log in to the Microsoft system. If you have trouble with your password, Information Services can assist with resetting it.

Zoom


How do I use the Zoom All Screens Mode for proctoring?

The All Screens Mode feature allows the host to request that all participants share their screens, providing the host with a scrollable, side-by-side view of each participant’s video feed and shared desktop. This feature enhances proctoring by allowing the host to simultaneously observe participants and their desktops for improved exam monitoring.

How to Use All Screens Mode

  1. Start a Meeting as Host
    Open your Zoom meeting and click the up arrow next to the “Share Screen” icon, located at the bottom center of the Zoom window.
  2. Select All Screen Mode
    Click “Start All Screens Mode.” Participants will receive a prompt to begin sharing their desktop.
  3. Continue or Cancel
    If using for proctoring, ensure “Allow participants to view shares” is unchecked to prevent participants from seeing each other’s screens. Click “Start” to proceed.
  4. Monitoring Participants
    Participants who begin sharing will be displayed side-by-side with their videos. You can scroll to see all participants.
  5. Stop All Screen Mode
    To stop the feature, click the “All Screens” indicator at the top left, then select “Stop All Screens Mode.” Participants can also stop sharing individually.

Multiple screens being shared in a Zoom meeting.

Enable “All Screens Mode” by Default

To set up “All Screens Mode” as the default for proctoring:

  1. Sign in to the Zoom Web Portal
  2. Go to Meeting Settings
  3. Under In Meeting (Basic) > Screen sharing, set:
    • Participants Sharing Simultaneously: Choose Multiple participants.
    • Enable All Screens Mode: This lets you view all participants’ screens side-by-side (requires Zoom 5.17.10+).
    • Who Can Share: Set to Host Only or All Participants as needed.

Zoom web portal meeting settings

Additional Questions

  • Can a co-host use All Screen Mode?
    Only the host can initiate All Screen Mode, but co-hosts can view shared screens.
  • What will students see?
    Students will only see their own screens with a green border indicating they are sharing.
  • How are dual monitors handled?
    If a participant is using dual monitors, the host will see both screens and can toggle between them.
  • Can All Screen Mode be used in breakout rooms?
    The All Screen Mode is currently not available for use within breakout rooms.

Troubleshooting

Ensure Zoom is updated to version 6.0 or higher. In the Zoom desktop client, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Share Screen’ to confirm that All Screens Mode is enabled. For specific guidance, refer to the using all screens mode in meetings article from Zoom Support.