Multifactor authentication for students

All FGC students are required to use multifactor authentication (MFA) on their official FGC accounts. In addition to your password, you must complete at least one additional verification method to help prove your identity and keep your account secure.

1 Supported verification methods
2 Adding verification methods to your account for the first time
3 Managing your verification methods
4 Signing in without internet connectivity
5 Getting back into your account

Supported verification methods

In addition to your password, there are four additional ways in which you can verify your identity, explained below. You must configure at least two of these factors for your account.

Important: While you can add any of the factors below to your account, only the first two (authenticator app and texting/calling) may be used for normal MFA purposes. Emailed codes and security questions may only be used with Microsoft’s self-service password reset portal.

This is a restriction imposed by Microsoft, not Florida Gateway College.

Microsoft Authenticator app (recommended). This is a free, easy-to-use app that you can install on your smartphone. This is the easiest and most secure option. Go here to get the app.
Text messaging and/or voice calls. You can use your mobile phone to receive authentication codes via text messaging (SMS) or voice calls. While there is no charge for this service, normal carrier rates and fees may apply.
Personal email address. (Self-service password resets only.) You can have authentication codes sent to your personal, non-FGC email address.
Security questions. (Self-service password resets only.) You can answer security questions to help prove your identity. Be sure to choose questions to which only you will know the answer.

If you don't have a smartphone or cell phone, please email the Technology Helpdesk at helpdesk@fgc.edu for further assistance.

Adding verification methods to your account for the first time

To add verification methods to your account, begin by signing into your student email account at www.outlook.com/fgc.edu as normal (see FGC Wolves accounts | Signing into your Wolves account for the first time if you need help doing so).

If you haven't yet configured any verification methods, you'll see a prompt like the one below:

Click "Next," then follow the directions on your screen to add your additional verification methods. (Note: the first method you add must be either an authenticator app or a phone number. You can then add a personal email address or security questions as your second method, if you wish.)

For detailed instructions, see this how-to from Microsoft: Set up Security info from a sign-in page.

Managing your verification methods

To manage the configured verification methods for your account, visit the My Sign-Ins page. From there you can review, add, update, and remove the methods configured on your account.

Signing in without internet connectivity

Even if you’re temporarily unable to connect to the internet (e.g., poor cell reception and no Wi-Fi), you can still sign into your account using the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Step 1

Sign in with your username and password as normal. When prompted to approve the MFA notification, select I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator app right now.

Step 2

Select Use a verification code.

Step 3

Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your device, then select the entry for your Wolves account. There will be a 6-digit number shown under the heading One-time password code. Enter this number when prompted by the web page and click Verify.

Getting back into your account

If you’re having trouble accessing your account due to MFA, please review this article from Microsoft for common problems and solutions: Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account - Microsoft Support.

If you’re still unable to sign in, contact the Technology Helpdesk at helpdesk@fgc.edu.