Getting Started with UBC Systems

Overview

UBC Vancouver provides a wide range of digital systems for students, faculty, and staff. This guide walks through the essential ones you'll encounter in your first weeks on campus.

CWL (Campus-Wide Login)

Your CWL account is the master key. You'll use it for Canvas, Workday, the SSC, library services, and campus Wi-Fi.

Setting up CWL

1. Go to cwl.ubc.ca
2. Click "Create a CWL Account"
3. Enter your student/staff number and birthdate
4. Choose a username — this cannot be changed later
5. Set a strong password
6. Set up MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) using Duo Mobile

MFA tips

Install Duo Mobile on your phone. You'll need it every time you log in from a new device or browser.

Canvas (Learning Management System)

Canvas is UBC's LMS, accessible at canvas.ubc.ca.

• Course materials, assignments, and grades all live here
• The mobile app (Canvas Student) is genuinely useful for notifications
• Each course has its own organization — some instructors are more organized than others

Workday Student

Workday handles registration, financials, and academic records.

• Course registration happens here during your assigned time window
• Tuition and fees are paid through Workday
• Degree progress tracking is available under Academics

Wi-Fi

UBC has three primary networks:

1. ubcsecure · Authentication：CWL credentials · Use：Primary — use this
2. eduroam · Authentication：CWL credentials · Use：For visitors from other eduroam institutions
3. ubcvisitor · Authentication：Self-registration · Use：Guests, limited duration

Setup steps

1. Select ubcsecure from available networks
2. Username: your.cwl.username@ubc.ca
3. Password: your CWL password
4. Accept the certificate if prompted

Quick Reference

• IT Service Centre: it.ubc.ca — Hardware support, software licensing, IT tickets
• Library: library.ubc.ca — Databases, journals, research help
• UBC VPN: Required for some library resources off-campus; download from it.ubc.ca/services/email-voice-internet/myvpn

Next steps

Once you have CWL and Wi-Fi working, explore Canvas, set up your UBC email on your phone, and bookmark the library proxy tool for off-campus research access.