Have an Issue?

Please fill out the JSOU Helpdesk Form and a technician will assist you shortly

Important Information for Starting your Course

Option 1 Screenshot

Option #1: office.com

  1. Open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
  2. Go to office.com
  3. Click on Apps
  4. Select Teams from the Apps List
  5. Make sure your jsou.edu account is logged in to access the course

NOTE: When logging into office.com for Teams, ONLY use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Chrome
✔
Edge
✔
Firefox
✘
Option 2 Screenshot

Option #2: Teams Desktop App

  1. Click on the Windows Icon OR search 'Teams' in the search bar.
  2. Select Teams
  3. Sign into the Teams Desktop App
  4. Make sure your jsou.edu account is logged in to access the course.
  5. If this is your first time logging in, you may need to complete authentication. For authentication help, click here.

Navigating your Course


Please watch this comprehensive guide on how to navigate your Microsoft Teams course


How-to Guides

Please click through the topics below for more information on how to resolve common technical issues.


Tech Support

If you need additional assistance, please contact the JSOU Helpdesk using the form above or email jsou.helpdesk@jsou.edu

  • Confirm your microphone and speaker/headset are selected correctly in Teams > Settings > Devices.
  • On Mac, you may need to allow Teams microphone access under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
  • If using Bluetooth on Mac, ensure it is paired through the Mac Bluetooth settings first, then re-select the device inside Teams.
  • Restart Teams if changes are not recognized immediately

  • Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome are the recommended browsers on both Windows and Mac. Use Chrome for best long-term stability with Teams + JSOU SharePoint Courses
  • Safari is not recommended for JSOU coursework due to known Teams compatibility issues.
  • If a file is not opening correctly, select Open in App for Word, PPT, PDF, etc. For additional assistance with files, click here.

  • Select Share on the Teams meeting toolbar to share your entire screen or a specific app window.
  • On Mac, screen recording permissions may need to be enabled in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording.
  • Close sensitive or unrelated windows before sharing.
  • Ensure your camera cover is open.

  • Teams can be accessed through Chrome or Edge on macOS.
  • You may also download the Teams Desktop App for Mac through www.office.com.
  • After signing in with JSOU credentials, the Teams app function normally across Mac and Windows platforms.
  • Ensure your macOS is up to date for best performance and compatibility.

If Teams loads incorrectly, does not progress past login, or modules fail to display -- clear your browser cache:

To clear Cache in Chrome:

  • Click the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner
  • Select Settings
  • Select Privacy and Security
  • Select Delete Browsing Data
  • Click Delete from this device
  • Close Chrome & reopen Chrome BEFORE logging back into Teams
    Use Chrome for best long-term stability with Teams + JSOU SharePoint courses

To clear Cache in Edge:

  • Click the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner
  • Select Settings
  • Select Privacy, Search, and Services
  • Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear
  • Select Cached images and files and click Clear now
  • After clearing cache, close the browser fully and reopen before logging in again.
  • If a file still will not open inside Teams, select Open in App for Word, PowerPoint, or PDF documents.

FAQs
If you are unable to access Microsoft Teams, use the information below to verify your login steps and resolve common access issues.

Your Office 365 Username and Temporary Password were provided in your JSOU Welcome Email. These login credentials are not the same as any personal Microsoft, military, Government, CAC-based, or other MS credentials you may already have stored on your computer or mobile device. JSOU course access requires you to use ONLY the Office 365 credentials issued to you by JSOU.

Before logging in, ensure you have fully logged out of all other Microsoft accounts on your browser and devices. Personal or previously stored MS accounts cause the majority of access failures.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

  • Verify your username and password match EXACTLY as written in your Welcome Email
    (check capitalization, numbers, symbols, hyphens, punctuation)
  • If copying credentials -- ensure you do NOT copy extra spaces before or after
  • Try logging in using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome
  • If you receive a password reset prompt, follow instructions and store the new password securely
Still Cannot Access Teams?
If you still cannot log in after verifying these steps, contact the JSOU Helpdesk listed in your Welcome Email. When requesting support, include:
  • Your JSOU Office 365 username
  • Your device type (Windows / Mac / Mobile)
  • A short summary of what point the login fails (password, MFA, redirect, blank page, etc.)

(Required on First Login Only)
On your first login, you will be prompted to set up Multi-Factor Authentication using the Microsoft Authenticator App. This
step is required to activate your JSOU 365 account.

  1. Install Microsoft Authenticator on your personal mobile device (iOS or Android).
  2. When prompted on login, scan the QR code to pair your JSOU account to the app.
  3. Approve the push notification or enter the code sent to your device.
  4. After initial setup, MFA should not prompt repeatedly unless you change devices or remove the app.
For additional guidance click here.

Microsoft Teams Course Navigation Guide

Welcome to the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to navigate your JSOU course using Microsoft Teams. It is designed to help you efficiently locate course materials, participate in discussions, complete assignments, and access support.

  1. Getting Started in Your Course

    When you first enter a JSOU course in Microsoft Teams, you will land on the General tab within the team. This area serves as your starting point.

    To begin navigating the course content:

    • Locate and click the Homepage tab, found at the top-left area of the team.
    • The Homepage is the primary hub for course information and lesson materials.
  2. Navigating the Homepage

    The Homepage contains structured course content, including:

    • Course name and title
    • Course overview and information
    • Course director documents and guidance
    • Lesson materials

    Expanding and Collapsing Sections

    • Course content is organized into expandable sections.
    • Click the caret (arrow) next to a section title to open it.
    • Click the caret again to close the section once you have finished reviewing the material.

    Viewing Lesson Materials

    • Lesson materials may include text, images, clickable links, and downloadable or embedded documents.
    • Review each item within a lesson before closing the section and moving on to the next.
  3. Course Documents

    The Course Documents section contains essential materials such as:

    • Course syllabus
    • Important notes and announcements
    • Key dates and milestones
    • Additional reference materials

    Students are encouraged to review this section early in the course.

  4. Discussions and Class Interaction

    Some lessons include discussion posts that allow you to engage with classmates. To participate:

    1. Click the discussion post button or link within the lesson.
    2. You will be redirected to the discussion channel.
    3. Click Reply on a post, type your response, then click the Send icon to submit.
    4. After posting, navigate back to the Homepage to continue your coursework.
  5. Accessing Course Files and Materials

    Course materials may be accessed in several ways:

    • Linked Documents: Click links within the lesson to open documents (may open in a new browser tab).
    • Embedded Materials: Some documents are embedded directly in the course—click the item to view it and use the scroll bar or Expand icon to see more.
    • Embedded Videos: Click the Play button to watch videos and use the Expand icon to view fullscreen.
  6. Assignments

    Assignments can be accessed from the Homepage or the Assignments tab:

    • From the Homepage: Assignment icons or buttons within lessons will redirect you to the Assignments tab automatically.
    • From the Assignments Tab: Click the Assignments tab located in the left-side navigation of the team and select the assignment to open and complete it.
    • When finished, return to the Homepage tab to continue the course.
  7. External Links

    Some lessons may include links to external websites. Click the link to open the content in your web browser, review the material, then return to Microsoft Teams when finished.

  8. Progressing Through Lessons

    Once you complete a lesson, close the lesson section using the caret and open the next lesson by clicking its caret to continue sequentially.

  9. Using the Classwork Tab

    In addition to the Homepage, all course materials are also available in the Classwork tab (left-side navigation).

    • Click on a lesson to expand its contents and select a document to view.
    • Assignments are marked with a backpack icon—click to open and complete, then use the Back button to return.
    • Discussion post links in Classwork open the discussion for participation.
  10. Key Navigation Areas Summary

    You will primarily use three areas to navigate your JSOU course:

    • Homepage – Main course content and lesson flow
    • Classwork – Centralized access to all lessons and materials
    • Assignments – Submission and review of course assignments
  11. Technical Assistance and Support

    If you experience technical issues or need assistance, contact the JSOU Help Desk by submitting a support ticket or reach out directly to your Course Director.