Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Slack?
A: Slack is a messaging app that connects people to the information they need. By bringing College Track staff and scholars together on the platform, Slack aims to transform how College Track communicates and engages as a community. Learn more about Slack here!

Q: I’ve been using Slack. What will happen to my existing Slack history?
A: When the College Thrive workspace is added to your Slack account, your existing Slack history in your non-College Track workspaces will generally remain unchanged and accessible as each Slack workspace maintains its own history.  You can easily switch between workspaces within the Slack app.  However, you will no longer have access to your College Track site's workspace.

Q: Can I invite other people to our Slack?
A: Only College Track staff have permission to add staff and scholars to the workspace. A scholar's College Track status must be "Active" to be added.

Q: What are Slack huddles, and how might I use it?
A: Slack huddles are a quick way to have informal conversations with someone in real-time within a channel or direct message. Hop on a quick huddle to ask questions, work together on a project, or brainstorm ideas. Be sure to make an appointment with your College Thrive coach before initiating a huddle. Learn more about using huddles in Slack.

Q: How do I get Slack set up on my computer and my phone?

A: Download the app appropriate for your device You will receive an email from Slack with the Subject line "College Track Slack Admin has invited you to work with them in Slack," inviting you to join the College Track Slack workspace.  Follow the instructions in the email to download the app and set up your account.  

You can also login at https://college-thrive.slack.com, click "Enter email and password" and then the "I forgot my password" link with the email address College Track has on file for you.

If you continue have trouble, please contact your College Thrive coach for assistance.

Q: How do I change my notification settings?

A: Your notifications in Slack will alert you of activity in your workspace. To change your notifications settings, click the default photo icon located on the bottom left of Slack’s interface, select "Preferences," and update the "Notifications" section.  Learn more about setting notifications here.  As you assess your priorities, edit your notifications settings often to ensure you don’t miss a thing. 

If you are contacted via direct message or in a channel, please respond or confirm receipt of the message (via reaction) within 48 hours.

Q: Who gets notified when I post on Slack channels? In Direct Messages (DMs)?
A: When posting on Slack channels, the notifications work as follows:

• Public Channels: All members of the channel can see your message, but they will not receive a notification. To address and notify an individual in a public channel, mention them using @username. To address everyone, use @channel, which will trigger a notification to all. Pro tip: Using @here notifies everyone currently online in the channel.

• Private Channels: Notifications follow the same rules as in public channels, but only the members of the private channel will be able to read your message.

• Direct Message (DM): Only the recipient(s) of the DM will receive a notification. If you're in a group DM, all participants will receive a notification of the new message.

To ensure specific individuals notice your message in a channel OR a DM, it's a good practice to mention them directly using @username. If you haven’t already, learn more about managing channel-specific notifications.

Q: Can I get support with using Slack? Will there be training?
A: For technical issues, please contact your College Thrive coach. For additional tips, suggestions, and best practices, check out articles in the Slack Knowledge Center. 

Q: How do I add a photo to my Slack profile? How do I update my Slack profile?
A: Personalizing your profile photo with a headshot will help others in the workspace, and channels put a face to the name.

To update profile details or upload a photo, click the default photo icon located at the bottom left of Slack’s interface. Click "Profile" on the menu to update your information or upload a professional photo. Click "Save Changes," and you’re done!

Q: I can't download or set up the app. What should I do next?

A: Check if your device meets Slack's system requirements here.

Q: I received an error message after clicking the sign up link, what do I do now?

A: You can still log in by visiting the workspace URL and use "Forgot Password" with the email address on file with College Track to reset your password.

Q: My email address is not found on the "Forgot Password" link. How do I proceed?

A: If the email address isn't found, ask your College Thrive coach to update your email address on file with College Track.  After the update, try to log in again.

Q: I'm having issues with my Slack College Thrive account.

A: Please contact your College Thrive coach for additional support.

Q: How do I know what channels are available to join? What do I need to do to join them, or will I be automatically placed in the right ones?

A: You will automatically be added to channels that are relevant to you by location, site, college campus, College Thrive coach, or program involvement.  

You can also browse for and join any other public channels.  Check out this page for a list of channels. If you think you should or would like to be a member of a private channel, please contact your coach.

Q: When should I start a group DM?

In most cases, channels should be used for communication to maintain transparency and organization. Channels are named by purpose, facilitating structured discussions and easy navigation. Channels can also be archived when no longer relevant, reducing clutter and noise. With channels, individuals can choose to join or leave as needed, maintaining flexibility and relevance.