This is an unofficial guide based on student experiences. For the most authoritative, up-to-date information, see the official orientation website.
Even if you are pretty tech savvy, technology at the Department can be overwhelming. What's the difference between GoBrowser and GoMobile? Where exactly is GEMS? Don't despair — we have answers!
OpenNet is the Department's internal network of sensitive but unclassified (SBU) applications that you will use every day as a Department employee. There are a variety of ways to access OpenNet, but during orientation, you will most likely access OpenNet through one (or some) of the following three ways:
on a desktop at HST or FSI (full access)
You will likely be issued a State Department laptop and cell phone called "Tech4Life" during your first week of orientation. You will have full OpenNet access on the laptop and GoMobile access on the cell phone.
via GoBrowser on a home computer (scaled down access)
via GoMobile on a personal device (limited access to Office 365 apps like Outlook and Teams)
To access GoBrowser from your home computer, navigate to myapps.microsoft.com From there, you will login with your badge and PIN using the PIV (personal identity verification) reader IRM gave you when they provisioned your badge.
Pro Tip!
Always choose the second of the two certificates that pop up when you insert your badge.
To use your own device to access Department e-mail, you must do the following:
Request a GoMobile account by submitting a mobile and remote access (MRA) request via GoBrowser.
Install the Okta app on your device and make sure your account is linked to your state.gov e-mail account.
Follow the detailed installation instructions sent to you by MRA once your request is approved.
Pro Tip!
You can call MRA at (202) 647-2000 or 1-877-246-9493 for assistance. Choose Option 3 from the voice menu to be properly routed and expect a long hold time if you’re calling during D.C. business hours.
Note: If you are implicated in an FOIA request and are using GoMobile, you may have to turn over your personal mobile device to State.
FSI Applications
This app takes you to a portal where you can review the FSI course catalog and your student records. Most importantly, if you scroll down and click on OpenNet Training Dashboard, you can access the mandatory Department courses you must complete within 10 days of receiving access.
FSILearn
From this app you can access the online courses to complete before the end of orientation. You will not be granted access to these courses until later in your orientation, and the FSI Registrar will automatically enroll you in the classes. To access this platform, you can log in directly via Okta at https://fsi.csod.com. You can also access it from GoBrowser by going to FSI Applications, Registration and Student Resources, FSILearn.
Note: You may need to contact FSILearnHelp@state.gov to have them link your state.gov e-mail to your Okta account to access FSILearn (the Registrar linked some accounts of previous students to the personal e-mail addresses used during onboarding). This means that you will need to log out to switch between the two Okta accounts. You can fix this issue via an e-mail to the help desk.
The IT Customer Portal is an app available via GoBrowser that includes contact info for IT help and resources for troubleshooting tech issues.
Your class' Sessions and Facilities Committee (SEFCOM) has members who are willing to help with your tech problems. They should have a channel within your orientation group on Microsoft Teams.