How do I get started?
- Log into SER Connect at connect.ser.org.
- View the quick-start guide.
- Watch our instructional videos.
- Update your profile and photo by clicking My Profile (profile fields will need to be updated from your ser.org member profile, but you can add your photo directly through Connect)
- View chapters, sections, and groups you're in by clicking My Groups.
- If you would like to add a chapter of section to your membership please find instructions here - How to add a chapter or section to your SER membership
- Join Groups by clicking Find Groups to Join (more groups will be added as interest arises)
- Start a discussion by clicking Post New Discussion from the Discussions tab of any group.
- Reply to a discussion by clicking "Reply..." from within the discussion online OR by replying to a discussion email notification.
What is my username and password?
Your username and password for SER Connect is the same as the credentials you use to access your member profile on SER.org. If you don't know your username and password, you may recover your username and/or password here.
Access the SER member login page.
How do I join a chapter or section?
If you would like to add a chapter of section to your membership please find instructions here - How to add a chapter or section to your SER membership
How do I create a new micro-community or working group?
To form a new working group or micro-community to be housed on SER Connect, please follow the process outlined here - Member Networking
How do I start a new discussion in a group?
New discussions can be started via email by clicking on the "Post New Discussion" link in the notification emails you receive, or via the website.
How do I reply to a group discussion?
To reply to a group discussion, simply reply to the email notification you received. Your reply will be emailed out to all group members and posted to the website. If you wish, you can also reply to the discussion via the website by clicking on the discussion topic and clicking the reply button.
Who can see what I post to a group?
SER Connect is a members only benefit, so only SER members can view and reply to your posts. Some groups, like committee groups, are private. When you post a message to a private group, only members of that group can see your message.
How do I search group discussion history?
The platform is capable of searching all discussion topics within your groups by keyword or #hashtag. The search bar can be found at the top of your Connect home page or under the search tab on the left-hand side of your screen. Discussions, News, Resources, and Links can be tagged and categorized via #hashtags.
How do I update the email provider for the "Email Group" button?
The email service that opens when you select "Email Group" is controlled by your the system settings on your computer under default apps.
How do I receive daily digests or a weekly digest of group discussions vs. real-time email notifications of group discussions?
Click "My Profile" on the left menu, then select "Update Profile". Click on the "Notifications" tab and update your settings by using the dropdown bars. Then set your preference to Individual Emails, Daily Digest, or Weekly Digest messages. Under "Digest Format" you can choose whether you receive an all-in-one email for all groups, chapters, and/or sections you are a member or one digest email per group. If you want to use the website exclusively and never want to receive an email from the system, choose the "Disable All E-mails" option.
How do I add or change my profile picture?
To add or change a profile picture, click "My Profile" on the left menu of the Connect website. Then click the "Change Profile Picture" button and you will be prompted to locate and save a picture to your profile. You can also take a photo using your webcam.
Why is there a website? Do I have to use it?
Once you have joined a group, the system can be used entirely via email if desired. You can send your messages to the group email address and reply via email to any notifications you receive. The website offers many features that are not available via email. Here are a few of the most popular features that must be accessed via the website:
- Searchable archives of all group discussions
- Update your profile and/or upload a photo to be associated with your profile
- Privately message another member
- Post and review group resources and links
How do I access the website?
Many of the links in the notification emails will automatically log you onto the Connect website. To access the site directly, type connect.ser.org in the web address bar of your web browser.
Why am I receiving some notifications but not others?
It is likely that your anti-SPAM system is blocking some of the messages. Add "@connect.ser.org" to your list of "safe senders" to ensure you receive all notifications. This setting is different for each email system, so check your email system help for information on how to do this.
Do I need to follow certain etiquette when using SER Connect?
Yes, please view the TERMS page.
How do I change who can view my profile and can I hide my profile?
Click on your profile picture and name on the right side of the screen. Select “My Privacy Settings” from the drop down menu, and change who can view your profile from the “Profile Viewing” section.
Can I maintain a personal blog?
Yes, all SER Connect users may keep a personal blog. Please not that all entries in personal blogs are searchable by other members.
How can I send a private message to an individual?
Go to the profile page of the person you want to message by clicking their name in any Group or in any notification email. Then click "Message this Person", enter a subject and message body and click "Post".
To start a new private message click "Private Message" from the menu on the website, click "Write a New Message", enter a subject, person to message (just type in their name and select the person's name), message body, and then click "Post".
I'm having trouble setting the right start and end time for my event?
To set the start and end times for your event, click the circle on the slider and slide the circle to the correct time.
What if I can't find the answer to my question?
If you need help and can't find the answer here, please email us at membership@ser.org.
