Virtual Commons FAQ 2019-10-20T16:34:05+00:00

Virtual Commons FAQ


What is the Virtual Commons?

The Virtual Commons (VC) is a secure group collaboration system for members of Science Atlantic.

How do I access the Virtual Commons?

Please login at using your Science Atlantic ID.

What is my Science Atlantic ID?

If you are a member of a Science Atlantic committee or working group, you will receive an invitation to join the Virtual Commons.  Your ID and temporary password will be provided to you.  If you do not have an ID or have forgotten it, please email

Why don’t I see anything related to Science Atlantic when I log in?

Do you have another Google account?  If so, you must log in with your Science Atlantic ID.  Please see the image below:


I don’t know my password!

Your ID is sent to you with a temporary password, which you must change on your first login. If you have forgotten your password, please email for a new one.

How do I obtain access to the VC?

Please email the name of the committee or group that you wish to join to

How do I join my Committee’s Virtual Meeting?

Please see Google Meet troubleshooting.

Why can’t I just sign up using my regular Google account? Why do I need a Science Atlantic ID?

The Virtual Commons is available to Science Atlantic members only and therefore allows only IDs in the domain.

How do I access files for my committee?  How do I upload a file?

Log in with your Science Atlantic ID, go to your committee’s homepage, and select “Shared Documents” (see example below).

This will open a separate GDrive window with the folders for your committee.

To upload a file, select “NEW” at the top left of the GDrive window and select “File upload” or “Folder upload”.

Committee homepage example:

Virtual Commons - Shared Documents

Why am I listed twice in the member list for my Group?

This is for a technical purpose. The Virtual Commons is for Science Atlantic members only. However, to make it easier for you to communicate with your Group via email, we have mapped your ID to your business/university email address.  This allows you to send and receive messages using your regular email system so you don’t have to log in to the forum to read messages. You must log in for all other aspects of the VC (file access, Google Meet, and member directory).

How do I email my committee?

You can email your committee from the email account affiliated with your Science Atlantic account. Note that if you are not a member of a group, you will not be able to send email to that group.

My question isn’t answered here

Please email with your question.