Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks for exploring The Commons. Below are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions

regarding DPS’ social intranet.

The Commons Overview

What is The Commons?

What information is in The Commons?

How is this intranet different than the DPS website?

How was The Commons made possible?

Accessing The Commons: Getting Started

How do I access The Commons?

I am not able to access The Commons using my DPS login. What am I doing wrong?

What Internet browsers are supported?

Can I view The Commons on my mobile device?

How can I ensure The Commons is displaying properly?

How do I find the installed version of Internet Explorer?

How do I turn off compatibly mode to ensure the layout of The Commons is optimized in

Internet Explorer?

How do I clear cookies and website data?

I am unable to access The Commons at home. How can I access the site when I am not at

work?

Does The Commons have to be my computer’s default homepage?

Exploring The Commons: Connecting with Team DPS

What is Conversations @ The Commons forum, and can I reply to a comment or question?

How do I ask a question on the forum at Conversations @ The Commons?

How do I share my team’s good news or upcoming events on The Commons?

I don’t see my program or department. How can I add a program or department page?

What do I do if I think I’ve found a bug in The Commons?

How do I share my feedback, questions and ideas about The Commons?

If you have additional questions, please contact us at thecommons@dpsk12.org.

The Commons Overview

What is The Commons?

The Commons is an intranet, or internal website, accessible only to current DPS employees.

What information is on The Commons?

The Commons was made to provide you with what you need to be an informed and engaged member of

Team DPS. This includes available services and programs, information from departments, documents

and forms, and links to other important websites (such as GHR and Lawson). The Commons also

includes the latest DPS news and events, as well as interactive features like our Conversations @ The

Commons forum and commenting.

How is this intranet different than the DPS website?

The DPS website contains information for our students and families, community members and

prospective employees. The Commons intranet is the source of important information and news for DPS

team members.

How was The Commons made possible?

The Commons was made possible thanks to the 2012 bond approved by Denver voters.

Accessing The Commons: Getting Started

How do I access The Commons?

Visit thecommons.dpsk12.org, click User Options and sign in with your DPS ID and login information. For

security reasons, you must be on the DPS network or VPN to access The Commons at this time.

I am not able to access The Commons using my DPS login. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you're not typing in your entire email address. For example, your username should read as

first_last. Also, make sure you are logged into the DPS network or your VPN. If you are still having

problems, please contact thecommons@dpsk12.org.

What Internet browsers are supported?

The Commons performs as intended on the latest two versions of all major browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome. For best performance, Internet Explorer 10 is recommended.

Can I view The Commons on my mobile device?

Yes. The Commons is a responsive site, meaning that it can be viewed from any mobile or tablet device. Just make sure you are connected to the DPS network or VPN.

How can I ensure The Commons is displaying properly?

You can ensure The Commons is displaying properly by checking the following; 1. You are using one of

the supported browsers (Internet Explorer 10, 11 or Firefox), 2. Make sure compatibility mode is disabled

or removed (see instructions below), and 3. Clear cookies and website data (see instructions below).

How do I find the installed version of Internet Explorer?

Follow steps one through three below to ensure your browser version is up-to-date.

1.

2.

3.

How do I turn off compatibility mode to ensure the layout of The Commons is optimized in Internet

Explorer?

Follow steps one through five below to turn off compatibility mode in your browser. In doing so, the layout

of The Commons will be optimized for the best viewing.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

How do I clear cookies and website data?

Sometimes a website can store old cookies and website data, which may make a website display old

content, files, graphics and photos. Follow steps one through five below to clear your cookies and website

data to ensure you are always viewing the latest content version of The Commons.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

I am unable to access The Commons at home. How can I access the site when I am not at work?

Because The Commons has information that pertains to DPS staff, it is only available within the DPS

network.

Does The Commons have to be my computer’s default homepage?

To stay up-to-date with DPS’ latest news and resources, we encourage you to keep The Commons as

your default homepage. However, you have the option to change your homepage your homepage of

choice.

Exploring The Commons: Connecting with Team DPS

What is Conversations @ The Commons, and can I reply to a comment or forum question?

The Conversations @ The Commons forum was created to provide team members with the opportunity to

share knowledge and build community across the district in a fun, informative and collaborative way. The

Commons is all about community, so we encourage you to answer questions for teammates. To reply to a

comment, hit Reply to the right of the name of the original poster. To answer a question on the forum,

click on the question you’d like to answer and then type your reply in the Post a Comment section.

How do I ask a question on the forum at Conversations @ The Commons?

Visit the How Do I …? section of Conversations @ The Commons (which is the first forum available on

The Commons). Select a category from the left that your question falls under. Click the Add button at the

bottom of the page and fill out the requested information, including a topic title and description. If you

don’t see the Add button, make sure you’re logged in. Once submitted, your forum topic will be approved

by The Commons team before it’s posted.

How do I share my team’s good news or upcoming events on The Commons?

We want to hear about all the celebrations happening at your school or department. Visit

thecommons.dpsk12.org/Domain/91 to fill out a submission, and we will try our best to feature the news

item on The Commons.

I don’t see my department or program. How can I add a department or program page?

To ensure we’re building the most useful tool for all employees, departments are being added to the

intranet in phases. Your department or program is most likely in queue to be added soon. If you have an

immediate need to share on The Commons, email thecommons@dpsk12.org.

What do I do if I think I’ve found a bug in The Commons?

The Commons is a new site, so it’s possible that bugs, quirks and glitches may come up from time to time. If you believe you’ve discovered a bug within the site, contact thecommons@dpsk12.org.

How do I share my feedback, questions and ideas about The Commons?

Share your feedback on The Commons section of the How Do I … ? forum. We also encourage you to fill

out this survey, or email us your thoughts at thecommons@dpsk12.org.