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The Commons

Progressive Web Application (PWA)

We have a progressive web application (PWA) within The Commons. A PWA has many of the benefits of a native app. Once installed you will have quick and easy access from your desktop or your mobile home screen to The Commons without having to login every time. Installation is simpler with a PWA as you will not need to download the app. The installation process will differ depending on the device and browser you are using. Included below are the devices and browsers used by the majority of our members.

IPhone/IPads (Safari)

Go to The Commons (https://commons.ncu.edu/) in your Safari browser.

Click on the Share icon on the bottom of the browser.

                iPhone Commons personal homepage

Scroll down and select ‘Add to Home Screen’.

                iPhone Add to Homescreen option

You will get a prompt to add The Commons to your home screen. Click Add.

NU Commons icon will now appear on your home screen.

                iPhone homescreen with Coommons icon.

Android phone (Chrome)

Go to The Commons (https://commons.ncu.edu/) in your Chrome browser.

You will be given the option to install The Commons app when you access The Commons through your web browser.

Click on the Install button.

                Mobile device with Commons Install prompt

Click on Add button when prompted to Add to Home Screen.

                Mobile device with Commons Add to home prompt

NU Commons icon will now appear on your homescreen.

                The Commons icon on desktop

Desktop (Chrome or Edge)

When viewing any page in The Commons from the Chrome browser, click the Install (computer screen with down arrow) at the top right of the address bar. If in the Edge browser, the icon will look like a square with a plus sign and should be located at the top right of the address bar as well.  Follow the onscreen instructions to install the PWA.

                Browser URL logging into Commons install prompt

It will open after the install and add a shortcut icon on your desktop. 

                Desktop device showing personal Commons home

Tablets

Go to The Commons in your Safari or Chrome browser.

You will be given the option to install The Commons app when you access The Commons through your web browser. Click on the Install button. 

                Tablet device showing Commons install button

Click on the Install button on the confirmation prompt.

                Install Commons app prompt.

NU Commons icon will now appear on your homescreen.

                The Commons icon on desktop

Other Devices

If you are trying to install The Commons on a device not listed above, review this list of browsers and devices that do not support PWA. If your device and/or browser is not on this list please contact the NU Servicedesk for support.

Browser device combinations and browsers that do not support PWA:

  • Chrome on iPhones
  • Firefox on iPhones or Desktop
  • Internet Explorer

Accessing The Commons from your Desktop or Mobile Device

Click on The Commons app icon to open The Commons.

When first accessing The Commons via the icon you will need to login.

                                                Mobile device with NU login prompt.

After logging in, you will be sent to your Commons homepage.

                Mobile device with Commons community listing.

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