Service overview
An electronic signature or eSignature is a digital version of a handwritten signature and is a legal way of getting consent or approval on electronic documents or forms.
Docusign eSignature is the solution chosen by McGill that allows you to put a signature on a document without having to scan, print, sign, and fax. Instead, you can simply view documents online and add your signature electronically or add your signature to a document that someone has emailed you.
Docusign can help you facilitate the signing process for standard agreements when you have many signatures to collect. It is also useful when you need to gather signatures from people external to McGill.
What Docusign should not be used for
- Docusign solution does not verify the identity of the recipient. It is the responsibility of the sender to set up validation in the process (ex. Email verification) so that the identity of the recipient can be validated.
- Docusign does not provide an Advanced /Qualified signature feature that is sometimes required for some European Union (EU) agreements.
- Docusign is used for signing the definitive version of a document (it is not suitable to track modifications of a document until its definitive version).
Who can use it
Available to selected users (faculty and staff members) who need to use eSignature for work purposes.
How to request & access the service
Before you make a request to use the service, consult the decision chart.
NOTE:
To make a request, fill out the request form.
Log into Docusign
When you have been granted access Docusign, go to: https://account.docusign.com
- Enter your McGill Username and click Continue.
- Click on Use Company Login
- You will be directed to the Microsoft Authentication page.
- Enter your McGill Username and McGill Password.
Cost
There is no cost associated with this service.
Availability
The service is available 24 X 7, except during planned maintenance or outages. Check the home page of the IT Support site for announcements.
Frequently asked questions
If I send a document through Docusign, is it more secure than sending my signed document via email?
As Docusign authentication relies on email, it has the same level of security for anyone using a McGill email address.
What is an envelope?
An envelope is a package that includes the document(s), recipients, and signing instructions - everything needed to complete a transaction.
How many envelopes can I consume?
An envelope is consumed when it is sent for signing. McGill has an annual envelope limit that is shared across all Docusign users at the university. To ensure uninterrupted access for everyone, users are encouraged to minimize envelope wastage.
What is a wasted envelope?
An envelope is considered wasted when it is sent, but it ended up being unusable or unnecessary, such as:
- Sent with mistakes
- Test envelopes sent in production
- Duplicates
- Voided or expired envelopes
In many cases, an envelope can be corrected after it has been sent. Making corrections instead of resending helps avoid consuming additional envelopes.
Find more FAQs on the Docusign support site.
Best practices & policies
- If the Docusign solution doesn’t fit your use case, you can still use the alternative solution Adobe Fill and Sign
- Don’t hesitate to download the Certificate of completion to keep records of the audit trail of the signature(s).
Training & documentation
- Quick user guide for sender
- Quick user guide for recipient
- Get started with Docusign eSignature: Videos
- Find more guides on the Docusign support site
- Alternate way to sign a document using Adobe Fill and Sign
- *About: Electronic signatures (eSignatures) at McGill
Support
Contact the IT Service Desk for help with access/authentication issues.