This article explains how to change a university password using the Help Site.
Overview
Warning
After you change your password:
- To give your new password time to sync with University of Idaho cloud services, please wait at least 5 minutes before attempting to sign in.
- You will likely need to remove and re-add the eduroam wireless network on your wireless devices. You can do this by opening your device's WiFi settings page and selecting "forget" or "remove saved network" for eduroam. If you need assistance, you can contact the IT Service Desk or your regional TSP for further support.
Setting your First Password
If you have not set your first university password yet, follow these steps:
1Navigate to the Help Site
Navigate to the Help Site, then click the blue hyperlink under 'Account Management' and 'Security Profile' that says 'click here to reset your password'.
2Complete CAPTCHA
Complete the CAPTCHA, then click 'Continue'.
3Verify Contact
In the Verify Contact text box, enter one of the following:
- Account Username
- Vandal ID
- Email Address (Must be on your record at the U of I)
Then press 'Lookup'.
Your personal contact info will be displayed. Select the point of contact that you would like to have your verification code sent to and click 'Send Code'.
- If you do not see an accessible form of contact for code delivery, you will need to contact the IT Service Desk or your local TSP to update your Security Profile.
Once your verification code has been received, enter it into the 'Enter Verification Code' text box and click 'Continue'.
4Change Password
Once you are signed in, click on the 'Change Password' option on the left-hand menu under 'Passwords', then select the account whose password you would like to change.
Once all the password requirements have been met, click on 'Set New Password'. A green 'Success' message should appear, indicating that your new password has now been set!
Changing an Existing Password
If you know your current password and wish to change it, follow these steps:
1Navigate to the Help Site
Navigate to the Help Site and sign in using your university username and password. Expired passwords will still work for this sign-in process.
2Change Password
Once you are signed in, click on the 'Change Password' option on the left-hand menu under 'Passwords', then select the account whose password you would like to change.
Once all the password requirements have been met, click on 'Set New Password'. A green 'Success' message should appear, indicating that your new password has now been set!
Resetting a Forgotten Password
If you have forgotten your password, follow these steps:
1Navigate to the Help Site
Navigate to the Help Site, then click the blue hyperlink under 'Account Management' and 'Security Profile' that says 'click here to reset your password'.
2Complete CAPTCHA
Complete the CAPTCHA, then click 'Continue'.
3Verify Contact
In the Verify Contact text box, enter one of the following:
- Account Username
- Vandal ID
- Email Address (Must be on your record at the U of I)
Then press 'Lookup'.
Your personal contact info will be displayed. Select the point of contact that you would like to have your verification code sent to and click 'Send Code'.
- If you do not see an accessible form of contact for code delivery, you will need to contact the IT Service Desk or your local TSP to update your Security Profile.
Once your verification code has been received, enter it into the 'Enter Verification Code' text box and click 'Continue'.
4Answer Security Questions
You will be prompted to answer your chosen security questions.
- Answers are case sensitive and must be longer than 5 characters.
Once you've answered the questions, click 'Continue' to be signed in to your Account Management page.
5Change Password
Once you are signed in, click on the 'Change Password' option on the left-hand menu under 'Passwords', then select the account whose password you would like to change.
Once all the password requirements have been met, click on 'Set New Password'. A green 'Success' message should appear, indicating that your new password has now been set!
Setting a Strong Password
Strong passwords have two major components:
- Complexity
- Passwords must be at least 12 characters long and contain at least three of the following:
- an upper case letter
- a lower case letter
- a non-letter character (a 'special' character)
- a number
- Passwords used within the last 24 password changes cannot be used again.
- Banner passwords can be no longer than 30 characters, may not contain spaces, may not contain these special characters: { } \ : = @ $ & ( ) , < > ; = # " ' ? ! [ ] * % | / and cannot begin with a number.
- Privacy
- Keep your password somewhere safe where it can't be accessed by others.
- Never share your password with anyone — including OIT personnel — for any reason.
For more information on password policy, please review the UI Password Standards(opens in a new tab) page.