Computing Services and Instructional Technology

We are proud to announce some major changes in our password and account services that will greatly increase security at NWU.

Starting today, May 8th, all new accounts that are created will not simply have a password assigned to them. Instead, they will get an activation code that can be used to activate the account. The person
receiving the account will then be able to visit the CS/IT website to activate their account and chose their own, more secure password. Instructions for doing this will be on the sheet that is distributed when accounts are created, and can also be found here.

Additionally, we will be unveiling the ability to reset forgotten passwords without needing to come to CS/IT in person. This will be particularly useful as NWU grows beyond the boundaries of our traditional campus, with students spread out over the country. When an account is activated, the user may optionally specify an alternate, non-NWU email address; if they ever forget their password, they can request a password reset code be sent to that address. That code can subsequently be used to reset their password by following these instructions.

Those users whose accounts were created before May 7th can still specify an alternate email address for future use as well by following these instructions.

We have been working with the architects of New Student Registration to ensure that this new system is communicated to the incoming first-year students; please help us communicate this to other new students and new hires! Thanks!

As usual, if you have any other computing questions or problems, please submit a ticket.