University of Ulster - Information Services


Information Services
	ISD Homepage

	Service Interruptions
	ICT Customer Services Site Map
	News

Access Your Email

Tel:

028 9036 6777

Fax:

028 9036 6809

Email:

servicedesk@ulster.ac.uk

Page Updated:

10 June 2010

Staff Password Service - Enhanced Features

Active Directory passwords now expire after 90 days for security purposes.

If you use your Active Directory username and password to log on to your computer system or you regularly log into the University Portal, then you will already receive an alert to let you know when your password is due to expire.

If not, you can see when your password is due to expire or register for email alerts using the instructions in the section “Manage my staff account”. (see below)

There are a number of scenarios which may prompt you to change your password:

	You have forgotten your password
	You know your password, but you would like to change it
	Your password has expired

Please read below before proceeding to change your password (by clicking on the Continue to Staff Password Service button at the bottom of the page).

Before you attempt to change your password

Please check that you have the following information:

	Your staff e-code or a-code
	Your National Insurance number (if you are accessing the system for the first time, or have not yet set a “secret question and answer”).
	Your answer to your secret question, if already set.
	A new password which you have not used before, or does not include your surname or first name in full.

What is a secret question and answer?

A secret question (and answer) are items of information which only you should know. These will verify your identity to the system each time you use the password changer. You will be asked to choose a secret question and provide an appropriate answer the first time you use the password changer. Thereafter, you will be prompted to verify your identity using this information each time you use the password changer.

If you have not used this password reset application before, or have not yet set a “secret question and answer” on your account, you will be asked for your National Insurance number (if you are accessing the system for the first time, or have not yet set a “secret question and answer”).

Please note, you will only need to type this the first time you use the system.

How to set up your secret question and answer

You will be given a list of questions from which you can choose one to use for your secret question and answer.
In future you will be asked this instead of your National Insurance number. These questions are used solely for identifying you if you have forgotten your password and have been designed to be memorable for you, but also secure to prevent anyone else accessing your account.

Select the question you want to use, and type your answer into the text box provided. Re-type your answer into the second box to confirm.

Password Expiry Alerts

If you use your Active Directory username and password to log on to your computer or you regularly log into the University Portal, then you will already receive an alert to let you know when your password is due to expire.
If not, you can register for email alerts by clicking on the checkbox beside "Password Expiry Email Alerts".

Please note you will then receive periodic emails to your staff email account.

Manage my staff account

If you select this option, you may be presented with a CAS (Central Authentication Service) login page (if you have not yet logged in to any other CAS systems e.g. Portal)

You will be presented with a "Manage Account" screen. The information displayed includes:

Date and time you last logged on

Date when your password is due to expire You will need to change your password on or before this date

Whether you are registered for password expiry email alerts If you are not registered and you do wish to register, click on the "Change" link beside this item

In the section titled "Password reset information", you can also change:

Your password Click on the "Change" link beside this item

Your secret question and answer Click on the "Change" link beside this item