The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding student network/email accounts.  If after reviewing these you are not able to have all your questions answered please stop by the UIS office for further assistance.

What is my student network/email account?

Shawnee State University provides all registered students an account that will provide them access to campus network resources and email. 

When is my student network/email account created?

The student accounts are created when a student registers for classes.

What is my username?

The usernames for students will still be the customary format of last name and first initial, such as smitht.  However, you will now use a User Principle Name (UPN) to log onto computer.  Your UPN will be username@shawnee.edu, example smitht@shawnee.edu.  If two or more students share the same last name and first initial then numbers are added to make each one different. For example, Tony Smith and Teresa Smith each attend SSU. Tony may be a senior and has a username of smitht. Teresa is a freshman so her username will be smitht2.

What is my first password?

All student accounts are assigned a One-Time Password (OTP).  The OTP will be your date of birth using the following format – YYYYMMDD.  After successfully logging onto a computer, you will be asked to change your password.

Is there a special type of password that I need to create?

All passwords must be at least eight (8) characters long.  It is strongly recommended that your password include both letters and numbers.  You should keep your password secure and not provide it to others to use for any reason.

I get an error indicating my network/email account is locked out?

As a security precaution, your account will be locked out after five (5) failed log on attempts.  The account will remain locked out for a period of 15 minutes.  If you need the account unlocked or feel that you are entering the correct password, please bring a picture ID to the UIS office and we will assist you with resolving the issue.

What if I took a semester off and now I'm returning?

If the student took a semester off and is now returning, the student's account will simply be recreated using the same username as before and the password will be set back to the date of birth (one-time password).  Please note that if it has been a year since the student attended classes the student may be assigned a new username (see below for username information).

When will my network/email account be removed?

Students that do not attend classes on a continuous basis, from one semester to the next, will have their network account deleted, with the exception of Summer semester, please see below. When the account is deleted this will also remove all your emails and any documents that you have saved in the My Documents folder.  Once these items are deleted they cannot be recovered. 

Students that officially withdraw from the university through the Registrar's office will have their account deleted within 24 hours.  This will also result in all emails and documents in the My Documents folder being deleted.

If I don't sign up for Summer Semester, will my network/email account be removed?

In order to maintain an existing student network/email account during Summer Semester even when not registered for summer classes, the student must be registered for Fall Semester classes prior to the end of Spring Semester.  If the student is not registered the account will be removed. 

Am I able to log onto more than one machine at a time?

Yes. 

After I create a password, how long can I use that password?

Passwords will expire after a period of 90 days.  You may change your password at anytime to reset this 90 day period; however, you may only reset your password once a day.  If you are within 14 days of the expiration date you will receive a notice with each log on.  This notice will inform you of the number of days you have until the expiration date.

Can I use a password that I previously used?

The practice of re-using passwords is never a secure one.  However, if you must cycle through two (2) new and unique passwords before having the opportunity to re-use the first password you created.

How do I report any problems that I may be having?

If you encounter problems when logging onto a machine you may wish to try a second machine to help determine whether the problem lies with your account or with the computer before contacting the Help Desk.  Upon failing to log on to the second computer you should come to the Help Desk with a picture ID and your account will be looked at to help you successfully log on.