What do I need to know about passwords and PINS?
 

What are passwords and PINs, and why do I need them?

The University of Illinois is making more services for students and employees available on the World Wide Web. Some of these services may be available before you arrive on campus (for example, financial aid information). Some may continue after you leave (for example, Tax Relief Act information).

Passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) are part of the security measures that keep your information private when you use these Web-based services. Since they are part of the security measures that help keep your information private, be sure to keep them in a secure place, and do not share them with anyone.

Passwords

Your password is used with your University ID number (UIN). At this time, you need your UIN and password to use the following Web-based services:

• Services related to student accounts on each campus
  • Urbana:
    • Office of Student Accounts and Cashiers
    • Sign up for Direct Deposit of Student Account Refunds
    • View Tax Credit Information
  • Chicago: Student Financial Services
  • Springfield: Student Accounts
• Services offered by the Urbana campus Housing Division, such as
  • New residence hall contracts
  • Residence hall reassignment
  • Housing waiting lists
  • Apartment lease renewal
  • Dining and Catering meal balances
  • Surveys

PINs

Like your password, your PIN is used with your UIN. At this time, the PIN is not required for any University Web-based services. You are asked to set a PIN because it will become part of the security for University of Illinois debit accounts linked to the i-card.

Can I use the same password that I use for my University e-mail account or network ID?

You can set your UIN-related password to be anything you like. It is not related to your University e-mail password or network ID. However, you can set it to be the same as any of your other passwords.

I set my permanent password. Does that change my network ID and e-mail account password?

No. Your network ID and the password that you use for your University e-mail account or other University Web sites is different from your UIN-related password.

I've forgotten my password. What do I do?

Go to the I Forgot My Password page to to reset your password online.

I've forgotten my PIN. What do I do?

If you know your password, go to the Manage PIN/Password page to reset your PIN online.

If you do not know your password, first go to the I Forgot My Password page and reset your password, then go to the Manage PIN/Password page to reset your PIN.

Can I change my PIN and/or password anytime I choose?

Yes. To change your PIN and/or password at any time, go to the Manage PIN/Password page. Updates are automatically made to your PIN and/or password and are available to any system that uses them.

Who has access to my permanent PIN and password?

Your permanent PIN and password are encrypted in the i-card system. University staff cannot view your PIN or password.

How long will my PIN and password be valid? Will they expire and have to be reset?

Your PIN and password do not expire. Your authorization to access a particular system may expire, but the PIN and password themselves do not.

How can I test my password or PIN to see if it works?

You can test the password or PIN associated with your UIN by going to the Manage PIN/Password page.