Self-Service UNI Password Reset

Dear Members of the University Community,

CUIT is pleased to announce that beginning December 15 we are providing you the ability to reset a forgotten UNI password via self-service. To help protect your personal information, we are also enhancing the ability to create longer and stronger passwords.

ABOUT SELF-SERVICE UNI PASSWORD RESET

Members of the Columbia community who know their password have always been able to change it online.  In the past, however, if you forgot your UNI password, you had to call or visit the CUIT Helpdesk Support Center for a "reset."

Self-Service UNI Password Reset eliminates the need for phone calls or in-person visits. Effective immediately, if you forget your password, you can create a new password online, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To use Self-Service UNI Password Reset:

1. Go to http://uni.columbia.edu/

2. Click on "Forgot Your Password?"

3. Enter your UNI and your UCN (the 9-digit number on the back of your University ID card) and follow the instructions on the page.  You will be asked for the last 4 digits of your SSN and date of birth.

4. Create a new strong password for your UNI. Use a combination of letters, numbers, symbols, punctuation, and spaces from 6 to 64 characters.  Note that the maximum length has been increased to 64. We recommend that you choose a longer password and include both upper and lower case letters with at least one numeric or special character. Additional guidelines for creating strong passwords are available online at:
https://www1.columbia.edu/sec/acis/manageaccount/passwordhelp.html

In Spring 2011, we will further enhance the process by introducing challenge response questions for UNI password reset.

OTHER IMPORTANT PASSWORD-RELATED GUIDELINES

Increase the effectiveness of your password by also following these practical guidelines:

- Protect your passwords and treat them as valuables.

- Your account is your responsibility - do not share your password with others, including technicians.  CUIT staff will never ask for your password.

- Do not base your password on personal information that someone who knows you may be able to guess.

- Do not use your user ID (UNI) or your name/department name as your password.

- Do not use your University ID (UNI) and password for access to third-party systems (e.g., online shopping, newspapers, travel websites).

- Avoid letting software save or store your passwords. Besides increasing the chance that someone will be able to access data on your computer or personal information, you are more likely to forget the password if you do not type it in regularly.

- Make sure you always log out of programs or websites and close browsers when you are done working with them, especially on public computers.

The CUIT Helpdesk (212-854-1919) and the Support Center (202 Philosophy Hall) are available to answer questions or provide any assistance you may need.  For hours of operation, see:
http://www.columbia.edu/acis/client/

Sincerely,

Candace C. Fleming
CIO and VP, Columbia University Information Technology