Created: 07/22/2002
Updated: 10/9/2002
by Tom Barber
Q: I'm new to Alfred State College. What is my username and password?
A: Alfred State College uses a standard username format as follows:
first six letters of your last name + first letter of your first name + first letter of your middle name
For instance: John Q. Hopkins username would be HopkinJQ
Deb Q Long's username would be LongDQ
Greg Troops (no middle name) username would be TroopsG
Occasionally, there will be several users with the same username. In this case, a numeric value is appended to the end of the username. For example, let's say there are three John J Adams. Their usernames would be:
AdamsJJ
AdamsJJ2
AdamsJJ3
For a password, Alfred State College uses the last four digits of your Social Security Number as the initial passphrase. Note that this password must be changed upon the first successful logon.
Q: How do I change my password while on campus?
A: All lab computers, Computer Lifestyle computers, and computers part of the alfredstate.edu domain can be used to change your password. You will need to know your username and old password in order to change your password. The easiest way to change your password is to press Ctrl-Alt-Del keys. There should be a "Change Password" button listed. Click on this button. There are several text boxes to be filled in. The domain can be listed as asc or alfredstate.edu. You will need to fill in the old password, and type in a new password twice.
Q: How do I change my password while off campus?
A: If you have Internet Explorer 5.x or higher, or Netscape Navigator 6.x or higher you can utilize the "change password" utility in Webmail to alter your password. This utility requires a Secure Socket Layer 1024-bit channel in order to function properly. First you must log onto webmail by going to http://webmail.alfredstate.edu. Click on the Shortcuts button in the upper left. Next find the Options shortcut and click on it. Within the Options Page, there is a button called "Change Password". Click on the "Change Password" button to change your password.
If this is your first time ever logging into your Alfred State College account, you should click on the Change your Password link listed at web.alfredstate.edu.
Alternatively, you can go directly to the change password utility from this FAQ by clicking here.
There are several text boxes to be filled in using any one of the above methods. The domain can be listed as ASC or alfredstate.edu. You will need to fill in the old password (which will be the last four of your Social Security Number if this is the first time you've ever changed your password), and type in a new password twice. Account is your username. Once all text boxes are filled in properly, click on OK. A screen will report back the change was successful. You can click on the back link to go back to webmail; however, you will probably need to re-supply your new password to gain access.
Q: How long will my password last? Is there a password expiration?
A: Passwords last approximately 182 days. This means if you set a new password today, approximately six months from now it will expire. You will be reminded approximately fourteen days before your password expires to change passwords. Once your password has expired, you will need to immediately change your password upon your next successful logon. Until you change an expired password, you will not be able to access Alfred State College resources. Although password expiration is around 182 days, it is recommended you change your password at least once in the middle of each semester. If you suspect someone is using your account, change your password immediately.
Keep in mind if you change your password on a regular basis, you will not have to worry about password expirations at all.
Q: How long will my network account last at Alfred State College?
A: As long as you are at least a part-time student, faculty or staff member of Alfred State College in good standing your account will be active.
Employees of Alfred State College will have their accounts removed usually within two weeks of leaving State service unless other arrangements are made. Account removal is permanent and includes all account related resources. It is highly recommended all employees back up their data on a regular basis.
Students who graduate or do not return to Alfred State College will have their accounts removed within six weeks of the beginning of the next semester Spring or Fall semester. Account removal is permanent and includes all account related resources. It is highly recommended all students back up their data on a regular basis.
Q: Can I let my relatives or friends use my account?
A: Your username and password are your responsibility and should not be shared with anyone else. By sharing your account with others, you violate several Computing Policies as well as the Student Conduct Code. Violations of these policies and codes can result in account revocation, disciplinary action, and even expulsion.
If you believe someone else is using your account, please change your password immediately. If you would like to report the incident, please contact the Help Desk at 4357 or helpdesk@alfredstate.edu.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what I use for a password?
A: Password security is an important part of Alfred State College's security. Passwords are always case-sensitive, which means a lower-case "a" is different from an upper-case "A". The minimum password length is four characters. It is recommended you use passwords of at least eight characters or more. Also, it is recommended you use a mix of alphabetical and numeric characters for your password.
When you change your password, you can not use the same password you used the previous three times. This is called the password history, and ensures users create new passwords more frequently instead of "bouncing" between two different passwords.
Q: What is my email/webmail account and password?
A: Your email/webmail account and password are the same as your network account and password.
Q: I have tried several times to log on to a computer, but have not been successful. Now a message keeps coming up saying I need to contact my Network Administrator. Why?
A: After five failed attempts to log on using the same account, the account becomes locked out. This policy ensures others do not try to guess or otherwise hack another user's account. After five minutes, you should be able to try logging in again.
Q: I don't see my question answered here. Who can I ask?
A: Contact the Help Desk to resolve any other account or password questions. Phone: 607-587-4357. Email: helpdesk@alfredstate.edu. Office: Allied Health Building, Room 123.