Understanding Your ID NumbersThere are multiple identification numbers, userids, and passwords used at the University at Albany. Recent legislation, and system implementations, have prompted changes in the usage of these identifiers. See below for a brief description of these identifiers:
- Social Security Number
- PIN
- Albany ID (aka EMPLID)
- SUNYCard ID (and the SUNYCard barcode ID)
- NetID
- Email ID
- Library ID
- The Passwords
Social Security Number The social security number is a nine-digit number issued by the United States government. It is used for many purposes including collecting payroll taxes, applying for financial aid, and filing federal and state income taxes. For complete details about your social security number, see the Social Security Administration web site. Special rules apply for International students and social security numbers. former usage Prior to June 2003, the social security number was used at the University at Albany to uniquely identify students and to keep their records including grades, transcripts, student accounts, and financial aid information. Employee records were also kept under the social security number. current usage To provide greater privacy and security for students, faculty and staff, beginning in June 2003, the social security number is no longer be used to manage records and information systems. An "Albany ID" will be issued for each student, faculty member, and staff person. You will still need to supply your social security number to the University for federally mandated reasons, including such things as applying for financial aid, or working at the University.
Your PIN current usage
studentsThe PIN is required by students to obtain their NetID and set/reset their MyUAlbany password and to set/reset their UNIX services (WebMail, Blackboard, UNIX logon) password. current usage
faculty/staffEmployees are assigned a six-digit PIN. Employees will need their PIN to obtain their NetID and set/reset their passwords for MyUAlbany, IAS, and UNIX services. getting help If you have forgotten your pin,
call the ITS helpdesk (518) 442-3700
Your Albany ID The Albany ID is a nine-digit number generated by the University at Albany to uniquely identify each member of its community, including students, faculty, and staff. The Albany ID replaces the social security number as the primary identification number for University student and employee records. Employees use an EMPLID to enter the leave reporting system; this is the same number. It is now called the Albany ID. How do I know what mine is? You may find your Albany ID in "My Personal Portfolio" under "My Demographic Information" once you have logged on to MyUAlbany. Faculty will need their Albany ID to enter the leave reporting system. Students will need their Albany ID to identify themselves for University processes such as taking some final exams. getting help If you don't know your Albany ID, log on to , click on "My Personal Portfolio" under "My Demographic Information".
When using the Albany ID to set/reset a password, be sure to use all nine digits, including any leading zeros.
If you still have trouble,
call the ITS helpdesk (518) 442-3700
SUNYCard ID What is it for?
Your campus photo ID card, called the SUNYCard, has an ID number that is neither your social security number nor your Albany ID. For students, your SUNYCard is your library borrowing card, your meal plan, a debit card (podium+) and more. For faculty/staff, your SUNYCard is your library borrowing card, a debit card, an electronic key to campus buildings, and more. What is the barcode ID for? Also found on your SUNYCard is a bar code with an associated number at the bottom, right-hand corner. The last nine digits of this number are used by the Library proxy server. You will be asked for this number if you try to access certain services from an off-campus location. Getting help. For detailed information, go to the SUNYCard web pages.
Computing/UNIX
UserIDAlso known as the UNIX userID CSC userID, email ID, and UNIX account, this unique ID has been used by students and faculty/staff who make use of the ITS UNIX cluster of services, including WebMail and managing web sites on www.albany.edu. For individuals who had a userID prior to June 2003, that userID will now be called your NetID and will continue to be used to access the UNIX services. LAN login ID Many employees log into a local area network using a LAN ID. The LAN ID was used at the desktop when first turning on the computer. The LAN ID has been replaced with the NetID as of June 2003. IAS ID Sometimes referred to as the "PeopleSoft" ID, the IAS ID is used by select faculty and staff to gain access to the IAS (Integrated Administrative System). The IAS ID has been replaced with the NetID as of June 2003. getting help See NetID below.
Your NetID Students
Your old userID is now called your NetID. If you previously had a UNIX userID, computing userID, or previously used WebMail or Blackboard, that old ID is still valid. It is now referred to as your NetID. New students will get a new NetID. Your NetID will now give you access to various electronic services, including: MyUAlbany, Blackboard, WebMail, and UNIX logon for web page development.
Faculty The NetID is a new name for your electronic ID. As of June 2003, the NetID replaces three former IDs: the LAN login ID, the IAS ID, and the UNIX computing userid. Employees who had two or three separate IDs were "reconciled" to result in a single ID to be used for LAN, MyUAlbany/IAS, and/or UNIX services. These three services retain separate authentication systems and require their own passwords.
New faculty/staff will get a new ID.
Returning Students Students who had a UNIX computing userID prior to June 2003 are "grand-fathered". They will see no change to their userID, nor to their email address: userid@albany.edu nor to their webpage http://www.albany.edu/~userid. New IDs Any newly generated user IDs, as of June 2003 (for new faculty, staff or students) will be automatically created by the system using the first initial of the first name, first initial of last name and 6 randomly generated numbers. How is it used? The NetID is used in conjunction with a password to access multiple electronic services such as MyUAlbany, and the ITS UNIX cluster for WebMail, Blackboard and generating web pages. Note that the different services use the same NetID but require their own password. How do I know what mine is? Use the Password Set/Reset to get your Net ID. After you set your
password your Net ID will be displayed.
Getting help If you still have trouble,
call the ITS helpdesk (518) 442-3700
Email ID Email for students and faculty/staff is available through the UNIX cluster. Students Your campus email address is netid@albany.edu Faculty/staff Faculty/staff may have email access through the UNIX cluster if desired. The default email address is netid@albany.edu. Faculty/Staff can set an alias by selecting the Create Alias option on the request a UNIX email account form located on the web at:
http://www.albany.edu/its/forms_index_homepage.htm.An email alias is set up so that a more personal email address can be used in place of your netid@albany.edu.
Some faculty/staff have email services through the Exchange/Outlook server. The mail address is exchangealias@uamail.albany.edu. The format of aliases for both UNIX and Exchange are: your first initial followed by your last name. (If the alias is already in use, you will be assigned an alias which will be a combination of first initial and last name.)
Some faculty may have mail services supplied by a local/departmental server; check with your department for details.
Library ID For information about Library IDs, see: http://library.albany.edu/about/netid.html.
The Passwords You will need up to three separate passwords to access different services. You may set them to the same value if you choose. What do I need to set or change a password? Social security number or Albany ID plus PIN is needed to set password1 - for Unix services (WebMail,Blackboard, UNIX logon). Social security number or Albany ID plus PIN is needed to set password2 - for MyUAlbany (faculty/staff and students) and IAS (selected faculty/staff) access.
What are they used for? NetID plus Password1 gives you access to UNIX and MyUAlbany/IAS.
NetID plus Password2 gives you access to LAN services.How can I set or reset a password? If you don't have Password1 or Password2 or have forgotten yours, or want to set a new one, you can create or change it using:
To reset Password3 for LAN services use this LAN password request form.
What is a complex password? You must choose a "complex password" that follows very specific rules. See complex password rules. Getting help Remember CASE MATTERS: You can use any combination of upper/lowercase, but you must always use it exactly as set.
If you still have trouble,
call the ITS helpdesk (518) 442-3700
