Many of your passwords are synchronized, so they are the same across most AU IT systems. See the list below for exceptions.

Password Requirements

You will be prompted to change your password every 90 days. The new password that you select must begin with an alphabetic character, contain either numbers or symbols, be at least six characters in length, and cannot have been used for your last 8 passwords (at least two digits should change).

Creating Strong Passwords

Please choose a secure password. Compromised passwords are the means by which most unauthorized access occurs. Someone logging on using your user name has access not only to your computer files but also to your personal data, such as grades, financial information, course schedule, and payroll or benefits information. Since tampering can have far-reaching and serious consequences, it's important to take to heart the following guidelines for choosing a password.

The best advice for choosing a password is to think of a phrase that is easy for you to remember with at least six characters. Be sure to include at least two numbers or symbols. For example, you might think of the phrase: "George Washington was the first president of the United States of America."

Based on that phrase, a good password would be: gw01pusa.

When choosing a password, avoid the following:

• your name in any form -- first, middle, last, maiden, spelled backwards, nickname, or initials
• any word in any dictionary in any language
• your phone or office number, address, birthday, or anniversary
• your social security number or any all numeral password

Changing Your Password

You may change your password at any time by following the steps below:

1. Log on to the my.american.edu Web portal.
2. Click the TECHNOLOGY option.
3. Select CHANGE/RESET MY PASSWORD.
4. Enter your new PASSWORD.

Please allow at least 15 minutes for all of the systems to update your password.

IMPORTANT: AU policy holds you responsible for any activity under your user name. To protect the privacy of your data, never give out your password, change it periodically, and always remember to log off when you are finished working.

What To Do If You Have Forgotten Your Password

If you entered a secret question when you established your user name, you can go to my.american.edu and click the I'VE FORGOTTEN MY PASSWORD! link from the COMMON QUESTIONS section at the bottom of the page. Follow the instructions to reset your password.

If you have not yet entered a secret question or your answer is not accepted, contact the IT Help Desk by phone at 202-885-2550, e-mail at helpdesk@american.edu, or instant message AskAmericanUHelp to request that your password be reset, after your identification has been verified. You will be asked one or more questions to confirm your identity.

Once you log back in successfully, be sure to add a secret question so you will be able to use the self-service password reset option in the future. Go to the TECHNOLOGY section of my.american.edu and click the CREATE SECRET QUESTION & ANSWER link. Be sure to read the instructions carefully.