If you entered a secret question when you established your user name, you can go to myAU.american.edu and click the RESET AN EXPIRED OR FORGOTTEN PASSWORD link beneath the login section 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 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 myAU.american.edu and click the CREATE SECRET QUESTION & ANSWER link. Be sure to read the instructions carefully.

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

1. Log on to the myAU.american.edu portal.
2. Click the TECHNOLOGY option.
3. Select CHANGE/RESET MY PASSWORD.
4. Enter your new PASSWORD.
5. 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.

No. Your password expires once every year, as long as you use a 16-character password. The recommendation is to use a passphrase or short sentence that you can type in natural language. You will liekly find that it is faster than a shorter, cryptic password; and yet it will be more secure. For example, your password could be something like "I love AmericanU!" with the spaces and capitalization.

If you prefer a shorter password, you can opt-in to having a minimum 8-character password; however, you will be required to change your password every 90 days.