Computer Account Processes Now on Web for Faculty/Staff

Issue 31, Fall 2004

by Larry Gilbert

During the past few years, Western students have had the benefit of automatic computer account services on the web, including easy activation of new accounts, self-service password changes and other features. Now these same automated account features are available to faculty and staff.

These web-based services for computer accounts will ensure that all new employees have the computer accounts they need as soon as they start work, while at the same time making it easier for all employees to manage their own computer accounts and passwords.

Accounts for New Employees
Establishing computer accounts for new employees previously required going through several separate processes, each involving many steps with different support staff. The new process happens automatically and is then self-activated by the new employee (Step 4).
The process is:

1. Essential information (W#, SSN, office address, etc.) about new employees is entered into Banner by Human Resources from the original hiring documents.
2. Computer accounts for use of Outlook and the WWU network (the Novell account) are automatically established for each new employee within one day.
3. The hiring department informs the new employee of their Western W# and PIN and directs the employee to the Account Activate web page.
4. The new employee goes to the Account Activate screen at http://www.wwu.edu/fsactivate/, enters their newly assigned W# and PIN and a new password to activate the accounts.
5. The Auto Activate program quickly returns the newly assigned Universal ID for the employee.
6. Within a few minutes, the new accounts are ready for use. The new employee uses the Universal ID and self-assigned password to log in for access to:
   • the individual’s desktop computer and WWU network (Novell account)
   • classroom and library computers
   • Outlook email
   • the MyWWU employee web portal
   • a 1GB personal network storage space (the personal network U:drive).
7. An email is automatically sent to appropriate technical support staff across campus, to ensure that the employee’s desktop computer and personal accounts are ready for use when the employee reports to work. Department technical staff can then perform any needed customizations to employee accounts to ensure access to department-specific resources.

If there is a need to establish computer accounts prior to a new employee reporting to campus (e.g., a new faculty member who needs email access over the preceding summer) department staff can fill out the account request form in advance at www.wwu.edu.accountapplication. The ATUS Help Desk will then ensure that the new accounts are quickly established. The new employee can then simply go to the Account Activate screen (see Step 4 above) to start using their accounts.

Password Changes On the WWU Web
To maintain proper security for your email and other computer accounts, it is highly recommended that you periodically change the passwords for your computer accounts. It’s also recommended to change any passwords you are currently using that are comprised of common names or dictionary words.

Up until now, employee password changes have been somewhat difficult to accomplish. The new process is exceedingly simple to use:

1. Go to www.wwu.edu/password and select ”Reset your Universal ID Password”.
2. Enter your employee W# and PIN.
3. Enter your new password (Please be sure to follow the password security guidelines noted on the page.)
4. Re-enter your new password.
5. Your password is confirmed and changed for your Outlook, Novell, Titan, and MyWWU accounts all at the same time.

In addition to providing an easy way for you to change your current password on several systems at one time, this new tool also allows you to reset a forgotten password independently. Simply identify yourself by entering your Western W# and PIN and then enter a new password.

If you have any questions about the new automated account procedures, please call the ATUS Help Desk at 650-3333.