Cornell University NetIDs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Cornell University NetID?
• How is a NetID different from any other Cornell ID number I have now?
• I do not have a NetID. Will I get one now?
• I think I might already have a NetID. How do I know?
• If I do have a NetID already, will I get a new one now?
• In addition to the NetID, I also need a password. Why is that necessary?
• Why do I have to use special characters and numbers in my password instead of only letters?
• What will this NetID allow me to do that I couldnt do before?
• Once I have my NetID will Cornell provide me with email service?
• Can I create a custom e-mail address when I have a NetID?
• What happens if I misplace my NetID and password?
• Do I have the option to change my NetID and password?
• I'm concerned about Internet security. Is this new NetID system secure?
• Should I let my family or co-workers use my NetID and password?
• Can my non-Cornellian spouse or other family member get a NetID?
• What if I have another relationship with the University-staff, faculty, etc.? How does this affect my use of my NetID?
• Who else besides alumni can get a NetID?
• Why can't I get a new password/activation code over the phone or via e-mail?
• What should I do if I have reason to believe that someone else has obtained the password for my NetID?
• What if I don't want my name and NetID to appear in the Cornell Online Directory?
• Why can't I change my e-mail forwarding address on the PCI site?
• Whom should I contact if I have questions about NetIDs?

What is a Cornell University NetID?

A Network ID (or NetID) is a personal, unique identifier that Cornell assigns to you. It consists of your initials followed by one or more numbers. You use it, along with a password, to obtain access to services available through the Cornell web network.

How is a NetID different from any other Cornell ID number I have now?

NetIDs are the official identifier for the Cornell electronic network and its online services. If you have signed up for e-mail forwarding, for example, the NetID is the identifier in the Cornell e-mail address that precedes the "@cornell.edu." This ID is different from the six- or seven-digit personal identification number that has been used for accessing various services in the past. Because the NetID is combined with a password, it affords you much greater security.

I do not have a NetID. Will I get one now?

Cornell is now assigning NetIDs to alumni in order to prepare them for future initiatives we have planned that will provide you with "self-service" offerings. NetIDs and their corresponding activation codes are being distributed to all alumni as part of the upcoming alumni trustee ballot mailing, which will be sent in February. You will be able to use your NetID to vote for alumni trustees online. If you do not receive a NetID with an activation code in this manner, you may request one from the Cornell HelpDesk at (607) 255-8990 or helpdesk@cornell.edu.

I think I might already have a NetID. How do I know?

If you have been a Cornell staff member or student since 1990, signed up for e-mail forwarding in the past, or requested your transcripts online, then you should have a NetID. You can find your NetID by looking in the Cornell Electronic Directory (http://directory.cornell.edu/), or get it from the Cornell HelpDesk by calling (607) 255-8990 or e-mailing helpdesk@cornell.edu.

If I do have a NetID already, will I get a new one now?

No, your NetID will not change. Your NetID is a part of your permanent university record and will never be assigned to another person.

In addition to the NetID, I also need a password. Why is that necessary?

A password is required with a NetID to ensure that no one but you sees your private information and correspondence. Passwords provide greater security against those who use automated code breakers to access other people's accounts.

Why do I have to use special characters and numbers in my password instead of only letters?

Cornell takes security very seriously. The university requires the use of a stringent system of letters, numbers, and special characters in order to prevent hackers from using machines to crack passwords.

What will this NetID allow me to do that I couldn't do before?

You can access Cornell UPortal (https://uportal.cornell.edu), where additional secure services are available to you in one place. From UPortal, you can:

• read Cornell news
• access non-licensed library services (licensed services are not available to alumni)
• request a transcript
• view job postings
• have e-mail forwarded to your preferred address
• personalize your own UPortal page
• receive assistance for these services

Once I have my NetID will Cornell provide me with email service?

No. Cornell's email system is designed and sized to handle the academic and administrative email needs of students, faculty, and staff only. We do not have the capacity to add alumni to our email system.

Can I create a custom e-mail address when I have a NetID?

What happens if I misplace my NetID and password?

Because your NetID and password grant access to information protected by federal privacy laws, we cannot convey IDs and passwords by e-mail, telephone, or fax. If you forget your NetID, you can search for it in the Cornell Electronic Directory, or contact the Cornell HelpDesk at (607) 255-8990 or helpdesk@cornell.edu. If you forget your password, you will have to contact the Cornell HelpDesk. As you create your password, you will have the opportunity to put in place a mechanism that will allow you to receive a password reminder if you should forget it.

Do I have the option to change my NetID and password?

You can change your password, but NetIDs cannot be changed without review and only then in very special circumstances. Unfortunately, NetIDs cannot be changed even if your name changes, because of extensive and ongoing re-engineering of university administrative systems. The university realizes this is awkward for some NetID holders, and it may be able to lift this constraint in the future. Your patience is appreciated.

I'm concerned about Internet security. Is this new NetID system secure?

Yes. It is extremely important to Cornell that we provide secure access to our constituents. Exceptional care has been taken to ensure that activation codes are sent to alumni in a secure manner and that the passwords created through this process are of sufficient strength to reduce the likelihood that hackers can break them.

If you are getting a NetID for the first time, we encourage you to set password security questions during the activation process. If you forget your password, answering these questions will allow you to create a new one.

If you already have a NetID and password, please go to the Manage NetID site at http://netid.cornell.edu to set your security questions and answers.

Should I let my family or co-workers use my NetID and password?

No. Your NetID is for your exclusive personal use. If someone has your NetID and password, he or she can have access to the personal alumni services your NetID entitles you and only you to have.

It is a violation of university policy to share your NetID and password with anyone (including family and friends). You are the only person who should ever use your NetID and password. Likewise, you should never use anyone else's NetID and password, even if the owner says that it is okay.

Can my non-Cornellian spouse or other family member get a NetID?

No. NetIDs are reserved for students, faculty, staff, and now, alumni.

What if I have another relationship with the University-staff, faculty, etc.? How does this affect my use of my NetID?

Your NetID allows you to access all of the services you are entitled to for all of your relationships with the university.

Who else besides alumni can get a NetID?

Cornell students, staff, and faculty receive NetIDs in order to conduct university business. As an individual transitions between these roles, his or her NetID remains the same.

Why can't I get a new password/activation code over the phone or via e-mail?

See "What happens if I misplace my NetID and password?"

What should I do if I have reason to believe that someone else has obtained the password for my NetID?

Go to the Manage NetID site and change your password immediately. Contact Cornell Security immediately at security@cornell.edu or the CIT HelpDesk at (607) 255-8990.

What if I don't want my name and NetID to appear in the Cornell Online Directory?

To protect your privacy, very little information is displayed in the Cornell Online Directory. The information displayed-NetID, name, and Cornell-assigned e-mail address, if you've signed up for e-mail forwarding-cannot be used to access your private information. When extreme circumstances exist, you may request that your NetID be suppressed. Be aware, though, that suppressing your NetID in the directory precludes you from using e-mail forwarding.

Why can't I change my e-mail forwarding address on the PCI site?

The Alumni Directory, serviced by Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI), is a separate application from the Cornell Online Directory. While we have the ability to update the PCI application with your e-mail forwarding address information, we have taken a conservative approach and do not allow this external system to directly update Cornell systems. Future security enhancements may enable us to offer that service in the future.

Whom should I contact if I have questions about NetIDs?

If you have further questions about NetIDs, please contact the CIT HelpDesk at (607) 255-8990, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (extended phone hours until 7 p.m. during the academic year). If you need help figuring out how to access the network with your computing equipment and from your location, please visit Getting Online at Cornell, http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/connect/online.html.