Computer and Information Systems

The two primary credentials used by SPU are the Banner User ID and the SPU Username. These resources are discussed in detail on the General Info section. The Banner PIN and SPU password, in turn, are the confidential codes needed in combination with the user ID or Username to access various campus resources. This page details how to access, change, and reset (forgotten) PINs and passwords.

Computer and Information Systems has implemented a number of policies to enhance the security of university information and communications. The following policies affect computer accounts and resources:

Banner PIN Policies

PINs must be six characters (alphanumeric) in length.
If seven (7) invalid passwords are attempted successively the account will be “locked-out” until Student Academic Services or CIS is contacted.
In addition to the Banner ID/PIN combination, users must create a Security Question and Answer which provides account access in the event that a PIN is forgotten.

SPU Username Password Policies

Passwords must be a minimum of eight characters, though we recommend a maximum of 14. They must contain at least one number or capital letter.
You may not reuse the previous three (3) passwords.
If five (5) invalid passwords are attempted successively the account will be “locked-out” for thirty minutes, or until CIS is contacted.

How To:

Selecting a good PIN or password can be difficult. You don't want it so simple that it can be easily guessed, but you don't want one so hard that it is quickly forgotten. Please see our Security Education: Choosing good passwords page for helpful advice on selecting strong but usable PINs and passwords.

When PINs or passwords are reset, they return to a default value that may be easily guessed or obtained by a would-be hacker. It is important that these reset values be changed as soon as possible. Additionally, CIS recommends you change your PIN and password at least once a year. Here's how:

Change Your Banner PIN

Banner PIN changes are accomplished from within the Banner system

Log in to Banner.
Choose the Personal Information Menu.
Click Change PIN.
Enter your old, new, and confirmation PINs, and press the Change PIN button to affect the change.

Change Your SPU Username Password

There are two primary methods for changing your SPU password:

For people who are logging in to the "Accounts" domain (university-owned computers that are physically on the SPU campus), simply log on to your office computer and the press the CRTL- ALT- and DEL keys simultaneously. A screen will appear giving you the option to change your password.

If you're a student it's easiest to change your password through Banner. Go to Computer Resources Menu (MARS) -> Manage your Computer Resources -> under Preferred SPU Username click Change password.

Common Problems:

When a PIN or password is forgotten, the Reset process is used to return the account to a known, temporary value. Please remember: these default values should be changed per the instructions above during your next account access.

Reset Your Banner PIN

The first time you logged into Banner you were prompted to choose a new PIN and enter/answer a confidential security question. If you have forgotten this PIN use one of the three options below to regain access to your Banner account.

You may reset a forgotten PIN by answering your Banner security question. At the login screen, enter your Banner ID and click the "Forgot PIN" button. You will be prompted with your predefined security question. Answer the question correctly and you'll be given access to your account and prompted to create a new PIN.
Come in to CIS HelpDesk (Lower Marston) or SAS (Demaray) with a picture ID for in-person assistance.
Contact Student Academic Services (206-281-2032) for assistance in resetting your Banner PIN over the phone.

Reset Your SPU Username Password

If you cannot remember your SPU Username password:

Log in to your Banner account, go to the Computer Resources->Manage Computer Resources menu, locate the Preferred SPU Username resource and choose the Change password option from within the Windows network account resource listing.

Please note: CIS will not reset SPU Username passwords manually. This must be done through the Banner Computer Resources utility.

Turn AutoComplete Off

Internet Explorer has an "automatic completion" feature that allows your browser to save username and password combinations. Normally, this convenient feature saves you time but if you change your password for Webmail, you may have trouble logging in. If you have set up Explorer to remember your password for Webmail, you will need to clear this old entry out of Explorer.

Check for the CAPS LOCK key it you are getting errors typing in a known-good password.