Password Management

Your AD Account and NetID account are not the same. However, there is some overlap including the ability to have the same passwords for non-student employees. Done properly you should only need to have one password for your NetID (SPIRE, TimeTracker, HR Direct, Mobius, PeopleSoft) and your AD Account (Computer log-in, VPN, Exchange/Outlook Email).

Password Hierarchy:

 

This shows that your NetID password is pulled to your AD Account and then subsequently to your Exchange Email. Changing your SPIRE password will change all connected accounts' passwords as well. However, changing your AD Account password will not change your SPIRE password.

 

Changing Passwords:

Non-Student Employee:

Before your passwords expire for either your AD Account or NetID, it is recommended you change it in SPIRE account password. Changing it in SPIRE will also affect your AD Account as shown above.

To change your SPIRE password:

  1. Log in to SPIRE. In the SPIRE Main Menu, go to OIT Accounts > My OIT Accounts, then click your NetID.
  2. On the Account Detail page, click Change Password. A pop up message will appear confirming your password has changed.
  3. Log out of your desktop and devices. Log in with new password. 

Be sure to set the new password on all devices that have account access (including email on devices like iPhones). If you do not your account could be locked out from the device trying to connect with the wrong password.

Student Employee:

Any recent/new student account will be owned by the manager/supervisor of the student. The owner has the ability to change these student/sub-roll account passwords. The owner should log into SPIRE and browse to Main Menu > IT Accounts > My IT Account. The student accounts should show up in the list. Select the desired account and press the "Change Password" button the next page. At this time it is recommended the student put in their own unique password. Changing the account password through SPIRE will change the password for all other services included such as Email, Wireless, etc.

If the account does not show up in the list then the owner may be someone else or may be under the IT Helpdesk Manager. Please call the helpdesk for any assistance where the above instructions do not work. Anyone direct to go to the helpdesk or UMASS IT services in Ledere will need to bring a photo ID to confirm identity.

Recovering Passwords:

Non-Student Employee:

To recover your password, visit SPIRE and select the "Forgot Your Password?" link. If you are unable to recover your password, a password reset may be needed.

Student Employee:

Sub-Roll/Student account passwords can not be recovered. They can be change by the owner to a new password. The owner should log into SPIRE and browse to Main Menu > IT Accounts > My IT Account. The student accounts should show up in the list. Select the desired account and press the "Change Password" button the next page. At this time it is recommended the student put in their own unique password. Changing the account password through SPIRE will change the password for all other services included such as Email, Wireless, etc.

 

If the account does not show up in the list then the owner may be someone else or may be under the IT Helpdesk Manager. Please call the helpdesk for any assistance where the above instructions do not work. Anyone direct to go to the helpdesk or UMASS IT services in Ledere will need to bring a photo ID to confirm identity.

Resetting Passwords:

Non-Student Employee:

To reset your SPIRE password bring a picture ID to OIT's office at A109 Lederle Graduate Research Center (LGRC). Resetting your password will also change your AD Account password. See above for notes on what to do after the change occures.

Student Employee:

Sub-Roll/Student account passwords can not be recovered. They can be change by the owner to a new password. The owner should log into SPIRE and browse to Main Menu > IT Accounts > My IT Account. The student accounts should show up in the list. Select the desired account and press the "Change Password" button the next page. At this time it is recommended the student put in their own unique password. Changing the account password through SPIRE will change the password for all other services included such as Email, Wireless, etc.

 

If the account does not show up in the list then the owner may be someone else or may be under the IT Helpdesk Manager. Please call the helpdesk for any assistance where the above instructions do not work. Anyone direct to go to the helpdesk or UMASS IT services in Ledere will need to bring a photo ID to confirm identity.

 

Note: All passwords are to remain private and should not be shared with any member of the Support Staff. Please do not write your passwords down on public documents or in public locations (including a note at your desk).