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    		 New Password Initiative

    Tulane has implemented an initiative that will require all those who have a Tulane Account to change their passwords every 90 days. This password change requirement has been instituted to increase the personal security of Tulane community members and to help protect business, research and academic resources throughout the university.

    As you probably know, every Tulane Account contains a User ID (or  "username") and password combination that serves as the primary digital identity for faculty, staff and students.  Your User ID is usually your first initial, followed by the first seven characters of your last name. This is the public part of your digital identity, viewable by others when you send an e-mail or fill out a Web form.  If your User ID is jdoe, then your Tulane e-mail address is jdoe@tulane.edu.

    Your password functions as a "key" that enables you to access the university's many electronic resources.  This is the private part of your digital identity.  You should protect and guard your password as you would your personal bankcard and PIN.  You should never share your password with anyone, write it down or make it easy for someone to guess.

    As part of the new requirement, the university has set up a "countdown" deadline of March 1, 2008, at which time all Tulane Account passwords that have not been changed will expire.  Technology Services will send you reminder e-mails to make this change.  It is quite simple to do.  Click on http://psync.tulane.edu and the site will walk you through the password change process.  The first time you visit this site you will be required to provide two security questions.

    Please keep the following in mind:
    • Old passwords cannot be reused for 365 days

    • The password must be at least six characters in length. (Longer is generally better.)

    • he password should not be a word in the dictionary

    • The password must be in mixed case (uppercase and lowercase letters)

    • The password must contain at least one numeric character.

    • The password cannot be the same as the user ID.

    • Special characters may be used to strengthen the password. Examples of permitted special characters are $ . , ! % ^ *

    • The password should not be information easily obtainable about you such as your license plate number, social security number, telephone number or street address.

    You can visit http://security.tulane.edu/policies/Password_Policy.pdf to learn more about our password policy.

    I know that many of you would prefer not to have to change your password on a regular basis.  However, this process will make our system and your personal data much more secure.  If you have any questions about this new policy or any other matter relating to Technology Services, please contact me.

    Paul Barron
    Vice President for Information Technology & CIO