Passphrase

Passphrases are synonymous with passwords, but they are intended to reflect the nature of the password style. Instead of a single "word" in a password, passphrases include multiple words that are more like a phrase.

Passphrases have been shown to be more secure than shorter, more complicated passwords, and easier to remember.

Types

Gustavus User Setting Account

E-mail, lab access, Moodle, Home Directory, Google Calendar and Docs, Office365 and computer logins are all controlled by this passphrase. The same passphrase allows you to check your e-mail, access your home directory, log into lab machines on campus, log into your Gustavus Google_Calendar account and log into your Gustavus issued computer (faculty and staff). This passphrase is called your Gustavus User Account passphrase.

Gustavus Account Passphrase Expiration Policy

MyGustavus

This passphrase allows students to check their grades, register for classes and check their progress towards graduation. Additionally, it allows faculty and staff to check on advisees and submit grades. This passphrase is the same as your Gustavus User Account.

Voicemail

This password gives users access to their voice mailbox.


Changing Passphrases

Gustavus User Account/MyGustavus

If you know your Gustavus User Account passphrase and want to change it:

  1. Click on the yellow user icon on the Gustavus homepage (upper right hand corner).
  2. Supply your Gustavus credentials (e-mail username and password).
  3. Click on your image on the home page (upper right hand corner).
  4. Select Gustavus User Settings.
  1. Click Change password under the Sign-In & Security heading.
  2. Follow the prompts.


If you have forgotten your Gustavus passphrase:

  • Stop by the Technology Helpline, with proof of identity and have your passphrase reset.
  • Use the self reset tool. If you have an alternate email on file, you can have a passphrase reset request sent to that address.

To use the Self Reset Option:

  1. Click on the yellow user icon on the Gustavus homepage (upper right hand corner).
  2. When prompted for your username and password, click the Forgot? link above the password text box.
  3. Supply your Gustavus e-mail username, and click RESET PASSWORD.
  4. An email will be sent to your alternate e-mail address with directions for resetting your Gustavus User Account password.

To check if you have an alternate email address set:

  1. Click on the yellow user icon on the Gustavus homepage (upper right hand corner).
  2. Supply your Gustavus credentials (e-mail username and password).
  3. Click on your image on the home page (upper right hand corner).
  4. Select Gustavus User Settings.
  1. Click Contact information under the Personal Info & Privacy heading.
  2. Verify or supply your Alternate email address.
  • Alumni who are not on campus, who don't know their passphrase, who can't use the Self Reset, can contact the Technology Helpline (507-933-6111). Please call M - F between 8 am - 4:30 pm and speak with a full time staff member. You will need to answer some identification questions before the passphrase can be reset.

When I change my passphrase what devices and programs need to be adjusted?

When you change your Gustavus User Account passphrase multiple devices and programs may need to be adjusted. Please visit: Help Pages for Updating Devices and Applications

  • Smartphones and tablets will need settings adjusted if you check your Gustavus email, calendars or any other resources with them. For smartphones, tablets and iOS devices, if you are not prompted to update your passphrase when you check e-mail, send e-mail or check your calendar, we recommend you remove the account and add it back. For help, please see: Help with Smartphones and Tablets
  • E-mail clients such as Gmail.
  • Calendar programs such as the Google Calendar app for iOS and Android.
  • Faculty, staff and students will need to log into their office and lab computers with their new passphrase. Please see: Help with machine logins.

Datatel

If you have forgotten your Datatel password, please contact David Maas in Administrative Information Systems.


Voicemail

Follow the prompts on the voicemail page for more information.

See also

See More

SANS Security Newsletter mentioning passphrases