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How do I get a University Directory, or LDAP account?

Contents

• What is a Directory ID?
• What can the Directory ID be used for?
• What is a Secure Password?
• Where can I get Help?
• I am a New User and Need to Set up my Directory ID and Password
• How do I change my University Directory Password?
• I forgot my password, how do I change it?
• I want to see my University Directory Entry, how can I find it?
• I want to change my Security Questions and Answers

What is a Directory ID?

The University of Maryland has implemented a identification procedure that does not involve the use of a full social security number. This identification is based on parts of an individuals first and last names and will identify this person (on campus) for life.

What can the Directory ID be used for?

Campus uses the Directory ID as part of their identification process to allow an individual access to multiple accounts. All individuals associated with campus have a free email account called Mail@umd.

In addition, faculty and staff can use their Directory ID to sign into some of the following accounts:

• ARES
• Timesheets
• Oracle Calendar (formerly known as Corporate Time)
  • Please note Oracle Calendar has both on-line and off-line agendas which can have separate passwords
  • Click here if you wish to reconcile the passwords
• UMEG
• ELMS
• WAM
• Glue

Students will use the Directory ID to access their various accounts:

• Testudo
• ELMS
• WAM
• Glue

Note that while different accounts use the same Directory ID to log into, those accounts may have different passwords. All services mentioned above will use the Directory ID to login to. If you change the Directory ID password, it changes globally for all services. Also note that while the login password for Oracle Calendar is determined by your Directory ID password, Oracle also has an off-line password. This password is not changed globally and must be changed manually.

What is a Secure Password?

A secure password is one that is hard for someone to break into. Some examples of a bad password are: 12345678, abcdefgh, and joesomebody (a friend's name). Passwords should never consist of real or dictionary words (in any language), any word that is associated with you (e.g., your street address or friend's name), or your Mother's maiden name.

A good password consists of random letters and numbers set out in a way that no one can run a program against your Directory ID to figure it out. Since it is recommended that passwords change every three months, one way to help remember the password to all your accounts is to think of a song, title of a book, or poem that you like. It must at a minimum contain 8 words. So, for example, if you use the phrase; "To be or not to be; that is the question," you can set up a password to be the following: 2b0ntbT1tq (To=2 be=b or=0 not=n to=t be=b that=T is=1 the=t question=q). Keeping a phrase in your mind helps you to retain the letters and numbers you are using until you need to change it. Remember, never give your password out to anyone; not even your best friend.

Where can I get Help?

For questions and help walking through the pages please contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Help Desk.