Password reset FAQ
Why do I need to reset my password?
SC4 is following higher education best practices for setting time and complexity requirements for student, faculty, and staff passwords. Resetting your password on occasion and using a strong password help to keep our users and data safe.
How do I reset my password?
You can reset your password by visiting https://sc4.edu/password-reset. If you have not yet registered to use the self-service password reset tool (SSPR), please start by registering your account. Registering to use the SSPR will allow you to change or recover your password without OIT intervention. Once you are finished with registration, or if you have previously registered to use the self-service reset tool, you change your password by clicking “Change your password”.
Can I reset my password remotely?
The Office of Institutional Technology recently installed a new update on all SC4-provided laptops. This update allows you to reset your password remotely. Once you have reset your password using the “Change your password” function at https://sc4.edu/reset-password, please log off then back into your laptop to complete the process.
If you are not using an SC4-provided laptop, you can still update your password using the steps above and start using your new password to access common tools such as the SC4 portal, Microsoft Office 365, and Canvas immediately. Once you return to campus, you can log into your computer using the newly created password.
If you are using an SC4 laptop and have not yet worked with OIT to install the update, please contact the Helpdesk at 810-989-5615.
How often should I reset my password?
SC4 is following higher education best practices for setting time and complexity requirements for student, faculty, and staff passwords. Currently, all passwords must be reset every 180 days.
How will I know when I need to reset my password?
Within 14, 7, and 3 days of your password expiring, you will receive an email from Helpdesk@sc4.edu alerting you of the upcoming expiration. If using an SC4 laptop, you will also be notified within seven days by a message in the bottom right corner of your computer screen.
Can I change my password more often than 180 days?
Yes, passwords can be changed as often as you’d like.
What are best practices for creating a strong password?
SC4 suggests using the guidelines below to create a strong password for all websites.
- Create a password with at least 8 characters.
- Use at least one of each of the following: Uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number, special character (e.g. #!@$%*^&).
- Use a unique password.
What happens if my password expires?
If your password is not changed prior to its expiration, your account will be locked, preventing you from accessing common SC4 applications such as the portal, Microsoft Office 365, and Canvas. If that happens, and you have registered to use the self-service password reset tool, you can change your password by visiting https://sc4.edu/password-reset to gain access. If you are not yet registered to use the self-service password reset tool, students should contact the student Helpdesk at (810) 989-5858 for assistance. Faculty and Staff should contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) at (810) 989-5615.
