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NetID - What is a NetID?

This document explains what a NetID is and how it is used.

A NetID is your username and password combination which allows access to University services, such as email, MyUW, calendaring, student records, payroll information, etc. The NetID username is not case sensitive when used as a login credential. Your NetID username is randomly generated from University records and typically includes some combination of your first, middle, and last name. Your NetID username is not the same as your campus ID number.

Your NetID will remain active for the entirety of your time at the University. Students, faculty, or staff who leave the university will have their NetID's deactivated.

Eligibility for NetID

For information on who is eligible for a NetID and other university IT services, please see NetID - Eligibility Policy

Activating Your Net ID

New students, faculty, and staff must activate their NetID's using their Campus ID number. For information regarding how to obtain one's Campus ID, please see Help Desk - I need my Campus/Photo ID number. For instructions on activating your NetID, please see NetID - Activating Your Account.

Additionally, students or staff who have left the university will follow the same steps to reactivate their accounts. Persons affected by this policy include:

• Students who return to the UW after a break of two or more semesters.
• Faculty or staff who terminate employment with the UW and then return later with another appointment

Changing your NetID username

Due to the volume of users in our system, there are limited circumstances under which you can change your NetID username. Please see NetID - Changing Your NetID for more information.

Changing your NetID Password

If you need to change your NetID password and you know your current password, you can do so at the NetID Account Modification Utility.

If you are unsure of your current NetID password, you can reset your password with the NetID Password Reset Utility. If you have difficulty with resetting your password, you can call the Help Desk at (608)264-HELP or appear in person at the Walk-in Help Desk (7:45am-5:00pm Mon-Fri) to have your password reset.