Overview

Your JMU eID (also called “username” in some applications/systems) is your electronic identification that provides access to password protected websites and services, such as MyMadison, software downloads, and the JMU Official Wireless network. 

Your eID is based on your name and is typically the first six letters of your last name followed by your first name and middle name initials. For instance, Dolley Payne Madison might be madisodp. If someone has already been assigned that eID, your eID will include at least one number.  If you have no middle name, an X will be used for your middle initial.

Additional information regarding your eID password can be found in the FAQ section below.
Who can use this Service?

JMU faculty, staff, students, applicants, and affiliates
How can I get this Service?

JMU eIDs are assigned and created three times a day at approximately noon, 4pm, and midnight.

  • Applicant eIDs are created when an application has been submitted and processed by JMU. Applicant eIDs are generated from the name submitted on the application to JMU and emailed to the Applicant from Admissions. Applicant eIDs are used to access MyMadison only and can be found on the eID Activation Resources page. The eID created for an applicant stays the same when you become a student.
  • Faculty and staff eIDs are created when the hiring paperwork has been processed by Payroll and the eID creation process has run. Faculty and staff eIDs are generated from the name on your social security card.
  • Affiliate eIDs are *not* created automatically and must be requested by the Affiliate’s sponsoring department as needed. Affiliate eIDs are emailed to the affiliate and the requestor.
Where can I get Help/Support?

Information Technology Help Desk at (540) 568-3555, IT Service Portal or helpdesk@jmu.edu

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Report an Issue
FAQs

When do I activate my eID?

  • Applicants will receive an email from Admissions welcoming you to JMU and directing you to a link to activate your eID. 
  • Admitted Applicants transitioning to students who have accepted the admission offer and submitted the deposit payment will receive an email from noreply@jmu.edu welcoming you to JMU and directing you to activate or change your eID password. 
  • Affiliates will receive an email welcoming you to JMU and directing you to activate your eID.
  • Faculty and Staff will receive information from Human Resources and/or their supervisor about the activation process.  

I tried to activate my eID and received an error. What do I do?

  • Applicants, students, affiliates must use the activation link received within seven days or it will become invalid.  You must contact the IT Help Desk or your admitting office for assistance in receiving a new activation link.
  • Applicants/new students may also visit the eID Activation Resources page to get a new activation link.

How often must I change my eID password?

You are required to change your password every 90 days, unless your only relationship with JMU is as an applicant.  Applicants are only required to change their passwords after transitioning from applicant to student.

How do I change my password?

Change your password from the MyAccounts Tab in MyMadison.

  1. Log in to MyMadison: https://mymadison.jmu.edu
  2. Complete Duo authentication
  3. Select the MyAccounts tab
  4. Click “Change Your Password”
  5. Complete Security Awareness – allocate 10-15 minutes for this step
  6. Set a new password
  7. After you receive the “Password Change Successful” message, log out of MyMadison
  8. Restart your computer
  9. Update your mobile devices with the new password

My password has expired (applicable to students and employees, not applicants)

  1. Log in to MyMadison: https://mymadison.jmu.edu.
  2. Enter your password and you will receive a password expiration notification.
  3. Click the “Change Password” link in the notification.
  4. Complete Duo authentication.
  5. Complete Security Awareness – allocate 10-15 minutes for this step.
  6. Change your password.
  7. After you receive the “Password Change Successful” message, log out of MyMadison.
  8. Restart your computer.
  9. Update your mobile devices with the new password.

I forgot my password

You can change your password by using the “Forgot your password” option.

  1. Go to MyMadison: https://mymadison.jmu.edu.
  2. Click Forgot your password?
  3. Enter your JMU eID and click “Continue”
  4. Complete authentication (applicants provide their JMU eID, last name and CollegeNet PIN that they setup when applying to JMU. Employees authenticate with their eID and Duo).
  5. Complete Security Awareness – allocate 10-15 minutes for this step.
  6. Change your password.
  7. After you receive the “Password Change Successful” message, log out of MyMadison.
  8. Restart your computer.
  9. Update your mobile devices with the new password.

I am having a problem changing my password. I get an error message that my new password does not meet password policy. 

There are two common errors: Password History or Password Construction.

Password History: Your new password is not permitted to match any of your last 13 passwords. Create a different password.

Password Construction: Your password must meet certain criteria to be accepted. A valid password must:

  • be at least 8 characters long
  • contain at least 1 lowercase letter
  • contain at least 1 uppercase letter
  • contain at least 1 numeric character
  • not be longer than 32 characters
  • not be one of 13 previous passwords
  • not contain your first name
  • not contain your last name
  • not contain your eID

I recently changed my password and was able to login after my password change, but now I cannot login.

Your account might be locked due to failed logins. After a period of time, your account will unlock if there are no further failed login attempts. After your password change, you should update your password everywhere it is saved (especially check JMU-Official-Wireless and email settings) on all computers and mobile devices you use. You should also try restarting your computer/device. If you are unable to identify a device or program that is causing a lockout, contact the IT Help Desk at 540-568-3555 or helpdesk@jmu.edu.

When is my eID disabled?

  • Undergraduate and Continuing Education applicants typically lose access two weeks after the start of the semester for which you applied and were not admitted or did not accept admission to JMU.
  • Graduate applicants typically lose access the last day for the last block of the term for which you applied if you were not admitted or did not accept admission to JMU.
  • Students leaving the university under an official "Leave of Absence" will retain eID access according to the arrangements made with the Registrar's Office.
  • Students who leave the university in "good standing" will retain MyMadison and wireless access for a 60-day grace period from the withdrawal date.
  • Graduating Students will retain eID access until May 1 or October 1 (whichever is sooner) following graduation.
  • Faculty and Staff will retain eID access to MyMadison, email and wireless for a grace period of 30 days. Core system access (HR, FIN and SA) and access to network file shares are removed immediately.
  • Adjunct Faculty will retain eID access to Active Directory linked accounts (computer login, email client (Outlook), wireless, network file storage) and to other systems (MyMadison and Canvas) for a 130-day grace period.
  • Affiliates will lose eID access immediately upon termination or departure from employment.

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Information Technology
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